How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Detroit-style
Story by Michelle Fusco | Photos by Bill Bowen
Detroiters have so much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.
Here’s how we celebrate a tradition-filled Thanksgiving in The D.
Work Up an Appetite
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.

I Love 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. Watch 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 Buffalo Bills at Ford Field, with a 12:30 p.m. kick-off. The game will be broadcast nationally on CBS.

A D-licious Feast
For many people, eating a big turkey dinner with their family is the highlight of the holiday. Many Detroiters choose Peacock’s Poultry Farm in Troy for their Thanksgiving bird. The third-generation, the family-owned business sells fresh Amish turkeys, raised without any chemicals or preservatives. Note: Closed Sundays and Mondays.
For dessert, pick up an old-fashioned pie at the acclaimed Achatz Handmade Pie Co., with six metro Detroit locations. Hint: Try the Four Berry! Sister Pie in Detroit offers nontraditional, seasonally inspired flavor combinations, such as salted maple or pumpkin chocolate chip. And for all things sweet potato, including pie, cheesecake, cookies, and cobblers, visit Sweet Potato Sensations.

Pies from Pie Mania, Sister Pie and Rock City by Bill Bowen
Dining in the 313
If cooking isn’t your thing, several metro Detroit eateries stand ready to feed your crew. Assembly Line, the all-you-can-eat buffet at MotorCity Casino, will include all the typical Thanksgiving fixings and much more. You can also check out Detroit favorites like the Caucus Club, Texas de Brazil, Seasons 52, Steve & Rocky's, Fishbone's, and more!

Black Friday
Set your alarm clocks! Plenty of day-after-Thanksgiving shopping deals are available at retailers throughout metro Detroit. You can find deals at shopping malls all across the region.

Mentioned Attractions And Venues
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Get Directions (313) 923-7400
Founded in 1984, The Parade Company’s mission is to fund, create and execute the best…
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Get Directions (313) 262-2222
Experience Detroit Lions football at Ford Field in downtown Detroit. Visit Detroitlions.com for information on…
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Get Directions (313) 262-2000
Ford Field is an industry-leading sports and entertainment venue. In addition to Lions football, Ford…
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Get Directions (313) 237-7711
A tribute to Detroit’s rich cultural heritage, MotorCity Casino Hotel offers an exciting combination of…
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Get Directions (313) 800-5600
Chic yet approachable. Historic while tastefully modern. The Apparatus Room bridges the old and the…
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Get Directions (248) 399-2980
Located in the heart of downtown Royal Oak, the Royal Oak Music Theatre continues to…
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