If you’re staying in Nashville over Thanksgiving Break, here are some fun things to do to get into the Turkey Day spirit.
Thanksgiving events
Celebrate friendships, new and old, this Thanksgiving by throwing the perfect Friendsgiving meal. Stock up on all of the fun and weird Trader Joe’s fall products (or their newest holiday items—we don’t judge) and have a potluck. If you’re loving the fall weather, Centennial Park is the perfect place to host a picnic. Rather chill out in your dorm? Don’t forget to tune into Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade using Vanderbilt’s free student Xfinity access.
If you’re looking for a Nashville event, sign up for the Nashville Turkey Trot which will take place on Thursday, Nov. 25. Runners and walkers alike have the option to trek the 8k or the 10 mile course. And yes, there will be donuts at the finish line.
Food
If you’re craving a delicious home-cooked Thanksgiving meal, head over to Stompin’ Grounds or The 404 Kitchen to try their fully-stocked Thanksgiving buffets. Make sure to make a reservation before attending.
It’s safe to say that we’re all thankful for Nashville’s amazing restaurants, and this Thanksgiving break is the perfect opportunity to try some new ones. If you’re in the mood for some Italian, Amerigo is a delicious choice (plus, they are walking distance from campus!) Craving some Korean food? Take a trip over to Hai Woon Dai as they are infamous for their amazing Korean barbecue.
For our 21+ crowd, be sure to check out the Dine with Divas event at City Winery. This Drag Brunch benefits Nashville Pride and is sure to be an amazing time with friends.
Shopping
If shopping is your cardio (like it is ours), then you can burn off your Thanksgiving feast with some Black Friday sales. Grab some friends (or bodyguards) and check out all of the deals at The Mall at Green Hills, Opry Mills or even the shops in Hillsboro Village. While not many stores have announced their deals yet, some include Airpods Pro on sale at Walmart for $159 or the Keurig K-Mini single-serve coffee maker on sale at Target for $49.99. Now is the best time to get your holiday shopping done and treat yourself before finals season.
Entertainment
When you’re not eating or shopping your stress away, check out some special events that are happening around Nashville.
In the mood to dance off some of that Thanksgiving turkey? Grab tickets for the Gimme Gimme Disco—a dance party inspired by ABBA at Brooklyn Bowl Friday, Nov. 26.
If you’d rather watch a show, head over to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center to watch the Scribble Showdown on Sunday, Nov. 21. Watch YouTube’s most renowned animators, such as Odd1sOut and JaidenAnimations, who will compete with some help from the audience in this animation game show. If you’re more into sports, be sure to watch the Nashville Predators play against the Anaheim Ducks, Vegas Golden Knights and New Jersey Devils on Nov. 22, 24 and 26, respectively, at the Bridgestone Arena. Go Preds Go!
It’s never too early for holiday spirit. Head over to Cheekwood beginning Nov. 20 to view their beautiful Holiday LIGHTS display before it gets packed during the holiday season. There will also be real reindeer and plenty of s’mores pits for you to capture that aesthetic instagramable picture.
