Thanksgiving in Utah 2026: turkey trots, Thanksgiving dinners, Friendsgivings and the weekend's Black Friday markets

Turkey trots, Thanksgiving dinners and buffets, Friendsgivings, kids' turkey crafts and ways to give back, plus the Black Friday and Small Business Saturday markets that cap off the long weekend. Updated daily.

Updated October 20, 2026

• Thanksgiving in Utah this year
• Turkey trots and pie runs before the big day
• Friendsgivings and classes for your Thanksgiving table
• Thanksgiving fun for kids
• Giving back and community meals
• Turkey trots on Thanksgiving morning
• Thanksgiving dinners and buffets
• The day before and Thanksgiving football
• Black Friday and Small Business Saturday markets
• After the turkey: the holiday season begins

Thanksgiving in Utah this year

Looking for fun ways to celebrate Thanksgiving with your family and friends? You have come to the right place! Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, Nov 26 this year, and the whole month leading up to it is full of reasons to get together: turkey trots and pie runs, Friendsgiving brunches and potlucks, cooking and baking classes for your holiday table, turkey crafts and magic shows for the kids, and lots of ways to give back to people in need.

Go Do pulls every one of these from the calendars of the cities, libraries, museums, races, restaurants and resorts that put them on, and checks them daily so our suggestions are as current as possible. Each pick below links to its full details, a map, and even weather forecasts, restaurants and hotels nearby.

This guide starts with the weeks before the big day, then Thanksgiving Day itself with turkey trots and Thanksgiving dinners, and ends with the long weekend after, when Black Friday and Small Business Saturday markets and the first tree lightings get the holiday season going. Here's a few of the top options to consider, so find your next great day or night out and get planning with your family and friends in our App too!

Turkey trots and pie runs before the big day

Can't make a race on Thanksgiving morning? Lots of Utah towns hold their turkey trots on the weekends before, so you can get one in and still sleep in on the holiday. They're a great way to get the family moving together before the big meal, and some have a fun run or walk for little legs.

November mornings are chilly, so dress in layers, and register ahead when a race lets you. A few ask runners to bring canned food for the local food pantry, so check the listing and bring a can or two.

Photo: Woodland Park

Turkey Trot

Sat, Nov 14 · Woodland Park, Stansbury Park

A family-friendly 5K around Stansbury Lake on Nov 14. Check-in is at 8 AM and the race starts at 8:30 AM, and runners are asked to bring canned food to take part, a nice way to give back before the holiday.

Photo: West Clinton Park

Turkey Trot

Sat, Nov 14, 9 AM · West Clinton Park, Clinton · $15

A festive run or walk for all ages at West Clinton Park, with a choice of a 5K or a 2-mile walk. It's an easy one to bring the whole family to, grandparents included.

Photo: South Jordan

Pie Lovers Fun Run

Sat, Nov 14, 10–11 AM · South Jordan

South Jordan's first annual Pie Lovers Fun Run follows the Jordan River Trail and ends with pie at the finish line. The course is 5.6K, with the extra .6 added to make up for all the pie, and there are prizes for the top finishers and for the best pie or Thanksgiving costume. It's a fun run, so there are no official times, just a great excuse for dessert.

Photo: City Center Park

Lindon Turkey Trot

Sat, Nov 21 · City Center Park, Lindon

One of Lindon's favorite traditions starts and ends at Lindon City Park and winds through the streets of town. Pick the timed 5K or the family-friendly Fun Run, gather your neighbors, and kick off the Thanksgiving holiday together.

• Gobbler 5K, 10K & 13.1M at South Jordan, UT (45) — Sat, Nov 7, 8:30 AM, South Jordan
• Gobbler 5K, 10K & 13.1M at Highland, UT (47) — Sat, Nov 21, 8:30 AM, Highland
• Turkey Trot — Sat, Nov 21, 9–11:59 AM, Moab
• Turkey Trot — Sat, Nov 14, 4:30 PM, Tremonton

Friendsgivings and classes for your Thanksgiving table

Thanksgiving isn't just one dinner anymore. A Friendsgiving with the people you don't get to spend the holiday with is a great way to start the season, and a class can send you home with a new dish, dessert or bottle for the big table. These make a fun date night or a night out with friends too.

