A Thanksgiving Week Guide to Celebrating the Holidays in Atlanta
We’ve got a week’s worth of activities to keep visiting relatives entertained, restless kids busy, and the whole family in the holiday spirit—with plenty of magical moments along the way. Kick things off with Holidays at Georgia Aquarium, then wander over to nearby attractions or lace up for the Turkey Trot. From keeping kids entertained to making magical family memories, there’s no shortage of holiday fun in the heart of the city!
Make Holiday Memories at Georgia Aquarium
Kick off your Thanksgiving week with Holidays at Georgia Aquarium, a festive, family-friendly celebration running from November 14 through January 2. Experience festive lights and holiday décor throughout the seasonally transformed Aquarium. Enjoy daily tree lightings, live music, and photos with Santa—all included with general admission. And you don’t want to miss the special holiday editions of the dolphin and sea lion presentations for an extra splash of cheer. Open 365, rain or shine (including Thanksgiving Day)! It’s the perfect way to spend Thanksgiving week in Atlanta with family and friends of all ages.
Whether you’re exploring with family, hosting out-of-town guests, or simply looking for something new to do in Atlanta over Thanksgiving break, Holidays at Georgia Aquarium offers a unique way to celebrate the season surrounded by the beauty of the ocean. Plan your visit early and reserve your animal presentation seats in advance to make the most of your day.
Don't want to wait for Thanksgiving Day to indulge in all your favorite holiday foods?
- Our Gobble Gobble Bowl is all the flavors of Thanksgiving, minus the fuss. With buttery mashed potatoes, house-roasted turkey smothered in a rich gravy, topped with roasted brussel sprouts, and a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce—your taste buds will thank you! 🍂 🦃
Hawks fans, mark your calendars! 🏀
Friday, November 28th at 7:30 p.m., the Atlanta Hawks take on the Cavaliers in Round One of the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup. Feel the thrill of the league-wide, single-elimination Knockout Rounds—win or go home! This high-stakes tournament is the perfect way to kick off your weekend.
Bring your family and friends, join the roaring crowd, and rally behind our Hawks!
Atlanta is packed with must-see attractions. From iconic museums and family-friendly theaters to seasonal events and hidden gems, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of your holiday week.
Step into a magical holiday tradition with Alliance Theatre’s annual production of A Christmas Carol, filled with festive spirit, dazzling performances, and the timeless tale of redemption.
Back for its 15th year, you don’t want to miss Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights, Holiday Nights presented by Invesco QQQ. This year showcases new music and choreography for “Nature’s Wonders,” the world’s largest curtain of synchronized light and sound.
Get ready to rethink everything you know about puppets and puppeteers. Experience delightful holiday performances, workshops, exhibitions, and events that will have you feeling like a kid again at the Center for Puppetry Arts.
Explore fall foliage at metro Atlanta’s nature destination. Enjoy trails, exhibits, programs, and events on 127 acres of forest, wetland, and river habitat. An experience unlike any other Atlanta attraction.
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Month at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta! Visit this November as they highlight trailblazers from different Indigenous tribes who have made a difference in our world. With storytimes, an art studio, games, and so much more for kids to explore!
1,074 Players and 230 Coaches have been inducted into the Hall of Fame as of 2023. Discover real-life legends of the fall from the very first college football game to the most recent class of inductees.
Storytime, live animal encounter, and Wildwoods: AGLOW are just a few of the exciting seasonal activities awaiting at Fernbank Museum – where science, nature, and fun make history.
Explore the history of the world’s best-known beverage brand at the World of Coca-Cola. Then, continue your adventure at Pemberton Place Park, located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, next to the World of Coca-Cola. From sparkling holiday decorations to seasonal events perfect for visitors of all ages.
Discover Atlanta’s Ultimate Holiday Tradition: IllumiNights at the Zoo! This holiday season, Atlanta’s beloved festive event returns bigger and brighter than ever, transforming the Zoo into a dazzling nighttime wonderland. Experience hundreds of brilliantly illuminated wildlife lanterns and captivating displays that celebrate the beauty and magic of nature after dark.
Lace up before your Thanksgiving feast with Atlanta’s favorite holiday runs! It’s a fun tradition for serious runners, casual walkers, and families alike to get moving before the big feast.
Downtown Atlanta hosts the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, 5K, and One Mile Dash, winding past the city’s iconic landmarks—spots are selling out fast, so register soon! In Alpharetta, the Thanksgiving Day Gobble Wobble 5K, 10K, and Fun Run offers a festive, family-friendly way to kick off the holiday season. And these are just a few highlights! There are plenty of other local Turkey Trots happening around Atlanta, so grab your sneakers and make this Thanksgiving an active, fun, and memorable experience.
Give Back This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings, and one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate is by giving back to your community. Volunteering during this season not only helps those in need but also brings a sense of connection and gratitude that lasts far beyond the holiday. Whether it’s helping feed families, caring for animals, or supporting local initiatives, there are countless ways to make a difference in Atlanta during Thanksgiving week.
Across Atlanta, organizations are welcoming volunteers to help meet the increased demand during the holidays. The Atlanta Community Food Bank offers opportunities to distribute meals to families facing food insecurity. Animal lovers can lend their time at the Atlanta Humane Society or Furkids Animal Rescue, assisting with pet care, adoption events, or enrichment activities for animals in shelters. Those interested in broader community support can help neighbors in need through Hosea Helps or get involved with a variety of local projects through Hands On Atlanta.
No matter your skill set or schedule, there are opportunities for everyone to give back during Thanksgiving week. From preparing meals to caring for animals, every effort helps brighten the holiday season for our community.
Plan Your Week
Atlanta truly comes alive during Thanksgiving week. With festive fun around every corner and plenty of ways to give back, there’s no shortage of smiles, laughter, and memories waiting to be made. So gather your loved ones, plan your itinerary, and get ready to experience the magic of the holidays in Atlanta!
Ticket information and event details are subject to change. Please check official websites for the most current information.
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