It’s that time of year! The time when family and friends reunite to eat way too much food, watch football, enjoy a parade, and most importantly, celebrate everything they have to be grateful for. And with the help of our 2019 Thanksgiving Guide, you’ll be more than prepared to enjoy all the festivities Philadelphia has to offer.
Read on for:
Dining Out
Local Thanksgiving Turkey
Thanksgiving Week Events
Turkey Trots
Dining Out for Thanksgiving Day Dinner
Leave the cooking to the pros and have a relaxing meal at one of these Philly restaurants.
The Twisted Tail (Photo by Michelle Reese)
The Twisted Tail
509-511 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 558-2471
www.thetwistedtail.com
The team at The Twisted Tail has put together a family-style dinner welcoming anyone who wants a delicious, social meal without the hassle of cooking. For $49 per person ($25 for children under 10, under 3 is free), each guest will choose an entrée (traditional turkey, herb-crusted prime rib, honey-BBQ glazed salmon or pineapple-glazed ham), which will be carved in the kitchen and then brought to the table with a variety of sides to share. With options like kale salad, cornbread stuffing, crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon vinaigrette, mashed potatoes and baked beans, there’s something for everyone. To complete the meal, each table will receive one whole mini pie for every two people to share.
Spirit of Philadelphia Dinner Cruises
401 S. Columbus Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 923-1419
spiritcruises.com/philadelphia
Give thanks, and give yourself a break from the cooking this year! Spirit has everything taken care of, from a bountiful Thanksgiving feast to onboard entertainment the whole family will love. All you need to do is relax and enjoy quality time with the ones who matter most against a picture-perfect skyline backdrop. Spirit is offering an early Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (boarding is at 2:30 p.m.) Prices start at $79.90 (under 3 is free) and include 2-hour cruise, unlimited Thanksgiving lunch buffet, coffee, hot and iced tea and fully stocked cash bar. There will be a DJ, dance floor and interactive games. There will also be two holiday-themed cruises on Saturday, November 30. Click here for more details.
Scarpetta
210 W. Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 558-4199
www.ldvhospitality.com/brands/scarpetta/
Scarpetta will be doing a traditional Thanksgiving meal with a few Italian touches. The 4-course meal ($68) includes choices such as chestnut soup, pumpkin cappellacci, pancetta-wrapped turkey and espresso budino. View the full menu here. A limited a la carte menu will also be available. Scarpetta is located in the Rittenhouse Hotel. Dinner is offered from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Chez Colette (Photo provided by Aversa PR)
Chez Colette
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
120 S 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 569-8300
www.sofitel-philadelphia.com
The Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square presents a special Thanksgiving Buffet in Chef Collete. Executive Chef Edward Hancock and the award-winning culinary team serve up a true Thanksgiving feast that includes a raw bar with jumbo shrimp, oysters and clams, carving stations with herb brined turkey and horseradish crusted prime rib, favorites like bourbon braise short ribs, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and dessert. Click here for the full menu. Thanksgiving Buffet is $65 per person, and includes one glass of complimentary champagne. The buffet is half-off for children under 12. The full bar menu will also be available, including specialty cocktails, champagnes and wines.
Bank & Bourbon
1200 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 231-7300
www.bankandbourbon.com/
Enjoy a special Thanksgiving buffet created by Chef Joe Thomas Jr. and his talented team. There will be seafood displays, carved local turkey and prime rib and appetizers and sides such as roasted squash salad, brioche-sage stuffing and candied yams. Be sure to save room a multitude of pies. See the full menu here. This Thanksgiving feast is $70 for adults with an optional $35 wine pairing and $22 for children 12 and under. Bank & Bourbon is located in the Loews hotel. Reservations are available between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Smokin’ Betty’s (Photo provided by Aversa PR)
Smokin’ Betty’s
116 S. 11th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-6500
www.smokinbettys.com
Devil’s Alley
1907 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 751-0707
www.devilsalleybarandgrill.com
Devil’s Alley will present their annual tradition of Mama Devil’s Holiday Dinner on Thanksgiving. They will be open and serving up a full three-course dinner – with dine-in, take-out and delivery options – plus the bar will be open. Catering pick-up and delivery starts at 11 a.m. Dinner service is from 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The bar will be open until 10 p.m. Your 3-course meal will include a basket of cornbread muffins for the table, one first course, one main, three sides and one dessert. Options include dishes such as butternut squash soup, chicken noodle soup, salad, stuffing and gravy, fresh roasted turkey, honey-bourbon baked ham and vegetable lasagna. Save room for pumpkin pie or bread pudding!
