Celebrating Thanksgiving in Atlanta? Well there is no shortage of things to do! With so many opportunities to create memories by experiencing what Atlanta has to offer, we’ve pulled together some things to do around metro the A-T-L. From attractions to sporting events, we’ve got stuff that will interest everyone in the family!
1. Attractions –We’ve selected a few attractions around town that offer special programming during the week of Thanksgiving for all ages.
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia
Where: Six Flags Over Georgia
When: Nov 17-21, 4pm-10pm; Nov 23-24, 2pm-10pm; Nov 25, 2pm-8pm (closed Thanksgiving Day)
SDGI Recommended Ages: 6- 12; tweens/ teens; family
Info: Back for the 5th year in a row on select days from November 17-January 6 at Six Flags Over Georgia. It’s the most magical time of the year filled with enchanting experiences that will help create those special family fun outings again and again. Our breathtaking winter wonderland features a variety of delightful and interactive activities to help capture the holiday spirit.
Snow Mountain
Where: Stone Mountain Park
When: Nov 17-22 10 am-6pm; Nov 23 9am-10pm
SDGI Recommended Ages: 6-12; tween/ teen; family
Info: Snow Mountain is Atlanta’s favorite winter destination with a 400-foot snow-covered tubing hill and an enormous snowy play area. Race each other down the slopes on Tube Runners or brave the hill together in family-sized tubes on Avalanche Alley. It’s all about the cold stuff in the SnowZone—a winter wonderland full of real snow where you’ll find Penguin Run and Little Angels—the perfect spots for small ones just starting to find their snow legs.
Check out SGDI’s Green Tent Talk featuring Stone Mountain Christmas!
Festival of the Season
Where: Georgia Aquarium
When: Nov 18-24 (Open Thanksgiving Day)
SGDI Recommended Ages: ALL
Info: Festival of the SEAson transforms Georgia Aquarium’s plaza, galleries and exhibits into a winter wonderland, including appearances by Santa and SCUBA Claus, a holiday edition of our live entertainment experience, tree-lighting ceremonies, and Santa Claus events.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Where: Center for Puppetry Arts
When: Nov 16-18, 20-21, 23-25 Various times usually between 10am-3pm. (Closed on Mondays and Thanksgiving Day)
SGDI Recommended Ages: 4-10
Info: Rudolph soars back into town for this faithful adaptation of the wonderful holiday film that speaks to the misfit in all of us. Based on the beloved 1964 stop-motion animated special, Rudolph and his friends (including Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, and the Abominable Snow Monster) take the stage. You won’t want to miss it!
*Purchase tickets online to guarantee seating. Shows usually sell out.
Thanksgiving Programs
Where: Children’s Museum of Atlanta
When: Open Daily M-F 10am-4pm; Sat/Sun 10am-5pm (Closed Thanksgiving Day)
SGDI Recommended Ages: 10 and under
*Please note there will be scaffolding up around the exterior of the building. We will be open regular business hours per our website.
Info: Thanksgiving is a special time of year, a time to celebrate friends and family and to thank those around us and give to others. Join our team as we have fun celebrating this great season! We will be “Feeling Thankful” with a reading from a Daniel Tiger book for storytime, and doing the “Turkey Trot” for Music and Movement. Our Build It Lab, Science Bar, and Art Studio have also found some great hands-on activities to explore this season.
Click here to check out SGDI Guide to Christmas Tree Lightings around Metro Atlanta!
2. Traditional Fun- There are a ton of places around town for the family to enjoy such as bowling, ice skating, roller skating, and the movie theater!
3. For the Sports Fanatics
NFL Falcons vs Everyone
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
When: Falcons vs Dallas Cowboys (Sunday 11/18 @1pm)
Falcons Vs New Orleans Saints (Thursday 11/22 @8:20pm)
NBA Hawks vs Everyone
Where: Phillips Arena
When: Hawks vs Clippers (Monday 11/19 @7:30pm)
Hawks vs Toronto (Wednesday 11/21 @7:30pm)
Hawks vs Celtics (Friday 11/23 @7:30pm
Hawks vs Hornets (Sunday 11/25 @6pm)
UGA vs UVA (College Football)
Where: Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta
When: Saturday 11/17 @3:30pm
GA Tech vs UGA (College Basketball)
Where: Sanford Stadium, Athens
When: Saturday 11/24 @noon
4. Grown Folks Only! – Convince Grandma to watch the kids while the adults spend the night on the town! The Fox has a variety of performances the week of Thanksgiving!
ATL Comedy Jam feat. Lavell Crawford, Kountry Wayne, Deray Davis, Tony Roberts, D.C. Young Fly, Red Grant, and Just Nesh
When: November 17 @7pm
Cost: $53-$129
Sebastian Maniscalco-Stay Hungry Tour
When: November 18 @7pm
Cost: $65
John Legend- A Legendary Christmas Tour
When: November 20 @8pm
Cost: $79-$234
The Stuffing 2018- Featuring Orchestra & The Front Bottoms, Saves The Day, Kevin Devine, O’Brother, Mighty
When: November 23 @5pm
Cost: $25-$55
Straight No Chaser
When: November 23 @8pm
Cost: $43.25-$78.75
5. Family Walk! A family that runs together stays together….said no one! For the sake of not offending all of the cooks in the house, we’re sure you’ve broken all food restrictions. With that said, a nice hike, bike ride, or walk will do some damage control. This is the first of many naughty meals for the next 6 weeks!
6. Volunteer! We saved the best for last! There are several opportunities around the city to help others that are in need. Serving others is a gentle reminder of the blessings that we take for granted. Take a few hours to help package food, distribute meals, or play bingo with a senior citizen. Websites such as Hands On Atlanta and VolunteerMatch have several volunteer opportunities for adults and children!
We hope that you have a wonderful and adventured-filled Thanksgiving!!