Thanksgiving NJ: Eating places, Recipes, Occasions & Extra

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Thanksgiving is, for many, the most anticipated holiday of the year. Sure, there aren’t as many gifts involved as during the month of December, but isn’t all the food you can eat shared among family and friends really the greatest gift of all? Plus, it’s a day of guilt-free football binge-watching and, for those brave enough, a long night of endless shopping.

At Best of NJ, we’re laying out a spread of the best Thanksgiving content we can cook up. From original editorials to statewide event listings (including parades and restaurants holding their annual activities), this Thanksgiving NJ page is your starting point for a complete guide that will continuously update throughout the season.

In case you’ve arrived early and would like to check out some other fall-themed content, be sure to head over to our NJ Fall page, which features a similarly comprehensive seasonal guide. If you’re instead searching for Halloween content, we’ve got a guide for that too. Alright, with all that out of the way, go forth and be merry! Enjoy the holiday season, folks!

Quick Click Guide: Click the links below to go straight to the Thanksgiving content of your choice.
Thanksgiving Features | Thanksgiving Events

More From Best of NJ

Featured Thanksgiving Content

NJ Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

This year, we’re expanding our Thanksgiving coverage. From articles about how to survive the big feast with a toddler, to options for healthy eating without the high calorie count, Best of NJ is offering all sorts of Thanksgiving features. Our most popular annual article, however, is this very piece about NJ restaurants open on Thanksgiving…

Must-Try Healthy Turkey Day Side Dishes – Part Two

Rustic Thankgiving DinnerThanksgiving is here, and when you add some of the season’s healthiest vegetables to the mix, there’s plenty to be thankful for. Despite the turkey being the main attraction, side dishes tend to make-or-break the dinner (and your waistline). By adding healthy sides like greens and squash, you’re adding flavor and helping your body to digest…

Must-Try Healthy Turkey Day Side Dishes – Part One

Baked turkey and sides on Thanksgiving DayThanksgiving is a day that tends to lean towards gluttony; families eat until stomachs are stuffed with everything from turkey to mashed potatoes, casseroles and pies. However, just because being indulgent is a top holiday priority doesn’t mean there can’t be healthy Thanksgiving side dishes to accompany the turkey…

Perfect Wine Pairings for Any Turkey Day Menu

Thanksgiving table settingHosting Thanksgiving dinner is challenging for a dozen different reasons even before you get to the first course. Turkey or ham (or lasagna)? Who sits where? Is there enough wine?! And, let’s face it, that last one is sometimes the most important. While we can’t be of much help with the seating arrangements, we can help you find the right wine…

Gourmet Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes to Make at Home

pumpkin pie ingredientsIf the turkey is the quarterback of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, then dessert is surely on special teams. The quarterback gets all of the attention, but the right special team can help strategically position the ball (or in this case, the bird), and affect the momentum of the game for better or worse…

Volunteering Opportunities for NJ Families during the Holidays

Portrait Of Kitchen Staff In Homeless Shelter Volunteering for ThanksgivingSure, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to enjoy a turkey meal with family and friends. But let’s not forget the true meaning of the season. This year, consider volunteering your time to help out those in need. We’ve rounded up a list of places throughout New Jersey looking for volunteers on Thanksgiving Day, as well as before and after the holiday…

The Best Thanksgiving Restaurants for Vegans

Vegetables, pumpkin and sunflowersAh, Thanksgiving! Was there ever a more perfect holiday? It’s an entire day devoted to lounging around and eating, and all we have to do is say, “Yes, thank you, I will have some more!” Turkey is the main course, but if you’re looking for a meatless way to give thanks, you’re in luck. Here are ten veggie-packed dining options available on Thanksgiving…

How to Survive Kitchen Disasters on Turkey Day

thanksgiving911Turkey. Stuffing. Havoc! The countdown has begun. In no time at all, you’ll have a home full of family and friends. Finding a place for everyone to sit is hard enough. Finding enough time for all of the prep and cooking? Well, that can be a turkey of a problem. For help, we consulted professional chef and Essex County resident Jeff Butler…

How to Avoid Eating 4,500 Calories During the Holidays

holiday dinnerDieters, despair: Thanksgiving is coming. Or don’t. With some advance planning, you can get through the calorie-laden holiday without a noticeably bigger belly. According to the Calorie Control Council, which represents diet food and drink companies, the average person eats around 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving…

