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:
- Atlanta Botanical Garden's ninth annual Garden Lights, Holiday Nights spans 30 acres. Tickets are still available.
- Callaway Gardens' Fantasy of Lights doesn't close for Thanksgiving. The event includes a decorated garden, costumed characters and a ride through more than 8 million twinkling lights. Advance tickets are recommended.
- Stone Mountain Christmas will dazzle you with its more than 2 million LED lights adorning buildings and trees. It's open 2-10 p.m. Thursday. While you're there, head over to Snow Mountain for a little winter fun.
» 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
» 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
About the Author
Nancy Clanton is a lead producer for The AJC's platforms team, but also writes stories about health, travel, events and entertainment. A native of Knoxville and graduate of the University of Tennessee, she has worked at the AJC for 24 years.
