15 Best Things to Do Thanksgiving Weekend

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 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. Go Out Thanksgiving Night

If the coach 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.

3. 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 29.

4. Hit a Holiday Market

Shop and support local at a holiday market this season. Thanksgiving weekend has three markets happening for Small Business Saturday: Falling Into Place Holiday Market, Small Business Saturday at Arrow Creative, Small Business Makers Market at Memphis Made, and Holiday Market at HiTone. In addition to those one-day markets, there are many ongoing markets in general to check out. More info.

5. 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.

6. Hit an Adult-Only Holiday Show with Who’s Holiday at The Circuit Playhouse

Leave the kids at home for this holiday show. In Who’s Holiday! Cindy Lou Who is all grown up but she’s no longer an innocent little girl. She’s got a lot more tricks up her sleeves in this adult comedy guaranteed to have you laughing all night long. The show runs November 22 to December 22.  This week, catch the show on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night.

7. Get Hallmark Vibes at Collierville’s Town Square

Why watch a Hallmark movie at home when you can live it? Experience the magic and beauty of Collierville Town Square during the holiday season with festive events and a quarter-million holiday lights in the historic district. Santa will be at Gazebo on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with music performances to get you into the holiday spirit.

8. Walk Off the Thanksgiving Feast at Holiday Wonders at Botanic Garden

The Memphis Botanic Garden is a beautiful sight during the annual Holiday Wonders. It opens for the holiday season on Friday, Nov. 29. Take in the towering Christmas tree during your journey through the garden, enjoy festive drinks, and let the kids play! There are festive photo-ops, increased character engagements, and food trucks on-site on weekends.

9. See Peter Pan at The Orpheum Theatre

Broadway productions hit different during the holidays in the beautiful Orpheum Theatre. This Thanksgiving, we’re lucky enough to have the high-flying musical adapted from the classic adventures of Peter Pan. Peter Pan embraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning–your entire family will be Hooked!

10. Lace up Your Skates and Walking Shoes at Zoo Lights

Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the holiday season as Truist Zoo Lights returns to Memphis Zoo. With mesmerizing light displays, beloved classics, and exciting new additions, this is the place to be for a merry and bright holiday experience. Don’t forget to grab a photo in the iconic Light Tunnel before hitting the ice rink.

11. 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.

12. Dine or Drink at a Holiday Pop-Up Bar

There are a few bars and restaurants transforming their spaces with festive decor. Miracle at The Liquor Store is always an annual favorite that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting (starts Nov. 29!). 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.

13. Hit a Brand New Food & Market Festival

Hop, skip, walk, rideshare your way over to Grind City Brewing on December 1 for the new The Leftovers Food & Market Festival--perfectly named for a post-Thanksgiving event. There will be food trucks, vendors, and lots of fun to be had. Your ticket also includes a complimentary drink.

14. Strut Your Best High-Fashion Rainforest Outfits at Fashion Show

One of Memphis' premier fashion shows, The Category Fashion Show, will be held at the Cossitt Library in downtown on December 1. Step into a rainforest of high fashion as models emerge from their books to highlight genres, titles, and innovative design at this year's annual event.

15. Go Back in Time at the Pompeii: The Exhibition

The Graceland Exhibition Center is currently hosting a super cool exhibition that showcases the historical experience of the ancient city of Pompeii that was frozen in time by a catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. This exhibit it closed on Thanksgiving day but opens again daily on Friday. The exhibition features 150+ artifacts, multimedia displays, and more.