Hello, local readers! Hot off the press is this week’s edition of our weekend guide, filled with the best things to do in and around Atlanta this Thursday through Sunday. As always, be sure to add anything we missed in the comments section. Enjoy your weekend!!

Macy’s Great Tree Lighting

Lenox Square Mall. Thursday, 6:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Free.

Bring the whole family out to Lenox Square Mall after your turkey feast for the Macy’s Great Tree Lighting.  Trace Atkins, Chris Mann, Cynphonique Miller, the Macy’s All-Star Holiday Choir and the Macy’s All Star Cheer Squad will all be there.  There will also be a fireworks display set to holiday music after the tree is lit.

More info and directions

photo credit: andrewmalone

Cookies with Santa

Zoo Atlanta. Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. $10 members; $15 non-members.  Reservations required.

Wake up from your turkey coma and visit with old St. Nick! Celebrate Santa coming to town with hot chocolate and cookies, crafts, animal encounters and more! Admission also includes a professional photo with Santa!

More info and directions

Atlanta Half Marathon

Turner Field. Thursday, 7:30 a.m. $95.  $5 per car to park at Turner Field.

That pumpkin pie will never taste better than after running 13.1 miles in one of the largest half marathons in the US.  The course starts and finishes just outside of Turner Field and is a scenic route through some of Atlanta’s most famous landmarks including Centennial Olympic Park, Atlantic Station, Piedmont Park and Oakland Cemetery.

More info and directions

Q100’s 9th Annual Turkey Eve

Andrew’s Entertainment District. Wednesday, 8:00 p.m. $5 in advance. 21+.

You don’t have to go to work tomorrow so why not hang out at Andrew’s Entertainment District for Turkey Eve?  There will be live music from Justin, drink specials and several Q100 personalities there giving away prizes.

More info and directions

Black Friday Bash

Atlantic Station. Friday, 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  Free.

Ready to shop till you drop?  Head over to Atlantic Station on Friday morning for a day filled with Black Friday deals and live entertainment.  There will be bands performing starting at 2pm and if you spend more than $250, you’ll receive a free ticket to Bodies the Exhibit or Titanic – The Exhibition.  Many stores have extended hours; see the website for specific store hours.

More info and directions

Dom Perignon Masquerade Reception

St. Regis Atlanta. Friday, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. $89.

Wind down all your Black Friday activities with the Knights of Wine Society’s Dom Perignon Masquerade Reception. Enjoy a complimentary glass of Dom Perignon, a full bar, and hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy all this and more from behind of ball mask and know that a portion of the proceeds with be benefiting charitable organizations.

More info and directions