This year, Thanksgiving Thursday falls on November 28th, 2024! And we’re so excited for all the fun happenings this year for Thanksgiving weekend! So whether you’re enjoying the holiday with your family, friends, or anyone else, we’ve come up with a list of all the best things to do this Thanksgiving weekend in the A!
Keep scrolling too see our amazing recommendations for fun ways to spend your Thanksgiving!
1. Have Thanksgiving dinner with family or friends
Of course, the most iconic part of Thanksgiving is the Thanksgiving dinner! Whether you’re looking for delicious takeout to enjoy at home, a turkey to cook yourself, or a dinner out on the town, there are plenty of options for you in the ATL! Check out our list of the best spots serving Thanksgiving dinner or doing take-out Thanksgiving dinner!
2. Run in the Atlanta Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, 5K, Mile, and Dash race
If you’re someone who loves running, then you’ve gotta check out the Thanksgiving Day races in the ATL! You can enjoy running with tons of other Atlantans, also ready to run this Thanksgiving! Choose from a short Dash, all the way to a Half Marathon!
Oh, and the Mile and Dash events will be free for all kids under 14!
Get all the details and register now on Atlanta Track Club’s website here!3. Go ice skating with family at one of Atlanta’s amazing rinks!
The perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy time with friends and family is by trying out your skating skills! There’s nothing quite like that cool wind against your face as you slice through the ice and speed across the rink! And luckily, Atlanta has tons of amazing skating rinks to check out this Thanksgiving weekend!
4. Go to the iconic Festival of Trees
From November 23rd all the way to December 1st, you can enjoy Atlanta’s one-of-a-kind Festival of Trees! This family-friendly event has something for everyone to enjoy! From photos with Santa to an adorable gift market, to the most beautiful forest of Christmas trees… you can’t miss out! And this year, the Festival of Trees is bringing back the iconic Pink Pig that we all remember from our childhood!
Learn more bout what to expect at the Festival of Trees here!5. Grab drinks at the festive Blind Elf Holiday Pop-Up Bar
If you’re looking for a super fun way to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season in the ATL, you’ve gotta check out The Blind Elf, The Blind Pig Parlor’s incredible holiday pop-up bar! The Blind Elf opens the day after Thanksgiving, and runs for the whole holiday season! Don’t miss out! Get all the details here!
6. Volunteer at your local food pantry, soup kitchen or Thanksgiving Dinner outlet!
Share the love and community this Thanksgiving by volunteering at one of your community centers! If you’re looking to help serve Thanksgiving dinner, stock pantry shelves, or help get food to those who need it most, you can find opportunities to help at FeedingAmerica.org, here! There are TONS of options and opportunities near you!
7. Go for a hike with family or friends in the cooler weather
As the days cool off and the crunchy leaves fall to the ground, we think it’s perfect hiking weather! Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time for a little escape to nature with your loved ones! Take a scenic hike to a waterfall, a challenging uphill climb, or a nice and easy nature walk through some of the most beautiful woodlands in Georgia! Check out our whole roundup of fun hikes you can take this Thanksgiving right here!
8. Check out some dazzling Holiday lights with your loved ones
If you’re looking to dazzle and shine this Thanksgiving weekend, you can check out some of the amazing holiday lights all over Atlanta! From twinkling Christmas trees to illuminating mushroom displays: there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season! Check out our roundup of amazing light shows here!
9. Get a head start on holiday shopping at the adorable Christkindl Holiday Market
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a day out and about at the Christkindl holiday market in Buckhead! You can buy tons of adorable gifts, get delicious German-themed food, and enjoy tons of fun events and happenings! The Christkindl Market is a can’t-miss experience of the holiday season in Atlanta! Get all the details here!
10. Visit Atlanta’s College Football Hall of Fame
We all know that Thanksgiving is the perfect time to enjoy a college football game! But why not take it one step further and enjoy Atlanta’s very own College Football Hall of Fame! Learn all about the iconic American game, see stats, artifacts from the sport and so much more!
Learn all about the Hall of Fame on their website here!Enjoy Thanksgiving weekend, Atlanta!