Celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend with Events Across South Florida

As Thanksgiving Weekend approaches, South Florida offers a vibrant array of activities and events for families and visitors alike. From ice skating to unique dining experiences, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the holiday season in style.

Festive Activities and Outdoor Fun

On Thursday, the Florida Panthers will host the Turkey 5kATE race, inviting participants to lace up their skates for a 5K event at the Baptist Health IcePlex in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The race, which begins at 8 a.m., will see skaters complete 34 laps on an NHL rink. Registration costs $40, and participants will receive medals upon completion. Following the race, the Turkey Day Public Skate will be open from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., with admission priced at $17.

Zoo Miami will also be open on Thanksgiving Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring new residents Azizi and Jasiri, two young male lions recently transferred from the Phoenix Zoo. Tickets are available for $25.95, or $21.95 for children aged 3 to 12. More information can be found at ZooMiami.org.

For those seeking a winter wonderland experience, The Ben hotel in West Palm Beach will host a Winter Wonderland event on Thursday, featuring an outdoor ice rink and a holiday bar offering festive treats. Admission is free, but 90-minute skating sessions cost $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 4 to 11.

Distinctive Dining Options

Thanksgiving dining takes on a unique flair at the Mai-Kai restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, which recently completed a $17.5 million restoration. The Polynesian venue will serve a special Thanksgiving menu alongside its regular offerings. Diners can enjoy a three-course meal with appetizers, entrees, and desserts for $75 per person, available during two seatings at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

For those looking to contribute to a good cause, the 19th Annual SubCulture Group Thanksgiving Charity Dinner will feature multi-course meals across several popular Palm Beach County restaurants. Proceeds will support Hospitality Helping Hands, and meals will be priced from $28.95 to $41.87 per person.

Catch & Cut restaurant in Fort Lauderdale will offer a traditional Thanksgiving dinner featuring brined turkey breast and an assortment of sides for $59 per person. Additionally, the restaurant will serve stone crab claws at market price, currently starting at $31 for large claws.

For family-friendly entertainment, the Garden Bros. Nuclear Circus will present performances at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton, featuring clowns and aerialists. Shows are scheduled for Thursday and throughout the weekend, with tickets starting at $23.27. Children aged 13 and under can attend for free when accompanied by an adult.

Concerts and Cultural Events

The weekend will also feature a variety of concerts and cultural events. Cirque du Soleil’s holiday show, “’Twas the Night Before,” will take place at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, with performances scheduled from Friday through Sunday. Tickets start at $69.

On Friday evening, the free Friday Night Sound Waves concert series will host a tribute to Taylor Swift, performed by Rikki Lee Wilson, at Las Olas Oceanside Park in Fort Lauderdale. The concert will kick off the Seas & Greetings holiday festivities.

Additionally, acclaimed Elvis tribute artist Matt Stone will perform at the Arts Garage in Delray Beach on Friday night, with tickets starting at $55.50.

As the weekend unfolds, families can enjoy the “Hard Rock the Holidays” light show at The Guitar Hotel, opening on Saturday evening. This festive display will feature over 2 million LED lights and synchronized music, with admission priced at $45 for adults and $10 for children aged 7 to 12.

With an exciting lineup of events and activities, South Florida is set to provide a memorable Thanksgiving Weekend for all ages. Whether skating on ice, enjoying exotic cuisine, or attending festive concerts, there is something for everyone to cherish during this holiday season.