Looking for fun Atlanta Thanksgiving activities? Atlanta has plenty to offer during this season, with activities for everyone. Whether you love delicious holiday food, exciting sports, or family fun, Atlanta has you covered this holiday season!
From trying out seasonal beers at local breweries to volunteering with a meaningful cause, there’s a wide variety of ways to spend the holiday in Atlanta. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different ways Atlanta celebrates Thanksgiving. Read on to find the events, places, and activities that make this time of year so enjoyable.
Get ready to explore the best of Thanksgiving in Georgia’s vibrant capital city. Let Unexpected Atlanta be your guide to all the fun!
The Best Atlanta Thanksgiving Activities in 2023
Read on for additional details on these Atlanta Thanksgiving events and more ATL fun!
- Become a Southern chef during a fun biscuit-making experience and historic food tour
- Start your holiday shopping at Atlantic Station’s Black Friday Event
- Run the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, 5K, Mile & Dash
- Find the perfect volunteer opportunity for all ages and interests
- Adventure into the outdoors with a hike in parks across the city
In this post, you’ll find:
- Fun things to do on Thanksgiving in Atlanta
- Fun Atlanta Thanksgiving date ideas for couples
- Family-friendly Thanksgiving activities in Atlanta during November
- Top Thanksgiving Atlanta attractions to attend in 2023
- Indoor and outdoor activities happening in Atlanta Thanksgiving weekend 2023
Atlanta Thanksgiving Activities
Take Part in a Biscuit-Making & Food Tour Experience – One of our Favorite Atlanta Thanksgiving Activities!
This unique Historic Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class is the perfect way to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday in Atlanta! During your guided experience, you’ll try 11 delicious tastings from 5 local food vendors in Atlanta’s oldest market, the Sweet Auburn Curb Market. Learn fascinating Atlanta history and get a close look at Southern cooking and cuisine with an expert guide.
Then, learn how to make the perfect Southern biscuit in a hands-on cooking class! This experience is great for couples, families, coworkers, and friends to enjoy together. With your biscuit recipe on lock, you’ll be prepared for all of your festive feasts ahead!
In addition, check out Unexpected Atlanta’s #1-rated Grant Park Food Walk. On this walking tour, you’ll try eight modern, Southern foods from three superb local food stops. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories of Atlanta’s history as you explore the picturesque Grant Park neighborhood.
Run the Atlanta Thanksgiving Half Marathon
Thanksgiving in Atlanta isn’t just about turkey and pie; it can also be about getting your heart rate up in a fun way! You can either don your running shoes or simply be a sideline cheerleader at the annual Atlanta Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon.
The Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, 5K, Mile & Dash is a beloved tradition and a fantastic way to kick off your holiday festivities. The race starts under Atlanta’s iconic rings (honoring Atlanta’s 1996 Olympic Games) with a route taking you through the streets of Downtown.
Once you’ve crossed the finish line, stick around for the post-race celebration. It’s the perfect way to relish your accomplishment and embrace the spirited atmosphere. Don’t forget to bring your well-earned medal and bragging rights to share at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Register today and find more event information here.
Volunteer Alongside Family and Friends – One of our Favorite Atlanta Thanksgiving Activities!
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks – and what better way to do that than by giving back to the community? Volunteering with friends or family is a heartwarming and meaningful way to spend this special holiday.
Atlanta offers a multitude of opportunities for those who want to make a difference in the lives of others. Whether you’re interested in serving meals at a local shelter, participating in a food drive, or helping out at a community event, there’s a volunteering option for every preference.
To get started, check out Hands on Atlanta’s volunteer matching service. Helping you find the perfect opportunity to lend a helping hand, browse for organizations and causes that align with your interests and skill sets. Hand on Atlanta helps to take the guesswork out of finding the ideal volunteering opportunity for you and your group. Remember, nonprofits need help all year long – so consider planning a return visit in January-March, when volunteerism tends to dip!
Experience Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO
Prepare to be transported to a world of sheer wonder and amazement with Cirque du Soleil’s latest masterpiece, “Cirque du Soleil ECHO.” This is not just a show; it’s an extraordinary journey that weaves together the beauty of poetry, the art of stagecraft, daring acrobatics, and cutting-edge technologies.
This show boasts a powerful narrative centered around evolution and the symbiotic relationships essential for our planet’s future. Plus, the show explores the delicate balance between humans, animals, and the world we all share.
