Cool Things to Do in November in Atlanta
Last Updated November 14, 2025
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We’ve got Thanksgiving, Día de los Muertos and holiday light shows happening in November — it’s time to enjoy some of the last moments of 2026.
Stay Busy in November
Día de los Muertos Festival at Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is hosting Dia de los Muertos, a free festival celebrating departed loved ones and Mexican-American culture. There will be traditional dancers, Ofrendas — the offering placed in a home altar during the celebration — stilt walkers, food trucks and more. Enjoy special performances by ASO violinist Juan R. Ramírez-Hernández, horse exhibition by Rancho Los Gallos de Oro, among many things. This family-friendly event is Nov. 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Woodruff Arts Center.
Celebrate Día de Muertos at Oakland Cemetery
In partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico and Institute of Mexican Culture, Oakland Cemetery is hosting their Día de Muertos festival. Experience the festival through traditional activities such as folkloric dances, crafts, food and altars honoring lost family and friends. Participate in the Catrinas and Catrines contest for adults and kids where you get all dressed up. This free event is from noon until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2.
Find more Day of the Dead celebrations throughout Atlanta here.
Chomp and Stomp
Chili lovers from far and wide come to Chomp and Stomp for a day full of food, music and fun in Cabbagetown. The fiercely competitive chili cook-off is a fan favorite with amateur and professional chefs vying for chili supremacy. To be a part of the taste testing, purchase a ticket and make sure to get there early to secure a spot. Chomp and Stomp is happening Nov. 8 starting at 12:30 p.m. with more than 70 teams competing. The artist market will have jewelry, home goods, artwork and more. And, of course, there will be live music. With six venues and more than 30 bands and artists performing, this will be an all-day adventure. Bands start at 11 a.m. and typically wrap around 7 p.m.
Atlanta Beltline Race Series – Eastside
The Atlanta Beltline partners with Atlanta Track Club for the annual Beltline race series. The Eastside Trail marks the final race of this year’s series on Nov. 8.
(Photo by Matt Bish)
There are 5K or 10K options, plus this race is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier. The Peachtree is the world’s largest 10K happening every July Fourth Weekend on Peachtree Street. The Eastside Beltline race will take runners and walkers through Piedmont Park, past Ponce City Market and the Historic Old Fourth Ward Park, and end at Krog Street Market.
If you’re interested in completing the full race series, stay tuned for the Northside, Westside and Eastside races next year. There’s a pretty cool medal.
Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, 5K, Mile and Dash
There’s plenty more running to do in November, especially if you’re in a turkey trot family. Lace up your shoes early on Thanksgiving morning to compete in the Thanksgiving Day races before treating yourself to all the delicious food the day has to offer.
This year’s race is Nov. 27 starting at 7:45 a.m. at Center Parc Stadium in Summerhill.
Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA
The wonder of Cirque du Soleil returns to Atlantic Station this holiday season.
(Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil)
LUZIA showcases a parachuted traveler experiencing culture, nature and mythology of a dreamlike land inhabited by a mystifying menagerie of characters. For the first time during a Cirque du Soleil touring production, the show will incorporate water into the acrobatic presentation. The show will run from Nov. 9 through Dec. 15.
Howl-O Ween Festival
Rescue Dog Games is a local favorite as Atlanta’s pet rescues and organizations come together to bring awareness of the need to “adopt, not shop.” At Rescue Dogs, Nov. 1 at Piedmont Park, you can meet to volunteer at a humane society or rescue groups — or better yet — find and adopt your “furever” best friend. Cheer on the pups as they compete in the Howl-O-Ween dog costume contest, agility course, Frisbee, lure chase, interactive art project and the dog trick contest. Throughout the day there will be dog trainer sessions as well as music, food trucks, beer, festivities and other canine and human fun.
Fright Fest
Halloween may be over but you can still enjoy a fright at Six Flags Over Georgia. During Fright Fest, experience spine-tingling chills in the ambient Scare Zones or watch one of the scary-good live shows. Check it out before the antics leave the park on Nov. 2.
DreamHack
Gamers, get ready to take over the Georgia World Congress Center for DreamHack. This three-day gaming lifestyle festival is a celebration of play, competition and community. The Clash Royale League World Finals take place during the weekend, along with the SNK World Championship.
Visit artist alley with more than 100 art vendors, and you may even get the chance to meet some of your favorite steamers and creators. DreamHack is scheduled for Oct. 31 through Nov. 2.
Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park
The Pumpkin Festival: Play by Day, Glow by Night has brought families joy all throughout October. There’s a few days left to check out the all-new nighttime pumpkin parade with glow-in-the-dark floats and nostalgic storybook characters, along with the World’s Largest Pumpkin Drone & Line Show. Enjoy immersive color-changing drones, themed songs, festive video displays, a canopy of lights, special effects and a fireworks finale. This runs through Nov. 2.
