Heading down south for Turkey Day? Or do you already live in Georgia but are hoping to find some exciting stuff to keep the kids occupied? You’re in luck because Georgia has a diverse and abundant list of things to do any time of the year, and especially around the holidays. Shopping, thrills and festive light displays await you—this is going to be an awesome Thanksgiving break.
See the Tree Lighting at Lenox Square
Macy’s Great Tree Lighting at Lenox Square is an over 70-year Atlanta tradition that began with Rich’s Department Store. Even the old Pink Pig ride lives on atop the roof of the mall. Right before Thanksgiving, onlookers crowd the popular shopping hub to enjoy the choir, community dancers, fireworks, other musical guests, and the lighting of the 56-foot evergreen. Lenox Square glitters with light from the inside out until January, so even if you don’t make it to the big event, stop by and enjoy a multitude of stores and an impressive food court complete with real Maine lobster rolls and artisan desserts.
Go Back in Time for Pioneer Day
Every Saturday before Thanksgiving, the Lincoln County Historical Society in Augusta puts together a celebration of age-old pioneer practices and food. Step back to a time of old cotton gins, sawmills, and blacksmithing. See how grits were originally made, and listen to skilled musicians recreate string music while munching on classic, simple food like ham biscuits, turnip greens, or chicken and dumplings. The old-world charm makes us think about the harvest during simpler times, so it’s a fitting event this time of year.
Date: November 18th, 2023
Official Website
Take a Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise
Savannah Riverboat Cruises offers an out-of-the-box dining experience on Thanksgiving—hop aboard their classic Antebellum riverboat featuring traditional colors and an elegant interior. So, if you’re in the mood for a change of scenery this year or need an excuse to keep certain crazy family members out of the house, this is the ticket.
Date: November 23rd, 2023
Official Website
Go Hiking
Oh, where to begin? The state’s mountain regions are stunning around Thanksgiving, and soaking in some fall foliage on a scenic hike in Georgia may be just what you need to gear up for all that cooking. Blue Ridge, Helen, Toccoa, Blairsville and Hiawassee all have a range of trails that fit all fitness levels—some are even paved with stroller and wheelchair access.
Go to Holiday in the Park
Six Flags Over Georgia debuted a reinvented version of an older coaster that has been a park staple for some time, and you can try it out Thanksgiving week at Holiday in the Park. The Christmas extravaganza extends through the new year and features a twinkly, festive twist on its typical theme. Marvel at more than 100,000 lights on the iconic Promenade, stroll the peppermint-scented walkways, ride the train to the North Pole and enjoy holiday rides like Dare Devil Dive and Goliath, all in addition to what the extensive park already has to offer.
Dates: November 24th – December 31st, 2023
Official Website
See a Show at The Fox Theatre
Atlanta’s Fox Theatre is one of the few remaining movie plazas in the United States, and shows continue to hit the stage throughout the year. Catch “The Stuffing,” a musical performance featuring the Manchester Orchestra and The Front Bottoms, which takes place right before Thanksgiving. Inquire in advance to tour the historic structure, or wait until the day after to see “The Hip Hop Nutcracker.”
Participate in The Gobble Jog
It only makes sense to start off a day of hefty indulgence with a good old-fashioned run. Marietta hosts the Gobble Jog yearly to raise money for a charity that helps provide food, clothing, shelter, and education to women and children. Don’t be surprised to see folks dressed in full-out turkey garb.
Date: November 23rd, 2023
Official Website
Black Friday Shop at Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station is the best place to shop on Black Friday or anytime for many reasons. Roads are blocked off for pedestrians, there’s a fantastic parking garage below, it will be festively decorated for the holidays and there are a ton of mainstream and unique stores. Ice skating, mini train rides, a German Christmas market and great restaurants are at the disposal of those who don’t want to shop—Kilwin’s has incredible hot chocolate and festive sweet treats, and it smells like heaven inside.
Visit Callaway Gardens
Settle in for a buffet-style dinner in the Lodge’s Piedmont Dining Room and Ballrooms, the Plant Room restaurant and Mountain Creek Ballrooms for an elegant gourmet meal. Enjoy the beauty of the gardens and its vivid Autumn colors, then treat your family to an overnight stay for a memorable getaway. Fantasy in Lights, Callaway’s famous drive-thru Christmas display, will be in full swing on Thanksgiving, so grab some kettle corn or a hot beverage from the onsite vendors and enjoy the ride.
Spend a Day in Atlanta
Whether it be a holiday event or just stuff the city offers year-round, exploring Atlanta could eat up a multitude of days. Ride the giant Ferris wheel, experience indoor skydiving at iFly, tour the CNN center, see all the major stadiums or visit historic sites—we could go on. There’s also so much good food in the city, but if you have little time, hit the iconic ones, like The Varsity or Mary Mac’s Tea Room. Just don’t spoil your appetite!
