8 Best Thanksgiving Activities and Events in Connecticut
Gathering with family and friends at a table laden with delicious food is how we give thanks for a healthy and happy year. Make your 2023 Thanksgiving holiday one filled with joy, great food, and giving back with this guide to take you from preparing the meal to turkey trot throughout Connecticut.
Colony Grill, Multiple locations
The evening before Thanksgiving, enjoy some local beers with good company and perhaps a famous hot oil pizza from Colony Grill. This is one of Connecticut’s best spots to pick a beer from their tap selection to sip on something local, like New England Brewing Co., or a U.S.-wide brand such as Blue Moon.
McQuade’s Marketplace, Mystic, CT
In addition to being an excellent local market year-round, McQuade’s has your Thanksgiving food needs covered. The bakery is excellent and prepares a wide selection of fresh baked goods daily. The highlight has to be their freshly baked pies: apple, pumpkin, and berry are all delicious!
Young’s Longrange Farm, LLC., Watertown, CT
This family-owned and operated farm grows and sells non-GMO meats and eggs, local honey, and seasonal produce. In addition to numerous cuts of beef, chicken, and pork, Young's sells turkeys seasonally. Turkeys are raised kindly here with access to the outdoors and warm coops to protect them from the elements and predators.
Stonington Farmers’ Market, Stonington, CT
If you need to pick up fresh vegetables, flowers, and pie for your Thanksgiving Day feast, head to Stonington Farmers' Market. Located in quaint Stonington, this farmers market holds a small number of stands selling high-quality local produce, flowers, and baked goods that are worth the trip. The farmers market can be indoors from November until April at the Velvet Mill and outdoors by the Stonington Docks from May through November.
Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular, Stamford, CT
November 19, 2023 at 12:00pm
Experience the magic of the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular in Stamford Downtown on November 19 at 12:00 pm. See giant helium balloon characters, award-winning marching bands, and fantastic entertainment, including Kidz Bop. Join in at Point72 Giant Balloon Inflation Party on Saturday, November 18, for an exclusive backstage look at the parade. Don't miss out on the holiday fun!Grace, Niantic, CT
Grace is a beautiful, locally-owned shop stocking unique clothing, decor, accessories, and lifestyle books all to fit in with the relaxing coastal lifestyle of southeastern Connecticut. Shop locally on Black Friday and make your first stop, Grace, where you know you'll have the best pick of gifts for family and friends, and maybe even yourself.
Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, Mashantucket, CT
The Mashantucket Pequot Museum is an excellent education center that teaches visitors about the lifestyle of Mashantucket Pequot and other Connecticut Native Americans. Exhibits illustrate traditional handicrafts, foods, artwork, homes, and more. Consider visiting this well-done museum this holiday season to learn more about Connecticut's indigenous people.
Manchester Road Race, Manchester, CT
Work up the appetite to consume massive amounts of turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie by lacing up your shoes and joining in on the Manchester Road Race. This event has been happening for years. This 4.748-mile race is a heart-healthy way to get your body pumping into the holiday season. Race proceeds go to support local and health charities.
