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Thanksgiving Day is a public holiday observed every year on the fourth Thursday in November. This year it will be on November 28, 2019.
This holiday has its roots in the early pilgrim days as a celebration to the end of a fruitful harvest season.
For many americans it means time with family, turkey and mashed potatoes, a weekend of football, and naturally, the shopping.
A big part of Thanksgiving Weekend is now the sales in what has now become the largest shopping weekend of the year, which includes "Black Friday" or the Friday after Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, the Monday after.
More recently, some malls and stores are beginning to open on Thanksgiving Day, now dubbed "Gray Thursday", but many still remain closed, so check before you head out, and needless to say, if you don't like crowds, avoid the stores on these days.
Thanksgiving is also the "unoficial" start of the holiday season. Christmas and Hannukah decorations will be popping up all over town, with many holiday events and outdoor concerts adding a sparkle to the celebrations.
Ariana Grande kicks off the long weekend with her Sweetener World Tour 2019 on Wednesday. A couple of exciting matches will be going on over the weekend, our Miami Heat meets Golden State Warriors at AmericanAirlines Arena and for hockey fans, the Florida Panthers meet the Nashville Predators at BB&T Center.
As in all public holidays, government offices, schools, post offices, banks and public libraries will close on Thanksgiving Day. Many restaurants remain open and offer special dinners to celebrate the Holiday.
This is the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and cooler temperatures as we wave goodbye to the scorching heat of summer. And as migrating birds are heading back our way, this is a good time for a visit to the Everglades, enjoy the beautiful wildlife or a thrilling airboat ride!
Here's what's happening this Thanksgiving in Miami as well as some popular see's and do's to take advantage of the long weekend!
Thanksgiving Weekend Concerts
- Ariana Grande Sweetener World Tour 2019 - November 27, 2019 at AmericanAirlines Arena
- Black Saturday R&B Jam - November 30, 2019 at the James L Knight Center Miami
- Escape to Margaritaville - November 19 - December 1, 2019 at the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Catch a game this Thanksgiving Weekend
- Miami Heat vs. Golden State Warriors - Friday November 29, 2019 at AmericanAirlines Arena
- Florida Panthers vs. Nashville Predators - Saturday November 30, 2019 at BB&T Center
Thanksgiving Weekend Outdoor Fun and Things To Do
- Hit the Boardwalks and Trails at the Everglades
- Take an Airboat Ride
- A cruise on the Bay...
- Get Out of Town! Bahamas, Key West, Disneyworld, Space Coast...
- Santa's Enchanted Forest
- NightGarden Magical Light Spectacular at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens
- Jungle Island's Luminosa! Festival of Lights
- Where to Have Thanksgiving Dinner
- Staycation time! Check out these last minute flash deals on top Miami, South Beach, Coconut Grove Hotels
Hot Tickets Thanksgiving Weekend Concerts, Plays and Sports
Ariana Grande Sweetener World Tour 2019
When? Wednesday, November 27, 2019 - 8:00 pm
Where? AmericanAirlines Arena
How Much? ››
Find Ariana Grande Tickets
Escape to Margaritaville, The Musical
Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all-and stay to find something they never expected.
Get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming musical with the most unforgettable songs from one of music's greatest storytellers. USA Today calls it "A little slice of paradise!"
When? November 19 - December 1, 2019
Where? Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
How Much? ››
Find Escape to Margaritaville Tickets
Miami Heat vs. Golden State Warriors
When? Friday November 29, 2019 - 8:00 pm
Where? AmericanAirlines Arena
How Much? ››
Find Miami Heat vs Golden State Tickets
›› Check for Miami Heat Tickets at Groupon from $23!!!
Florida Panthers vs. Nashville Predators
When? Saturday November 30, 2019
Where? BB&T Center, Sunrise
How Much? As low as $15, but they go quick!
›› Find Tickets
›› Check for Panthers Tickets at Groupon from $12.
Thanksgiving Weekend Outdoor Fun and Things To Do
Hit the Boardwalks and Trails at the Everglades
The dry season is approaching, meaning our migrating birds are coming back, manatees take refuge in our warmer waters, alligators are easier to spot as they congregate around the waterholes, in short, this is the season for visiting the Everglades and enjoying nature and the outdoors. Why not spend a couple of hours walking off all that turkey along the boardwalks and trails?
