Your Charlotte Thanksgiving Day Game Plan in 10 Steps

Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for all we share in (mashed potatoes), those we love (those who bake pies), and our blessings (kiddos who eat all of their green beans). In that spirit, here is something we put together for you — we thank you for being our loyal readers.  Now hit print, highlight all the things, and be thankful we did all the research for you. Here is your Charlotte Thanksgiving Day game-plan:

1. Start with a Turkey Trot

Turkey in the oven?  Let’s trot.

Register here for the 30th Annual Charlotte Southpark Turkey Trot.

or

Register Here for the Moorseville / Lake Norman 5k Turkey Trot.

or

Register Here for the Turkey Dash near Blakeney/Robinson Farms

2. Next, hit the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade

After you trot, run over and check out the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade in Uptown. Want VIP seats?  Go here to get tix but hurry as they’re going fast.

3. After the Parade rolls, stop to see The Ritz-Carlton’s Giant Gingerbread House

It’s edible, but please don’t — and we know how hard that will be to do.  The 12-feet high cottage has elves that live there, after all.

4. Make a Donation to the Urban Ministry Center

Since you are in Uptown – Head to South College Street and drop a pie or ham to feed the underprivileged. Click here for all the prep instructions and appointment information. Let’s do our part.

5. Turkey NOT in the oven?

See the Scoop Guide for places open for lunch and/or dinner. Thank us later.

6. Don’t forget to do the OrthoCarolina “Shake Ya Tail Feather” Workout

Time to settle in on the couch and have a… not so fast. Let’s take a moment to pick a few exercises to balance out that third “sliver” of pie you just had — you’ll feel better for it. Check out their post-feast-doable exercises on the OrthoCarolina Instagram feed. You. Improved.

7. Stop by the Southpark Winter Wonderland

Santa is taking Thanksgiving off at Southpark, but you can still head out to his Winter Wonderland at Symphony Park.  BONUS: Shops, snacks and The Winter Wonderland offers skating lessons.  How cool is that? Check out the details here.

8. Or Visit the Opening Day of Charlotte Christmas Village

Note: New location this year for Uptown’s Christmas Village.  Now at the corner of 7th and N. Tryon.  Open from 11-5 on Thanksgiving Day – shop merchants, enjoy specialty foods, enjoy a mulled cider, and visit with Santa.

9. After the Meal, burn off the stuffing at Holiday on Ice

Heading to Uptown for the views after you stuffed yourself silly with all things yummy?  Strap on some skates and see our beautiful Queen City in motion.

10. End the day at Speedway Christmas

3.5 Million lights?  Is that all NASCAR?  Buy tickets here and take on the track in Concord.

BONUS. Retail Therapy at Southpark Mall starts at 5 pm Thanksgiving Day.

Southpark Mall Thanksgiving evening hours: 5pm-Midnight