23 Oct The 5 Best Thanksgiving Activities in Phoenix This Year (2023)

Looking for some family-friendly things to do this Thanksgiving? From watching a lively parade, to learning about Native American culture, to celebrating the spirit of giving, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this time of year. Here’s our list of the best Thanksgiving activities happening in the Phoenix Valley this year. 

Five Fun Thanksgiving Activities in the Phoenix Area (2023)

1: Watch the Fountain Hills Parade

16837 East Palisades Boulevard
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Start your holiday morning off with a burst of festive energy by attending the only Thanksgiving parade in Arizona. Hosted by the city of Fountain Hills, this lively procession features colorful floats, dance routines, and even a visit from Santa Claus. People from all over the state will be there to join the festivities. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. and lasts for about one hour. 

2: Visit the Phoenix Zoo for ZooLights

455 North Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008

What better way to kick off the holiday season than with a dazzling display of lights? Beginning on November 22nd, the Phoenix Zoo will be transformed into a magical wonderland for its annual ZooLights event. This mesmerizing experience is fun for visitors of all ages. 

Stroll through the breathtaking display of millions of twinkling lights, whimsical animal sculptures, and enchanting music. And you won’t want to miss the new Wildlife Lanterns or the return of North America’s tallest floating tree. Santa Claus will even be there for photos with the little ones! This event runs every evening from November 22 through January 14. 

3: Visit The Heard Museum in Phoenix

2301 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Celebrate the rich and diverse culture of Arizona’s Indigenous communities by visiting the Heard Museum. This renowned museum collaborates with local Native American artists and tribal communities to offer a firsthand perspective on the heritage of Indigenous peoples. As one of the best museums in the Phoenix area, it’s a must-see this Thanksgiving season. 

4: Join Prescott’s Flying High Turkey Drive

Frys’ Food & Drug Store
3100 North Glassford Hill Road
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Get into the spirit of giving and join the Flying High Turkey Drive. Set your calendar for November 20th, 2023 and show up at Frys’ Food & Drug Store any time between 12 pm and 6 pm. You can donate turkeys and Thanksgiving items or make a financial contribution to help out community members in need. 

5: Donate Your Pumpkin to a Local Farm

Instead of throwing away your decorative pumpkins, consider donating them to a local farm instead. Some farms use pumpkins as a treat for their animals, and other farms will compost them, helping reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills. However, some farms only accept uncarved, unpainted pumpkins, so make sure to check ahead of time. Pumpkins for Pigs has a map of local farms accepting donations, including Bigelow Ranch in Wittmann and Syzygy Farm in Tucson. 

Your Family Will Be Thankful for Your Estate Plan

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and for making lasting memories with friends and family. Give your loved ones peace of mind by creating an estate plan that ensures they will be cared for after you’re gone. The Phelps LaClair team has been helping Arizona residents with their estate planning for over 40 years. If you need help writing your will, setting up a trust, or drafting any other document, we can walk you through every step. Give us a call at 480-892-2488 today to schedule a consultation. 

 

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (10/23/2023). Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash