Thanksgiving Weekend Events in Boston - 2011

Top 10 Things to Do in Boston for Thanksgiving Weekend

Wondering what to do in Boston after Thanksgiving Dinner?

Here are the top 10 Thanksgiving events in Boston throughout the holiday weekend.

If you're spending Thanksgiving in Boston, fun things to do take place throughout the long weekend: The Nutcracker, Christmas lights at Faneuil Hall marketplace, Black Friday madhouse shopping and even a special Black Friday dinner cruise, ice skating on Frog Pond, and of course, Boston sports. And of course, don't forget Thanksgiving Dinner!

Top 10 Thanksgiving Events in Boston

1. Thanksgiving Dinner in Boston restaurants

Turkey dinner in Boston restaurants Most attractions, museums, and theaters close on Thanksgiving Day - but plenty of Boston restaurants will be open and serving delicious Thanksgiving Dinners - you'll find everything from elegant 3- and 4-course spreads to lavish buffets. For something different, try one of the restaurants offering a la carte choices and even jazz.

Check our guide to great Boston Thanksgiving options and make reservations.

After dinner, work off those calories by exploring the Freedom Trail, strolling through Boston's Public Garden, or jogging along the Esplanade.

2. Christmas Lights at Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Christmas lights at Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston Get into the spirit of the holiday season by stopping by Faneuil Hall Marketplace, where a gorgeous Christmas tree and festive Christmas lights have been in place since the previous weekend.

Check Boston Events in November for

Faneuil Marketplace is closed on Thanksgiving Day but open throughout the rest of the weekend. Friday will be crazy due to Black Friday bargains and shoppers, one of the biggest post-Thanksgiving events in Boston. If you want to shop for unique gifts with a Boston flavor, this is a great place to come, especially since the Marketplace's famous street performers add to the entertainment. With lots of historic taverns right around the corner, and lots of fun places to eat in the area (my personal new favorite nearby is Saus), you can easily spend a full day here.

Stay Nearby - Boston Hotels near Faneuil Hall Marketplace


Bulfinch Hotel	Holiday Inn Express	Millennium Bostonian	Marriott Long Wharf

3. Spirit of Boston Black Friday Dinner Cruise

Spirit of Boston Black Friday Cruise Celebrate the day after Thanksgiving on this spectacular Boston Harbor cruise on the Spirit of Boston. You'll enjoy a wonderful buffet dinner, dancing under the stars, and top-notch entertainers. Here's what to expect: breath-taking views of the city skyline at night, non-stop enjoyment, and a memorable Boston experience.

Best of all, GoldStar Events offers half-price tickets. You will need to move fast to get them. If you miss out, sign up for alerts in case more become available.

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4. Black Friday Shopping on Boston - Where to Go

Thanksgiving events in Boston Newbury St Black Friday sales Black Friday shopping doubles as a competitive sport, so be prepared to get up early - really early - to snag the biggest bargains.

My personal pick for prime Black Friday bargain-scoring territory is Newbury Street - head to Best Buy (360 Newbury) and other big-box emporiums and discounters on Newbury and next-door Boylston St for mega-savings, and then explore great buys at all the Newbury St designer boutiques for unexpected delights. Access Shops at Prudential Center from Boylston St. Reward yourself with a comfort-food brunch at Stephanie's on Newbury (190 Newbury St.)

More suggestions about where to go for Black Friday shopping in Boston

More about Newbury Street boutiques and discount stores

5. The Nutcracker at the Boston Opera House

There's no better way to start the holiday season than by heading to the Boston Opera House for a soaring performance of Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker.

Enchanting dancers, Tchaikovsky's magical music, and the beauty of the Boston Opera House itself will transport you to another world. Opening night is the Friday after Thanksgiving, and performances continue throughout December. For special seats, try TicketLiquidator. Check Goldstar for half-price tickets (availability may be limited on this weekend, so sign up for alerts).

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6. Top of the Hub Boston Views and Jazz

Skywalk Observatory and Top of the Hub in Boston's Prudential Tower Missed Thanksgiving dinner at Boston's Top of the Hub Restaurant in Prudential Center?

You can hear the legendary jazz trios (normally after 8pm), enjoy sweeping 52nd floor views of Boston, and dine on delicious casual food in the Lounge.

Another way to enjoy even better views: head up to the 54th floor Prudential Skywalk Observatory, also in Prudential Center. Enter free when you have a GoBoston Discount Card.

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7. Boston Concerts and Theater during Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving shows at House of Blues Boston Top Thanksgiving weekend events in Boston include a huge variety of concerts and shows:

Nov 25-26:
- Boston Symphony Orchestra playing Harbison, Ravel, Mahler @ Symphony Hall
- Brother/Sister Plays @ Boston Center for the Arts
Nov 25-27:
- Peter Pan @ City Hall Plaza, 360 Entertainment
- Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker @ The Opera House"
- Blue Man Group @ The Charles Playhouse
- Captors @ Boston University Theatre
Nov 25:
- Space Tour: Team StarKid @ House of Blues
- Cassavettes @ Paradise Rock Club
Nov 26:
- Bo Burnham @ Wilbur Theatre
- The Donkey Show: A Midsummer' Night Disco @ Oberon in Cambridge
- Main Stage Show @ Improv Asylum
- Top Stars and Rising Comedians @ Nick's Comedy Stop
Nov 27:
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra @ TD Garden
- Javier Colon @ Berklee Performance Center

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8. Boston Sports Events during Thanksgiving Weekend

With Patriots out of town for their game against the Philadelphia Eagles and the Celtics not playing at all thanks to the NBA lockout, the Boston Bruins are the only game in town.

Fortunately, they're playing twice at TD Garden in what are sure to be the biggest Thanksgiving sports events in Boston - due to being the only ones!

Friday, November 25, 1pm - Bruins vs Red Wings
Saturday, November 26, 7pm - Bruins vs Jets

Ticket information

9. Boston Museums Open on Thanksgiving Weekend

Boston Institute of Contemporary Art Boston museums are closed on Thanksgiving, but almost all major museums will be open for the rest of Thanksgiving weekend. Top museums to consider:

- New England Aquarium
- Children's Museum
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Museum of Science
- Boston Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)

10. Plimouth Plantation

Plimouth Plantation near Boston MA - photo courtesy of Muns via Wikipedia Visit the site of the first Thanksgiving by making a day trip to where the Pilgrims first landed and settled back in 1620: Plymouth MA, just south of Boston, where you can see the Pilgrim Monument, go on board a reproduction of the Mayflower ship that brought the Pilgrims to the New World, and explore Plimouth Plantation, an amazingly authentic re-creation of the Pilgrim's first settlement where you can interact with actors playing the role of each of the 17th century settlers and members of the Wampanoag Nation who helped them survive.