Things-to-do

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend in Boston: The Complete Guide

With over 43 percent of American adults planning to travel for Thanksgiving this year, you won’t want to get caught up in I-90 traffic or the TSA line at Logan Airport. So, those intending to keep their Turkey Day celebrations local, don’t fret, because there are plenty of holiday festivities in the city during the long weekend. 

Start off with BU’s annual Thanksgiving meal, and then check out this comprehensive list of activities that will get you in that winter holiday spirit.

Where to eat

BU Dining’s Thanksgiving Meal

BU Dining’s annual Thanksgiving meal is a chance for students to enjoy the traditional spread on campus. BU residents are invited to use their meal plan privileges or pay out of pocket. The menu includes holiday favorites like hand-carved roast turkey breast, stuffing, hearty mashed potatoes, and more, accompanied by pumpkin pie and autumn spice cheesecake tarts. Students can also help themselves to vegan and gluten-free options.

The Thanksgiving meal is Thursday, November 24, from 10 am to 3 pm, at Marciano Commons. It’s available to BU students for $15.75, payable by meal plan, points, cash, or credit.

Mamaleh’s 

For an off-campus Thanksgiving weekend option, explore Jewish deli comfort favorites at Mamaleh’s. Mains include confit turkey with gravy, braised brisket, and challah stuffing—good for up to four people. Top off the filling plates with their house-made pies, like the chocolate tahini swirl or the sweet potato with torched fluff. Order by the slice or get the whole pie for a gathering with friends. They even offer a drinks list, including boozy cider. Preorder pickup as soon as you can online or by phone, but they are accommodating.

Mamaleh’s, with locations at 15 Hampshire St., Cambridge, and 1659 Beacon St., Brookline, is closed Thanksgiving. Check other hours here.

What to watch

The 96th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 96th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is jam-packed with floats, performers, clowns, marching bands, and hundreds of balloons. Traditionally, the televised parade starts at 77th Street and Central Park West and ends at Macy’s Herald Square. Try to spot the new Baby Shark, People of First Light (also known as the Wampanoag tribe), and Wonder Bread’s “The Wondership” floats amongst fan favorites like Tom Turkey (the parade’s longest running float), 1-2-3 Sesame Street with the iconic Big Bird, and Christmas in Town Square, with over 300 feet of garland. Big Time Rush, Jordin Sparks, and Fitz and the Tantrums will be performing for fans atop one of the 28 floats.

The 96th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air on NBC and Telemundo from 9 am to noon on Thursday, November 24. It can also be streamed on Peacock.

The 2022 National Dog Show

After the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade comes coverage of the beloved National Dog Show. Hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, the National Dog Show is one of the oldest global canine shows, where over 200 purebred dog breeds and varieties, split into seven different groups, compete to win the coveted Best in Show award. Three new dog breeds will be represented this year: the mudi, bracco Italiano, and the Russian toy. John O’Hurley and David Frei will reprise their roles as cohosts. 

The 2022 National Dog Show will air on NBC from noon to 2 pm on Thursday, November 24. It can also be streamed on Peacock, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app.

Where to shop

The Holiday Market at Snowport

Already thinking about Christmas? Get a head start on gift giving and tree buying at the fourth annual Holiday Market at Snowport. Over 120 makers are featured at this European-style market, including the Nada Cart (featuring gourmet empanadas), manuelle scarves, and Humble Bones (fancy dog treats). Find the full list of vendors here. Stop by Tuscan Kitchen’s custom cocktail bar if you get parched, and end your productive shopping trip taking in the mistletoe arch and winter wish wall. 

The Holiday Market at Snowport, 100 Seaport Blvd., Boston, runs until Saturday, December 31. Hours of operation are Monday to Thursday, 3 to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm, and Sunday, 11 am to 8 pm. Extended hours from December 12 through 31: Sunday to Thursday, 11 am to 8 pm, and Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm.

2022 Holiday CrEATor Market

The nonprofit Boston Public Market, an indoor, year-round marketplace, will host its sixth annual Holiday CrEATor Market. Dozens of local artisans will sell their wares, eats, and crafts at pop-up stations alongside the market’s year-round farmers, fishers, and foodies. Vendors include Shir Glassworks, Sueños Chocolates, and Beth Bakes. All CrEATor Market brands proudly sell local New England products. Stop by for the perfect gift or a farm-fresh ingredient for your holiday meals. Make sure to check their Instagram for weekly updates about vendors.

