When the dishes are done and you’re looking for some fun, you’ll be thankful for this flock of events around town that will delight your little turkeys. From an historical holiday scavenger hunt through Oakland Cemetery to holiday lights from your car window, your Thanksgiving weekend will be full of memories. Keep reading for a helping of events around Atlanta on Thanksgiving Day and weekend.
Buckle Up for a Drive-Thru Holiday Lights Show
World of Illumination: Candy Rush
Pay a visit to World of Illumination: Candy Rush and get an eyeful of what kids’ fantasies are made of—candy—without the sugar crash. Spy sugar plum fairies, a gigantic gingerbread village, illuminated sweets as far as the eye can see. World of Illumination presents Candy Rush, the world’s largest holiday drive-through show, highlighting a 40-foot tall candy cane trio and animated Christmas characters. This mile-long drive-through show features nearly two million lights—a must-see treat for the entire family.
250 Cobb Pkwy N,
Marietta, GA 30062
$35 per vehicle, weekdays; $45 per vehicle, weekends
Online: worldofillumination.com
Go on a Holiday Scavenger Hunt at Historic Oakland Cemetery
Holiday Scavenger Hunt at Oakland Cemetery
Spend a day cemetery sleuthing on this self-guided scavenger hunt throughout historic Oakland Cemetery! Starting November 21, purchase your printable Holiday Hunt packet online (one per team), download, print, and follow all-new cryptic clues to solve riddles. Oakland will post a link to the downloads on their website on November 21. Choose from three different packets, organized by degree of cemetery riddle difficulty: Kid-friendly, Challenging, and Deadly. Each team that purchases a packet will be entered into a drawing for prizes. Prizes include tour tickets, memberships, Museum Store gift cards, and more.
248 Oakland Ave. SE
Online: cobbenergycentre.com
Be Treated to Shows from All Over the Country
Virtual Holiday Performances
We don't have to tell you that things look a wee-bit different this year. This means you're likely not dressing the kids in their fancy clothes and heading to an in-person holiday show. Luckily theaters all over the country have gotten creative and are bringing the cheer right to your home. Read our story 14 Holiday Theater & Musical Performances You Can Enjoy on Your Couch to learn about shows that will lift your holiday spirits.
Slip into your favorite holiday pjs, grab a hot cocoa from your favorite local shop and prep for some virtual merriment.
Take a Lighted Stroll in the Gardens
Atlanta Botanical Garden
With extremely limited capacity and masks/social distancing required, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights returns through January 16, 2021. Tickets, available only online, go on sale October 1.To limit gathering crowds upon arrival, there are two entrances: General Admission ticket holders enter through the gates by Mershon Hall. Premium and Premium+ ticket holders enter through the Hardin Visitor Center. 1345 Piedmont Ave. 404-876-5859 Online: atlantabg.org
See the Macy’s Christmas Tree at Lenox Square
Macy's Lenox Square
Things will look at a bit different at Macy's at Lenox Square this season, with the annual tree lighting celebration limited to invitation-only guests, but the cheer—and the tree—will still be present. All are invited visit Lenox Square to see the Annual Macy's Christmas Tree shining brightly on the roof above Macy's.
Participate In (or Cheer On) the Peachtree Road Race
Peachtree Road Race 2020 Virtual Run
This annual Atlanta Fourth of July tradition was moved to Thanksgiving in 2020, and will be run independently by runners all over the world. Whether you lace up your shoes or head to the actual race course to see who's trotting past, you'll see plenty or runners on the roads this Thanksgiving.
Run Wild in Fernbank’s WildWoods
WildWoods at Fernbank Museum
Enjoy the wonder of nature in the heart of the city! WildWoods offers all-season nature experiences daily for all ages and provides direct access to Fernbank Forest. Wildwoods' paths provide plenty of space to adhere to physical distancing guidelines, while immersing you in nature every step of the way and the holistic quality it provides.
767 Clifton Rd.
404-929-6300
Online: fernbankmuseum.org
Make It a Weekend of Making Others Feel Thankful for You
Acts of Kindness
They can't help it, kids are innately compassionate and kind. Foster and hone that natural beauty with a few simple gestures during this weekend of thanks. Read our story 96 Everyday Acts of Kindness for Kids (& Their Grown Ups) to snag some ideas on how your kids (and their favorite grown-ups) can spread big love this holiday season.
Sleigh Bells Ring for Family Movie Night!
Family (Christmas) Movie Night
The absolute BEST time of year to watch T.V. is that stretch of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas because of holiday movies galore. Watch classics to modern must-sees with your little ones that vary from animated to live-action. But before starting family movie night, bake your favorite holiday cookies and get ready to snug in for an evening (or the whole chilly day).
— Shelley Massey
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