Anchorage does Thanksgiving a little different. While there is plenty of turkey with all the trimmings, it is also the right place for unique outdoor fun, Alaska traditions, and holiday events that sparkle.

Fast Feet and Bright Lights

The Friday after Thanksgiving marks the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Town Square Park in downtown Anchorage.
 

Instead of plump turkey, holiday traditions in Anchorage start with Skinny Raven. The running shop's annual Turkey Trot starts with a morning 5K run near their flagship store. Farther south, Girdwood moves before the meal with a run of their own. The community's annual tree lighting festivities take place the weekend following Thanksgiving. It's also Small Business Saturday, if you want to get a local jump on holiday shopping. Crafted in Alaska at the Anchorage Museum is a showcase of local makers as well.

Winter Fun

Fat tire biking on Campbell Creek Trail
 

Thanksgiving weekend is also the perfect weekend to get out on the trails or ice. Rent a fat tire bike and explore the trails or grab some skates and join the locals at Chanshtnu Muldoon Park or Delaney Park Strip (weather permitting). Not all the snowy, holiday visions take place outside this weekend either: The Nutcracker returns to the PAC, and the community brass band polishes up holiday classics in concert.

Thanksgiving Dining in Anchorage

Enjoy the holiday meal with all the trimmings. You might not even need to leave the hotel; the Anchorage Marriott Downtown, Embassy Suites, Lakefront Anchorage, Hotel Captain Cook, Sheraton Anchorage, and Alyeska Resort often each have Thanksgiving meals planned. Reservations are recommended.

With a little advance planning, local restaurants and caterers can help you put together a meal without the needs for a lot DIY kitchen wizardry. 49th State Brewing, Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill, and others can make all the arrangements for the big meal.

2025 Thanksgiving Specials

Looking to skip the kitchen this Thanksgiving? Here are some local restaurants offering sit-down meals and takeout so you can relax, eat well, and soak up the holiday spirit. 🍽️

  • Simon & Seafort’s
    Dine-in for a traditional Thanksgiving meal or order a family-style take-home option. Pre-orders are recommended to ensure availability. Learn more >

  • Sullivan’s Steakhouse
    Choose from sit-down or take-home options this Thanksgiving. Sit-down dinners are available in the restaurant, and pre-prepared take-home meals can be picked up in advance. Learn more >

  • Glacier Brewhouse
    Take the stress out of holiday cooking with a chef-prepared Thanksgiving feast available for pickup. Meals are designed for easy reheating at home. Learn more >

  • Crush Bistro
    For an easy and cozy at-home option, Crush is offering a Take & Bake Thanksgiving meal, letting you pick up the fixings and finish them on your own schedule. Learn more >

  • Crimson at The Wildbirch Hotel
    Enjoy a four-course, plated Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Crimson’s signature holiday menu provides a refined Alaska twist on traditional favorites. Reservations are recommended, and pre-purchased tickets are available. Learn more >

  • Alyeska Resort
    Only a short drive from Anchorage, Alyeska offers a traditional Thanksgiving buffet at its restaurants, including seating times to choose from. (reserve your table early) Learn more >

  • Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse
    Offering Take & Bake Thanksgiving dinners for groups, making it simple to enjoy a holiday meal at home. Learn more >