Classes and brunches like these have limited seats, so book ahead, and check each listing for what's included and what to bring.

Photo: Baking Me Crazy

Thanksgiving Macaron Class

Sat, Nov 7 · Baking Me Crazy, Provo

Watch "master macaron maker" Breanna demonstrate the whole process at Baking Me Crazy in Provo, then decorate and fill turkey macaron shells to take home. You'll leave with the recipes and skills to make your own, a sweet way to start a new Thanksgiving tradition.

Photo: I/G Winery

Thanksgiving Themed Cookie Decorating Class

Wed, Nov 11, 6–8 PM · I/G Winery, Cedar City

A beginner-level Thanksgiving cookie decorating class at I/G Winery in Cedar City, where everyone decorates 6 themed sugar cookies with royal icing, step by step. Come solo or bring your friends or significant other, and sip some wine while you work.

Photo: The Tasting Room

Cellar Sessions: Wines For Your Thanksgiving Table

Tue, Nov 10, 6–8 PM · The Tasting Room, Salt Lake City · $72.92

Not sure what to pour with the turkey? At The Tasting Room's Cellar Sessions in Salt Lake City, partner Ryan Crafts shares his personal picks of wines for Thanksgiving 2026. A grown-ups' night out, so plan your ride home if you plan to drink.

Photo: HAVN Sanctuary

The Sanctuary Table: Friendsgiving Brunch

Thu, Nov 12, 11 AM–1 PM · HAVN Sanctuary, Lehi

A Friendsgiving brunch for the HAVN community, catered by Beaumont in HAVN Sanctuary's Reading Room in Lehi, with an artisanal brunch spread, savory favorites, signature pastries and free-flowing mimosas. Check the listing to see if you can join.

• Friendsgiving Potluck — Sun, Nov 8, 5:30–7:30 PM, Saratoga Springs

Thanksgiving fun for kids

Kids love Thanksgiving crafts, and Utah's libraries, museums and nature centers have a full month of them. These are short, low-key and mostly free, which makes them a great way to fill a November afternoon or the days when school is out for the holiday.

Library programs can fill up, so check each listing for when to arrive or whether to reserve a spot, and bring a bag for the crafts the kids take home.

Photo: Natural History Museum of Utah

NHMU Family Seasonal Science: Thanksgiving

Sat, Nov 21, 10:15 AM · Natural History Museum of Utah, Salt Lake City

The Natural History Museum of Utah's Family Seasonal Science day for Thanksgiving, where kids make painted pinecone turkeys, festive napkin holders, colorful seed mosaics and mini wreaths. Little ones can bring a few of their crafts to the Thanksgiving table.

Giving back and community meals

Thanksgiving is about gratitude, and one of the best ways to show it is to help make sure everyone has a good meal. Volunteering together is a wonderful thing to do as a family, and it teaches kids what the holiday is really about. A community meal is also a warm way to share the day if you're far from family this year.

Check each listing for how to sign up or what to bring, since some ask you to bring a dish and others need volunteers ahead of time.

Photo: The Boulevard

22nd Annual Share the Harvest Fundraiser

Fri, Nov 13 · The Boulevard, Provo

An evening of giving at The Boulevard, with dinner, a live auction and a program highlighting the Boys & Girls Clubs' programs. A nice night out for a good cause.

Photo: Urban Indian Center Of Salt Lake – Main Building

Harvest Arts Market

Nov 21 – Nov 22 (2 dates) · Urban Indian Center Of Salt Lake – Main Building, Salt Lake City · Free

The free Rebalancing Culture Harvest Arts Market at the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake, a showcase of Indigenous creativity with silver and turquoise jewelry, handcrafted pottery and original paintings. Find unique, handmade gifts and support Native artists, a wonderful way to celebrate the harvest season.

