Best Thanksgiving Day Activities In Detroit

In Detroit, Thanksgiving is so much more than just any other holiday. In the Motor City, we know how to prepare for a long, hard, cold winter the right way! Thanksgiving is all about family, sure, but here in Motown, we give our residents the absolute best ways to spend it together. Whether it's out and about in the city, or tucked away in your nice warm home, here are the absolute best ways to spend your Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends this year.

Detroit Lions - Thanksgiving In The Motor City
Ford Field
2000 Brush St.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 262-2000
www.detroitlions.com

Since 1934, the Detroit Lions have been part of Thanksgiving history. And ever since football games became a part of the television landscape, the Detroit Lions have long been the choice match up for every single Thanksgiving. Detroit football isn't just a Motown thing on Thanksgiving; it's a national event, with people across the country tuned into the Detroit Lions along with all Detroiters. Sure, the Lions may not have the best record on Thanksgiving Day, but it's still great to be there and watch the game with friends.

Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade
9500 Mt. Elliott, Studio A
Detroit, MI 48211
(313) 923-7400
www.theparade.org

A true Michigan tradition and a national eye-opener, the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade may not be as lavish as the parade they throw in New York City, but "America's Thanksgiving Day Parade," as it has been known since 1924, is one of America's best. Originally sponsored by the historic J. L. Hudson Company, who held their flagship store in downtown Detroit, this parade is still one of the nation's favorites with new additions each and every year. The parade is truly a great family tradition and a great way to see a revitalized downtown Detroit.

Turkey Trot Race
9500 Mt. Elliott, Studio A
Detroit, MI 48211
(313) 247-4149
www.theparade.org

Perhaps lounging around after a massive meal isn't exactly your thing. Perhaps you and your family and friends' idea of fitness is more along the lines of a brisk race through downtown Detroit! If so, then the 33rd annual Turkey Trot is the best way for you to celebrate Thanksgiving this year! Register online now to take part in either the 5k, 10k, 1 mile run or Drumstick Double, if you want to tackle them all. Best of all, you won't need to worry about those pesky calories from all that extra Thanksgiving Day meal and snacks this year.

Related: A Walking Tour Of Detroit's Downtown

Catch A New Thanksgiving Day Movie Release

Many Detroit families have a longstanding tradition of going out and catching the latest hit movie in the theaters as a family on Thanksgiving Day. Depending on the actual weather outside, staying indoors might always be the most welcome activity in Southeast Michigan come late November. This year, plenty of great family movies will be released for the holiday season, so perhaps the time is right to start a new holiday tradition with your family.

Prepare For The Black Friday Sales

One thing that so many American families love to do on Thanksgiving Day is to prepare for the incredible online and in-store deals for Black Friday. In the Detroit area, we have a number of popular stores that open late on Thanksgiving evening, and shoppers begin to line up to get the best sales and wait all night. In fact, many families treat this as a fun part of their daily activity on Thanksgiving Day. If you're looking to get the best deals on your holiday gifts this year, and perhaps spend some time with the family as well, this might be the best activity for you!

Related: A Breakdown Of Detroit Neighborhoods

Michael Ferro is freelance writer and a graduate of Michigan State University where he majored in Creative Writing and received the Jim Cash Creative Writing Award. Born and bred in Detroit, he currently resides in Ypsilanti Township. Additional writing can be found at Examiner.com.