8 Ways to Spend Thanksgiving Weekend

When Thanksgiving rolls around each year, it signals a time for turkey, mashed potatoes and a variety of pies. But it’s also the perfect time to spend moments with loved ones who have traveled far and wide to celebrate. Once the final plate is cleared, the football games have ended and the Christmas lights are turned on, the question remains: How can we entertain visiting family while they’re in town? Hopefully, we have your answer with a guide to beloved holiday traditions and events that are sure to entertain your family as the holiday season begins.

A Carillon Christmas | Nov. 25-Dec. 30
The holiday season in Dayton wouldn’t be the same without A Carillon Christmas, an annual celebration of seasonal cheer that takes over Carillon Historical Park starting Nov. 25. Each day between now and Dec. 30, excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, visitors can enjoy several activities across the 65-acre property, including visits with Santa, writing letters to the North Pole, model train displays, mini train rides and, of course, gazing at the Deeds Carillon decked out in lights to resemble a Christmas tree.

City of Akron Illuminated Holiday Parade | Nov. 28 
Nothing brings holiday cheer to life like a festive parade, and on the night of Black Friday, the city of Akron’s Recreation and Parks division is delivering just that. The parade begins at Exchange Street and ends at Bowery Street near Lock 3, with a route that runs along the city’s Main Street through downtown. This festive showcase lights up the night with glowing floats, community groups, marching musicians and more. Stick around after the parade to enjoy the Lock 3 lighting celebration too.

Turkey Trail Challenge | Nov. 28
After a day of feasting, it’s time to get outside and work off those extra calories. Visitors to The Dawes Arboretum in Newark can take part in the Turkey Trail Challenge, a self-guided adventure around the arboretum that challenges visitors to take as many steps as they can. Anyone who takes part will receive a small prize, but those who rack up 10,000 steps on the arboretum’s trails will receive something more. Be sure to bring your own pedometer or means of step tracking before heading out on the trails.

Whispering Cave Hike | Nov. 28 
Head to the Hocking Hills for the final Whispering Cave hike of the season. This 1-mile hike is the perfect way to get outdoors the day after the big meal and provides a quiet respite from the hustle of Black Friday shopping. This free adventure steps off from the Hiker’s Pavilion at the Hocking Hills Lodge and ventures out to explore Whispering Cave, which is the second largest recess cave in Hocking Hills State Park. Be sure to listen for the whispering sounds that give the cave its name during this naturalist-led program.

Christkindlmarkt of Bryan | Nov. 28-Dec. 20
Step into the atmosphere of an old-world market in Bryan during the city’s annual Christkindlmarkt. Put on by the Bryan Area Foundation on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 20, this festive marketplace held on the city’s courthouse square features live entertainment each evening, wooden vendor booths filled with local artisan goods and plenty of delicious food to enjoy. The first weekend kicks off on Nov. 28, and shoppers can grab hot drinks to ward off the winter chill, take a horse-drawn wagon ride around the lighted square and even visit with Santa himself.

Armstrong Air & Space Museum Holiday Lights | Nov. 28-Jan. 1
Each day, this Wapakoneta Museum serves as a glowing tribute to hometown hero Neil Armstrong, but the holiday season brings something a little brighter with the annual light display that is celebrating 10 years in 2025. Explore the grounds, which feature thousands of lights, some of which are arranged into space and flight-themed displays. A 20-foot-tall display of the Saturn V rocket is not to be missed during this all-outdoor event that opens nightly after dusk. Visitors who want to explore the museum while there should plan to arrive before it closes at 5 p.m. 

Portsmouth Winterfest | Nov. 28-Jan. 4
Portsmouth Winterfest is back for another season in Portsmouth’s Market Square Park with all manner of seasonal festivities to enjoy. Lace up your skates and hit the ice rink or check out local vendors to search for the perfect handmade present for friends and family. Live music and carriage rides add to the fun, and Santa Claus will be present to hear Christmas wishes from little ones.

WinterLand Kickoff | Nov. 29
Clark Griswold made a tradition of huddling together to watch the Christmas lights come on for the first time, and visitors to Cleveland on Nov. 29 can enjoy a similar experience during the WinterLand kickoff, where the city’s IlluminateCLE Holiday Show plans to officially light up the night for the first time this season. This year’s show includes a 50-foot Christmas tree with synchronized lights towering over the city’s Public Square, as well as a soundtrack that features original songs by local musicians. Leading up to the light show, visitors to the square can enjoy food trucks and s’mores around fire pits, as well as games and other activities.

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