Photo: Weber Human Services

Thanksgiving Dinner

Fri, Nov 20, Noon–2 PM · Weber Human Services, Ogden

A Thanksgiving dinner at Weber Human Services in Ogden, a community gathering centered on connection, gratitude and sharing a meal together.

• Thanksgiving Fellowship Meal — Sun, Nov 22, 1–2:30 PM, Price

Turkey trots on Thanksgiving morning

A turkey trot is a great way to start Thanksgiving Day: get outside with the family, earn your second helping of pie, and be home in time to help with dinner. Some have a fun run or a walk, so everyone from grandma to the little ones can join in, and some raise money for people in need this time of year.

Thanksgiving mornings in Utah are cold, so dress in layers you can peel off, and register ahead when a race lets you, since race-day lines get long.

Photo: Utah Food Bank

Utah Human Race

Thu, Nov 26, 8–10 AM · Utah Food Bank, Sandy

The 21st annual Utah Human Race in Sandy is one of Utah's largest Thanksgiving Day 5K/10K traditions, with nearly 5,000 runners, walkers and families each year. Every registration supports Utah Food Bank's work fighting hunger statewide, so your morning run helps put food on the table for Utah families.

Photo: Ray Arthur Wing Park

Hobble Before You Gobble Turkey Trot

Thu, Nov 26 · Ray Arthur Wing Park, Springville

Springville's 5th annual turkey trot runs through the farmland around town, with a 10K at 7:45 am, a 5K at 8:00 am and a 1K fun run at 9:30 am. Every runner gets a race beanie and a medal, and all profits go to Utah Valley Refugees.

Photo: Ogden

North Ogden Turkey Trot

Thu, Nov 26, 8–9:30 AM · Ogden

North Ogden's fourth annual Turkey Trot starts at 8 AM at McGriff Park, on a 2-lap course of 1.5 miles per lap. Run it as a 5K on your own or as a 2-person relay, one lap each, which makes it a fun one for couples and siblings. Park in the church lot to the south of the park.

Photo: Canyon Park West

Parkrun - Turkey Trot 5k

Thu, Nov 26 · Canyon Park West, Cedar City

A free turkey trot 5K with parkrun at West Canyon Park in Cedar City, starting at 9:00 am. Everyone is welcome to walk, jog, run, volunteer or just cheer, so it's a great low-key option for the whole family. Register ahead on parkrun's site.

• Runtastic THANKFUL — Thu, Nov 26, 7:45 AM, Lehi
• Turkey Trot — Thu, Nov 26, 8–10 AM, Eagle Mountain

Thanksgiving dinners and buffets

Not up for cooking this year? A Thanksgiving buffet is a great way to give the cook a break and spend more time at the table with the people you love. Utah's mountain resorts go all out, and there are cozy options in town and down south near the national parks too.

These fill up fast, so book your seating as soon as you can, and check each listing for the times and what's included. A community meal is also a wonderful way to share the day if you're far from family.

Photo: Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Collection

Thanksgiving Feast at Goldener Hirsch

Thu, Nov 26 · Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Collection, Park City

A Thanksgiving buffet in the Goldener Hirsch's Edelweiss Ballroom in Park City, with holiday favorites, chef-attended carving stations and live music. The kids' corner has crafts and activities for younger guests, and you can choose a seating at 12 PM, 3 PM or 6 PM, each with two hours of buffet service and valet parking.

Photo: Snowbasin Resort

Thanksgiving Buffet at Snowbasin

Thu, Nov 26, 10 AM · Snowbasin Resort, Huntsville

Snowbasin's annual Thanksgiving celebration in Earl's Lodge, with traditional holiday favorites and the resort's signature brunch items. A great option for a mountain morning before the drive home.

