Want to celebrate Thanksgiving out and about? Here are 13 activities to check out
Whether you're cooking a turkey for the entire family, chowing down at your favorite local restaurant or enjoying the season of giving on your own, there are plenty of different ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Springfield.
The News-Leader compiled a list of 13 different Thanksgiving-related activities in Springfield, including the annual Turkey Trot, various free lunches and the kickoff of Gardens Aglow, to get folks in the winter holiday spirit.
Thanksgiving Lunch with NAMI Southwest Missouri
When: Tuesday, Nov. 21 at noon
Where: Southwest Missouri National Alliance on Mental Illness at 819 N. Boonville Ave.
The Southwest Missouri National Alliance on Mental Illness office is hosting a Thanksgiving feast a few days early. Anyone is welcome to join.
Karaoke Night on Thanksgiving Eve
When: Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m.
Where: 14 Mill Market at 203 E. Mt. Vernon St. in Nixa
Kick off the Thanksgiving festivities early with karaoke at 14 Mill Market in Nixa. The event itself is free and open to the entire family. Drink specials will be offered.
Thanksgiving at Hold Fast Brewing
When: Thursday, Nov. 23 from 7 a.m. to p.m.
Where: Hold Fast Brewing at 235 N. Kimbrough Ave.
Positioned at the finish line of Springfield's Turkey Trot, Hold Fast Brewing's taproom will be open throughout the morning and early afternoon on Thanksgiving. Additionally, Xurros Hand Crafted Spanish Donuts will be on-site from 6-11 a.m. Bloody Mary's, momosas and Old Fashioned cocktails will also be available, while supplies last.
Those competing in the Turkey Trot will receive $1 off all pints with presentation of a race bib.
Springfield Turkey Trot
When: Thursday, Nov. 23 at 8 a.m.
Where: Downtown Springfield
Springfield's 29th annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk kicks off bright and early Thanksgiving morning. The event is Springfield's largest 5K race, attracting more than 7,000 participants each year. The race's map is accessible on the Springfield-Greene County Park Board website.
Registration remains open through race day and is $35 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under. Registration is available on the park board website. Proceeds benefit the park board's Youth Recreation Scholarship Fund, Developmental Center of the Ozarks and Ozarks Food Harvest.
Willard Turkey Trot
When: Thursday, Nov. 23 from 7:30 a.m. to noon
Where: Willard Middle School at 205 Miller Road in Willard
Willard's Care to Learn is hosting its 12th annual Turkey Trot this year. All proceeds benefit students of the Willard Public Schools district who need access to health, hunger and hygiene products. Tickets are available on the Care to Learn website. Registration is $25 for adults 13 and up and $20 for children between five and 12. On-site registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m.
More: 30 things to do this November, including Springfield Mayor's Tree Lighting Holiday Show
The Ozark Community Center's Turkey Scramble
When: Thursday, Nov. 23 at 8:30 a.m.
Where: The Ozark Community Center at 1530 W. Jackson St. in Ozark
The Ozark Community Center's Turkey Scramble includes a 5K race, 10K race, 5K dog run and one-mile fun run. Registration is available on the Run Signup website. Registration is $35 for the 5K, $40 for the 10K, $35 for the dog run and $30 for the one-mile fun run. In addition to finisher medals, pies from Rosie Jo's will also be available.
Thanksgiving at Big Cedar Lodge
When: Thursday, Nov. 23
Where: Big Cedar Lodge at 190 Top of the Rock Road in Ridgedale
Big Cedar Lodge is hosting five different Thanksgiving dining options, including buffets at the Grandview Conference Center, Buffalo Bar and Devil's Pool, an upscale meal with cocktails at the Worman House Bistro and curated charcuterie at the Osage Restaurant. Registration is available on the Big Cedar Lodge website.
Thanksgiving Feast at Finley Farms
When: Thursday, Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Ozark Mill at Finely Farms at 802 Finley Farms Lane in Ozark
The Ozark Mill at Finley Farms is hosting an all-day Thanksgiving buffet, featuring "farm-fresh soups, salads, pastas, carving stations, traditional and unexpected sides, and a variety of desserts." Registration is available on the Finley Farms' website for $50 per adult and $20 for children four through 12.
Thanksgiving Lunch at Salvation Army
When: Thursday, Nov. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: The Salvation Army at 1707 W. Chestnut Expressway
The Salvation Army is hosting its annual Thanksgiving Lunch and all are welcome. Folks interested in volunteering should call 417-862-5509. Volunteers are needed between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Feed the Troops with Post 639
When: Thursday, Nov. 23 from noon to 3 p.m.
Where: American Legion 639 at 2660 S. Scenic Ave.
Springfield's American Legion 639 is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for veterans and their friends and family. Volunteers will provide the main courses, but folks are encouraged to bring their own side dishes to share.
#OptOutsideDay Bicycle Ride
When: Friday, Nov. 24 at 11 a.m.
Where: Fellows Lake
Cycle Connect 417 is hosting a group bicycle ride, inspired by REI's #OptOutsideDay, which encourages folks to "opt out" of Black Friday and do something outdoors. Folks may bring their own mountain bikes or rent from Adventure Bicycle Company or Howler Bike Shop. The ride is free.
Gardens Aglow
When: Friday, Nov. 24 through Dec. 31
Where: Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at 2400 S. Scenic Ave.
The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is kicking off its Gardens Aglow the day after Thanksgiving. More than 200,000 festive lights will accent the stroll gardens' botanical structures and landscaping. Food truck vendors will be on-site with warm drinks and treats. Tickets are $7 per adult and $4 per child three through 12 at the gate. Advance tickets are $5 per adult and $3 per child, available on the Friends of the Garden website.
Thanksgiving Weekend Horseback Riding and Wine Tasting
When: Sunday, Nov. 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Where: Farmers Park at 2144 E. Republic St.
37 North Expeditions, an outdoor guiding company, is hosting a Thanksgiving weekend horseback riding and wine tasting excursion. Participants will meet at Farmers Park, attend a brief safety session to get acquainted with their horses and then ride for an hour through fields, woods and creeks with an experienced guide. Following, participants will drive to Bear Creek Winery, where red and white wines, rustic pizza, smoked meats, cheeses, chocolate and beer will be available. Tickets are available for $119 on the 37 North Expeditions website.
Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: 13 Thanksgiving activities to explore around the Ozarks
