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Top Events, Activities, and Dining for the Holiday Weekend
As the desert cools and the sunsets turn golden, Thanksgiving in Scottsdale and the Greater Phoenix area offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, family activities, and holiday dining. Whether you’re hosting guests or exploring for the weekend, here are six standout Thanksgiving experiences worth putting on your calendar.
1. The Phoenix Turkey Trot
Location: Downtown Phoenix
When: Thanksgiving Morning, Thursday, November 27, 2025
Details: A Valley tradition, the Phoenix Turkey Trot features a 5K, 10K, and 1-mile fun run through downtown streets. It’s the perfect way to kick off Thanksgiving morning with family and friends before the big meal.
Why go: Lively atmosphere, costumes encouraged, and family-friendly.
Tip: Register early — the event sells out every year.
Learn more → phoenixturkeytrot.com
2. Morning Hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Location: Scottsdale
When: Thanksgiving Morning through Midday
Details: Cooler November temperatures make this the best time of year for a desert hike. Popular trailheads include Gateway, Lost Dog Wash, and Tom’s Thumb.
Why go: Enjoy panoramic desert views, light exercise before dinner, and a chance to see early morning wildlife.
Tip: Start before 8 AM for parking and ideal lighting for photos.
Trail info → mcdowellsonoran.org
3. Family Fun at OdySea Aquarium & Arizona Boardwalk
Location: North Scottsdale (Loop 101 & Via de Ventura)
When: Open Thanksgiving Day and all weekend
Details: Arizona’s largest aquarium remains open on Thanksgiving with interactive sea-life exhibits, rotating shows, and access to the Arizona Boardwalk’s restaurants and attractions.
Why go: Great indoor activity for families, especially with kids or visiting guests.
Tip: Book tickets online to skip the line.
Visit → odyseaaquarium.com
4. ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
Location: Phoenix (Papago Park)
When: Opens Thanksgiving weekend — nightly through early January
Details: A local favorite, ZooLights transforms the Phoenix Zoo into a dazzling wonderland of over four million lights and music displays.
Why go: Great post-Thanksgiving-dinner walk and beautiful photo ops for all ages.
Tip: Go the weekend of Thanksgiving for smaller crowds before the December rush.
More info → phoenixzoo.org/zoolights
5. Christmas at the Princess — Holiday Kick-Off
Location: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
When: Begins Thanksgiving Day, November 21, 2025
Details: One of the most significant holiday events in the state, the Fairmont Princess launches its winter wonderland on Thanksgiving Day with a tree-lighting ceremony, ice skating, train rides, and festive light displays throughout the resort.
Why go: Pairs perfectly with Thanksgiving brunch or dinner at one of the resort’s restaurants.
Tip: Buy tickets or dining reservations in advance, as on-site parking fills up quickly.
Event details → scottsdaleprincess.com
6. Thanksgiving Jazz & Dinner at The Phoenician or Four Seasons
Locations:
- J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician, Scottsdale
- Talavera at Four Seasons Resort, Scottsdale
- When: Thanksgiving Day (reservations required)
- Details: Both resorts host gourmet Thanksgiving dinners with curated menus, live music, and panoramic desert views.
- Why go: Ideal for guests wanting a resort-level holiday dining experience without the cleanup.
- Tip: Check each venue’s prix-fixe menu online and reserve at least 3–4 weeks in advance.
- The Phoenician → J&G Steakhouse | Four Seasons → Talavera
More Dining Options Around the Valley
If you prefer to explore beyond the resorts, several Metro Phoenix restaurants also offer Thanksgiving menus:
- Talking Stick Resort: Multiple on-site restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
- Carcara at the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix: Modern Southwest menu with local ingredients.
- Luna by Giada at Caesars Republic Scottsdale: Upscale Italian-inspired Thanksgiving dinner.
- Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse (Cave Creek): Traditional turkey plates and seasonal cocktails.
- Bourbon & Bones (Old Town Scottsdale): A Chef-driven boutique chophouse and bar.
Browse OpenTable’s Phoenix Thanksgiving list for more options.
Thanksgiving Weekend Ideas
If you’re staying for the long weekend, consider adding these to your itinerary:
- Visit Taliesin West for an architecture tour (Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert home).
- Take a day trip to Cave Creek or Carefree for a taste of small-town charm and boutique shopping.
- Explore Desert Botanical Garden for seasonal blooms and the “Las Noches de Las Luminarias” preview nights starting the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Quick Tips
- Weather: Expect highs in the low 70s °F and cool desert evenings in the 50s.
- Book early: Dining and resort events fill quickly.
- Traffic: Allow time when traveling between Scottsdale and Downtown Phoenix.
- Dress in layers: Morning hikes can be fabulous, evenings mild.
- Family travel tip: Many resorts and attractions offer kids-eat-free or bundled admission deals during Thanksgiving week.
Thanksgiving in Scottsdale and Phoenix combines everything the desert does best: sunshine, scenery, and a touch of holiday sparkle.
From sunrise hikes to twinkling lights at night, Thanksgiving 2025 promises a warm and memorable holiday weekend in the Valley of the Sun.
