Watch CBS News

Boston Area's Best Thanksgiving Events

Boston is one of the best places in the United States to celebrate Thanksgiving. It is just a few miles from the site of the first Thanksgiving feast and was established around the same time as the Plimoth Plantation. The city offers a number of historic, modern and athletic pursuits that anyone can join in to celebrate the holiday. Whether celebrating as a family, with friends or alone this year, there is a way to rejoice, give thanks and even give back in the spirit of the holiday.
Plimoth Plantation
Plimoth Plantation recreates the world of the Pilgrims. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Harvest Dinner With The Pilgrims
Plimoth Plantation
137 Warren Ave.
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508) 746-1622
www.plimoth.org

Date: Nov. 22, 23, 26, 28 and 29, 2014 - 5:30 p.m.

The Plimoth Plantation was the site of the first Thanksgiving and where the English settlers involved in the celebration lived. Every year, the historic living museum that exists at the site today hosts several of the most authentic versions of Thanksgiving available. The museum is south of Boston in Plymouth County, but it is well worth the trip for both the great, traditional food and the authenticity of the experience. The dinner includes talks about Pilgrims, the food they would have enjoyed, songs and several rounds of dishes that may not be what modern diners would expect of a Thanksgiving feast.

Franklin Park 5K Turkey Trot
Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse
One Circuit Drive
Dorchester, MA 02121
(617) 442-4141
www.franklinparkcoalition.org

Date: Nov. 27, 2014 - 9:00 a.m.

In its second year, the Franklin Park 5K Turkey Trot takes walkers and runners along a 3.1-mile path through Franklin Park, part of Boston's Emerald Necklace. Funds raised by participants go to support a variety of events and initiatives at Franklin Park, which include concerts and conservation efforts. It is possible to register early or sign up for a bib with cash on race day. Runners are encouraged to wear costumes. There will be a prize for the best one.

Related: Best Boston Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving

"Satan's Family Thanksgiving"
Improv Boston
40 Prospect St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 576-1253
www.improvboston.com

Date: Nov. 22 and 29, 2014 - 11:00 p.m.

"Satan's Family Thanksgiving" is a special holiday treat from the improv comics at ImprovBoston. It is all about Satan, whose full name is Lucifer "Lucy" D. Abramowitz, inviting his family over for Thanksgiving. It's a typical family gathering except that God, who is Satan's dad, a Salem witch, who is Satan's mom, Aileen Wuornos, a serial killer who is Satan's secretary, and a few other odd characters are all invited. This show is meant to be comedy fun, but it is certainly geared toward a particular crowd. Those who are always up for some comic irreverence will love the show.

Thanksgiving Day Musical Celebration
The Beehive
541 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 423-0069
www.beehiveboston.com

Date: Nov. 27, 2014 - 12:00 p.m.

Those who want Thanksgiving dinner with an enjoyable twist can get it at The Beehive. This musical restaurant is serving up jazz all day long with a side of Thanksgiving dinner. Reservations are a good idea, but dinner is served for 10 hours, so there is a chance of getting in. The menu includes some great dishes like pumpkin lobster bisque, tuna tartare, prime rib, baked stuffed lobster, turkey and desserts.

F.A.T. Chain Reaction
MIT Museum
265 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 253-5927
www.web.mit.edu

Date: Nov. 28, 2014 - 1:00 p.m.

The 17th annual F.A.T. Chain Reaction event is taking place at the MIT Museum in 2014. This is all about devices that start a chain reaction. Participants, including teams and individuals, sign up early to present their creations at the show. People are also welcome to come and view all of the innovations that make it in. The designs are linked together as part of the show and all set off in a chain that is the main event. There will be individuals there to help with the connections of the entries.

Related:
 Ask A Boston Chef: Thanksgiving Side Dishes To Impress

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.