Giving, shopping, and turkey trotting: 16 things to do this Thanksgiving weekend

By Joshua Encinias

The season of giving — thanks and otherwise — is underway.

If you’re not going to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan, and haven’t locked down your holiday plans, consider helping the less fortunate on Thursday: The Thanksgiving Pack-A-Thon is a massive community effort to feed thousands, and Kings Theatre hosts Flatbush’s beloved Thanksgiving Luncheon. See more information about both below.

Skip the typical Black Friday sales and head over to City Point for The Makers Show Holiday Market, where you can buy all kinds of cool stuff from local artisans and creators. Run Off the Turkey Trot begins bright and early on Saturday morning and so does The Old First Nursery School Tree Sale. Or you can have an existential Sunday watching Michael Shannon in “Waiting for Godot.”

Have a great weekend, however you choose to spend it.

Thursday, November 23

2023 Turkey Trot
Starting at 8:15 and 9 a.m.
One of Brooklyn’s most popular races, this 5-miler is the perfect way to kick off an otherwise indulgent weekend. Registration is full but that doesn’t mean you can’t cheer on the runners in Prospect Park on Thanksgiving morning. The winner receives a pie! This year the Trot partners a second time with the American Indian Community House (AICH), whose mission is to improve and promote the well-being of the American Indian Community. Prospect Park; race starts by the Parade Grounds. See the Trot’s website for the course map.

Thanksgiving Pack-A-Thon
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Congregation of Shearith Israel joins with their community faith partners, The Jewish Center, West End Church, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to celebrate Thanksgiving in the spirit of the day. This year’s Pack-A-Thon is held in a tented outdoor pavilion. With the help of the Masbia soup kitchen, volunteers will pack over a thousand nutritious food packages for those in need, and Masbia is partnering with DoorDash to distribute them, free of charge, right to the doors of those who need them. Register to volunteer and donate.

Thanksgiving Luncheon at Kings Theatre
12 to 2 p.m.
The Thanksgiving Luncheon, a celebrated tradition in the Flatbush community, will feature a delectable spread of hot and delicious food prepared by the talented students from the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism at Erasmus High School. This is a free community meal open to any New Yorker in need, while supplies last. If you’re not one of those in need, Kings Theatre is also collecting gently used winter clothes for adults and children. Donated supplies will be distributed during the luncheon. Donations can be dropped off at the Kings Theatre Box Office on show nights, as well as during Box Office hours on Tuesday and Wednesday, 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 1027 Flatbush Avenue.

Friday, November 24

Donate to St. Nick Fridge in Bushwick
Anytime
Did you buy one too many cans of Le Sueur peas for Thanksgiving? Consider donating fresh, uncooked food and canned items to the St. Nick Fridge in Bushwick. The fridge is community-run and operated all year and needs extra hands and donations through the holidays. Find more information on their Instagram. You can bring food to 176 St. Nicholas Ave.

Frost Fest at Luna Park
Open every weekend through January 7
Get ready for the ultimate beachfront winter experience as Coney Island hosts its first annual Frost Fest at Luna Park. Visitors can visit the skating rink, select rides and attractions, holiday lights and décor, photos with Santa, holiday shopping, and festive food options to fulfill your holiday cravings. 1000 Surf Avenue. Ticket prices vary.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s ‘Lightscape’
Friday through January 1
Brooklyn’s most enchanting winter show is back and reimagined for 2023 with brand new works of art. During “Lightscape,” the garden comes to life with illuminated sculptures, bright colors projected on the garden’s trees, seasonally decorated architecture water fountains and more. Check out our first look of this year’s show. 150 Eastern Parkway. Tickets are $12 for children and $24 for adults.

