Atlanta Attractions Open on Thanksgiving Day

By Carol Carter

Last Updated September 9, 2025

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The long-range weather forecast for Thanksgiving Day in Atlanta looks perfect for getting out of the house. Luckily, several of the city’s most popular attractions are open on Turkey Day.

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights — the annual lights extravaganza at Atlanta Botanical Garden — won The Great Christmas Light Fight 2023 on ABC TV. Back for its 15th year, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights presented by Invesco QQQ shines with new music and choreography for “Nature’s Wonders,” the world’s largest curtain of synchronized light and sound. New this year: The dazzling tree sculptures from this summer’s Enchanted Trees by Poetic Kinetics will line the Anne Cox Chambers Flower Walk and anchor the Skyline Garden Pond, creating an Enchanted Avenue of color and light.The garden will be open for the light show in the evening, but closed during Thanksgiving Day.

Nov. 15 — Jan. 11, 2025

Georgia Aquarium

Got family visiting for Thanksgiving? Before (or after) the turkey, visit the largest aquarium in the United States. Book a close encounter or just stroll the galleries. In Cold Water Quest say hello to beluga whales, African penguins and bat stars. We don’t need to tell you what you’ll find on Dolphin Coast. Head into the Ocean Voyager gallery to see whale sharks and manta rays. Speaking of sharks, don’t miss SHARKS! Predators of the Deep. In the River Scout gallery, look for the Eastern River Cooter. It’s a turtle, BTW.  

Stone Mountain Christmas

Wrap up your Thanksgiving Day by looking forward to December with a visit to Stone Mountain Christmas at Stone Mountain Park. The over-the-top event includes a Christmas parade, Santa’s Big Flight (look up), an Enchanted Tree Lighting, and a Christmas Drone and Light Show. Nov. 8 — Jan. 4, 2025.

Turkey Dinner

Yes, some Atlanta restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day — and they’re fixing all the trimmings. Stay tuned for details.

Run the Half Marathon

Kick off your Thanksgiving Day with the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, 5K, Mile & Dash. It’s an Atlanta tradition. You’ll want to bring your medal and your bragging rights to Thanksgiving dinner. The Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon is part of the Triple Peach Race Series, which also includes the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race and the PNC Atlanta 10 Miler.

Feel Like Dancing?

For a post-dinner dance party, Johnny’s Hideaway will be open on Thanksgiving night from 8 p.m.-3 a.m., offering a setting perfect for dancing off the day’s indulgence. Wrap up Thanksgiving in style.

Where: 3771 Roswell Road NE

Walk the Atlanta Beltline or Take an Artsy Stroll

If you could use a little Thanksgiving Day exercise, take a walk on the Atlanta Beltline. Here’s another idea: Atlanta is known for its jaw-dropping street art. Tour Street Art on the Atlanta Beltlilne.

Enjoy the Long Weekend

During the long Thanksgiving weekend, perhaps visit an Atlanta park. Check our 50 Fun Things to Do for more ideas.

For even more things to do in Atlanta anytime, check our calendar of events.

Carol Carter was a founding staff member of Atlanta Business Chronicle where she later served as editor. She served as editor of seven magazines including a 150-year business history of Atlanta. She worked as a reporter for WXIA TV’s Noonday Show, has written for the New York Times and is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Carol is author of “Junior Dragster Dreams: How Sam Found His Own Ride,” a children’s book.

Originally Published September 3, 2025