Photo: Snowbird

Snowbird Thanksgiving

Thu, Nov 26 · Snowbird

Gather mountainside with your family at The Aerie at Snowbird for a Thanksgiving meal on the mountain. Follow the listing's link for the details and book early.

Photo: Olympic Legacy Plaza

Rouser Thanksgiving Buffet

Thu, Nov 26, 10:30 AM–5 PM · Olympic Legacy Plaza, Salt Lake City

Rouser's Thanksgiving buffet in Salt Lake City runs from 10:30 AM to 5 PM, with live music and photo ops, a fun, relaxed way to do the holiday in the city.

Photo: Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn

Thanksgiving Day Buffet

Nov 26 – Nov 27 · Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn, Bryce Canyon City · $74.95–$139.95

The Cowboy's Buffet & Steak Room at Ruby's Inn puts on its annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet near Bryce Canyon National Park, a great option if you're spending the long weekend in Southern Utah's parks.

Photo: Grand Center

WabiSabi Community Thanksgiving Meal

Thu, Nov 26, 8 AM · Grand Center, Moab

A community Thanksgiving meal at the Grand Center in Moab, celebrating connection and gratitude. A warm way to spend the day with neighbors.

• Thanksgiving Dinner at Flanagan's — Thu, Nov 26, Park City
• Thanksgiving Buffet at Glitretind — Thu, Nov 26, Park City
• Thanksgiving Buffet at Montage Deer Valley — Thu, Nov 26, Park City
• Thanksgiving Dinner at the Hoodoo — Thu, Nov 26, 2 PM, Moab
• Thanksgiving Dinner — Thu, Nov 26, 1–5 PM, Panguitch

The day before and Thanksgiving football

Pies in the oven and friends in town? Wednesday night is a great time to burn off some energy before the big meal, and a Turkey Bowl is a Thanksgiving tradition for a lot of Utah families and friends.

Teams fill up, so register early, and bring warm layers for an evening under the lights.

Photo: Harvest View Sports Complex

Santaquin Turkey Bowl

Wed, Nov 25 · Harvest View Sports Complex, Santaquin

Santaquin's 7v7 Turkey Bowl is an evening football tournament under the lights at Harvest View Sports Complex, with hot chocolate and prizes for the winners. Teams can have up to 12 players, all participants must be 16+, and space is limited, so register your team early.

Black Friday and Small Business Saturday markets

Once the dishes are done, the long weekend is when a lot of families start their holiday shopping. Skip the mall crowds and shop with local makers, farmers and small businesses on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday instead. These markets are a lot more fun than a checkout line, and you'll come home with one-of-a-kind gifts you won't find anywhere else.

Go early for the best pick of handmade items, bring a reusable bag, and make a day of it with lunch at a local spot nearby (every listing shows the restaurants close by).

Photo: Spanish Fork Fairgrounds

Spanish Fork Christmas Gift and Craft Show

Nov 27 – Nov 28 · Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, Spanish Fork

The 47th annual Christmas Gift and Craft Show fills the Indoor Tennis Courts Building at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Utah County tradition and a great place to knock out your gift list.

Photo: Payson's Historic Main Street

Payson Christmas Festival

Sat, Nov 28 · Payson's Historic Main Street, Payson

The 4th annual Payson Christmas Festival brings holiday decorations, carolers, food trucks, Santa and local businesses to Historic Payson Main Street on Saturday from 12-7pm. Skip the mall and do some Christmas shopping on Main Street.

Photo: Junction Commons

Junction Commons Small Business Saturday

Sat, Nov 28 · Junction Commons, Park City

Celebrate Small Business Saturday at Junction Commons in Park City, a collection of locally owned stores with one-of-a-kind gifts, handcrafted goodies and specialty items.

Festival City Christmas Market

Nov 28 – Dec 19 · Cedar City · Free

Cedar City's Christmas Market at 100 West Center Street runs from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and admission is free. Shop local fruit and vegetables, cheese, jam, bread, honey and handcrafted gifts from the Festival City Farmers Market's growers and makers.

