15+ Best Things to Do Thanksgiving Weekend
Stuffed full of food but itching to still get out during Thanksgiving weekend? Here are the 15 best things to do Thanksgiving weekend.
Stuffed full of food but itching to still get out during Thanksgiving weekend? Here are the 15 best things to do Thanksgiving weekend.
Thanksgiving weekend is the kickoff to the holidays. No longer is there any shame for listening to holiday music too early or having your decorations up since November 1. It’s your time now. Celebrate it. Bask in it!
1. Participate in Memphis’ Original Turkey Trot
Before you get too full, get a burn in and eat all those calories guilt free. The Memphis Turkey Trot starts Thanksgiving morning at 9 a.m. at Shelby Farms Park. Choose between a four-mile run or the two-mile relay. Plus, you get a super cute turkey medal for finishing.
2. Cheer on the Memphis Tigers against Navy
The last regular football game of the season falls on Thanksgiving night for the Memphis Tigers. The Tigers kickoff at home at 6:30 p.m. vs. Navy. Tickets are on sale now.
3. Go Out Thanksgiving Night
If the couch isn’t calling your name, your favorite bars are. For some, Thanksgiving night is an opportunity to get out whether it’s to see old friends in town or if you just have had too much family time (no judgment). Many local bars have made it a tradition to be open. Here’s what bars are open Thanksgiving night.
4. Drive through Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park
The perfect holiday tradition for those who are too full to even think about walking around. Load up in the car with some hot cocoa and hit Shelby Farms Park Starry Nights – the park’s largest fundraiser. Starry Nights brings the spirit of the season to life with dazzling displays featuring millions of lights. Starry Nights opens for the season on November 28.
5. Hit a Holiday Market
Shop and support local at a holiday market this season. Thanksgiving weekend offers several markets happening for Small Business Saturday: South Main Holiday Market, Small Business Saturday Pop Up Market at Flyway Brewing, Small Business Holiday Arts Market at the Brooks Museum and Small Biz Saturday Vintage Market at Blue Suede Vintage. In addition to those one-day markets, there are many ongoing markets in general to check out here.
6. Give Back by Volunteering
The holidays are all about the giving spirit. If you're not already a regular volunteer, this is the time to start! Don't know where to start? Volunteer Odyssey is a great resource and curates hundreds of volunteer opportunities every month and they are always in need of more volunteers. Check out all the opportunities this week. We also have a blog featuring a number of ways to give back for Thanksgiving.
7. Catch the Holiday Comedy A Tuna Christmas at The Circuit Playhouse
Head to The Circuit Playhouse for A Tuna Christmas, a hilarious holiday tale set in the quirky town of Tuna, Texas. Follow the town’s chaotic yard display contest, a mischievous “Christmas Phantom,” and more than 20 eccentric characters—all played by just two actors. The show runs November 21 to December 21, with performances this week on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night.
8. Get Hallmark Vibes at Collierville’s Town Square
Why watch a Hallmark movie at home when you can live it? Experience the magic of Collierville Town Square on November 29 with festive lights, strolling carolers from Opera Memphis, and free photos with Santa in the gazebo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your own camera—pictures are first come, first served, and Santa departs promptly at 2.
9. Walk Off the Thanksgiving Feast at Holiday Wonders at Botanic Garden
The Memphis Botanic Garden transforms into a winter wonderland for Holiday Wonders at the Garden, running November 28–December 30. Stroll glowing trails, enjoy themed nights, cozy up by firetables, explore the all-new Polar Passage experience, and take advantage of festive photo ops and interactive play areas. With nightly food trucks, seasonal drinks, a new mobile app for easy navigation, and special events like Santa Sundays and Paw-liday Wonders, this beloved tradition offers something magical for every age.
10. See & Juliet at The Orpheum Theatre
Broadway hits different during the holidays at the beautiful Orpheum Theatre, and this year & Juliet is bringing the fun from Nov. 25-30. This high-energy musical flips the script on Shakespeare’s classic love story with chart-topping pop hits and a fresh, fearless take on Juliet’s journey. It’s the perfect feel-good show to kick off the season with friends, family, or a festive night out.