Recipes That Are (Almost) Guilt-Free

Closeup of Pumpkin Pie Slice for ThanksgivingThe plates of appetizers. The piles of stuffing. It’s incredibly easy to eat a whopping 4,500 calories when you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner. But there’s a way to cut calories without sacrificing flavor (or the buttons on your pants). Check out these recipes that are lower in fat and calories than your usual holiday fare…

9 Tips for Surviving Thanksgiving with a Toddler

Child Hugging PumpkinThanksgiving is a pretty fantastic holiday. You get to spend quality time with your loved ones, you’re allowed to watch football guilt-free and you’re more or less obligated to stuff your face with turkey, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. I mean, who wouldn’t love it? Your toddler, that’s who…

Best Local Wines to Drink with Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving DinnerThe only thing better than Thanksgiving Day food is Day After Thanksgiving Day food. Whether you’re hunting for deals with the Black Friday crowd or lounging about, you’re bound to work up an appetite — and, of course, a thirst for some wonderful local wine. Check out which vinos pair best with your Turkey Day leftovers…

Thanksgiving Events in NJ

Tips with the Experts: Thanksgiving Mocktail and Side

11/16/2021: 6:45 PM – The Paramus Public Library is hosting a Tips with the Experts: Thanksgiving Mocktail and Side event for town residents on November 16, 2021.

Thanksgiving Eve Bash at 22 West Tap & Grill

11/23/2021 – 11/24/2021: 9:00 PM – The Thanksgiving Eve Bash is back for a 4th year at 22 West Tap & Grill. Stop by for music, dancing, the Oink & Moo food truck, and more.

David Alan Caterers Thanksgiving To-Go Packages

11/24/2021: 10:00 AM – David Alan Caterers is providing ‘Everything But The Turkey’ Thanksgiving packages for 2021, which include sides, salads, pies, and more.

Thanksgiving Dinner by Bobby Chez Cherry Hill

11/24/2021: 11:00 AM – Bobby Chez in Cherry Hill will be offering Thanksgiving dinner to go. However, you must place an order by November 21 for Nov 24 pickup.

Acacia NJ Thanksgiving Dinner Catering

11/24/2021: 12:00 PM – Acacia NJ in Lawrenceville is offering Thanksgiving dinner catering for 2021. They request that all orders be placed by November 19.

Thanksgiving “Ocean Holiday” Celebration at The Grand Hotel

11/24/2021: 12:00 PM – The Grand Hotel in Cape May is hosting a Thanksgiving “Ocean Holiday” Family getaway from Wednesday, November 24 to Saturday, November 27.

Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go From The Blue Bottle Cafe

11/24/2021: 12:00 PM – The Blue Bottle Cafe in Hopewell is offering a, “everything but the Turkey” Thanksgiving dinner to-go for pickup on November 24, 2021.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Gladstone Tavern

11/24/2021: 3:00 PM – The Gladstone Tavern, which specializes in seasonal American comfort food, is offering three dinner options for pickup Thanksgiving 2021.

Trinity Turkey Trot at Trinity Church

11/25/2021: 7:30 AM – Trinity Church in Princeton is hosting the Trinity Turkey Trot 5K run/walk for all ages on Thanksgiving Day (November 25, 2021).

The Fast and the Furriest 5K Turkey Trot at Music Pier

11/25/2021: 8:30 AM – The Fast and the Furriest 5K Turkey Trot will take place on Thanksgiving morning (November 25, 2021) at the Music Pier in Ocean City.

Racefaster Thanksgiving Day Run at Garden State Plaza

11/25/2021: 9:00 AM – The Racefaster Thanksgiving Day Run (5k + kids fun run) takes place on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at the Westfield Garden State Plaza.

Somerville 5K Turkey Trot at Somerville Fire Department

11/25/2021: 9:00 AM – The 6th Annual Somerville 5k Turkey Trot takes place on November 25, 2021 near the Somerville Fire Department near Veterans Memorial Drive.

Thanksgiving at Home by Summit House

11/25/2021: 10:30 AM – Summit House is offering Thanksgiving at Home dinner to go for 2021. Those interested must place an order by 11/19 for pick up on 11/25.

