Turkey Time: Your Itinerary for Thanksgiving Weekend in Boston

November 13, 2018 | , ,
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Things to Do in Boston Over Thanksgiving Weekend

Is it turkey time already? How the heck did that happen?! Yes folks, it’s mid-November and the holiday season is practically upon us. If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving in Boston, as a resident or guest, we want to make sure you’re not without great activities to do. There’s a lot of fun stuff going on around town this time of year, and when you’re all turky’d out and ready to exit your food coma we’ve got your back. Now, we know that some of you need to move and groove after eating such an indulgent meal and others want to keep the relaxation and indulgence going, so we have options for everyone!

Thursday, November 22nd (Thanksgiving Day)

Franklin Park Turkey Trot

parents and kid dressed up for race

Photo Credit: Getty Images

If you want to do some good and get active on Thanksgiving then sign up for the 6th Annual Turkey Trot put on by the Franklin Park Coalition to raise money for the activities, advocacy, and restoration work performed year-round by the Franklin Park Coalition. They call it their “Parksgiving Fundraiser.” Oh, and it’s highly encouraged that you dress up in a costume, Thanksgiving-related or not. Get creative!

Gobble Gobble Gobble Race

runners dressed like turkeys

Photo Credit: Pedals and Paddles Worldwide

For another activity calling you to lace ’em up, sign up for the 22nd Annual Gobble Gobble Gobble Race that spans 4k, starting and ending in Davis Square in Cambridge. It is also highly encouraged to dress up in costume for this race, and people really like to go all out. Extra points (from us) for gobbling the whole way!

Gratitude Flow at Coolidge Yoga

yogi sitting with hands to prayer

Photo Credit: Coolidge Yoga

Both the Brookline and South End locations of Coolidge Yoga are holding a Gratitude Flow on the morning of Thanksgiving. Come to your mat to start the holiday off from a calm place and take that with you as the hectic-ness of the holidays ensues. Yoga is the perfect way to express gratitude for yourself and others on this holiday for giving thanks.

A Taste of Country Thanksgiving at Beat Brew Hall

event poster

Photo Credit: Beat Brew Hall

Beat Brew Hall, formerly called The Beat Hotel, is starting a new Thanksgiving tradition! They are inviting guests to join them for an all-American evening of food and tunes. There will be live country, Americana, and bluegrass music all day. They offer a three-course menu for $55 and an a la carte menu for kids ages 10 and under. Reservations are highly encouraged.

Live Music and Thanksgiving Dinner at The Beehive

event poster

Photo Credit: The Beehive

The Beat Brew Hall’s sister restaurant, The Beehive is also getting groovy for Thanksgiving this year, offering live music and great food all night. They are offering a three-course Thanksgiving menu for $65 for adults and $20 for kids under the age of 10. Reservations are highly recommended for this event as well. As a bonus, after 9pm they will be serving their leftovers menu and continuing with the live music.

Henrietta’s Table All-Day Buffet

inside henrietta's table

Photo Credit: The Charles Hotel

If you’re in town for turkey-day and not planning on cooking or going to someone’s house, join Henrietta’s Table for their all-day Thanksgiving buffet and enjoy every bit of a delicious and hearty Thanksgiving meal without any of the prep, stress, or clean up! Sounds pretty ideal to us…

(Black) Friday, November 23rd

Macy’s Tree Lighting

tree lighting and confetti

Photo Credit: Boston.com

If you’re one of those Christmas begins the day after Thanksgiving kind of people, then you’ll be looking for some festivities of the like. Macy’s in Downtown Crossing will be getting in the Christmas spirit all afternoon beginning at 2pm with fun family festivities inside and pictures with Santa. Then at 5pm they will unveil their Christmas windows and light their tree!

Downtown Boston Holiday Market

holiday market at night

Photo Credit: Boston University

If you you can’t wait for the holiday shopping spree to begin then get started this Black Friday at the Downtown Boston Holiday Market where local vendors will be selling different artisan products. Expect to see jewelry, woodcarvings, metal sculptures, food, candles, clothing, holiday goods, and a ton more. Make sure you get yourself a gift too!

Black Friday at Sam Adams Brewery

cheersing tasting glasses

Photo Credit: @silielilme via Instagram

Did someone say beer for breakfast?! Wake up early and head to the Sam Adams Brewery for their Black Friday sale from 10am-12pm. Hangout and sip on their holiday brews that they’ll launch that day. If you’re not already compelled, then check this out – anyone who orders a holiday beer flight will get a doughnut from Kane’s Doughnuts. Sign. Us. Up.

Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

family playing game

Photo Credit: Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

If all that food from the day before is making you want to get on your feet, then have some fun while being active with the Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure run by Urban Adventure Quest. It’s taking place from 10:30am-7:30pm, starting at Boston Common where they’re helping you turn Boston into a giant game board. Guided from any smart phone, teams make their way among well known and overlooked gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning local history. There are two adventures to choose from: Boston Freedom Trail or Boston Harbor.

A Christmas Carol

play

Photo Credit: Central Square Theater

If you feel like a classy evening at the theater (insert British accent), then let the Underground Railway Theater’s production of A Christmas Carol dazzle you and your guests. They have put their own spin on the classic featuring puppetry, a live musical score, dancing, and an intimate setting. Get ready to ring in the holiday season with this show because their holiday energy is vibrant!

