Thanksgiving is mostly observed in the United States and Canada. Thanksgiving Day is observed on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States, and on the second Monday of October in Canada.
Both countries observe Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday, with many businesses and schools closed. It is a day to express gratitude and spend time with family and friends. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are classic Thanksgiving meals in the United States. The supper in Canada may include comparable items, but it may also include regional variances.
Things to do on Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day is a time to give thanks and celebrate with friends and family. It is a day to enjoy good food, good company, and good times. If you are looking for ways to celebrate Thanksgiving Day near Atlanta, here are 10 ideas to get you started.
- Enjoy a Thanksgiving Day Feast
- Go to a Parade
- Volunteer
- Attend a Thanksgiving Day Service
- Watch Football
- Take a Hike
- Visit a Museum
- Take a Tour
- Go Ice Skating
- Host a Friendsgiving
Enjoy a Thanksgiving Day Feast
The traditional way to celebrate Thanksgiving Day is by enjoying a delicious meal with family and friends. Many restaurants in Atlanta offer special Thanksgiving menus, or you can cook your own meal at home. If you’re looking for restaurants in Atlanta to enjoy a Thanksgiving Day feast, here are some options to consider:
- St. Cecilia
- The Southern Gentleman
- Canoe
- The Capital Grille
- Ray’s on the River
- Murphy’s
- Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
- Atlanta Fish Market
- JCT. Kitchen & Bar
- The Sun Dial
Go to a Parade
Although the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Celebration in New York City is a well-known event, Atlanta also has its own parade. The Children’s Christmas Parade, which takes place the Saturday following Thanksgiving, includes floats, balloons, and marching bands.
Volunteer
Volunteering on Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful way to give back to the community and help those in need. If you’re interested in volunteering in Atlanta on Thanksgiving Day, here are some organizations and events to consider:
- Atlanta Community Food Bank
- Hosea Helps
- The Salvation Army
- Hands on Atlanta
- Atlanta Mission
- Trees Atlanta
- Open Hand Atlanta
Attend a Thanksgiving Day Service
Many churches in Atlanta offer special Thanksgiving Day services, which are a great way to give thanks and celebrate the holiday. If you’re looking for a place to attend a Thanksgiving Day service in Atlanta, here are some famous churches to consider:
- Ebenezer Baptist Church
- Cathedral of St. Philip
- Peachtree Road United Methodist Church
- The Temple
- First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta
- Mount Paran Church of God
- All Saints’ Episcopal Church
Watch Football
Thanksgiving Day is also known for football. You can watch the Atlanta Falcons game at home or a local sports bar with friends and family.
Take a Hike
If you want to get outside and enjoy the fall weather, many hiking trails near Atlanta offer beautiful views of the changing leaves. Atlanta, also known as the “city in the forest,” offers many hiking trails for nature enthusiasts. Here are some popular hiking trails in Atlanta:
- East Palisades Trail
- West Palisades Trail
- Arabia Mountain Trail
- Sweetwater Creek State Park
- Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
- Stone Mountain Park
Visit a Museum
Many museums in Atlanta are open on Thanksgiving Day. The High Museum of Art, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Atlanta History Center are just a few of the options.
Take a Tour
Atlanta is a city with a rich history and culture. You can tour the city to learn more about its landmarks, neighborhoods, and history.
Go Ice Skating
The holiday season is a great time to go ice skating. Ice skating is a fun and festive activity to enjoy on Thanksgiving Day in Atlanta. Here are some places where you can go ice skating on Thanksgiving Day in Atlanta:
- Centennial Olympic Park
- Atlantic Station
- The Ice Rink at Park Tavern
- Avalon on Ice
- The Rink at Sugar Hill
Host a Friendsgiving
If you can’t be with family on Thanksgiving Day, you can still celebrate with friends. Host a Friendsgiving party, share a meal, watch movies, or play games together.
