For most of us, food is foremost on Thanksgiving, If your Thanksgiving dinner plans are still uncertain and you don’t want to cook, let someone else do it—and clean up, too. The Ritz-Carlton, Hyatts (Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf), St. Regis, Marines’ Memorial Club and Hotel and other major hotels are serving holiday feasts. Independent restaurants from Buca di Beppo to One Market to RN74 have special Thanksgiving menus, and there’s still time to reserve a table. Find a list of restaurants open on Thursday and make reservations through Open Table.
Of course there’s more to Thanksgiving than gluttony and the start of holiday madness. On Thanksgiving, activities in San Francisco include spiritual services, volunteer opportunities, and strolling off the calories you’ve gobbled. The day after, bypass Black Friday’s shopping hordes and catch a tree lighting ceremony. More tree lightings, seasonal visitors (reindeer!) at the zoo, exercise and easy-to-digest arts and culture fill out Thanksgiving weekend.
Yefim Bronfman
Nov.24, 26, 27
Piano virtuoso Bronfman joins the symphony in performing Brahms' Piano Concerto No.1.
At Davies Symphony Hall. Tickets $22-37.
Thanksgiving Day Block Party
Nov. 25, at 9 am–3 pm
Help prepare and deliver hot meals and care packages to families and individuals, during this service party organized by San Francisco City Impact. Runners, cooks, servers and baggers are all needed.
At Boeddeker Park, 240 Eddy St. If you register online beforehand, bring your printed ticket on Thursday starting at 9 am to speed up the process. Registration fee: $25.
Thanksgiving Day Interfaith Service
Nov. 25, at 10 am
Sponsored by the San Francisco Interfaith Council. Contributions to benefit the SF Interfaith Winter Shelter are welcome.
At Third Baptist Church of San Francisco, 1399 McAllister St. Free.
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Nov. 25, at 10 am-5 pm
The popular Turkey Trail Trot in Golden Gate Park is full, but enjoy the park today at your own speed (and in relative quiet) at the Botanical Garden, which has more than 50,000 plants from around the world. Your out-of-town guests (normally charged $2-7) get in free.
At 9th Avenue and Lincoln Way, Free on Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Day Community Meal
Nov. 25, at 11 am-1 pm
College Avenue Presbyterian Church’s annual project serves free Thanksgiving meals to about 250 people. Donations are welcome.
At 5951 College Ave., Oakland. Free. To volunteer or get more info: (510) 658-3665, or capc1@sbcglobal.net.
Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 26, at 5:30 pm
The lighting of the tree concludes a day of free, live entertainment at Ghirardelli Square.
At 900 North Point St.
Union Square Tree Lighting
Nov. 26, at 6-7 pm
After performances by the Glide Ensemble, SF Boys' Chorus and the cast of Shrek the Musical, Santa switches on 12,000 lights on Macy's 80-foot tree. For $5, sponsor one of the lights, which benefits UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.
Turkey Trot: An Americana Music Feast
Nov. 26, at 8 pm
Bluegrass, country and indie-folk, mostly performed by San Francisco musicians.
At Café Du Nord, 2170 Market St. Tickets $11-13.
Mummenschanz
Nov. 26-28
The Swiss pantomime troupe presents a retrospective of its 33 years of cool creatures and whimsical stories.
At Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley. Tickets $22 and up; half-price for ages 16 and under.
Thanksgiving Feasts for the Beasts
Nov. 27-28, at 10 am-4 pm
Watch and learn about the bears, chimps, African birds and meerkats feasting on chef-prepared dishes this weekend. And meet the reindeer, who are visiting only through Jan. 1.
At San Francisco Zoo, 1 Zoo Rd. Admission: Free-$15.
Run Wild Like A Child
Nov. 28, at 8:30 am
The annual Thanksgiving weekend run includes 5K and 10K courses in Golden Gate Park. Come dressed as a childhood toy and do the 5K, and you’ll be eligible for prizes in a costume contest. The San Francisco Firefighter’s Toy Program will be present to accept donations of money and new, unwrapped toys.
Starts at John F. Kennedy Drive at 8th Ave. Dogs, skates, scooters and bikes are not allowed on the courses. Registration: $15-$35.
Huntington Park Tree Lighting
Nov. 29, at 5:30 pm
The tree lighting ceremony at Huntington Park includes caroling, hot beverages and a festive mood.
At California and Taylor streets, Nob Hill.
Castro Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 29, at 6 pm
San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, Lesbian and Gay Freedom Band and other choirs perform carols, Santa and elves arrive, and Castro merchants offer specials and discounts.
At Bank of America Plaza, 18th and Castro. Free.
