Thanksgiving in Atlanta: The Best Things To Do, See, and Eat

Thanksgiving in Atlanta is about much more than turkey and football. The city slows down just enough to feel cozy, but there’s still plenty to do whether you live here, are visiting family, or planning a holiday getaway.

Below is a practical guide to what to do on Thanksgiving in Atlanta—from classic holiday meals and parades to outdoor hikes, volunteer options, and family-friendly activities.

Quick Overview: Top Things To Do on Thanksgiving in Atlanta

Enjoy a Thanksgiving Meal Without the Stress

Many people in Atlanta choose to let the professionals handle the cooking. Reservations usually book up early, so planning ahead is essential.

Classic Thanksgiving Brunch & Dinner Out

You’ll find Thanksgiving prix-fixe menus and buffets at:

• Hotels in Downtown & Midtown
  Many large hotels near Peachtree Street and Centennial Olympic Park host special Thanksgiving brunches or buffets in their onsite restaurants. These are usually good options if you’re staying downtown or want a more formal meal.

• Upscale Restaurants in Buckhead & Midtown
  It’s common for higher-end restaurants in these neighborhoods to offer fixed-price Thanksgiving menus with turkey plus Southern sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and sweet potato dishes.

• Neighborhood Spots Around the City
  In areas like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Grant Park, and West Midtown, some restaurants stay open with limited holiday menus or special family-style meals.

📝 Tips for eating out on Thanksgiving in Atlanta:

• Reserve early – Many places fill up weeks in advance.
• Confirm hours – Some restaurants close by mid-afternoon.
• Ask about takeout – A number of spots offer heat-and-serve Thanksgiving meals you can pick up the day before.

Ordering Thanksgiving Takeout or Catering

If you want to host at home but skip the cooking, many Atlanta groceries and local restaurants offer:

• Complete turkey dinners (turkey, dressing, gravy, sides, dessert)
• A la carte sides and pies you can mix and match
• Smoked or fried turkeys from local barbecue spots

Look early in November—pre-order deadlines are typically 1–2 weeks before Thanksgiving.

Attend Thanksgiving Week Events and Holiday Kickoffs

Thanksgiving often marks the start of the holiday season in Atlanta. While specific events can change year to year, there are some common types of Thanksgiving-week traditions to look for.

Holiday Light Displays and Outdoor Experiences

Many major attractions launch their light displays and winter events around Thanksgiving, such as:

• Downtown & Midtown attractions around Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker St NW) area, and nearby entertainment districts often have festive décor and seasonal activities.
• Botanical and garden-style light shows typically start in late November and run into January. These are usually ticketed evening events with walking paths, hot chocolate, and photo spots.

These events are popular with both locals and visitors, so buy tickets ahead of time when possible, especially for Thanksgiving weekend.

Parades, Races, and Community Events

In and around Atlanta, you may find:

• Holiday parades or tree lightings earlier in Thanksgiving week or that weekend
• Turkey trots and 5K runs on Thanksgiving morning in various neighborhoods
• Church and community center events, such as potlucks, concerts, or special services

Most of these events are publicized by city agencies, local media, parks departments, or neighborhood organizations. If you’re staying in a hotel, the front desk can often point you to nearby options.

Spend the Day Outdoors: Parks, Trails, and Scenic Drives

If you’d rather be active than on the couch all day, Atlanta gives you mild late-fall weather and plenty of outdoor options.

Walks and Picnics in Atlanta’s Major Parks

Some of the city’s biggest green spaces are open on Thanksgiving Day:

• Piedmont Park
  Near Midtown, it’s ideal for:

  • Long walks or runs around the lake and meadow
  • Casual pickup games or frisbee
  • Dog walking (with leash rules in effect)

• Grant Park
  A quieter alternative with shaded paths and playgrounds, good for families.

• Chastain Park in north Buckhead
  Popular with joggers and walkers, with a loop that’s easy to navigate.

If the weather is nice, a simple picnic—even just coffee and pastries—can be a low-stress way to start Thanksgiving morning.

Hikes and Nature Escapes Near the City

For something more adventurous:

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
  Multiple units along the river (like Cochran Shoals and Powers Island) offer:

  • Easy to moderate trails
  • Riverside views and wildlife spotting
  • Good options for families or casual hikers

• Stone Mountain Park (east of Atlanta)
  Common Thanksgiving-week traditions here include:

  • Hiking up Stone Mountain for city views
  • Walking around the base trail
  • Enjoying some of the seasonal attractions and lights if they’re running

Check park websites or phone lines for Thanksgiving Day hours and parking info before heading out.

Visit Attractions That Stay Open Around the Holiday

Not everything in Atlanta closes for Thanksgiving week. While some major attractions may be closed on Thanksgiving Day itself, they’re often open the days before and after.