The Christkindl Market
Heads up, the Christkindl Market is moving to a new location at the Lawrenceville Lawn starting on Black Friday. Enjoy German, International and local foods, along with hot cocoa and mulled apple cider. There’s also artisan gifts to shop for during the holiday season. This year, there will be a 50 foot Ferris wheel to ride and the opportunity to get photos with Santa Claus. Admission is free. The market is open weekly throughout December, open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3-8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and open Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The market’s last day open is Christmas Eve. And there’s extended hours during the week of Christmas.
Latin Restaurant Week
Get ready to enjoy the varied and delicious flavors of Latin America as Atlanta celebrates Latin Restaurant Week Nov. 7-21. Popular restaurants include El Santo Gallo, El Super Pan and Palo Santo. See our full guide to Latin-owned businesses in Atlanta to find some of the many delicious restaurants to enjoy, along with shops to explore.
Hot Sauce Fest ATL
The Hot Sauce Fest ATL is coming to Atlantucky Brewing in Downtown on Nov. 15 from noon until 6 p.m. Test your tolerance for some of the best hot sauces from local and national makers. Winners will be crowned for the Top Sauce Boss and Scovillier Award, so don’t miss it.
Sushi Rolling Class
Executive Chef and Sushi Chef Wendy Roman will guide guests through the making of three signature sushi rolls. Guests will enjoy a curated sake tasting with three distinct pours served during the class. Reservations are strongly encouraged as the class have sold-out in the past.
Dates are Nov. 5 and 19 beginning at 7 p.m.
(Photo courtesy of Bully Boy)
Immersive Sound Bath with Mala Mantra at The St. Regis
Enjoy an aura cleanse, relax into the rhythm of Himalayan South Bowls and allow guided meditation to bring you into deep calm and renewal. Guests will receive a mala mantra bracelet. The session is Nov. 12.
(Photo courtesy of The St. Regis)
Tea with Santa
Enjoy tea with Santa Claus and a mischievous little elf to get the family into the holiday spirit. This 1.5-hour experience includes one artfully selected tea complemented with delectable holiday sweets and savories. Book your experience from Nov. 27 through Dec. 24.
(Photo courtesy of The St. Regis)
Callanwolde Winter House
Step into the season at Callanwolde Winter House, where art, history and holiday spirit come together inside one of Atlanta’s most elegant estates. Once the home of Charles Howard Candler, the eldest son of Coca-Cola founder Asa Griggs Candler, the mansion glows with festive décor, creative workshops and family-friendly fun.
Guests can enjoy free admission to explore the historic rooms, browse artist installations and snap a photo with Santa. Favorite activities include Blitzen’s Bingo, Holiday Story Time and hands-on art projects led by local instructors. Some workshops and performances require advance registration and a few activities have small fees.
Winter House will be open Nov. 29 and 30, Dec. 4 through 7 and Dec. 11 through 14.
Winter Lights are Here
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a beautiful sight to see fully lit up at night during Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Receiving many accolades in previous years, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights this year will feature new music and choreography for “Nature’s Wonders,” the world’s largest curtain of synchronized light and sound. The tree sculptures featured in this summer’s Enchanted Trees by Poetic Kinetics will create an Enchanted Avenue of color and light. Tickets must be purchased in advance because the event fills up quickly The lights will shine starting Nov. 15.
Fernbank Museum AGLOW
Fernbank Museum of Natural History presents its after-hours multi-sensory adventure, “WildWoods: AGLOW,” beginning Nov. 14. The nighttime experience combines dramatic artistry and original music compositions to immerse guests in the wonderland.
Opening night on Nov. 14 will be Fernbank After Dark, an experience for anyone 21 and older, so plan accordingly. WildWoods: AGLOW will continue through the end of February.
IllumiNights at the Zoo
There are so many holiday lights to be seen throughout Atlanta but none are as wild as at Zoo Atlanta. The Zoo becomes a dazzling nighttime wonderland with hundreds of illuminated wildlife lanterns and displays celebrating the beauty and magic of nature after dark.
There’s a mile-long trail glowing with spectacular lanterns of exotic animals and scenes from around the globe. Enjoy hot cocoa or signature holiday cocktails for guests 21 and up. IllumiNights runs from Nov. 21 through Jan. 18.
Light Up The Season
The holiday season is upon us and Piedmont Park is bringing a 50-foot tree, menorah and kinara to the park. This new tradition is for people of all communities to create family memories that will last a lifetime. The tree lighting is Nov. 23 at 6 p.m.
Cheer on Your Team
Atlanta Falcons
Football season is in full swing, and on Nov. 16, the Atlanta Falcons take on the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta Hawks
Come support the Hawks at State Farm Arena during their November home games:
Orlando Magic, Nov. 4
Toronto Raptors, Nov. 7
Los Angeles Lakers, Nov. 8
Detroit Pistons, Nov. 18
Charlotte Hornets, Nov. 23
Cleveland Cavaliers, Nov. 28
For things to do in Atlanta any old time, check in with our calendar of events. Find out Atlanta Attractions Open on Thanksgiving Day or discover Things to Do Over Thanksgiving Weekend in Atlanta.
A Chicago transplant, Taylor loves exploring what makes Atlanta the place to be. Name a popular festival, food hall or brewery to check out and she will be there.
Originally Published October 6, 2025
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