Thanksgiving should be spent enjoying quality time with family, not slaving away in the kitchen. From hitting the slopes to hitting the buffet, the whole family will have a blast together with these fun Thanksgiving activities.

1. Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot

Get an early start to Thanksgiving festivities with a morning 5K race through town! The Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot is an annual tradition in Jackson Hole sponsored by St. John's Medical Center. There is a 5K and a Lil' Gobblers fun run for children 10 and under. This year, the Turkey Trot will be held on Thanksgiving Day at 9:00 a.m. The start and finish lines will be located at the Stilson Parking Lot (1455 Beckley Park Way, Wilson, WY 83014). Register for the race here.

2. Go Skiing at a Resort

The opening day of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort 2024-2025 winter season is the Friday after Thanksgiving this year, which means you and your family can spend the holiday weekend hitting the slopes. The Grand Targhee Resort also opens for the season on November 22. Check back on the official dates for the opening of Snow King Mountain. There are plenty of options for your holiday ski outing, so you can choose whichever works best for you. If you’re not into skiing, check out snowshoeing, biking, and other winter activities available at the resorts.

A skier looking down a slope in Jackson Hole, WY.

3. Hike the National Parks

Fall is a beautiful season in Jackson Hole, with plenty of opportunities to see the ever-changing foliage of the trees and bushes surrounding the hiking paths. Although Thanksgiving is in late November, you might still catch sight of the autumn-toned leaves before they fall from the trees. Work up your Thanksgiving dinner appetite hiking at one of Jackson’s National Parks for some truly beautiful fall views.

A moose with antlers walks through tall grass and brush in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.

4. Thanksgiving Dinner

If you’re spending Thanksgiving day skiing or hiking in Jackson Hole, you most likely won’t have time to cook an entire Thanksgiving feast for dinner. Make the most of your day and skip the dinner preparations… let local restaurants do all the work with their Thanksgiving specials! The Silver Dollar Bar & Grill, located inside The Wort Hotel will be serving a plated Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. for $35 per plate. The Traditional Turkey Dinner Plate will include turkey breast, dinner rolls, rosemary and sage stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and sweet potato casserole. Reservations are required and there is a 48 hour $25/person cancellation policy. Or, visit Spring Creek Ranch for their Thanksgiving menu that has delicious options such as acorn squash soup and grilled lobster tail.

5. Visit the Town Square Arches

This year's official Antler Arch lighting date is yet to be determined, check back for updates.

The Town Square Antler Arches are lit up for the holiday season every year. Thousands of twinkling LED lights will be wrapped around the Arches, creating a photo-worthy spectacle that’s sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

A couple walks under the illuminated elk antler arch of Town Square at night.

6. Small Business Saturday

If you’re sticking around Jackson Hole all weekend, check out Small Business Saturday, which always falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Jackson Hole has plenty of local shopping around Town Square with lots of variety. Browse around for unique art, apparel, ski gear, and of course Jackson Hole souvenirs to find special gifts for loved ones and support small businesses.

Town Square Inns has plenty of accommodations for those looking to visit Jackson Hole for Thanksgiving. Explore our properties to see which one best suits you and your family. Happy Thanksgiving!