Anaheim, CA
Disneyland Thanksgiving Day Parade - November 22nd
This televised parade features all of your favorite Disney characters, as well as live performers, singers, cheerleaders, school bands and much more. Get a front row seat on Main St. USA to enjoy the Show. For more information call: (714) 781-4565
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day
Anaheim White House: (714) 772-1381
A Disney Family Thanksgiving Feast: (714)781-DINE
Napa Rose: (714) 781-DINE
Avon, CO
Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition, November 21st
Join in the fun at Vail Valley’s traditional opening day Chocolate Chip Cookie competition. At this event the top five cookie recipes will be chosen to compete for bragging rights this holiday season. There will be over 5,000 cookies for hungry skiers and riders to vote on and enjoy. Beaver Creek Mountain, 210 Offerson Rd, Avon, CO. (970) 754-4636
The 30th Annual Tree Lighting and Gingerbread Competition, November 30th
Celebrate the holidays at the Annual Tree Lighting ceremony this season. This over the top seasonal festivity includes carolers, poetry, Santa, and fireworks! To top off the holiday cheer, there will be a Gingerbread House Competition taking place at Ford Hall, where visitors will feast their eyes of some of the most delicious houses around.
Beaver Creek Mountain, 210 Offerson Rd, Avon, CO. (970) 754-4636
Branson, MO
Branson Area Festival of Lights, November 1st-Jauary 2nd
Enjoy jubilant Branson while the whole town is aglow for the holidays. The centerpiece showcases 175 displays is located off Shepherd of the Hills expressway and Roark Valley Road, at 700 Expressway Lane, Branson, MO 65616. Beginning at dusk until 11p.m. families can enter the drive through for $10 per car, a price that can’t be beat because it is promised to be spectacular. (877) 211-6766
Polar Express on Branson Scenic Railway, November 8–December 22 The Branson Polar Express Scenic Railway will give children and families the experience of being in the movie. Chugging across miles of the Missouri area, visitors will have a chance for many activities while onboard. There will be magical meeting times with Santa, time for caroling to town residents, a surprise gift for the kids, and of course, hot chocolate. Make it an experience that your kids will remember forever; surprise them and let them board in their pajamas! (417) 334-6110
Breckenridge, CO
Wine & Cheese Wednesdays in Breckenridge, November 26th
Offered at the community center in Breckenridge Village, this weekly wine and cheese tasting will be a fantastic way to spend the day before Thanksgiving. At this event enjoy free cheese and taste many different wines. Then choose the perfect wine for your Thanksgiving Day table! 304 South Main Street, Breckenridge CO. (970) 453-7212
Gingerbread Competition, 32nd Annual Tree Lighting, & Free Family Film, November 23
Enjoy the official beginning of Christmas and by getting into the holiday spirit with the whole family. Enjoy carolers, activities, fireworks, a gingerbread competition, and meet with Santa! All of these events take place around the ice rink in Beaver Creek Plaza. Tickets go on sale at 5:00 pm. (970) 754-5241
Carlsbad/Oceanside, CA
Holiday Tree Lighting and Celebration at the Forum in Carlsbad, November 22nd
Carnival from 10am – 7pm, free horse and carriage rides from 2pm – 7pm. Santa will light the Christmas tree at 7pm and kids can visit with Santa until 8:30pm
Oceanside Turkey Trot
A 5-mile run, an open 5K, Local’s 5K, Kid’s 1 mile for ages 9-12, Kid’s 1 mile for ages 7-8, and Kid’s Quarter Mile for ages 6 and under all happening in downtown Oceanside. The Trots will start at the Civic Center and finishing at the Pier. The annual run sponsored by Kinane Event. (760) 435-5255
Restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day
Buca di Beppo: (760) 479-2533
101 Café: (760) 722-5220
Stone Brewing World Bistro: (760) 471-4999
Las Vegas, NV
Thanksgiving Senior High Roller
Held at the Showboat Hotel & Casino in November, this week-long holiday tournament attracts amateur bowlers over 50 years old who compete for USD 500,000. (800) 257-6179
Strut Your Mutt Day
This fun dog show attracts hundreds of dogs and their owners each year. The event is held at the Dog Fancier's Park in the city during November (702) 455-8200
Restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day
Sundance Grill: (702) 263-7777
Turkey-To-Go, JW Marriott: (702) 869-7806
Andre's: (702) 385-5016
Orlando, FL
North Miami Winter National Thanksgiving Day Parade, November 22nd
This year, celebrate Thanksgiving in style at the 37th Annual Winter National Thanksgiving Day Parade in Miami, FL. This colorful event includes TV personalities, floats, marching bands, and incredible performances. Followed by the Winernational Festival which includes food, music and carnival rides, the parade starts at NE 6 Ave and runs east along NE 125 Street, from NE 5-12th Ave. (305) 895-9840
Turkey Trot, November 22nd
While Thanksgiving is a day of indulgence and over eating, it does not mean you have to lie around all day! This year, take place in Miami’s Turkey Trot where you can show how grateful you are for what you have by donating to a cause, and by taking care of your body. Take part in the 5K race or the 10K race for a low cost. Miami’s Turkey Trot also offers a Chobani Champions Kids’ Race for children who want to be just like mom and dad. The race starts at Tropical Park, 7900 Southwest 40 Street, Miami, FL at 7:30am. (305) 278-8668
Palm Springs, CA
The 16th Annual City of Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade
This parade is in honor of all who have served, running between Alejo and Ramon Roads in Palm Springs, CA. There will be a post-parade concert at the main stage and a fireworks finale. (760) 323-8265
College of the Desert Street Fair, Saturday & Sundays
The COD Street Fair features 340 outdoor vendors offering new merchandise, arts, crafts, and a Farmers Market. Open every weekend all year, it is located on the COD campus. Proceeds benefit college programs and students. The Fair runs from October through May, from 7am to 2pm and June through September, 7am to noon. Located on the beautiful College of the Desert campus (43-500 Monterey Avenue), the Street Fair is surrounded by date palms and mountain vistas. Free parking, free admission and free entertainment. For more information, please call (760) 636-7957.
