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Useful Lansing area tidbits for families
For many, Thanksgiving means more than just a plate piled high with turkey and stuffing — it also comes with the luxury of a long four- or five-day weekend – and a kick-off to Christmas events and activities.
Once the feast is over and the leftovers are tucked away, there’s still plenty of time to make the most of the holiday break.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, local events, or a change of pace from the dinner table, here are some great ways to enjoy Thanksgiving weekend beyond the food.
Thanksgiving Weekend is the perfect time to kick off your Christmas activities.
Many Christmas tree farms open on Thanksgiving weekend, making it the perfect time to kick off the holiday season with family and friends.
Nothing beats piling in the car on a cool evening and cruising through neighborhoods or drive-thru light shows, surrounded by twinkling displays and holiday cheer—Michigan has dozens of magical Christmas drive-throughs that let you stay cozy inside and soak in the season’s sparkle.
Start your holiday season off right! Stop by Thanksgiving weekend to visit Santa, share your wishes, and pose for a photo.
There are plenty of places to find the big guy this weekend including the Lansing Mall, Meridian Mall, and Westwood Mall.
Communities like Howell, Mason, and Owosso come together for festive Christmas tree lightings and dazzling light parades that set the tone for the season on Thanksgiving weekend.
Local businesses and residents go all out with creative displays and twinkling lights, making it the perfect time to gather with family, enjoy some cocoa, and celebrate the magic of the holidays close to home.
Kick off Thanksgiving morning with a healthy tradition — join one of the local Turkey Trots happening across the area! Lace up for festive 5K runs and walks in DeWitt and Williamston, where families, friends, and runners of all levels come together to celebrate the season before the big feast.
Skip the cooking this year and enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving by dining out! These area venues are dishing up all things delicious on Thursday—from traditional turkey dinners to seasonal spreads—so you can sit back, relax, and savor the holiday.
| Blondie’s Barn 5640 Marsh Rd, Haslett, MI 48840 | Open from 12-2 PM on Thanksgiving Day serving up a FREE community meal. No other menu options will be available. Everyone is welcome. |
| Cristo Rey 1717 High St, Lansing, MI 48906 | Open from 12-2 PM on Thanksgiving Day serving a FREE community meal. Everyone is welcome. |
| Heritage Elementary School 222 Western Ave, Stockbridge, MI 49285 | Serving a FREE Thanksgiving Day meal between 11 AM – 1 PM. Dine-in or take-out. Call (517) 812-3217 to place carry-out order before November 25th. |
| St. John’s Lutheran Church 511 E Sturgis St, St. Johns, MI 48879 | Serving a FREE community meal between 12-3 PM. Please call (989) 292-0972 to give a headcount prior to 11/27/25. There will be kids’ activities, music, arts & crafts, and a large screen TV to catch the football game. All are welcome. |
| Williamston United Methodist Church 211 S Putnam St, Williamston, MI 48895 | Serving a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal at 12 PM. All are welcome. Call (517) 655-2430 to reserve your seat. FREE. |
| Asian Buffet 4920 Marsh Rd, Okemos, MI 48864 | Open 11 AM – 9 PM for a traditional Thanksgiving feast featuring roasted herb turkey, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie plus all your Asian favorites. $21.99/adult; children are just $1 x their age up to age 12. Call ahead for groups of 5 or more. |
| Capital Prime Restaurant 2324 Showtime Dr, Lansing, MI 48912 | Celebrate Thanksgiving at Capital Prime with a buffet featuring turkey, prime rib, salmon, classic and creative sides, house-made desserts, and warm holiday hospitality—served from 12–8 PM. $65 adults, $26 kids (5–12), and free for children under 5; call 517-37-PRIME to reserve. |
| Gravity Smokehouse 2440 Cedar St, Holt, MI 48842 | Open 11 AM – 4 PM for a traditional Thanksgiving buffet. Price TBD. |
| Schuler’s 115 S Eagle St, Marshall, MI 49068 | Celebrate Thanksgiving Dinner at Schuler’s on Thanksgiving Day with a traditional plated turkey dinner served from 11 AM to 6 PM, complete with all the trimmings, warm hospitality, and all-you-can-enjoy servings—no cooking, no cleanup, just classic holiday comfort; call (269) 781-0600 for reservations. |
Kick of your Nutcracker viewing with the Children’s Ballet Theatre’s production. Shows are Friday at 7 PM, Saturday at 1 PM and Sunday at 3 PM at Lansing Eastern High School.
Solve the mystery along with Sherlock for a mystery/holiday mash-up. A Sherlock Carol runs November 13 – December 21, 2025, at the Williamston Theatre.
Enjoy a different kind of show at Abram’s Planetarium. The Season of Light explores holiday traditions via the night sky. Friday & Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 4 PM. (Come back at 2:30 on Sunday for Christmas Constellations!)
Listen to the world-famous Vienna Boys Choir when they perform at the Wharton Center on Sunday at 3 PM.
Celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 29, 2025, by shopping small and supporting local businesses—every purchase helps strengthen our community and keeps our favorite hometown shops thriving.
The South Lansing Farmers Market is expecting 60+ vendors at their annual Holiday Market, held in the former TJ Maxx at the Lansing Mall.
Downtown DeWitt will be buzzing with amazing sales, specials, and activities all day long—be sure to get your punch card at a participating business for a chance to win a gift basket.
Beyond the lights, Thanksgiving weekend is also filled with festive fun — from holiday craft shows and local performances, arts & crafts to get you in the mood, to cozy community events (including time with friendly alpacas) that make the season shine.
So Greater Lansing, make the most of your weekend with these fun things to do on Thanksgiving weekend.
Cutting down your own Christmas tree is one of the best holiday traditions. Start making memories with your family at these 13 Lansing-Area Christmas Tree Farms plus extras like hot cocoa, Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides. bonfires, and more.
Find Tree Lighting Ceremonies, Drive-Through Light Shows, Holiday Parades, Decorated Houses and Neighborhoods, Immersive Walk-Through Experiences, and Light Displays happening all around the Lansing area this year.
Find Holiday and Christmas Events, Live Nativity Scenes, Parades, Reindeer, Tree lightings, Santa Finder, and more! Read on for all things Holiday and Christmas in the Lansing area.
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Sarah is a busy mom of two boys and a dog, juggling work, her family, and husband of 15 years. In her limited free time, she enjoys reading, naps, planning trips, and spending time with loved ones. Every fall, you’ll find this Lansing native cheering on her Spartans—Go Green!🐻 mama bear | 🐾 dog lover | 🔍 fun finder | 📚 book reader
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