The Makers Show Holiday Market at City Point
11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday through Sunday until December 17. They reopen December 20 through 23 for extended shopping days
For the fourth holiday season, The Makers Show Holiday Market will feature over 60 local vendors, dance parties for kids, cookie decorating, and workshops like ugly sweater-making, with visits from Santa. The Makers Show is rooted in social justice with their commitment to promoting equity and community investment through local marketplaces. Enjoy the festive environment created by TMS and buy local. 445 Albee Square West.

Industry City Ice Rink
12 to 8 p.m., every Friday thru Sunday through March 3
The IC Ice Rink in Industry City is open for the season and they’re fully equipped with a heating system to keep you toasty. Complete with an outdoor bar serving hot drinks and snacks, the rink is open from now until March 3. All tickets are available for a single entry at any time, on the day of your choice, and will grant you access to the rink for one session between 1.5 hours to 2 hours. Industry City Courtyard 5/6 at 51 35th Street. Tickets are $15 to $25.

Saturday, November 25

Run Off the Turkey Trot
Start times at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 a.m.
Can’t make it to Thursday’s trot? Have no fear, Best Races hold their annual Run Off the Turkey Trot on Saturday morning. Run or walk on a scenic 5K, 10K or half marathon along the Hudson River Trail in a small group of no more than 15 runners per wave. 506 6th Street.

The Old First Nursery School Tree Sale
9 a.m. to 6 p.m., every weekend beginning Saturday through December 17
At The Old First Nursery School’s Tree Sale in Park Slope you will be able to choose from trees of all sizes provided by a Brooklyn-based distributor. And 100 percent of proceeds go to The Old First Nursery School, the oldest cooperative nursery school in New York City. If a tree isn’t what you’re after, there are plenty of wreaths, garland, and mistletoe too. 729 Carroll Street.

Bed-Stuy’s Winter Wonderland Market
12 to 5 p.m., beginning Saturday and runs Thursdays through Sunday until December 23
Bed-Stuy’s Winter Wonderland Market is back for a month of shopping, live entertainment, fashion showcases, and live music from local DJs. This year’s market opens on Small Business Saturday to boost the community. Marcy Plaza, 1368 Fulton Street.

Repopulate Mars: New York
2 p.m.
Lee Foss’ legendary Repopulate Mars takes over Superior Ingredients for a full day-into-night of beats from house music artists like Arielle Free and Kaysin. Come for the immersive interstellar ambiance, and stay for a break from the stuffing and cranberry sauce. 74 Wythe Avenue. Tickets are $31.

Disco Tea with Lady Bunny’s DJ set
5 p.m.
Come see New York icon Lady Bunny at C’mon Everybody on Saturday night. She’s old as hell, so you never know, it could be her last show. Bunny plays her favorite disco tracks at this classic Tea Dance. And for a taste of her humor, check out our conversation with her. Grab your gals, theys, and gays, and hit the dance floor. 325 Franklin Avenue. Tickets are $12.

Janeane Garofalo hosts Prime-Time Comedy
8 p.m.
Laugh off that turkey belly at Prime-Time Comedy in Brooklyn, a night of stand-up hosted by Janeane Garofalo on Saturday. Expect special guest appearances at this holiday weekend show at the Eastville Comedy Club. 487 Atlantic Avenue. Tickets start at $30.

Sunday, November 26

Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Open now through March 1
Spend Sunday on the ice at the first-ever ice rink beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. Glide offers scenic views of Manhattan, food and drink selections, and a new spot for ice skating this holiday season and beyond. Discounts and free tickets are available for residents. Open to the public until March. Emily Warren Roebling Plaza 11201. Tickets are $10 for kids, $15 for adults.

‘Waiting for Godot’
Runs through December 3
Since their first appearance in a tiny Paris theatre in 1953, Samuel Beckett’s iconic down-and-outs Vladimir and Estragon have rarely been off the stage. Theatre for a New Audience is home to this staging of “Waiting for Godot,” with Michael Shannon as Estragon and Paul Sparks as Vladimir. 262 Ashland Place. Tickets start at $97.