Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, spending time with family and giving thanks. It also involves food, lots of food. If you’re in Scottsdale over the Thanksgiving holiday, you don’t have to give up any of your family traditions. We’ve got everything to make you feel right at home and to make this Thanksgiving in Scottsdale memorable.
The Parade
You can stay ‘home’ and watch the New York Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV, or you head on over to Fountain Hills for the only parade in Arizona on Thanksgiving. Fountain Hills is less than 30 minutes from Scottsdale, and what better way to get your Thanksgiving in Scottsdale, AZ holiday started than with a parade?
Thanksgiving Meal
Most people associate Thanksgiving with turkey and a big meal shared with family. Luckily, most restaurants in Scottsdale will be offering special Thanksgiving menus. You won’t have to sacrifice the turkey or whatever your family likes on its holiday table. A few locations offering Thanksgiving menus include ZuZu, at the Hotel Valley Ho, Hearth ’61 at Mountain Shadows Resort and spa, Palmera and T.Cooks at the Royal Palms Resort and spa, and Elements and The View Ballroom at the Sanctuary on Camelback Mt resort and spa. Check each restaurant’s website for menu particulars and pricing – and to reserve your spot!
Start Off the Holidays
While the holiday season seems to begin sooner each year, Thanksgiving is usually when everyone starts to think about the Christmas holiday. So, after your lovely Thanksgiving meal, why not enjoy a holiday light display? There are several displays around the area, and most start at Thanksgiving in Scottsdale. Just visit each location’s website to verify times and dates, and ticket prices.
At the Holiday Lights at McCormick Railroad Park, kids can visit Santa, and everyone can ride the train and carousel after dark, surrounded by bright Christmas decorations and lights galore. The entire family will enjoy a trip to the Phoenix Zoo, where after visiting with the animals, you can enjoy millions of sparkling lights and the Polar Slide (200-feet of fun).
Reflection and Thanks
Of course, Thanksgiving in Scottsdale, AZ is really about being thankful for all we have. Why not take a hike on one of the many scenic desert hiking trails that surround Scottsdale? Enjoy some quality family time and a little quiet contemplation while taking in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
And as a way to end your day and have a great souvenir, start a family Thanksgiving journal. It can be as simple as everyone writing down something they are thankful for, or something they remember from the hike or from Thanksgiving dinner. Let each person have a page to write or draw or collage on, and you’ve got the start of a great family album. After all, it is Thanksgiving – the time to remember everything we have and to give thanks for it all. And don’t forget comfy accommodations while you are in the area: contact Parsons Villas for only the best rentals in Scottsdale!