Drinks and Dessert at Southern Proper

After eating leftovers all day, get out of the house and head to Southern Proper, the new addition to the South End, for drinks and dessert. They know how to mix up their whiskey cocktails and they suuure know how to handle dessert. You must try the biscuit ice cream sandwich! That’s right, BISCUIT ICE CREAM SANDWICH.

Saturday, November 24th

Bites of Boston Walking Food Tour

dim sum

Photo Credit: Bites of Boston

Stuck between wanting to get out and about in the city and wanting to keep the eating marathon going? Then Bites of Boston Food Tours is waiting to show you a great time. Join them for one of their walking neighborhood food tours. Being offered on Saturday are two different tours – Chinatown’s Culture & Cuisine Tour and the Sweet & Savory South End Tour. Get your steps in while learning about the rich history behind some of Boston’s most interesting neighborhoods and restaurants, while tasting delicious bites that have been specially selected along with the restaurant owners. This is the perfect holiday activity for your family to enjoy together!

Downtown Boston Holiday Market

market at night

Photo Credit: Boston University

If you you can’t wait for the holiday shopping spree to begin then get started this Black Friday at the Downtown Boston Holiday Market where local vendors will be selling different artisan products. Expect to see jewelry, woodcarvings, metal sculptures, food, candles, clothing, holiday goods, and a ton more. Make sure you get yourself a gift too!

Boston’s Biggest Disco

people dressed up in disco clothes

Photo Credit: YouTube

If you’re not busting at the seams from all the turkey and you feel like busting a move, then head to Boston’s Biggest Disco in the theater district. Go all out with your outfit as you dance to disco music all night and enjoy delicious food. This event is in support of Dana-Farber and The Jimmy Fund, so you’ll be giving back while enjoying a night of disco funk!

Drinks and Chill at Rowes Wharf Sea Grille

autumn punch

Photo Credit: Rowes Wharf Sea Grille

Let the good times keep rolling with a round of fall-inspired drinks at the Rowes Wharf Sea Grille. The combination of their drink list and the river view makes us feel like we’re frolicking through a pile of leaves on a perfectly crisp day. Think Rosemary Maple Bourbon Smash, Autumn Punch, and Cranberry Chai Sangria…see what we mean? Cheers!

A Christmas Carol

play

Photo Credit: Central Square Theater

If you feel like a classy evening at the theater (insert British accent), then let the Underground Railway Theater’s production of A Christmas Carol dazzle you and your guests. They have put their own spin on the classic featuring puppetry, a live musical score, dancing, and an intimate setting. Get ready to ring in the holiday season with this show because their holiday energy is vibrant!

Sunday, November 25th

Brunch at Buttermilk & Bourbon

brunch

Photo Credit: Buttermilk & Bourbon

Indulge without having to lift a finger in the kitchen and head to Buttermilk & Bourbon for their insanely delicious brunch. Why is it not Sunday RIGHT NOW? Some of the things you’ll find on their menu include, Slow-Cooked Short Rib Hash, Apple Cider French Toast, and Crawfish Boudin Croquettes. Commence drooling.

Bites of Boston Walking Food Tour

tour guests at elephant walk

Photo Credit: Bites of Boston

Stuck between wanting to get out and about in the city and wanting to keep the eating marathon going? Then Bites of Boston Food Tours is waiting to show you a great time. Join them for one of their walking neighborhood food tours. Being offered on Sunday is the Sweet & Savory South End Tour. Get your steps in while learning about the rich history behind some of Boston’s most interesting neighborhoods and restaurants, while tasting delicious bites that have been specially selected along with the restaurant owners. This is the perfect holiday activity for your family to enjoy together!

Downtown Boston Holiday Market

holiday market

Photo Credit: Boston University

If you you can’t wait for the holiday shopping spree to begin then get started this Black Friday at the Downtown Boston Holiday Market where local vendors will be selling different artisan products. Expect to see jewelry, woodcarvings, metal sculptures, food, candles, clothing, holiday goods, and a ton more. Make sure you get yourself a gift too!

SoWa Vintage Market

vintage cart and glasses

Photo Credit: SoWa Vintage Market

If shopping vintage is your jam then Boston has exactly the place for you. The SoWa Vintage Market hosts vendors selling curated collections of vintage and designer goods. This market is open year-round on Sundays from 10am-4pm. Whether you buy anything or not it’s a great way to spend an afternoon browsing some awesome vintage stuff in the South End.

A Christmas Carol

play

Photo Credit: Central Square Theater

If you feel like a classy evening at the theater (insert British accent), then let the Underground Railway Theater’s production of A Christmas Carol dazzle you and your guests. They have put their own spin on the classic featuring puppetry, a live musical score, dancing, and an intimate setting. Get ready to ring in the holiday season with this show because their holiday energy is vibrant!

Bootleg Special for Late Lunch or Dinner

crawfish mac and cheese and cocktail

Photo Credit: Bites of Boston

To finish off the holiday weekend with a memorable meal in a unique spot head to Bootleg Special, our of our favorite new restaurants in Boston’s South End neighborhood. They call themselves a “uniquely urban take on a classic underground creole hangout,” and they’ve nailed it! While their specialty is cajun seafood – boils and po’boys – they push the envelope far beyond that with things like garlic noodles, cajun fried rice, and crawfish mac and cheese. Oh yeah, and the drink menu is dangerously appealing with some of the classics re-vamped.

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