The Holiday CrEATor Market, 100 Hanover St., Boston, begins Friday, November 25, and runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until December 24, from 10 am to 6 pm. Select vendors will be available during weekdays.

What to do

Franklin Park Turkey Trot

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Franklin Park Turkey Trot, the largest Thanksgiving Day race in the city of Boston, will start Thursday morning in Dorchester. Registration is closed, but the 5K race is still looking for volunteers, and viewers are invited to watch along Schoolmaster Hill and the Shattuck Picnic Grove. All ages and paces are welcome, along with strollers, wheelchairs, and race-ready leashed dogs. Besides the early morning liveliness, there are awards for the male and female overall winners and first place winners by age group, along with prizes for runners in the best costume, the quickest dog, and the fastest stroller.

The Franklin Park Turkey Trot 5K is Thursday, November 24, at 9 am, starting at the Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse, One Circuit Dr., Dorchester. Volunteers can sign up here.

The Rink at 401 Park

Sharpen your skates and get ready to take to the ice during the third season of The Rink at 401 Park. Whether you are a figure skating prodigy in the making or just an observer with hot cocoa in hand, the rink has options for everyone: skating lessons, free ice flow yoga, shopping pop-ups, broomball, and more. The rink is directly next to Trillium Fenway and Time Out Market, meaning there’s more to do after you’re done channeling your inner Michelle Kwan.

The Rink at 401 Park, 401 Park Drive, Boston, is open now until March 2023, from Monday to Friday, 3 to 9 pm, Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm, and Sunday, 11 am to 8 pm. Tickets are $6 for college students, seniors, and children under 12, and $10 for adults, and can be purchased in advance here. Skate rentals are $7. The rink is closed Thanksgiving Day.

Martin’s Park: Ship Lighting

Shopping isn’t the only thing Seaport has to offer this time of year. Martin’s Park, named in memory of eight-year-old Boston Marathon bombing victim Martin Richard, is hosting its second annual ship lighting along the harbor, where an actual ship will be adorned with over 1,500 feet of blue and white tube lights. Aboard the ship will be Jolly Old Saint Nick and Betty the Yeti. Hot cocoa will be provided by Tuscan Kitchen, Caffe Nero, and Dunkin’. Attendees can also take home a customized special souvenir with a donation, while supplies last.

The ship lighting is at Martin’s Park, 64 Sleeper St., Boston, on Saturday, November 26, from 4 to 6 pm. The event is free.

The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle

Embark on the intricate holiday experience with family and friends at the Nutcracker immersive experience. The art installation is a twist on this century-old ballet, with immersive projections, magical special effects, and a life-size Nutcracker figure, accompanying Russian composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic Nutcracker pieces, including “The March of the Toys” and “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” Take advantage of the beautiful photo ops with your family to memorialize this wonderful artistic experience.

Tickets for The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle, Lighthouse ArtSpace, 130 Columbus Ave., Boston, start at $26.99. It is open on select dates through January 2023. Find dates and tickets here.

Boston University Men’s Hockey vs US Under-18 Team

Save the last bit of energy you have after several days of festivities to support your fellow Terriers by cheering them on as they play the US Under-18 Team. Under the National Team Development Program, the US Under-18 Team plays against NCAA Division I and III opponents, working on gaining experience against older competitors. Tickets to the hockey game, starting at $10, are a steal. Stick around for the postgame autograph session, as well. 

The Terrier men’s hockey team plays the US Under-18 Team on Saturday, November 26, at 2 pm at Agganis Arena. View the game on ESPN+.

The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston

And if you’re set on maxing out the long weekend, the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston is open right after Thanksgiving. General admission includes access to LOVE IS CALLING, an immersive, psychedelic kaleidoscope of colorful dotted panels. Artist Yayoi Kusama’s melodic voice plays in the background of this darkened infinity room, surrounded by mirrors. You can also stop at the Can you see me? Art Lab by local artist Elisa Hamilton and make your own photography project. The art lab is first come, first served, so be sure to come early.

The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. LOVE IS CALLING will be on display until Saturday, December 31. Can you see me? will be open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 pm, and Thursday from 5 to 7 pm. Admission is free for BU students and those 18 and younger.