This Thanksgiving, you have the chance to be part of the mind-blowing performance at Atlantic Station. Catch a show (or multiple!) Wednesday through Sunday each week of November.
Adventure Into the Outdoors with a Hike
As the cooler fall weather sets in and leaves start to paint the landscape, it’s an excellent time to head outdoors and enjoy a good old-fashioned hike. Atlanta and its surrounding areas offer outdoor enthusiasts plenty of trails for walking and hiking.
Whether you’re a novice hiker or a seasoned pro, this is a beautiful time of year to throw on your comfy walking shoes and explore the natural beauty that surrounds Atlanta.
Check out this list of the best hiking trails in and around Atlanta! Here are a few of our favorites to get you started:
Dive into Black Friday Deals at Atlantic Station
Looking for great Black Friday deals around Atlanta? The Atlantic Station’s Black Friday event is the place to be! Here, you’ll find a wide range of shopping opportunities to kickstart your holiday gifting.
This bustling Atlanta shopping hub will offer discounts, deals, and promotions on a variety of products. Save on items including clothing, electronics, home decor, toys, beauty products, jewelry, kitchenware, and more! The Black Friday event isn’t just a shopping extravaganza – it’s also a family-friendly experience perfect for all ages.
Here, shoppers can enjoy free photos with Santa and capture cherished holiday moments. And that’s not all – warm up with a cup of complimentary hot chocolate, and make your holiday shopping a breeze with free gift wrapping services.
Specific deals and store hours vary, so we advise checking with each participating store for the latest information. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or treating yourself, this event provides a one-stop-shop for all your Black Friday needs.
Cheer on Your Favorite Hometown Football Team
Whether you’re a college football fanatic or an NFL enthusiast, there’s a game for you to catch in Atlanta this Thanksgiving. One of the marquee matchups on Thanksgiving weekend is the age-old rivalry between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. The energy and excitement in Downtown Atlanta’s Bobby Dodd Stadium is sure to be palpable.
If NFL action is more your speed, the Atlanta Falcons are going head-to-head with the New Orleans Saints the same weekend. Be part of the live audience at Mercedes-Benz Stadium cheering on the Falcons to gain another season win against the Saints.
Of course, if you prefer to savor the games from the comfort of home, you can still enjoy all the action on your big screen. Either way, don your team colors, grab some snacks, and get ready to cheer on your favorite home team!
Sip Seasonal Flavors at Breweries Across the City
Each fall, breweries in Atlanta unveil a delightful array of autumn-inspired brews. From the warm and spicy notes of pumpkin ales to the tartness of cranberry, these Atlanta spots offer craft beers that embody the essence of the season.
Stop by one (or more!) of Atlanta’s most popular breweries and cider houses. Ensure that your Thanksgiving celebration isn’t just about the meal but also the perfect sips. Start your seasonal brew tour at any of these top Atlanta spots:
- Urban Tree Hard Cider
- New Realm Brewing Co.
- Sweetwater Brewing Company
- Atlanta Brewing Company
- Monday Night Brewing
- Second Self Beer Company
- Scofflaw Brewing Company
- Wild Heaven Beer
- Eventide Brewing
- Atlantucky Brewing
- Atlanta Hard Cider
Looking for something a little further outside of the city as you visit with family? Check out Explore Georgia’s Guide to Atlanta-area Breweries for more options.
See Holiday Lights on Thanksgiving Night – One of our Favorite Atlanta Thanksgiving Activities!
Delve into Atlanta’s light experiences that transform the city into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and festive decorations. From enchanting walking and drive-through light shows, check out the top places to visit for a brilliant displays to make your Thanksgiving night a memorable start to the holiday season:
- Garden Lights, Holiday Nights: Starting November 18, 2023, this annual event features millions of lights and stunning garden displays, transforming the Atlanta Botanical Garden into a dazzling winter wonderland.
- Lakeside Lights Spectacular: Opening November 22, 2023, Lake Lanier Islands Resort hosts a mesmerizing drive-through light display with illuminated holiday scenes, including a twinkling bridge and Santa’s Workshop.
- Fantasy in Lights: Starting November 17, 2023, Callaway Gardens offers a spectacular drive-through light display that features over 10 million twinkling lights, making it one of the most impressive in the region.
Discover more things to do in Atlanta! Browse our top-rated walking tours of Atlanta, and explore our blog for posts on Atlanta date ideas, family activities, team building activities, and more.
