Top Things to Do Over Thanksgiving in Southwest Michigan

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Southwest Michigan is brimming with activities! Whether you are hosting or visiting, here are some ways to make memories beyond the feasting and cheering for the Detroit Lions or Chicago Bears. 

Go Turkey Trotting

If you prefer to be up and moving before your Thanksgiving feast, join us at the races: 

Dowagiac All Trail Turkey Trot | November 24 | 1 p.m. | Southwestern Michigan College Trails | 10K and 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ 1K Fun Run | Early Registration: $25/Late Registration (after Nov. 10): $30

This is the 57th run of this classic race! The 5K and 10K step off simultaneously at 1 p.m. and the kids (who race for free) get their shoes flying at 2 p.m. Fun for the entire family!

St. Joseph Turkey Trot | November 28 | 9 a.m. | Margaret B. Upton Arboretum | 5K Run and Walk | $30

Join us at this inaugural annual event — a festive 5K run or walk past iconic Silver Beach landmarks. Fun for the entire community, there will be music, refreshments, and awards. It’s sure to become your new Turkey Day tradition!

Niles-Buchanan YMCA Thanksgiving Day Run | November 28 | 8 a.m. | Niles-Buchanan YMCA | 10K, 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ 1-mile Fun Run — In-person or Virtual | $40 

For over 40 years, this race has brought the community and visitors together for a calorie-burning good time. Now this fundraiser draws over 2,200 participants to benefit Y programs, water safety classes, summer day camps, and more. 

Enjoy Ice Skating 

One of the best together times in Southwest Michigan is gliding, spinning, or taking your first shuffling steps at our area ice rinks. Thanksgiving Weekend typically marks the opening of fresh sheets of ice at our outdoor rinks. If the weather is too warm or cold — gather everyone at our year-round indoor ice rink for guaranteed fun! Here are five nearby locations — with more information here.

• John and Dede Howard Ice Arena (St. Joseph): This covered ice rink opens just before Thanksgiving, weather permitting. It invites new and experienced skaters to enjoy laps and then get warm by the fireplace in the hut with a treat from the concession stand. Skate rentals and concessions are available.
• Harbert Community Park (Sawyer): This outdoor rink has free skate rentals and a Dinky Rink for younger skaters.
• Oselka Park Ice Rink (New Buffalo): Looking for a family destination, a gathering place for friends, or a date-night idea? This outdoor rink meets your needs from sunrise until 10 p.m. every day, weather permitting.  
• Huron Street Pavilion Ice Rink (South Haven): Thanks to the pavilion roof and coils underneath the ice, this rink rarely closes because of the weather. Rent skates or bring your own during open skate times, watch curling league competitions, or take classes. This rink is within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants.  
• The Garden Ice Arena (St. Joseph): This rink is open year-round for indoor skating and occasionally features bumper cars on ice for extra excitement! Check their schedule for public skating times and equipment rental details.

Pick Up Dessert for Your Feast

If baking isn't your thing, no worries! You can still impress everyone with a delicious homemade treat. The best part? These spots have done all the work for you, and it's made from scratch!

• Amanda's Bakeshop & Farm Market (Eau Claire): Select from fresh donuts, pies, cheesecakes, cookies and brownies.
• Bit of Swiss Pastry Shoppe (Stevensville): This highly praised bakery features tempting display cases filled with fresh bread, breakfast pastries, tortes, cannolis, cakes, cookies, and more.
• Flour Shop Bakery & Pizza (Stevensville): This bakery is known for its high-quality, beautiful cakes and pastries. Its signature Bavarian cream cakes draw people from miles away, along with a wide variety of cookies, pies, pastries, cupcakes, and other delectable treats.
• Merry Little Baker (St. Joseph): A rotating selection of homemade delights is available, including apple and cherry turnovers, pain au chocolate, cinnamon rolls, and caramel pecan rolls.
• Red Coach Donuts (Stevensville): A beloved donut shop known for crafting delicious, scratch-made donuts with locally sourced ingredients.
• Sandra Kay's (Stevensville): Known for their cakes and fruit pies made with locally sourced fruit, they offer a variety of fresh, daily-made treats, including cheesecakes, pies, cupcakes, cookies, and cream puffs.

Find the Perfect Gifts

After Thanksgiving, extend your stay for a long weekend and enjoy some holiday shopping and gallery hopping in our less-crowded lake and countryside towns. Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are more relaxing and the gift choices are more memorable. Restaurants, wineries, breweries, and distilleries add to the pleasure of hunting with family and close friends. 

Be sure to visit the annual Makers Market at the Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph on November 30th. Over 40 juried artists will showcase their handmade creations throughout the three floors of this historic venue. Whether you keep your finds for yourself or gift them, you will bring holiday cheer!

Celebrate the Holidays Early at These Events

If you are eager to get in the Christmas spirit, Southwest Michigan spreads the joy of the season soon after Halloween. With festive decorations, early Christmas celebrations, and visits with Santa, there are so many ways to add sparkle to your days.

Choose Your Fresh Christmas Tree

Few things evoke holiday memories quite like the woodsy scent of a fresh Christmas tree. Here in Southwest Michigan, local farms let you choose and cut your tree or pick from pre-cut selections on their lots. Many farmers add to the experience with festive extras like tractor rides, petting zoos, visits with Santa, and hot drinks. Some even offer decorating essentials like wreaths, greenery, a selection of beautiful ornaments, and gift boxes of homemade cookies and candies. Start a tradition that you’ll look forward to year after year!

Plan Your Thanksgiving Trip Now

Whatever your traditions — staying in one of our hotels gives you a place to watch the big game together, enjoy a family brunch, make crafts, swim in the pool, or play football in a nearby park. For the best memories, make Southwest Michigan your Thanksgiving destination. We will help fill it with joy!

Book your stay today