Thanksgiving might be one of the most underrated major holidays in the United States. After all, there’s no Thanksgiving tree. You don’t buy gifts for your friends and family members, and you don’t dress up in crazy costumes on the day of the celebration. Instead, you get together with family, enjoy delicious food, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Here’s how to make the most of your 2023, these 10 Best Thanksgiving Activities and Events in Massachusetts.
For that pre-Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends, mix up the stuffing, and then head over to Tavern on the Wharf. Try their Tavern lemonade or maybe a red raspberry martini.
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To get the most out of your Massachusetts Thanksgiving festivities, head to Plymouth the Saturday before the big day. America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade kicks off at Benny’s Plaza. Get their way ahead of time to secure a good spot for viewing this parade, that has been dubbed the No. 1 Thanksgiving parade in the United States by AOL. A chronologically accurate historical parade, marchers include military bands, a fife, drum and bugle corp, beautiful handmade floats, and more. This parade will surely get you in the mood to enjoy the most festive Thanksgiving ever.
To get in shape for that big Thanksgiving feast, consider signing up for the Norwood Turkey Trot and run. There’s a fun run for the kids, too! Get out and enjoy your community at this wonderful annual event.
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In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, learn something about local Native American culture by visiting the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Museum. Remember, it wasn’t only the Pilgrims who participated in that first Thanksgiving.
In the days and weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, consider making a donation to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank in Lowell. You may donate canned or boxed food or may make a monetary donation instead. Help make Thanksgiving a day of feasting and celebrating for those who might not be able to afford it otherwise.
Order your Thanksgiving pie at least a week ahead of time, and then stop at Lyndell’s on the day before Thanksgiving. You’ll be bringing the best pie to the Thanksgiving feast. Think out of the box, too, and consider a coconut custard pie instead of the traditional pumpkin or apple!
It’s well worth your time to detour into Duxbury to buy the best turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner. Bongi’s Turkey Roost will sell you a farm fresh raw turkey or you can buy it already roasted and ready to warm up on Thanksgiving Day.
Head into Boston for countless volunteer opportunities in the days before Thanksgiving or even on Thanksgiving Day. Help fill bags and boxes at soup kitchens, deliver groceries to needy families or serve our veterans Thanksgiving Dinner. Boston Cares will help match you with the appropriate volunteer opportunity that meets your schedule.
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While the turkey’s in the oven, head to the Danvers High School football field as they play their annual rivals from Gloucester in their Thanksgiving Day Football Game. Kickoff is at 10 a.m., so you’ll be home in plenty of time to eat.
Watch the ads in the days before Thanksgiving, and then head out to Kingston Collection to do some Black Friday shopping on November 24. Featuring anchor stores including Macy’s and Target, you can also shop at Victoria’s Secret, Newbury Comics, and More.
