Things to Do over Thanksgiving Weekend in Atlanta

By Joleen Pete

Published October 10, 2024

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and that often means entertaining out-of-town friends and family. But once the football games are watched and the meal has been eaten, what do you do? Fortunately, Atlanta is full of cultural, outdoor and fun activities for the entire family. Here are seven things to do over Thanksgiving Weekend in Atlanta.

Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon

Pre-game Thanksgiving dinner with the annual Invesco QQQ Atlanta Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, organized by the Atlanta Track Club. The half marathon course will take you through historic and beautiful Atlanta neighborhoods, including Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Grant Park and Little Five Points.

Shop Black Friday

What’s Thanksgiving Weekend without shopping Black Friday? Whether you plan your gift shopping meticulously or go with the flow and enjoy the holiday madness, we’ve got you covered for your holiday shopping in Atlanta. Here are some shops you’ll find only in Atlanta.

Get Outdoors

Take a brisk walk or enjoy a bike ride along the Atlanta Beltline. Or visit one of Atlanta’s parks or gardens. Want to take the family for a hike? Here is our guide to hiking and backpacking in Atlanta.

Volunteer as a Family

Thanksgiving marks a time of giving thanks, and it also encourages giving back. Thanksgiving Weekend is a great time to demonstrate to kids and family that helping is as important, if not better than receiving. Hands On Atlanta takes it a step further by offering matching services to help you find the perfect volunteer opportunities for you and your family. Nov. 18 is Family Volunteer Day – “a global day of service that celebrates the power of families who work together to support their communities and neighborhoods.” Or spend Thanksgiving morning volunteering for a worthy cause.

Take your Annual Family Photos

Hire your favorite Atlanta family photographer or DIY it with your tripod and DSLR. Either way, you won’t regret capturing your family in fall photos, showcasing your smiles and all the natural beauty that Atlanta has to offer. Here is where to see fall colors in Atlanta.

Visit Atlanta’s Top Attractions

Experience Atlanta like a tourist. Take your out-of-town guests to visit Atlanta’s top must-see attractions. Save up to 44 percent off on combined admission prices to Atlanta’s top five attractions with an Atlanta CityPASS. An Atlanta CityPASS includes tickets to Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, World of Coca-Cola and your choice two from among Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. CityPASS tickets are valid for nine days, beginning with the first day of use. 

Get into the Christmas Spirit 

Get into the Christmas spirit with a live performance. Take the kids to see “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at the Center for Puppetry Arts or “A Christmas Carol” at Alliance Theatre. Take a flight to the north pole as part of Stone Mountain Christmas or celebrate 10 festive years of Holiday in the Park at Six Flags. Visit our ultimate guide to the holidays in Atlanta for more festive fun.

For more ideas, visit our Thanksgiving page.

Joleen Pete lives outside Atlanta with her husband and their son. On the weekends they enjoy going into the city for family fun and exploration. Joleen is the family travel and lifestyle blogger behind Love, Joleen.