Fall is the best season in Boston, and Thanksgiving falls during one of the final few weeks of this breathtaking season before we all hibernate for a few months. We have what you need, whether you’re looking for a place to party with your old friends from childhood or just need a quiet place to get some fresh air after dinner with Aunt Karen.
There’s something for everyone in these seasonal activities, from cooking Thanksgiving dinner to participating in outdoor sports. Additionally, if you don’t feel like cooking this Thanksgiving, order takeout from these neighborhood eateries that are serving Turkey Day feasts to go or eat at one of the best Boston restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving.
Things to do for Thanksgiving in Boston
1-Grab a professionally made pie in support of Community Servings
In its 30th year, Community Servings has organized Pie in the Sky, dubbed “The World’s Greatest Bake Sale.” People can buy pies made and donated by over 150 local bakers, chefs, and restaurants during the annual fundraiser. The non-profit food and nutrition program, which serves people and families in Massachusetts who have serious and long-term illnesses, is supported by the sales.
Pies, which come in flavors such as pumpkin, apple, and pecan, cost $30 each and help Community Servings serve tens of thousands of homemade, diet-specific meals all year long. If rolling out pie dough the night before Thanksgiving doesn’t appeal to you, take one of theirs and bring it to dinner instead.
2. Go for a Lunch Cruise on the Water
This Thanksgiving, set sail on CityCruises’ Thanksgiving Day Afternoon Lunch Cruise, which offers a festive lunch buffet along with breathtaking views of the Boston skyline and famous waterfront sites. Commonwealth Pier in the Seaport is the starting point for the two-hour cruise.
3. Visit an Emerald Necklace park
After the large meal, if you’re feeling a little lethargic, take a walk in one of the Emerald Necklace parks to get your energy back. It’s the ideal way to get some fresh air and is accessible, free, and available throughout Brookline and Boston. There are over 1,100 acres of green space and over 5 miles of walking paths. Explore the foliage at the Arnold Arboretum or skulk around Franklin Park’s abandoned bear cages. You can use the mobile app or the entire map to navigate. There’s even a stroller guide included.
4. Volunteer for a Local Organization
There are deserving organizations in the Commonwealth that would appreciate your help on Thanksgiving, from soup kitchens to shelters. But a lot of organizations work hard in advance to make sure that every family in Massachusetts gets to enjoy Turkey Day.
For instance, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley helps local families by supplying Thanksgiving necessities, which is particularly important given that almost one in five households struggle to put food on the table these days. Find out what you can do to help them feed 20,000 families before Thanksgiving arrives.
5. Free Parking
Feeding the meters should not be a concern. The fact that parking in Boston is free on holidays should definitely put a little bounce in your step, even though it might not take up the entire day.
6. Treat guests to sweets from Formaggio Kitchen.
Impressive hors d’oeuvres set the tone for an impressive Thanksgiving dinner. To impress your guests, Formaggio Kitchen has all the necessary ingredients. Browse case after case of international artisanal cheeses, followed by charcuterie and the ideal accompaniments. Additionally, pick up some desserts for after dinner. You can find an array of intriguing grains, beans, salts, spices, and other ingredients to create an amazing meal for dinner.
7. Take in the National Dog Show and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
There are occasions when doing nothing at all is the ideal Thanksgiving activity. Instead of arguing with family members, curl up on the couch and enjoy these classic holiday rituals. Next up is the National Dog Show, where you can eat anything you want in front of the TV and watch pop stars lip sync and float through Herald Square.
8. Attend a Football High School Game
In the Boston area, high school football games are a Thanksgiving morning bustle. These games can get very exciting and make for fantastic people watching, not to mention an amazing tailgate party. Gather a group of friends and some blankets, then watch the rivalries between high schools heat up.
9. Take a hike for your health
Take a hike or two—you’ll need to work off those Thanksgiving calories. There are many easily accessible, well-rated hikes in the Boston area. These Boston hikes offer relaxation and a healthy dose of fresh air that will have you ready for Thanksgiving, whether you choose to explore trails through picturesque wooded reservations or climb a lung-busting hill.
10. Visit the Arnold Arboretum
Take a leisurely stroll through the renowned arboretum, which is open every day except Thanksgiving, to burn off all the turkey and sides. Take in the fresh air and breathtaking scenery while searching for the final remnants of fall color. You might be dying for some leftovers after taking a quick stroll and getting some fresh air.