Our favorite short walks are:
- Anhinga Trail at Royal Palms near the Main Park Entrance at Florida City by Homestead
- The The Loop Road at Shark Valley
These two trails are always full of activity and are very easy to get to. The walk can be as short or as long as you want to make it.
If you're up for a bike ride, the Shark Valley Loop is also a great option and there are bike rentals available here.
Here's our comprehensive guide to the Florida Everglades and Everglades National Park
Take an Airboat Ride...
Another fun way to see the vastness of the Everglades and fantastic wildlife is by zipping around in an Airboat.
There are many operators offering airboat tours. Many concentrate along US 41, or Tamiami Trail and also near the park's main entrance and visitor center in Homestead.
Simply drive along these two corridors and you can not miss the many signs advertising the airboat rides.
Here's more on Everglades Airboat Tours.
A Cruise On The Bay...
This Thanksgiving Day Weekend, enjoy a fantastic outing in the sun, enjoying the breeze and beautiful waters of Biscayne Bay and our magical skyline or wonderful colorful reefs...
There are many options for cruises and on special holidays, many charters will be hosting special deals and programs like buffets, brunches, barbeques, etc.
For the different types of cruises, check our Biscayne Bay Cruise options page.
Get Out Of Town...
This IS a long weekend! Why not spend some time exploring our surroundings? The Florida Keys are at our doorstep and you can be there within an hour from Miami. Get out your snorkel or dive gear and head south! John Pennekamp Park in Key Largo is a fantastic destination for all sorts of water sports and outdoor activities, snorkeling, diving, kayaking... And of course, Key West, as far south as you can go, famous for wonderful sunsets, its street art scene, shops, outdoor cafes, restaurants and historic sites has also much to offer.
Heading north, you can stop at the Kennedy Space Center or spend a couple of days at the theme parks in Orlando.
And the Bahamas are equally accesible, there are regularly scheduled ferries to bring you to the Islands.
Don't have a car? Check out these hassle-free offers that take care of your transport and sightseeing:
Santa's Echanted Forest
The largest Christmas-Themed Amusement Park and Carnival is back with its 3 million lights, 92" christmas tree, and the carnival rides for little ones and those wanting a little more extreme.
Located in the heart of Miami in Tropical Park, you will no doubt see the lights from the highway as you drive past.
It is a huge sprawling lively event, just coming to see the lights is worth the trip. Tons of entertainment for kids and families round it all up. There are the many live shows, games, magic acts, mazes, all sorts of rides, from carrousels to roller coasters and drop towers and of course, the carnival food!
When? October 31, 2019 - January 5, 2020 - 5:00pm to Midnight
Where? Tropical Park, on the Palmetto (SR826) and Bird Road (40th Street) 7900 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33155
How Much? Adults (9-64) $37.01, Children (3-8) and Seniors 65+ $28.60, Season and express passes available.
More Info: Santa's Enchanted Forest
NightGarden a Magical Light Spectacular
NightGarden is back this year! An enchanted, illuminated experience full of fantasy and wonderment where things like the Wise Talking Tree, Flying Fairies and a Sunflower Maze come to life.
Three times larger than last year's fantastic hit, come and marvel at unbelievable live effects such as holographic butterflies and floating orchids throughout multiple acres of dazzling magic.
When? November 15, 2019 to January 11, 2020
Where? Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens at 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156
How Much? General Admission $33, Children 10 and under $26, plus service fees. Discounts for Fairchild members and season passes available.
More info: www.thenightgarden.com
Luminosa! Festival of Lights
A Chinese Lantern Festival with a very Miami tropical twist! Taking place in Jungle Island where 13 acres of the park's environs will be decked out with humongous brightly lit silk lanterns featuring four different themes portraying the diverse animal and plant life found in the park. Certainly a fantastic way to explore wildlife and adventure in a new light.
Starting October 5, 2019 and running through early January 2020, the exhibits will be a very festive addition to the holidays!
When? October 5, 2019 - January 8, 2020 - 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Where? Jungle Island at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail Miami, Florida 33132
How Much? Adults $38.50 $30.80, Children $33.00 $26.40
More Info, tickets & early bird discounts: Luminosa! Festival of Lights
Where to Dine This Thanksgiving
- Eater Miami: Leave the Cooking to the Pros... Where to Eat on Thanksgiving Day in Miami, 2019
- Time Out's Where to eat on Thanksgiving in Miami when you don't want to cook
- MiamiNewTimes Thanksgiving 2019: Miami Restaurant Brunch Guide
This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Memories!
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