8 Best Thanksgiving Activities and Events in North Dakota!
From drinking at a bar the night before Thanksgiving, to eating a fresh piece of pie, to watching a festive parade, there is no shortage of Thanksgiving events across North Dakota. Follow our 9 Best Thanksgiving Activities and Events in North Dakota this 2023 season.
Boots Bar & Grill, Medora, ND
For 13 years, Boots Bar & Grill has provided Medora with a phenomenal bar and restaurant. Their food menu includes steaks, burgers, homemade pizza, and much more. The drink menu include bottle and draft beer, show wines, white and red wines, and specialty drinks like Bloody Mary, margarita, pineapple martini, and Orange Julius. Head to this watering hole on Thanksgiving Eve for a memorable night.
Xcel Holiday Lights Parade & Winterfest, Fargo, ND
The Holiday Lights Parade is an annual event that kicks off the holidays with a bang. Thousands of spectators gather to marvel at the parade featuring hundreds of illuminated floats, marching units, equestrian entries, and the mayors, city council, and Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo commission members. Have dazzling light displays and cheer as the night sky is ablaze with holiday spirit.
North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, Bismarck, ND
Use this holiday season to remind yourself and your family about North Dakota's history. The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck is the state’s largest museum and includes everything from its geological formation about 600 million years ago to pre-Columbian civilizations to modern history.
Kirkwood Mall, Bismarck, ND
The Kirkwood Mall in Bismarck is the second largest mall in North Dakota at 850,000 square feet. Opening early in the morning and not closing until late at night, Black Friday is a big deal at this mall. They have over 90 stores and plenty of holiday deals.
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, Stanton, ND
Learn about the lives of the Northern Plains Indians who call North Dakota home. Activities at the Knife River Indian Villages include a 15-minute orientation film about the Buffalo Bird Woman who lived at the Knife River Indian Villages, learn about the culture and history of the Hidatsa people from exhibits and artifacts, tour the reconstructed structures, and see the remnants of the Awatixa Xi’e Village (Lower Hidatsa site) and Awatixa Village.
Cystic Fibrosis Association Turkey Trot, Bismarck, ND
November 23, 2023 at 9:15am
Lace up your running shoes and burn off some of the calories from your Thanksgiving Feast at Bismarck’s Cystic Fibrosis Association Turkey Trot. Each year, thousands of runners (and walkers) hit the trails around the Missouri River for a 5K run, 10K run, 5K competitive walk, and a fun walk. This family friendly event is on Thanksgiving morning. For the majority of its income, the Turkey Trot relies on pledges. Contact the Cystic Fibrosis Association for more information about collecting pledges.
Magic City Turkey Trot, Minot, ND
November 23, 2023 at 9:00am
Join the fun with like-minded runners and their favorite four-legged friends this Thanksgiving morning. From racing competitors to strolls, everyone is enjoying this special event. Unleash your inner speedster, show off your creative costumes, and make the most of your morning.
Salvation Army, Williston, ND
Spend the holiday season by giving back to the community by volunteering at Salvation Army. This organization offers a wide range of services, including food shelf services, Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance, transportation assistance, classes, and after-school programs, so no matter your talents, your time can make a big difference for the community. Sign up online for more information about volunteering opportunities.
