Thanksgiving, one of our favorite festive happenings, is right around the corner! From North Miami’s exciting parade to feasting on some delicious dishes (whether that be turkey, pork or literally anything else you prefer), there are so many ways to celebrate and give thanks with the best things to do on Thanksgiving in Miami. If you’re not sure where to start, let us be your guide! From festive light shows and turkey trots to delicious holiday eats, we’ve got you covered!
1. Watch North Miami’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade
The City of North Miami’s 49th annual WinterNational Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to march down NE 125 Street again this year with all sorts of bands, dance groups and floats! The route will run from NE 6 Ave to NE 10 Ave and begins at 10 a.m.
When: Thursday, November 28
2. Enjoy a Thanksgiving meal at a Miami restaurant
Everyone knows how much preparation goes into cooking a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, so we figured we’d help out the best way we can! We’ve gathered some of the best Miami restaurants open on the big day, serving incredible feasts and specials to feed the whole family. Check out our picks here.
3. Explore the dazzling lights of Luminosa
Jungle Island is welcoming back the enchanting Luminosa festival, where hand-crafted lanterns and a million LED lights will transform 1.35 miles of the park into an awe-inspiring illuminated adventure. Stroll through stunning displays, live acrobatic performances, traditional Chinese vendors and more. Get tickets to Luminosa: A World of Enchantment here.
4. Get creative with your family and friends at these three Wynwood Walls experiences
Are you looking to infuse some art and culture with your family around the Thanksgiving holiday? Miami’s famed Wynwood Walls outdoor museum, showcasing the work of some of the world’s top street artists, is hosting three exciting events this November, spanning the weekends before and after Thanksgiving. If you have family in town, don’t miss out! There’s Street Art After Dark (Nov 22), Painting with the Artists (Nov 30), and the chance to watch a thought-provoking Film Series (Nov 30 & Dec 1). -Melissa Maynard
5. Check out Fairchild’s spectacular Night at the Garden
South Florida’s smash-hit holiday tradition is back to transform Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden with lighting effects, outdoor holograms, projections, music and more! Marvel at unique sculptures, interact with the talking tree and join a Fairy Quest among other activities. Snag tickets to Fairchild’s Night at the Garden here.
6. Experience a world of optical illusions with the family
This Thanksgiving weekend, head to Wynwood’s Paradox Museum for mind-bending fun! There are over 70 immersive paradoxes — all of which play tricks on your eyes and defy your perception of reality — from the Paradox Piano to the Zero-Gravity Room, which is exactly what it sounds like. Grab tickets to Paradox Museum Miami now.
7. Participate in a Turkey Trot
No matter your walking or running experience, the tradition of participating in a “turkey trot” on Thanksgiving morning is a fun one and the Life Time Turkey Trot Miami 5K/10K & Kids Race is the perfect plan! It will return to Tropical Park and there’s still time to register! It has to be one of the best things to do on Thanksgiving in Miami if you want to get active.
When: November 28, starting at 7 a.m.
8. See the holiday lights around Miami
Dazzling light displays will be on during Thanksgiving weekend, illuminating all of the city’s most popular attractions and neighborhoods for the season! From Christmas Wonderland’s twinkling trail to The Berry Farm’s Berry Bright Winter Nights, check out some of the best holiday lights in Miami here.
9. Volunteer at your local food pantry or soup kitchen
Thanksgiving is all about giving back and if you’re thinking of helping out the community, one way to do so is by volunteering at a community center! If you’re looking to help stock pantry shelves or help get food to those who need it most, you can find opportunities to help on FeedingAmerica.org.
10. Hit the rink at this Thanksgiving Roller Disco
Skate off the calories with Thanksgiving Roller Disco at the historic Miami Beach Bandshell. The Bandshell Allstars crew will be playing your favorite disco jams and whether you’re a pro or a beginner, everyone is welcome! At least with an RSVP. You can either bring your own skates or rent them there (Miami Beach residents get free skate rentals).
When: Friday, November 29