Pricing options include $35.00 per adult and $19.95 per child for dine-in three-course meal; add $5.00 for take-out or delivery. Delivery service is available within five blocks of 19th and Chestnut streets. Meals can be packed hot or cold.
King Crab at Dim Sum (Photo provided by Aversa PR)
Dim Sum House
3939 Chestnut Street
Philadlephia, PA 19104
(215) 921-5377
dimsum.house
Looking for something outside the typical turkey dinner? Head over to Dim Sume House by Jane G in University City. Dim Sum will offer all-day dim sum and full bar from noon to 8 p.m. Look forward to memorable seafood dishes from the fresh and salt seafood tank including the giant Norwegian Whole King Crab that feeds 6 to 12 people!
With five dining spaces, a lounge and full bar there are spaces for large families and groups of friends from 2 to 4 to 20+.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
1426-1428 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 246-0533
www.delfriscos.com/steakhouse/philadelphia
Leave the caring to the experts at Del Frisco’s. The Thanksgiving prix fixe menu is $59 for adults and $24 for children. If features the traditional low-roasted turkey breast with all the trimmings plus your choice of butternut squash soup or harvest salad, and pumpkin cheesecake or pecan pie a la mode. Or, order from Del Frisco’s regular menu and choose one of their signature dishes like the dry-aged steak or Wagyu tasting.
Urban Farmer
1850 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 936-2788
www.urbanfarmerphiladelphia.com
Urban Farmer’s Thanksgiving Day feast will be offered from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at $75 per person (1/2 price for guests under 12). Choose your own first course and entrée, with options including honey-roasted turkey, roasted pork loin, mushroom risotto and mushroom-crusted prime rib. Sides such as cornbread stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes will be served family-style to the table. Finish your meal with a dessert like pumpkin bourbon cheesecake. Urban Farmer is located in the Logan Hotel.
Serpico
604 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 925-3001
serpicoonsouth.com
Serpico is a collaboration with James Beard Award winner Peter Serpico. Its everyday menu offers a playful yet familiar take on global cuisine. For the holiday, you’ll be able to order from the standard a la carte menu, or choose a special Thanksgiving entree. For $34, you will feat on roasted turkey breast with braised dark meat, gravy, mushroom stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, roasted winter squash, fried Brussels sprouts and dinner roll. Serpico will be open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Jones Restaurant
700 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 223-5663
www.jones-restaurant.com
Known for comfort food just like your mom would make, Jones is the perfect spot for your Thanksgiving meal. In honor of the holiday, the STARR spot will offer an a la carte menu of a few Jones favorites, salads and sandwiches plus a Thanksgiving Prix Fixe menu. For $35 per person, you can enjoy your choice of soup or salad followed by a turkey breast dinner with all the fixings, and then your choice of dessert. Jones will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
If you’d rather eat at home but skip the cooking, Jones also offers Thanksgiving take-out. Place your order by Sunday, November 24 for pickup on November 27 (cold) or Thanksgiving Day (hot). Takeout is available for groups or 6, 12 or build-your-own with sliced turkey, sides and desserts all priced separately.
Local Thanksgiving Turkeys
Serve your family a local farm fresh turkey dinner from one of these local farms.
Guinta’s Prime Shop
Reading Terminal Market
1100 Filbert Street, Philadelphia
(215) 627-6175
www.guintasprimeshop.com
Guinta’s is considered one of the top meat and poultry purveyors in the area. In addition to a full line of meats, fresh poultry is also available year-round.
Godshall’s Poultry
Reading Terminal Market
51 North 12th Street, Philadelphia
(215) 922-7589
readingterminalmarket.org/merchant/godshalls-poultry/
Godshall’s poultry is locally raised, free-range and delivered straight from the farm to the stand every day.
Bolton’s Farmers Market
1005 E. Main Street
Silverdale, PA 18962
215-257-6047
www.boltonfarmmarket.com
These locally raised turkeys are available whole, in sizes from 10-40 lbs. Turkeys do not include giblets, but they are available upon request at the meat counter. Bolton’s turkeys are minimally processed and never frozen so you are taking home 100% turkey: no salt, no added water, no fillers, and you are saved the hassle of thawing! Fresh turkeys are packed in ice so they stay fresh until your holiday meal; this makes them cook faster than a traditional frozen turkey. Fresh turkeys are $3.79 per pound and must be picked up Tuesday or Wednesday if being used on Thanksgiving Day. Pickup times are Tuesday from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Wednesday 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Necessity Farms & Dairy
202 Green Hill Road
Telford, Pa 18969
267-382-0556
necessityfarmsanddairy@gmail.com
www.necessityfarms.com
These turkeys are free-range and non-GMO. They also have free-range non-GMO chickens, local fresh dairy products and homemade, added sugar free fruit butters like a pumpkin butter and apple cider sauce! Contact the email here to place your order for this Thanksgiving!
