The turkey’s gone, the family’s still in town, and everybody’s asking “so what are we doing?” 🦃 I’ve got you. Here are the best things to do in Atlanta over Thanksgiving weekend 2026, broken down day by day from Thursday, Nov 26 through Sunday, Nov 29.
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Thursday, Nov 26: Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon and 5K
Atlanta Track Club’s Thanksgiving morning race comes with a half marathon, 5K, mile and kids’ dashes. There’s no race day registration and it’s expected to sell out, so sign up now. Bib pickup is at Atlantic Station on Nov 21, 22 and 25.
📍 755 Hank Aaron Dr, Atlanta, GA 30315
After Dinner Lights
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights is open throughout Thanksgiving weekend. Grab late night timed tickets for a post dinner stroll. Check the Thanksgiving Day hours when you book. Full details are in my Christmas lights in Atlanta guide.
Friday, Nov 27: Black Friday
Atlanta Christkindl Market
The German style Christmas market is closed on Thanksgiving Day, then back Friday. The second location in Senoia opens Black Friday too.
📍 210 Luckie St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Roswell Christkindl Market
A charming holiday market on historic grounds. Free Santa photos on Friday and Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m.
📍 180 Bulloch Ave, Roswell, GA 30075
Georgia Festival of Trees
Rows of decorated trees and holiday attractions. Closed Thanksgiving Day, open through Sunday, Nov 29. Kids 2 and under are free.
📍 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth, GA 30097
Ice Skating
Skate the Sky on The Roof at Ponce City Market is open now through Jan 3, with skyline views and heated igloos you can book for up to 6 people. Igloos include unlimited skating and skate rentals, and Friday and Saturday slots start at 3, 5, 7 and 9 p.m. Book early, because holiday weekend igloos go fast.
Avalon on Ice in Alpharetta has extended 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. hours through Nov 27, and Skate City Springs in Sandy Springs is open all weekend. Prices and tips for every rink are in my ice skating in Atlanta guide.
Saturday, Nov 28: Small Business Saturday
Piedmont Park Holiday Market
Knock out holiday shopping with local vendors for Small Business Saturday.
📍 Near the Charles Allen entrance, 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Tree Lighting at The Battery Atlanta
Live performances, Santa, and a craft station, followed by a free screening of The Grinch at 7:30 p.m. on the Plaza Green. Then pop into Tinsel Tavern, which opens the same day (see my holiday pop up bars guide).
📍 800 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
Watch Clean Old Fashioned Hate
The rivalry game is Saturday. Pick your side, grab wings, and settle in. Check the kickoff time closer to the date.
Sunday, Nov 29: Slow Sunday
A Show at the Fox
End the long weekend at Atlanta’s most beautiful theater. Check showtimes and tickets on the Fox’s site or call the box office at (855) 285-8499.
📍 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
More Holiday Lights
Stone Mountain Christmas, IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta, and Fantasy In Lights at Callaway are all running Thanksgiving weekend. Dates and ticket tips are in my Christmas lights guide.
Thanksgiving Weekend Tips
- Check hours twice. Many spots close or change hours on Thanksgiving Day.
- Book timed tickets now. Lights, rinks and igloos sell out on holiday weekends.
- Use MARTA or rideshare for Midtown and Downtown events. Parking gets wild.
FAQs
The Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon runs that morning, and several holiday light shows run all weekend. The Atlanta Christkindl Market and the Georgia Festival of Trees are closed on Thanksgiving Day.
The Battery tree lighting and Grinch screening, the Piedmont Park Holiday Market, and both Christkindl Markets are free to enjoy.
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