How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Detroit-style

Make Room for Your Second Plate!

More than 20,000 runners – thousands dressed in costumes – brave cool morning temperatures to race through the streets of downtown at the annual Turkey Trot, the nation’s largest Thanksgiving morning run. It’s a fun way to rev up your metabolism before sitting down for your holiday meal.

Detroit Loves a Parade

America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner White is one of the largest and most spectacular parades in the United States – a tradition that dates back to 1924. Catch America's Favorite Parade, featuring colorful balloons, floats, and marching bands parade down Woodward Avenue starting at 8:50 a.m. View the live broadcast from home on WDIV Local 4.

Football Traditions

Detroit Lions football and Thanksgiving go together like mashed potatoes and gravy. The Lions take on the Chicago Bears at Ford Field, with a 12:30 p.m. kick-off. The game will be broadcast nationally on CBS.

A D-licious Feast

For dessert, Good Cakes & Bakes is a must try bakery in Detroit Ave of Fashion, whether you're looking for traditional dessert options or a vegan cake, this is the place to go. Sister Pie in Detroit offers nontraditional, seasonally inspired flavor combinations, such as salted maple or pumpkin chocolate chip. And for all things sweet, we're talking cheesecake, pies, banana pie and more, you must check out Nostalgia Bakeries.

Shopping Season

Set your alarm clocks! Plenty of day-after-Thanksgiving shopping deals are available at retailers throughout metro Detroit. Shop local and support Detroit metro retailers during this busy shopping time of year, we promise you'll find unique and one of a kind gifts for your loved ones. If you prefer strolling through the mall, you can find deals at shopping malls all across the region.