11. Explore the Magic of the New Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival
Step into a dazzling new holiday tradition as the Memphis Zoo debuts its Lantern Festival, featuring stunning illuminated sculptures and immersive light displays throughout the grounds. Wander through vibrant themed scenes, snap photos in glowing installations, and experience the zoo like never before in this breathtaking, family-friendly winter celebration. This does sell out so buy tickets in advance. It's open every night minus Thanksgiving.
12. Spend an Evening in the Peabody Grand Lobby
The Historic Peabody Hotel is all elegance for the holidays. The Grand Lobby is decorated with the largest tree that can fit inside with 20,000 twinking lights. It feels magical to sit in the space with holiday music playing while enjoying one of their cocktails. Please note that the tree lighting ceremony Thanksgiving night is for hotel guests only.
13. Dine or Drink at a Holiday Pop-Up Bar
There are a few bars and restaurants transforming their spaces with festive decor. The Miracle pop-up (an annual favorite) moves this year to Hen House. Magnolia & May is turning into Magnolia & Mistletoe. Enjoy a coffee at JoJo’s Espresso which is coming off their Harry Potter themed decor in the holiday spirit. Wolf River Brisket also super decked out for the holidays. New this year, but starts after this weekend, is a Surfin Santa pop-up at Mary's B.O.T.E. and Young Ave. looks super festive too!
14. Experience the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees
Kick off the holiday season at the Museum of Science & History – Pink Palace with the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees, running November 15–December 28 (closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day). Stroll through beautifully decorated trees, meet animated characters and Santa, explore the gingerbread village and penguin pond, and enjoy festive sights and sounds for the whole family. Advance tickets are recommended, especially for Thanksgiving weekend.
15. Fun for the Family Options
Get out and get moving! Here are some family-friendly options. Game Nite Lounge, an immersive entertainment and gaming experience is open Wednesday and Friday-Sunday. The Adventure Museum, a social gaming facility, is also open Wednesday and Friday-Sunday. Memphis Escape Rooms (both locations) will be open Wednesday and Friday-Sunday. Putt Putt Golf & Games will be open Thanksgiving week daily at 9 a.m. with attractions opening at 1 p.m. like lasertag, Maxflight, batting cages, and go karts.
Main Event is rolling out family-friendly deals all Thanksgiving week, from Kids Eat Free Tuesday and Friendsgiving drink specials to Thanksgiving Day fun starting at 4 p.m. and a Black Friday All-You-Can-Play offer with a bonus Fun Card. It’s an easy way to keep the whole crew entertained from Nov. 25–28.
16. Catch a concert!
Venues like B-Side will offer live music every night of the week. Kick things off Wednesday with Ari Zelig from 7–9 p.m. and Skiptown at 10 p.m., then catch Devil Train on Thursday at 10 p.m. Friday features The MD’s with Marcella Simien, Erik Stone, Art Edmaiston, and Tom Clary at 9 p.m., followed by Slippery People on Saturday at 9 p.m. A great resource to follow for all the shows happening is Where's The Music Memphis. When in doubt, walk down Beale Street! Several clubs will open at night with live music.
17. Keep the Shopping Going on Museum Store Sunday
On Sunday, November 30, the Metal Museum, National Civil Rights Museum, and MoSH’s Pink Palace Museum & Mansion are joining the national Museum Store Sunday movement, inviting Memphians to explore their galleries and shop meaningful, mission-supporting gifts. From handmade metal art and educational collectibles to Memphis-themed items like the Pink Palace’s MONOPOLY board, purchases directly benefit exhibitions, programs, and preservation efforts across these beloved institutions. It’s the perfect way to find thoughtful holiday gifts while supporting local culture. Shop online or in-store!
The Metal Museum Store
Open Tuesday through Sunday | 11AM to 5PM
374 Metal Museum Drive, Memphis, TN 38104
Shop online or in-store: metalmuseum.org/shop
National Civil Rights Museum
Open Monday, Wednesday-Sunday | 9AM to 5PM
450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103
Shop online or in-store: https://shop.
Pink Palace Museum & Mansion
Open Tuesday through Sunday | 10:30AM to 5PM
3050 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38111
moshmemphis.com
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