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Once you’ve had your fill of mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and maybe some cringe-worthy remarks from that, uh, less-than-enlightened uncle, it’s time to consider the fantastic opportunity waiting post-Thanksgiving weekend: the chance to escape!
A four-day weekend with Thursday off is like a golden ticket for travel enthusiasts. Now, on Black Friday, you could be exploring exciting new places instead of waiting in line at Best Buy. And here’s the cherry on top — you can snag crazy travel deals too!
That’s where Wanderu comes in. With the cheapest prices on buses and trains across North America (and Europe!), Wanderu is the best place to book your post-Thanksgiving travel plans.
So grab your travel gravy and get ready to experience the weirdest, strangest, and most intriguing events happening over Thanksgiving this year.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s Holiday Express Train
Nov. 24-Dec 24, 2023
Blue Ridge, GA
Official Website
Immerse yourself in the perfect blend of holiday magic and scenic splendor by choosing the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s Holiday Express Train as your Thanksgiving activity. This enchanting journey offers a unique and memorable way to celebrate the holiday and gives you the perfect view to enjoy the last of the season’s stunning fall foliage.
The journey begins in downtown Blue Ridge and continues along the Toccoa River into the lush Appalachian foothills. And, for all you holiday maniacs putting up Christmas trees in November, you’ll be thrilled to know the ride features holiday music and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.”
Note that the coach is open-air, which is great for the views but not so great for chilly weather. Bring a sweater or some blankets to keep you warm, or buy a cup of hot cocoa from the available concessions to maximize the cozy factor.
Tickets start at $40.99 for kids and $52.99 for adults, and the youngsters will receive a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell, a candy cane, and an activity packet.
Alcatraz Indigenous People’s Sunrise Gathering
Nov. 27, 2025
San Francisco, CA
Official Website
Every year on Thanksgiving morning, while most people are still snoozing or basting turkeys, hundreds of folks gather on Alcatraz Island for something entirely different: the Indigenous Peoples’ Sunrise Ceremony. Known by many as “Unthanksgiving Day,” this event honors Native peoples and their history, while also remembering the 19-month occupation of Alcatraz by Indigenous activists that began in 1969.
The ferry pulls up before dawn, the San Francisco skyline still glittering in the distance, and as the sun rises over the Bay, the island fills with drumming, singing, and dancing. The ceremony blends tradition, protest, and remembrance, offering a powerful alternative narrative to the holiday. It’s not about pumpkin pie or parades, it’s about reclaiming space, telling stories that often get left out, and standing in solidarity with Native communities.
If you’re in the Bay Area over Thanksgiving and want something meaningful and eye-opening, set your alarm early and hop on the boat. Just be sure to bundle up; the wind out there can rival even the fiercest family debate at the dinner table.
Detroit Lions Annual Thanksgiving Day Football Game
Nov. 27, 2025
Detroit, MI
Official Website
For sports lovers, Thanksgiving is synonymous with football. Instead of parking it on the couch in a turkey-induced coma, why not catch a game in person? Join Detroit die-hard fans at Ford Field to watch the Lions face off with the Packers this Thanksgiving.
Even if you don’t get tickets to the game, the tailgating at Ford Field is known to be quite the event on Thanksgiving day. You’ll likely find all the fixings of a full traditional meal available, making this one of the best things to do on Thanksgiving if you love sports AND turkey. Non-sports fans are welcome, too!
The game starts at 12:30, and you can buy tickets for the game and parking passes online in advance. If you’re tailgating, the festivities start pretty early in the morning, so show up at least a couple of hours before the big game to get the full experience.
Human Horse Races
Nov. 27, 2025
New Orleans, LA
Official Website
Save a horse, ride a human? For a genuinely unconventional Thanksgiving event, hop on the bus to New Orleans and partake in the Human Horse Races. For the past four years, this event has raised money and awareness for local animal sanctuaries and rescues in quite a unique way.
The races are exactly what they claim to be: humans wearing horse masks, carrying their human riders, running for the glory (and a pretty cute trophy) of crossing the finish line first. The races are open to all ages, and even if you’re not participating, it’s quite the show for spectators.
There’s also live music and concessions, and all proceeds go to local animal & wildlife rescue initiatives. Entrance to the event is free, and participation is available with a suggested donation. If you want to contribute to the cause, you can buy betting tokens, invest in some cool merch, or simply make a donation!
Minnesota Hmong New Year
Nov. 29-30, 2025
St. Paul, MN
Official Website
Looking for unique Thanksgiving events that don’t actually have anything to do with turkey or pilgrims? St. Paul celebrates the Hmong New Year on Thanksgiving weekend, and as the home to one of the largest Hmong populations in the United States, you can bet that this city’s festival goes all out.
Of course, there is tons of food (you won’t be missing that bland turkey, trust me), but that’s just the start. There are also singing and dance competitions, the Miss Hmong Minnesota pageant, tons of vendors and display booths showcasing clothing and other artifacts of cultural importance to the Hmong people.
Tickets cost $12 and are available at the door.
Don’t let tradition take hold of your weekend plans. Step outside of your comfort zone and check out a few of these unconventional Thanksgiving events. Who knows, you might just find a new tradition to hold dear for next year!
No matter where your holiday plans take you, browse Wanderu or download the Wanderu app to find cheap train and bus tickets and compare prices in the same search. Save that cash for those Black Friday deals!