Popular Attractions to Consider During Thanksgiving Week

Depending on their holiday schedules, you may be able to visit:

• Georgia Aquarium – Convenient if you’re staying downtown
• World of Coca‑Cola – Often open on surrounding days, good for groups
• Atlanta History Center (130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW) – Offers insight into Atlanta and Southern history, sometimes with seasonal programming
• High Museum of Art (1280 Peachtree St NE) – A quieter, indoor option near Midtown’s cultural district
• Zoo Atlanta (800 Cherokee Ave SE) – Great for families earlier in the week or weekend

Always check holiday hours in advance—Thanksgiving Day schedules can be very limited, even when surrounding days are normal.

Enjoy Thanksgiving with Kids and Family in Atlanta

If you’re celebrating with children, Atlanta offers kid-focused ways to enjoy the day and the whole week.

Family-Friendly Ideas

• Decorate and craft at home
  Pick up supplies from local craft stores and let kids make place cards, centerpieces, or “thankful” lists.

• Visit a playground or beltline section
  Portions of the Atlanta BeltLine, especially the Eastside Trail, are usually busy with families walking, biking, and scootering on holidays.

• See a family movie
  Some movie theaters, particularly in Buckhead, Midtown, and suburban areas, may open late afternoon or evening on Thanksgiving or have special showings on the surrounding days.

• Holiday-themed photo ops
  Well-decorated areas like large malls, major hotels, and light festivals can be good spots for family photos and holiday cards.

Volunteer and Give Back in Atlanta

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of year for food banks, shelters, and community kitchens. In Atlanta, many organizations welcome help not just on Thanksgiving Day, but throughout November.

Common Ways to Volunteer

• Serving meals at community kitchens or shelters
• Sorting and packing food at food banks
• Donating canned goods and shelf-stable items
• Participating in charity runs or drives benefiting local causes

Because Thanksgiving Day volunteer slots often fill up quickly, consider:

• Volunteering earlier in the week or in December
• Organizing your own drive at work, school, or in your neighborhood
• Donating funds if you can’t be physically present

Finding Volunteer Opportunities

Look for established organizations based in or serving Atlanta and the greater metro area. Information is usually available through:

• Official city resources or community outreach offices
• Large, well-known food banks and service organizations
• Local faith-based or neighborhood groups

When you reach out, ask:

• What roles are available around Thanksgiving
• Age requirements if you’re bringing kids
• Dress code and time commitments

Plan for Traffic, Transit, and Holiday Logistics

Thanksgiving week changes how Atlanta moves. A bit of planning goes a long way.

Traffic and Airport Considerations

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (6000 N Terminal Pkwy) is extremely busy Thanksgiving week.

  • Arrive earlier than usual if flying.
  • Consider MARTA to avoid parking hassles.

• Major interstates like I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, and the Downtown Connector can back up on:

  • Wednesday before Thanksgiving
  • Sunday after Thanksgiving

If you’re driving to events, leave extra time and check traffic apps.

MARTA and Local Transit

MARTA (rail and bus) usually operates on a reduced or holiday schedule on Thanksgiving Day.

• Trains and buses may run less frequently.
• Some bus routes may be altered.

Check MARTA’s official channels for:

• Holiday schedules and frequency
• Any route detours for parades or races

Using MARTA can be especially helpful for:

• Getting to Downtown and Midtown attractions
• Avoiding parking at large events or light displays

Low-Key Ways to Spend Thanksgiving in Atlanta

Not every Thanksgiving activity has to be a big outing. For a quieter holiday:

• Take a neighborhood walk
  Explore areas like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, or Kirkwood while streets are less busy.

• Host a potluck with friends or neighbors
  Many Atlantans who can’t travel for the holiday create a “Friendsgiving” tradition instead—often the weekend before or after Thanksgiving Day.

• Watch football and relax
  With Atlanta’s strong sports culture, plenty of people keep things simple:

  • Cook or reheat a meal
  • Watch college and NFL games
  • Take a stroll in a nearby park between games

• Plan a day trip
  If you want a change of scene, places in North Georgia—like small mountain towns or state parks—can be reached in a few hours for hiking, leaf-peeping (earlier in the season), or a special meal.

Making the Most of Thanksgiving in Atlanta

To decide what to do on Thanksgiving in Atlanta, narrow your plans around:

• Your group – kids, older family members, or just adults
• Your energy level – big events vs. quiet walks and a nice meal
• Your location – staying near Downtown/Midtown, Buckhead, or in the suburbs
• Your budget – restaurant meal, home cooking, or free outdoor activities

With a mix of holiday meals, outdoor spaces, light displays, attractions, and volunteer options, Atlanta offers plenty of ways to shape a Thanksgiving that fits how you want to spend the day.