The best things to do over Thanksgiving weekend in Atlanta
From pre-turkey day celebrations to Thanksgiving Day and a weekend full of events, our city has no shortage of things to do and to be thankful for. We’ve compiled a running list of everything to do in Atlanta this holiday weekend.
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So whether you’re looking for festive and fun events, or places to relax with family and friends, here’s a list of events happening around Atlanta this Thanksgiving weekend! No matter where we go or how we spend our holiday, I hope each of us takes a moment to give thanks for the little things that make life what it is. Happy holidays!
Pre-Thanksgiving
On Wednesday, November 23, from 5 p.m. to midnight, Urban Tree Cidery will celebrate the holidays by hosting its first-ever Drinksgiving event in its tasting room.
The event will include karaoke, special fall drinks (like an apple pie shot!), board games, music and more. No ticket purchase is required — just show up and have a great time!
Thanksgiving Day
Happy Thanksgiving! In addition to spending time with your loved ones, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and football, and relaxing at home, there are plenty of activities to fill your Thanksgiving Day. Take a look at these fun things to do around town:
- Want to start Thanksgiving Day with a bang? Run a marathon! There are plenty of races around Atlanta to choose from, including the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, 5K, Mile & Dash as well as the Gobble Jog in Marietta.
- Catch a hockey game. The Atlanta Gladiators take on the Savannah Ghost Pirates at 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
- After you’ve had your fill of turkey and pie, head to the movies! Most theaters are open on Thanksgiving Day — perfect for an outing after you’ve stuffed yourself full of Thanksgiving food.
- Have you experienced the fantastic and unimaginable world of Kurious by Cirque du Soleil? We have, and we can’t get enough. And lucky for you, there’s a mind-blowing performance at Atlantic Station on Thanksgiving Day.
- Catch live music and laid-back vibes at The EARL in East Atlanta. Rod Hamdallah, Solid State Radio and Mongo will perform.
CHECK OUT: Your guide to holiday markets in Atlanta
If you’re not worn out from Thanksgiving craziness, these events happening during the rest of the weekend are sure to fill up your calendar.
Post-Thanksgiving
Whether you’re looking to get started on your holiday shopping or just want to get out of the house, we’ve got a few Black Friday picks for you.
- AmericasMart, one of the world’s largest permanent wholesale trade centers, is opening its doors Downtown for a rare shopping experience inside! Shoppers can find costumes and fine jewelry, handbags, luggage, apparel, gifts and more from more than 100 showrooms at unbeatable prices.
- Get ready to take advantage of the post-Thanksgiving holiday lull with Atlantic Station’s Black Friday event that will surely be a hit with the kids. This event offers shoppers free photos with Santa, hot chocolate, complimentary gift wrapping and more. This event has been rescheduled to a later date, but guests are still invited to spend the day with Atlantic Station dining and shopping exclusive deals.
CHECK OUT: Holiday travel: Best places to eat and drink at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Black Friday shopping isn’t everyone’s thing. And that’s ok. Here are some ideas for what you can do instead:
- Instead of heading to the mall, why not head to Atlantucky Brewing for a Black Friday Art Show? You can shop with local vendors, grab a drink, and support local artists all at the same time.
- We’ve rounded up some of the best bars in Atlanta where you can watch the World Cup action, like England vs. the United States this Friday at 2 p.m. ET. Check out our list and get ready to cheer on your favorite team!
- Jump right into Christmas with events like The Battery Atlanta Tree Lighting, Illuminights at Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Festival of Trees, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the Center for Puppetry Arts, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, the Piedmont Holiday Gift Market, and ice-skating at Park Tavern.
Have a great holiday weekend!
About the Author
Avery Newmark covers travel, wellness, events and trending news for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. With a dual background in film production and journalism, Avery came to the AJC after working as a video editor. She enjoys film photography and live music in her free time. Reach her at avery.newmark@ajc.com.