Myrtle Beach, SC
43rd Annual South Carolina State Bluegrass Festival, November 24th-26th
Enjoy even more of America’s roots at the Bluegrass Festival at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This sub-genre of country music will inspire and allure the listener keeping America’s culture and history alive. Tickets are $35 per day and the festival is located at Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578 (706) 864-7103
Intracoastal Christmas Regatta, November 24th
Enjoy a spectacular maritime parade on the Saturday after Thanksgiving at Myrtle Beach. Watch as boats introduce the holiday season with decorated vessels, bright lights and holiday cheer. The regatta is also an opportunity to donate toys for children for Christmas. This parade starts at the Little River Inlet at 5pm, traveling south to the Dock Marina ending at 7pm. Call (866) 249-8888 for more info.
Dickens Christmas Show and Festival, November 8th
The Dickens Christmas Show and Festival offers a distinctive blend of craft and gift exhibits presented in an 19th Century theme. Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Myrtle Beach. (800) 261-5991
San Diego, CA
Hornblower Thanksgiving Day Cruise, November 22nd
Sail around the San Diego bay on the Hornblower. This cruise is perfect for entertaining guest and family members without slaving away in the kitchen. Full buffet, entertainment, and wine list/cocktails list is available. For more information call (619) 686-8715
Holiday of Lights - November 22nd - January 1st
Bring the whole family to largest animated drive-through light show on the West Coast. The Del Mar Fairgrounds plays host to a spectacular holiday light display that visitors view from the comfort of their car. For more information and ticket pricing call: (858) 755-1161
Skating by the Sea - November 21st - January 1st
Ice skate next to the ocean on a raised deck provided by the Hotel del Coronado. Enjoy a romantic evening of surf and twinkling lights. For more information call (800) 468-3533.
Restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day
Hotel del Coronado: (800) 468-3533
Bistro 39: (858) 720-9500
Pacifica Del Mar: (858) 792-0476
San Francisco, CA
Turkey Trail Trot (10th annual) - San Francisco Thanksgiving Run & Walk - November 22nd
Come kick off a great Thanksgiving with an invigorating fun run or walk at the Park before the parades, football games, and feasting commence.
Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ghirardelli Square, November 23rd
Come see the streets of San Francisco light up during this tree lighting ceremony.
Thanksgiving Meal Delivery:
Deliver 5,000 hot meals to homes across San Francisco. For more information call (415) 292-1770
Restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day
The Embarcadero: (415) 369-9955
Anzu: (415) 394-1100
Garden Court: (415) 546-5010
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Lake Tahoe’s Chocolate, Wine and Roses Festival - November 3rd
Every year, Lake Tahoe's Chocolate, Wine and Roses Festival tantalizes taste buds with an abundance of wine, food and entertainment from local businesses. This event is a seasonal favorite! (775) 298-0169
Restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day
Cal-Neva: (775) 298-3062
Sierra Café: 775) 832-1234
Big Water Grille: (775) 833-0606
Williamsburg, VA
Dining in Colonial Williamsburg, November 22nd
Take part in this historical thanksgiving tradition by dinning at four of Williamsburg’s taverns located throughout the city. This is a perfect way to explore the city through taste and sight! Please note that spots fill up quickly so please make your reservations quickly for any of the feasts provided. (800) 404-3389
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, November 23 – December 31
Millions of twinkling lights at Busch Gardens will illuminate the night. The Christmas Town experience includes a visit to Santa's workshop and a 50-foot tall Christmas tree, animated with lights. Holiday traditions, magical entertainment and exceptional gift ideas will get you in the Holiday spirit! (800) 343-7946