Black River Barn Thanksgiving Dinner & Takeout

11/25/2021: 11:00 AM – Black River Barn in Randolph is serving Thanksgiving dinner on November 25, 2021, as well as a number of Thanksgiving to-go options.

Halifax Hoboken Thanksgiving Dinner & Take Out

11/25/2021: 11:00 AM – Halifax in Hoboken is serving dine-in Thanksgiving dinner. They are also offering take out available for pickup on Thanksgiving Day, 2021.

Steve & Cookie’s Thanksgiving Dinner To Go

11/25/2021: 11:00 AM – Enjoy Thanksgiving without having to cook! Steve & Cookie’s Fine Dining & Oyster Bar By The Bay is offering a Thanksgiving dinner to go.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Crystal Springs Resort

11/25/2021: 11:00 AM – Crystal Springs Resort will have six dining options for Thanksgiving Dinner; including three buffets, holiday menus, and a la cart dining.

Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner at Seasons 52

11/25/2021: 11:30 AM – Seasons 52 in Cherry Hill is hosting a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner on November 25, 2021, in addition to offering to-go options.

Thanksgiving at the Inn at Ho-Ho-Kus Inn

11/25/2021: 12:00 PM – Ho-Ho-Kus Inn is hosting a three-course Thanksgiving dinner, called Thanksgiving at the Inn, on Thanksgiving Day for adults and kids.

Thanksgiving Dinner & Take Home Dinner at Renault Winery

11/25/2021: 12:00 PM – Renault Winery is offering a large family style Thanksgiving dinner, as well as a take home dinner, for Thanksgiving Day 2021.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Bell’s Mansion in Stanhope

11/25/2021: 12:00 PM – Bell’s Mansion is serving Thanksgiving dinner on November 25, 2021 from Noon until 5:30 pm with menus for small and large groups.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Breadsticks Cafe & Grill

11/25/2021: 12:00 PM – Breadsticks Cafe & Grill in Atlantic City is serving a three-course Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving day (November 25, 2021).

Thanksgiving Dinner at Ninety Acres

11/25/2021: 12:00 PM – Ninety Acres will be serving a three course prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving day (November 25, 2021).

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Grain House

11/25/2021: 12:00 PM – Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner with family and friends at the Grain House Restaurant inside Old Mill Inn in Basking Ridge on November 25, 2021.

Thanksgiving Dinner at The Oceanaire Seafood Room

11/25/2021: 12:00 PM – The Oceanaire Seafood Room in Hackensack is providing both dine-in dinner service and Thanksgiving dinner takeout for 2021.

Thanksgiving Weekend at The Reeds at Shelter Haven

11/25/2021: 12:00 PM – The Reeds at Shelter Haven in Stone Harbor welcomes guests to a special family-friendly Thanksgiving Weekend starting on November 25.

The Flanders Hotel Hosts Thanksgiving Buffet

11/25/2021: 12:00 PM – The Flanders Hotel in Ocean City is serving their annual Thanksgiving buffet on Thanksgiving Day (November 25, 2021).

Thanksgiving Dinner at LouCas in Edison

11/25/2021: 3:00 PM – Celebrate Thanksgiving at LouCas in Edison. The Italian restaurant is serving a special Thanksgiving menu on November, 25, 2021.

Market Street Mission Thanksgiving Dinner

11/25/2021: 4:00 PM – Market Street Mission in Morristown is hosting their annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Chapel Service on November 25, 2021 at 3:00 pm.

Thanksgiving Feast at Carmine’s Atlantic City

11/25/2021: 4:00 PM – Carmine’s in Atlantic City is serving a traditional Thanksgiving feast for 6-8 people on Thanksgiving Day (November 25, 2021).

Thanksgiving Dinner at Restaurant Serenade

11/25/2021: 5:00 PM – Restaurant Serenade is serving Thanksgiving Dinner on November 25, 2021 from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm, in addition to a take home option.

Wenonah Turkey Trot at Memorial Presbyterian Church

11/26/2021: 9:00 AM – The Wenonah Turkey Trot takes place the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday), on November 26, 2021, and begins at 9:00 am.

Collingswood Holiday Parade 2021

11/27/2021: 10:00 AM – After a brief hiatus due to COVID-19, The Collingswood Holiday Parade is back for 2021 and takes place on Saturday, November 27.