Best Thanksgiving Week Atlanta Events & Things To Do

IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta

Wondering what to do on Thanksgiving weekend with kids? Choose from this month’s top events, see a show, walk through a holiday light display or do some Christmas shopping. Also, check out our list of more than 250 fun things for families to do around Atlanta.

Events:

Knock, Knock at Alliance Theatre

Enter The Apartment Building to see how residents are preparing for the holiday and staying warm from the cold of winter. Nov. 15-Dec. 23. Find a complete list of Atlanta’s shows and performances here.

License to Chill Snow Island at Margaritaville Lanier Islands

Go snow tubing, practice figure eights on the ice rink, hop on the carnival rides, enjoy sweet treats, meet Santa and more. Nov. 15-Feb. 22. Find more excellent places to skate here.

Planes and Trains Model Railroad at Museum of Aviation

View miniature train displays featuring a 1950s drive-in theater, a Christmas Village, a Thomas the Tank Engine and more. Nov. 23-30. Closed Thanksgiving Day.

The Outsiders at Fox Theatre

This new musical follows a group of teenagers as they navigate a world that may never accept them. Nov. 25-30.

2025 Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, 5K, Mile & Dash at Center Parc Stadium

Kick off your Thanksgiving at this Atlanta tradition by running or walking, and stick around for a post-race celebration. Nov. 27.

Kids Workshops at The Home Depot

Learn how to build an excavator and a teddy bear ornament. Nov. 29.

Naturally Artistic at Chattahoochee Nature Center

This exhibit celebrates the connection between art and nature with local artists’ creation and art-making activities. Through Nov. 30.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Center for Puppetry Arts

This faithful adaptation of the 1964 stop-motion animated special follows Rudolph and Hermey, two misfits on the run. Through Dec. 28.

IllumiNights at the Zoo

Illuminated wildlife lights the night at this Chinese lantern festival with nature-inspired lanterns and experiences. Through Jan. 18.

WildWoods: AGLOW at Fernbank Museum

This multi-sensory afterhours experience immerses visitors in an exploration of nature with glowing and dynamic exhibits showcasing living flora and fauna. Through Feb. 28.

Tree Lightings and Light Displays in Atlanta and Beyond

Start celebrating Christmas! Enjoy the brightest and best holiday displays, from local neighborhoods to Zoo Atlanta and more. Find more holiday events here.

Nutcracker Performances

Check out one of Atlanta’s many productions of this beloved story, from classic ballet to contemporary dance.

Holiday Shopping:

Favorite Holiday Crafts and Markets

Shop these local markets for unique crafts and treats.

Museum Store Sunday

Find locally-made and eco-friendly gifts at a museum store, including the Center for Puppetry Arts, High Museum of Art, The King Center, Historic Oakland Foundation and more on Museum Store Sunday, Nov. 30. Your purchase helps support these local organizations.

Atlanta Parent’s 2025 Holiday Toy Guide

Shop our picks for the coolest toys and games for your good girl or boy.

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

Check out these metro Atlanta farms to pick out your own tree and enjoy other family-friendly activities.

Other Ideas:

Winter Break Camps

There’s still time to find a great winter break camp for your kids.

Best Ice Skating Rinks

Lace up your skates at one of Atlanta’s outdoor ice skating rinks – enjoy music, hot chocolate, treats and more.

Explore the Outdoors

Step outside and experience nature—there are so many beautiful places for easy hikes near Atlanta. Try these nature walks and hikes, visit waterfalls, go hiking at Georgia State Parks and enjoy these less crowded State Parks.

Family-Friendly Walks and Races

Get out and get moving! Participate in a Turkey Trot, Gobble Jog or another local Thanksgiving run.

75+ Best Playgrounds Around Atlanta

Our top playgrounds in Atlanta include everything from generational swings for both parent and child and large shaded areas to cushioned rubber matting and sculpture-like playscapes. We rounded up the top playgrounds and play places around metro Atlanta for every type of play.