Thanksgiving in Jackson
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love the food, family and friends, the fall atmosphere, and the focus on gratitude. While I’ll be spending the weekend with family this year, if you’re lucky enough to be in Jackson this Thanksgiving, we’ve got the entire weekend lined up for you.
Thanksgiving Day
Get a brisk and invigorating start to your Thanksgiving with the Jackson Hole Turkey Trot. This free, untimed community run sponsored by St. John’s Health starts and finishes in the Stilson parking lot. While it is free, there is a suggested donation of $5 per person or $20 per family to keep it free for the community. The race starts at 9 am, but you’ll want to arrive early because the first 100 racers will receive a Turkey Trot mug and a souvenir pin! There are prizes for the top three male and female finishers as well as the best dressed, so dust off that Christmas sweater! Leashed dogs are welcome. For the race route and registration, visit their website.
However you spend the rest of your Thanksgiving day in Jackson, you certainly won’t want to end up in the kitchen making a meal, especially on vacation. Let one of Jackson’s many local restaurants take care of the work. Located near Town Square, Gather is offering a delicious Thanksgiving meal for $75/per person. Other options include The Bistro or The Silver Dollar Bar & Grill. For more details and reservations, be sure to contact the restaurants directly. Wherever you end up, you can rest easy knowing you won’t have to be washing dishes for hours like the rest of us.
Friday, November 29
Today, we’re taking a page out of REI’s book and “opting outside.” Love skiing? The Jackson Hole Ski Resort's opening day is the Friday after Thanksgiving. Grand Targhee will also be open. Not into skiing? That’s okay too. There are literally hundreds of miles of hiking trails, snowshoeing paths, and cross-country skiing locations across the area. We even wrote a post about non-skiing activities to do in the winter.
After spending a day on the slopes (or trails), head back into town for a truly magical Western Christmas experience as Town Square is lit up with a breathtaking display of lights. The event is from 5-7 pm, but arrive early to make sure you don’t miss Santa’s arrival. Holiday carols and treats will make this a night to remember.
Saturday, November 30
Sometimes known as Small Business Saturday, today is the day to get out and do some shopping while also supporting local businesses! Jackson is home to hundreds of small businesses, bookstores, art galleries, cafes, bakeries, and restaurants. Is there a better way to spread holiday cheer than shopping locally this season? While you’re out and about, stop by the Holiday Shopping Info Center at Town Square between 1 and 4pm for a cup of hot chocolate and a delicious treat.
However you choose to spend your Thanksgiving weekend, we’d like to wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving with those you treasure the most.
Brought to you by Flat Creek Inn.
Breanne Kunz was raised in the Pacific Northwest but grew up spending summers in Idaho and frequently visiting Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park. She is a wife and mom who likes to write and travel and wants to travel more. She loves Thanksgiving, and especially pumpkin pie.
Cover photo: Jenkins, L. (2007). Teton Village & The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort [Photograph]. Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/circumerro-stock/1732828715
