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17 Awesome Things to Do on Thanksgiving Day (and Night)

Free food, turkey-burning workouts, Muppet drag shows, dance nights & more.
By - posted 11/22/2017 No Comment

Saturday, November 23

2024 Merry Meritage Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Meritage Resort and Spa (Napa)
2024 Merry Meritage Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Meritage Resort and Spa (Napa)
One of Wine Country’s most beloved holiday traditions is just around the corner, with the return of The Meritage Resort and Spa’s Merry Meritage. With the largest outdoor ice skating rink in Napa, live music, festive foods, spectacular live skating performances and plenty of holiday ...

Monday, November 25

Oakland’s Thankful Soul Food Stroll (2024)
Monday, November 25 – 10:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: $250*
*6-8 People
| 408 12th STREET
Oakland's Thankful Soul Food Stroll (2024)
We’re still strolling for the holidays!Let us help you set the perfect holiday table with delicious sides and desserts that bring warmth and flavor to your celebration. This Thanksgiving, stroll on by to pick up your holiday sides and desserts from Blackberry Soul! We are so ...

Tuesday, November 26

“Top Gun Maverick” Film w/ Live Orchestra from San Francisco Symphony
Tuesday, November 26 – 7:30 pm - Ends at 9:30 pm | Cost: $69 | Davies Symphony Hall
"Top Gun Maverick" Film w/ Live Orchestra from San Francisco Symphony
Watch Top Gun Maverick on the big screen at Davies Symphony Hall as the score is performed live by the SF Symphony. Facing an uncertain future and confronting the ghosts of his past, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is drawn into a confrontation with his own ...
2024 Noe Valley November Night Market (SF)
Tuesday, November 26 – 4:00 pm - Ends at 8:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*RSVP via Eventbrite
| Noe Valley Town Square
2024 Noe Valley November Night Market (SF)
Take in the atmosphere of San Francisco’s Noe Valley at our monthly Night Market!  Join us in the Town Square for an evening of live music with Lambert Moss and special offers from some of the neighborhood’s best businesses.  Stroll around and stop in at ...

Thursday, November 28

Free Parking Meters All Day / Thanksgiving Day Parking Rules in SF (2024)
Free Parking Meters All Day / Thanksgiving Day Parking Rules in SF (2024)
Thanksgiving Thursday is one of those rare days (only three days a year) when even parking meters in San Francisco take the day off.  Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024 (Thanksgiving Day): Although safety violations (no stopping, no parking, red and blue zones) are still enforced, The following parking ...
Thanksgiving Gratitude Meditation & Abundance Ritual (SF)
Thursday, November 28 – 7:00 am - Ends at 7:30 am | Cost: Donation*
*Donation of any amount. Suggested donation is $5
| Online
Thanksgiving Gratitude Meditation & Abundance Ritual (SF)
Whether you have planned a busy holiday with family or intend to observe a quiet day of reflection, this online half hour group meditation and abundance ritual is a way to connect with others in the spirit of gratitude on Thanksgiving. Benefits of gratitude meditation and ...
Free Admission to SF’s Botanical Garden on Thanksgiving (2024)
Thursday, November 28 – 7:30 am - Ends at 4:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and daily from 7:30-9 am
| San Francisco Botanical Garden
Free Admission to SF's Botanical Garden on Thanksgiving (2024)

The San Francisco Botanical Garden is one of the most diverse gardens in the world. A unique urban oasis, the garden is a living museum within Golden Gate Park, offering 55 acres of both landscaped gardens and open spaces, and showcasing over 9,000 different kinds ...Monthly

2024 Thanksgiving Weekend: 50 Free Guided Walking Tours in SF (Nov. 28-Dec 1)
Thursday, November 28 – 10:00 am - Ends at 3:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free tours but donations appreciated. Tours of the Japanese Tea Garden may require additional admission fee.
| All Over San Francisco
2024 Thanksgiving Weekend: 50 Free Guided Walking Tours in SF (Nov. 28-Dec 1)

Relatives in town? Show off the beautiful city by taking them on one of San Francisco City Guides free guided walking tours of San Francisco’s greatest neighborhoods. There is a full slate of free tours on Thanksgiving weekend, Thursday through Sunday. Tour starting times range from ...

Volunteer for Thanksgiving Day Visits & Meal Deliveries to SF Older Adults
Thursday, November 28 – 10:00 am - Ends at 12:30 pm | Cost: FREE | TBD (in SF) - Address will be sent in confirmation email
Volunteer for Thanksgiving Day Visits & Meal Deliveries to SF Older Adults
Get ready to spread some Thanksgiving cheer with LBFE! We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Thanksgiving festivities, where you can make a real difference: In-person visit with meal delivery (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM) Meal delivery only (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM) Important:Thanksgiving meals must be picked up in ...
Thanksgiving Day Ice Skating at Union Square’s Holiday Ice Rink
Thursday, November 28 – 10:00 am - Ends at 11:00 pm | Cost: $20*
*Tickets are $20 with skate rental included in the cost of admission
| Union Square Park
Thanksgiving Day Ice Skating at Union Square's Holiday Ice Rink

One of San Francisco’s favorite holiday traditions returns for the 2024-25 holiday season. Since 2008, The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square has delighted children and adults with its holiday-themed ice park located in Union Square. First (100) guests skate for free during the ...

2024 Thanksgiving Day Ice Skating at San Jose’s “Downtown Ice”
Thursday, November 28 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: $21*
*$21 includes skate rentals
| Downtown Ice (San Jose)
2024 Thanksgiving Day Ice Skating at San Jose's "Downtown Ice"

Located at 120 S. Market St., the downtown San Jose rink opens on Thursday, November 21 and operates daily through January 20, 2025. Skate in true California style. A local tradition since 1994, Downtown Ice in San Jose is the only rink in the world that ...

