Things to do in Atlanta on Thanksgiving Day

There are many reasons to get out of the house Thanksgiving Day: You need to walk off some calories; family is driving you crazy; you want some quality family time.

Once the turkey is eaten and the dishes are done, there's no need to just sit on the couch and watch football, even if the Saints are in town to play the Falcons. Of course, you could head down to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the 8:20 p.m. game. Tickets are still tickets available .

Since the annual Macy's tree lighting was last weekend, here are a few seasonal things to do Thursday you might enjoy.

» 7 Atlanta outings for the whole family

Light shows are a great way to enjoy the holiday with friends, family or by yourself. Here are three of our favorites:

» Merry and bright: 6 festive holiday light exhibits in metro Atlanta

Or if you want to work off your holiday meal before you even eat it, put on your running shoes and take part in one of these seven turkey trots around town.

Are the kids going stir-crazy? Legoland Discovery Center is open on Thanksgiving. The factory tour is always a big draw, but there's also Duplo Village for the wee ones, and the Merlin's Apprentice ride and Lego 4D Cinema to add interest for teens and tweens. Groups of 10 or more get a special rate.

If you make through Thursday and still need something to do, check out these holiday events:

» 16 things to do in metro Atlanta this Thanksgiving weekend

» Don't-miss Christmas tree festivals in Atlanta

» Where to visit Santa Claus in metro Atlanta

» 5 holiday train adventures near Atlanta in 2019

» Here is where you can have holiday fun in Midtown, Buckhead

» Macy's Pink Pig continues Atlanta holiday tradition