It’s time to head home and celebrate everything we should be grateful for. Thanksgiving weekend is just around the corner and we can’t wait for all the fun ahead! Here’s how you can spend your Thanksgiving with a blast!
When you think of Thanksgiving, you think of turkey, more food than you can eat, and family and loved ones that may or may not exasperate you. It’s one of the biggest holidays of the year and there’s no excuse not to love it. But between stuffing yourself full of turkey leg and sitting down in front of the TV, what other fun things can you do? We’ve listed more than a dozen things that can vamp up your Thanksgiving weekend. Read ahead for your ultimate Thanksgiving to-do list.
1. Attend A Thanksgiving Parade
Thanksgiving Parades are a big part of the whole holiday season. Many cities and towns in the United States begin the season with colorful parades. It’s usually very grand and epic. There are bands, singers, floats, giant balloons. Entertainers march, walk and sometimes soar above wide streets and boulevards. It’s a spectacle you could not dare miss. And while New York City might seem like the best host to these amazing Thanksgiving parades, you can still find these epic celebrations in cities in the Pacific Northwest, the Southeast, the Northeast or somewhere in between. Here are some of the biggest Thanksgiving Parades in the country:
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Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (New York, NY)
Since 1924, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been marking the start of the holiday season in the United States. Every year, 3.5 million people in the city attend to watch and participate in this special spectacle. And more than 50 million people watch this parade at home. Happening at Central Park West and 6th Avenue in Manhattan, this is the biggest Thanksgiving parade in the country.
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Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade (Philadelphia, PA)
The City of Brotherly Love doesn’t take Thanksgiving lightly. For almost a century now, Philadelphia has welcomed the holiday season with floats, marching bands, choirs, and other performers. Additionally, this is the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States and certainly one of the most fun parties.
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H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade (Houston, TX)
The annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade fills Smith and Lamar Street with giant balloons, marching bands, and live entertainment. But that’s not it. The parade also features an early-in-the-season appearance by Santa Claus. And every year, more than 200,000 parade-goers line the route along the Southwestern city’s streets.
2. Play Thanksgiving Games
After Thanksgiving dinner, why not burn out all those carbs and play some fun games with the family? It’s the perfect ice-breaker. Plus, who doesn’t want to win that last piece of pumpkin pie as a prize? You can tweak just about any of your favorite games to suit the Thanksgiving theme. Here’s a couple of examples.
- Turkey Words
Hand everyone a pen and a piece of paper. Set a timer for 3 minutes. Go around the room and ask each player to make as many words as possible from words related to Thanksgiving. For example, “pumpkin” – “pump,” “kin,” and “pin.”
- Pin the Tail on the Turkey
A Thanksgiving spin on the staple classic children’s birthday game. Bring out the artist in you and make turkey body and a brightly colored turkey tail. Blindfold the kids (or even the adults), spin them around and make them pin the tail on the turkey.
3. Join a Turkey Trot race.
Another perfect way to burn out all that food you ate! If you love keeping active, then Thanksgiving shouldn’t just be about eating food – but keeping fit as well!. And what better (and really fun) way to so than to join a turkey trot race? Participating in a 5 or 10k race can be a great way to start off the holiday season. And you’ll feel less guilty about all the eating you’re bound to do!
4. Watch Football.
Watching football has become almost synonymous with Thanksgiving. Many families across America sit closely on their couches, beers in hand, and get immersed into adrenaline-induced games. And even if you don’t like football, chances are high you’ll still be forced to watch it.
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5. Watch a play on Broadway.
Broadway always has an amazing array of musicals and shows throughout the year. However, if you’re a true-blue theater geek, you know that it’s ten times more special when the holiday season rolls in. From magical showcases like The Radio City Christmas Spectacular to classics like The Lion King, you’ll never run out of exciting options. Check out our list of the best shows you need to see on Broadway this holiday season!
6. Go Ice Skating.
It doesn’t matter what climate you’re in. There’s bound to be a skating rink or two in the vicinity. Plus, these rinks are usually decorated for the Christmas season. Decked out with pretty lights, Christmas trees, and if you’re lucky – some snow, it’s going to be a magical experience. Bring out your special someone for a Serendipity-themed date night. Or bring the whole family for some fun. Start the holidays on the right (slippery) footing.
7. Explore your hometown.
Maybe you haven’t been home for a while. Life has a way of keeping you busy and you might have lost touch with your roots. Thanksgiving holidays and coming home tend to make a soul feel nostalgic. Cave into the feeling and explore your hometown with fresh eyes. Take this opportunity to check out some old or new local spots. Say hello to the people you grew up with. And cherish the feeling of being home.
8. Give thanks.
This list wouldn’t be complete without the true essence of Thanksgiving. Take this time to acknowledge everything you’re thankful for. Tell those you love that you are grateful for them. And most of all, be thankful for these precious moments you’re given.