Free Thanksgiving Lunch at DoubleTree by Hilton (Livermore)
Thursday, November 28 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 1:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Please email Lana.Turn@hilton.com to RVSP
| DoubleTree by Hilton Livermore
Free Thanksgiving Lunch at DoubleTree by Hilton (Livermore)
DoubleTree by Hilton Livermore will be serving warm Thanksgiving meal to go from 12-1 PM or (until we run out). Please stop by!
Thanksgiving Concert & International Vegetarian Dinner (San Leandro)
Thursday, November 28 – 3:00 pm - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Badarikashrama
Thanksgiving Concert & International Vegetarian Dinner (San Leandro)
Dear Friends, join us for a special Thanksgiving Celebration. Presenting an  Indian Classical Concert (Hindustani) by renowned artist, Ashwini Khaparde. Following the concert will be a sumptuous international vegetarian dinner. The peaceful and safe atmosphere of our temple is ideal for families to enjoy this ...
2024 Free Thanksgiving Vegetarian Dinner + Indian Concert (San Leandro)
Thursday, November 28 – 3:00 pm - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Badarikashrama
2024 Free Thanksgiving Vegetarian Dinner + Indian Concert (San Leandro)
Come join us for a delightful evening at Badarikashrama! Enjoy a harmonious blend of music and food at our Thanksgiving Concert and International Vegetarian Dinner. Indulge in a feast of global flavors while being serenaded by talented musicians. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season of ...
San Francisco Thanksgiving Premier Dinner Cruise
Thursday, November 28 – 4:00 pm - Ends at 6:30 pm | Cost: $113 | Pier 3, Hornblower Landing San Francisco, CA
Make this holiday truly special with a San Francisco Thanksgiving Premier Dinner Cruise. You and your guests will enjoy a celebratory dinner buffet with all the trimmings freshly prepared by our chef. While onboard, enjoy incredible views of San Francisco’s iconic skyline, City Cruises’ distinctive ...
Berkeley Thanksgiving Signature Dinner Cruise
Thursday, November 28 – 4:00 pm - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: $120 | Berkeley Marina 200 Marina Blvd Berkeley, CA.
Make this holiday truly special with a Thanksgiving Premier Dinner Cruise in Berkeley. You and your guests will enjoy a celebratory dinner buffet with all the trimmings freshly prepared by our chef. While onboard, enjoy incredible views of Berkeley’s waterfront, City Cruises’ distinctive hospitality, full ...
SF City Hall Lights Up for Thanksgiving 2024 (Nov. 28-29)
Thursday, November 28 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 11:59 pm | Cost: FREE | San Francisco City Hall
SF City Hall Lights Up for Thanksgiving 2024 (Nov. 28-29)

San Francisco’s City Hall and its 220+ state-of-the-art LED lighting fixtures will illuminate in beautiful shades of amber in celebration of Thanksgiving, November 28-29, 2024. It’s a great photo opportunity to capture San Francisco’s iconic dome lit up for the occasion. The schedule is always tentative for the holiday lighting and subject to ...

Friday, November 29

“Amadeus” Film w/ Live Orchestra from San Francisco Symphony (Nov. 29-30)
Friday, November 29 – 7:30 pm - Ends at 9:30 pm | Cost: $99 | Davies Symphony Hall
“Amadeus” Film w/ Live Orchestra from San Francisco Symphony (Nov. 29-30)

Watch Amadeus on the big screen at Davies Symphony Hall as the score is performed live by the SF Symphony. Experience the tale of Mozart’s music, loves, and rivalries in Amadeus, the winner of eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Rated PG ...

SF City Hall Lights Up for Thanksgiving 2024 (Nov. 28-29)
Friday, November 29 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 11:59 pm | Cost: FREE | San Francisco City Hall
SF City Hall Lights Up for Thanksgiving 2024 (Nov. 28-29)

San Francisco’s City Hall and its 220+ state-of-the-art LED lighting fixtures will illuminate in beautiful shades of amber in celebration of Thanksgiving, November 28-29, 2024. It’s a great photo opportunity to capture San Francisco’s iconic dome lit up for the occasion. The schedule is always tentative for the holiday lighting and subject to ...

Saturday, November 30

“Amadeus” Film w/ Live Orchestra from San Francisco Symphony (Nov. 29-30)
Saturday, November 30 – 7:30 pm - Ends at 9:30 pm | Cost: $99 | Davies Symphony Hall
“Amadeus” Film w/ Live Orchestra from San Francisco Symphony (Nov. 29-30)

Watch Amadeus on the big screen at Davies Symphony Hall as the score is performed live by the SF Symphony. Experience the tale of Mozart’s music, loves, and rivalries in Amadeus, the winner of eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Rated PG ...

Free Chinatown Walking Tour w/ Free Egg Tart + Dim Sum Tastings (SF)
Saturday, November 30 – 11:00 am - Ends at 1:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free. First come, first served. Without registration, there will be a $10 fee at the door.
| San Francisco Chinatown Visitor Information Center
Free Chinatown Walking Tour w/ Free Egg Tart + Dim Sum Tastings (SF)

Join us for one of our most popular events — the free Chinatown Walking Tour! This informative and fun-filled tour will take you through key attractions like the Guan Foundation Temple, Portsmouth Square, Ross Alley, Waverley Place, and more. The tour will include complimentary tea ...