Make the Most of Thanksgiving Weekend
Whether you're welcoming family to town or visiting for the holiday, Southwest Michigan offers plenty of ways to get out, explore and spend time together that don’t center around feasting on leftovers or watching the big game. Here are a few ideas for making the most of the long weekend.
Turkey Trots
Whether you're a serious runner or just looking for a fun way to get moving with family and friends, these local races are an active way to celebrate the season and help balance out all that feasting.
Dowagiac All Trail Turkey Trot
November 22, 2026, 1 p.m. at Southwestern Michigan College Trails, Dowagiac Campus
This is the 59th run of this classic race! The 5K and 10K start simultaneously at 1 p.m. and kids (who race for free) start at 2 p.m.
St. Joseph Turkey Trot
November 26, 2026, 9 a.m. at Margaret B. Upton Arboretum, St. Joseph
Join us for the third annual festive 5K run or walk past iconic Silver Beach landmarks. Fun for the entire community, there will be music, refreshments and awards.
Niles-Buchanan YMCA Thanksgiving Day Run
November 26, 2026, 8 a.m. at Niles-Buchanan YMCA
For over 40 years, this race has brought the community and visitors together for a calorie-burning good time. This fundraiser draws over 2,700 participants to benefit Y programs, water safety classes, summer day camps and more.
Lace Up for Holiday Fun
Thanksgiving weekend marks the unofficial start of ice skating season in Southwest Michigan! Bundle up and take a few laps around one of our outdoor rinks, or head indoors for some fun on the ice, no matter what the weather brings. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a little wobbly on your feet, it's a great way to spend time together over the holiday weekend.
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.
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.
Harbert Community Park (Sawyer): This outdoor rink has free skate rentals and a Dinky Rink for younger skaters.
Pick Up The Perfect Gift (and Holiday Treats!)
After Thanksgiving, extend your stay for a long weekend of holiday shopping, gallery hopping and delicious discoveries in Southwest Michigan's charming lakeside and countryside towns. Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are a little more relaxed here, with locally made treasures, unique gifts and plenty of festive treats to bring home. Make a day of it with stops at your favorite restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries along the way.
Your holiday shopping could even pay off! During St. Joe Today's Countdown to New Year, purchases of $25 or more at participating member businesses from November 20 through December 13 earn entries for a chance to win $50 gift certificates. Even better, purchases made on Small Business Saturday, November 28, earn double entries.
Shopping for someone with a sweet tooth? Our local bakeries have you covered! Pick up pies, pastries and cookies to share over the holiday weekend, or get a head start on your Christmas celebrations. Find wheat-free goodies at Bake Effect in St. Joseph, beautiful cakes and pastries at Flour Shop Bakery & Pizza and fruit pies at Sandra Kay's in Stevensville. In Three Oaks, Froehlich's Bakery offers homemade breads, cookies and other treats, while Bit of Swiss Pastry Shoppe in Stevensville is a favorite for holiday goodies, including its famous Holiday Stollen. It's a great time to place orders for holiday cookies and other seasonal specialties, too!
Be sure to visit the annual Makers Market at the Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph on November 28. More than 40 juried artists will showcase their handmade creations throughout three floors of this historic venue. Whether you're shopping for someone special or treating yourself, you're sure to find something worth bringing home.
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! With festive markets, sparkling light displays and visits with Santa, there are so many ways to enjoy the season.
Choose Your 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, and some even offer decorating essentials like wreaths, greenery, a selection of beautiful ornaments or gift boxes of homemade cookies and candies. Start a tradition that you’ll look forward to year after year, and enjoy that woodsy scent all season long.
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 toss a football in a nearby park. For the best memories, make Southwest Michigan your Thanksgiving destination. We will help fill it with joy!