Photo: Parowan Main Street

Hometown Holiday Market

Sat, Nov 28 · Parowan Main Street, Parowan

Parowan's Hometown Holiday Market runs from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in shopping areas around town, with local artisans, small businesses and food. Shop small, shop local, and find unique and meaningful gifts for your loved ones.

After the turkey: the holiday season begins

With family in town for the long weekend, a lot of Utah towns light their trees and open their holiday shows the days after Thanksgiving, and some light displays are already open. If your crew is up for one more outing before everyone heads home, here are a few of the bigger ones.

They're outdoors after dark or popular shows that sell out, so bundle up, buy tickets ahead, and check the full Christmas lights guide for more.

Photo: Canyons Village

Community Tree Lighting & Fireworks

Fri, Nov 27, 3 PM · Canyons Village, Park City

Canyons Village's 10th annual holiday celebration in Park City, with shopping, photos with Santa, live music, the tree lighting and a fireworks display, all on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Photo: Helper’s Historic Main St.

Christmas Town Lights On Ceremony

Fri, Nov 27, 6–7 PM · Helper’s Historic Main St., Helper

Kick off the holidays in Utah's Christmas Town: Helper flips the switch on Historic Main Street at 6:00 p.m., with thousands of sparkling lights and festive music.

Photo: Thanksgiving Point

Luminaria

Nov 12 – Jan 9 · Thanksgiving Point, Lehi

Thanksgiving Point's Ashton Gardens in Lehi glow with 10 million lights across 50 acres, with larger-than-life toys and ornaments, the Merry Mosaic, illuminated trees over the water, the Snow Glow Dance Party and the all-new Ignite the Night show in the Amphitheatre. Warm up with hot cocoa and their famous mini donuts by a firepit.

Photo: Val A. Browning Center, 3848 Harrison Blvd, Ogden, UT 84403

Ballet West's The Nutcracker

Nov 27 – Nov 29 · Val A. Browning Center, Ogden

Ballet West's Nutcracker returns to the Browning Center in Ogden for Thanksgiving weekend. It's America's first and longest-running production of the holiday classic, choreographed by Willam Christensen in 1944, and a beautiful way to start the season with the whole family.

• Santa Dash Payson — Fri, Nov 27, Payson
• Utah Santa Run — Sat, Nov 28, 4:30–5:30 PM, Ogden
• Holiday Tree Jubilee — Nov 28 – Nov 30, Cedar City
• Messiah Sing-In — Nov 28 – Nov 29, Salt Lake City
• A Christmas Carol — Nov 27 – Dec 26, Sandy
• Royal Bliss Annual Hometown Thanksgiving Bash — Sat, Nov 28, 7 PM, Salt Lake City

Common questions

When is Thanksgiving in 2026?

Thursday, Nov 26. The long weekend runs through Sunday, Nov 29, with Black Friday on Nov 27 and Small Business Saturday on Nov 28.

Where can I run a turkey trot in Utah?

On Thanksgiving morning: the Utah Human Race in Sandy, the Hobble Before You Gobble Turkey Trot in Springville, the North Ogden Turkey Trot and the parkrun turkey trot in Cedar City. Before the holiday: the Turkey Triathlon & 5K Trot at Weber State on Nov 7, turkey trots in Stansbury Park and Clinton and the Pie Lovers Fun Run in South Jordan on Nov 14, and the Lindon Turkey Trot on Nov 21.

Where can I get Thanksgiving dinner without cooking?

The Goldener Hirsch in Park City, Snowbasin's Earl's Lodge, The Aerie at Snowbird, Rouser in Salt Lake City and Ruby's Inn near Bryce Canyon all have Thanksgiving buffets or meals, and the Grand Center in Moab has a community Thanksgiving meal. Book ahead, since they fill up.

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