Things to do Thanksgiving Week

As Thanksgiving approaches, friends and family gather to celebrate the holiday season with festive events, activities, and more. Spend the week indulging in delicious food, bonding with your loved ones, and getting a head start on Christmas adventures. Milledgeville has plenty in store for this Thanksgiving week with exciting events including a holiday light show, Christmas at the Mansion, local shopping on Saturday, and more! Here is a list of things to do this Thanksgiving week:

Thanksgiving Week 

Christmas Cove at Lake Sinclair

Starting Thanksgiving evening, visitors can enjoy the unique Christmas Cove light display on Lake Sinclair, viewable exclusively by boat. This festive event is a community effort to raise funds and awareness for the Ocmulgee Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children. Families staying in Milledgeville's lakeside rentals, with access to their own boat, will love the magic of twinkling lights reflecting on the water. Be on the lookout for Santa, who makes special appearances on select nights, adding even more holiday cheer to this lakeside tradition.

Self-Guided Tours

Looking for a leisurely stroll? Pick up a Historic Walking Tour Guide Brochure from the self-serve box on the exterior of the Milledgeville Visitors Center. The guide features 46 properties that are significant to the history and architecture of Milledgeville. Founded in 1803 around a series of beautiful squares and wide streets, Milledgeville was designed to be a capital city. For more than 60 years, she remained the capital. Well-preserved Federal-style architecture, enhanced by noteworthy Greek Revival, Victorian, and Classic revival houses await you.

New this season, we also offer a Self-Guided Ghost Tour online. Find out more about the spirits rumored to still roam throughout Milledgeville. The best way to take this tour is in the comfort of your own car! 

Have a Feast 

Enjoy a taste of Thanksgiving comfort at Stacked. While their monthly specials vary, November’s Sandwich of the Month stays the same. Their Turkey and Cranberry Sandwich offers a classic combination of turkey and provolone cheese, with an exciting whole-berry cranberry sauce.

Place your order now for a freshly baked pie from the Goodie Gallery. They have an array of different options including chocolate, lemon, coconut, sweet potato, apple, and pecan. You can also order their famous cheesecake. It is the perfect treat to indulge in after a delicious Thanksgiving meal.

Natural History Museum

Visit the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic Eras and see fossils from Georgia and all around the world! The Georgia College William P. Wall Museum of Natural History is a 2,500-square-foot museum dedicated to earth sciences, emphasizing paleontology–the study of fossils and ancient life forms. Located in Herty Hall, this interactive exhibit is perfect for anyone traveling with children this holiday season. The museum will be open Thanksgiving week, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on November 25th- 27th, 2024. 

Holiday Sips

Need to unwind after a Thanksgiving feast? Grab a couple of beers at Amici to round out the amazing holiday. Amici’s bar will be open Thanksgiving night starting at 9:00 p.m. Sip on something festive like Smoked New Fashion, New Island Berry Sangria, Pumpkin White Russian, and S’mores Martini.

Local favorite, the Brick will also open their bar on Thanksgiving evening from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. Check out their seasonal drinks like the Autumn Fizz, Campfire Sling, Brown Sugar Espresso Martini, Apple Cider Mimosa, and Fireside. 

Thanksgiving Weekend

SEE FESTIVE HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Celebrate the holiday season at the all-new Lockerly in Lights display on Friday and Saturday evenings from November 14th to December 21st. Enjoy a dazzling drive-through experience on Thursday nights for $15 per car (cash only), or immerse yourself in a walk-through wonderland on Friday and Saturday nights with advance tickets at $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Don't miss this opportunity to create unforgettable memories and support your local community in the heartwarming glow of holiday lights.

Run the Turkey Trot

On Saturday, November 28th, the Oconee River Greenway Foundation is hosting the 1st Annual Turkey Trot at 8:00 a.m. at the Oconee River Greenway Park and Riverwalk. Participants can sign up for the 5k event or the 1-mile fun run version. If you want to explore the area on your own, the Greenway offers trails, paths, and boardwalks to walk, jog, bicycle, relax, and enjoy the beauty and sounds of the river. The Greenway is picturesque this time of year with colorful autumn leaves covering the walkways. 

Guided Historic Tours

Make the most of your Thanksgiving weekend by exploring Milledgeville’s rich history on a guided tour! On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, hop aboard Milly the Trolley for the Historic Milledgeville Tour at 10:00 a.m., a fascinating journey through the town’s storied past. From charming Antebellum homes to iconic landmarks, this tour offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant history and architecture. For those who prefer to stretch their legs and want to learn more about Milledgeville, the Statehouse Square Walking Tour at 11:30 a.m. is the perfect option. This one-hour guided walking tour delves into the history of Milledgeville as Georgia's state capital, and visitors can get a unique tour of the interior of Georgia's Old Capital Building. Both tours provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and charm of Milledgeville, making them a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving weekend plans.

Bowling & Movies

Enjoy a relaxing weekend with the whole family. Head to the AMC Theatre and watch an entertaining movie while indulging in delicious menu items like pretzel bites, movie nachos, and refillable popcorn buckets, all at a great value. Located on 2400 N Columbia Street, the theatre will be showing exciting new releases this Thanksgiving including Wicked, Moana 2, Here, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. 

Partake in some friendly competition at Lake Country Bowling Lanes. The newly renovated bowling alley has a sports bar, pool tables, pizza, and more! Located at 184 Roberson Mill Road, this local joint is a perfect opportunity to bond with friends and family. 

Shop Local

November 30th is National Small Business Saturday. Support our local businesses and find a personalized gift for those near and dear to you. Whether you are looking for local artwork or a cozy sweater, you can find the perfect gift for the holidays in our locally owned shops. After you are done shopping, rest your feet and indulge in delicious food and drinks from our wide selection of local restaurants (mid-day cocktails, anyone?). If you are in downtown Milledgeville, grab a slice of pizza and wings at the Brick. Opened in 1993, this local favorite continues to provide high-quality food and service.