Merrymead Farm
2222 S. Valley Forge Road Lansdale, PA 19446
(610) 584-4410
merrymead.com
Merrymead sells turkeys from Weaver’s Turkey Farm in Lancaster. These birds are all natural turkeys- never frozen, with no growth hormones or artificial ingredients. Birds are available from 10 to 32 lbs. ($3.69 per pound) and turkey breasts 6 to 10 lbs. Call the farm to place your order by Wed. Nov. 20th. Merrymead will accept orders for freshly baked pies as well.
Thanksgiving Week Events
Made in Philadelphia Market (photo provided by Aversa PR)
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
When: Starts Saturday, November 23
Where: Dilworth Plaza, 1 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia
The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market features more than 50 vendors selling their wares in festive tents topped with Herrnhut Stars. Shoppers can find a great selection of gifts, specialty foods and more at the open-air market.
Deck the Hall Light Show (photo provided by Aversa PR)
Deck the Hall Light Show at City Hall
When: Starts Monday, November 25
Where: City Hall, 1 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia
The Deck the Hall Light Show brightens the western façade of City Hall nightly during the winter months. Crowds watch in awe from Dilworth Park as technicolor projections synchronized to holiday music animate the historic building at this completely free show created by Klip Collective.
Photo by M.Fischetti
Thanksgiving Eve at McGillin’s
When: Wednesday, November 27 at 9 p.m.
Where: McGillin’s Ole Ale House, 1310 Drury Street, Philadelphia
The night before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest party nights of the year, and McGillin’s celebrates it big. Karaoke will start at 9 p.m. and there will be plenty of drink specials such as $5 house wines and well liquors, $5 featured cocktails, $4 pints of Modello Especial, $2 pints of Rolling Rock ($7 pitcher), $9 pitchers of Bud Light or Coors Light, and even 2 tacos for $2. The tavern will already by decorated for the holidays with 3,000 lights, 1,000 feet of garland, 350 ornaments and 150 bows. Guaranteed to get you in a festive state of mind.
6ABC/Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade
When: Thanksgiving Day, November 28 from 8:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: 20th and JFK, Philadelphia
America’s first Thanksgiving Day Parade is celebrating 100 years! Ushering in the Holiday Season, this beloved Philly tradition includes favorite characters, giant balloons, fancy floats, marching bands and more. Don’t miss Santa at the end!
Comcast Holiday Spectacular
When: Opens Thanksgiving Day
Where: Comcast Center, 1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia
This 15-minute super high-res LED show runs daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (every hour on the hour, except 5 p.m. on weekdays.) It combines the Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a flying sleigh ride over the city and rousing sing-along fun.
(Photo by Dave Lakatos)
Christmas Village
When: Opens Thanksgiving Day
Where: LOVE Park, John. F Kennedy Boulevard and North 15th Street, Philadelphia
Returning for its 12th year, this German-style market features 80 wooden booths with local and international merchants. You’ll find unique gifts, delicious food and drinks and plenty of festive entertainment.
Santa Express at Dilworth Park
When: Friday, November 29 from 10:30 a.m. to noon
Where: City Hall, 1 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia
All aboard! Festively decorated SEPTA trains are bringing Santa Claus to the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink. After a fun-filled holiday ride featuring live entertainment, Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves will lead a parade, followed by a skating session with Santa himself. B101.1 will join in on the festivities throughout the morning!
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
When: Opens Friday, November 29
Where: 101 S. Christopher Boulevard, Philadelphia
This winter wonderland along the Delaware River features a majestically-lit holiday tree, chalet-style lodge with food and drinks, cozy warming cabins, fire pits, and a game room. And the main attraction is an Olympic-sized ice skating rink with a view of the Ben Franklin Bridge.
(Photo by Michelle Reese)
Christmas Light Show at Macy’s
When: Opens Friday, November 29
Where: Macy’s, 1300 Market Street, Philadelphia
A tradition for many Philly families, this free show has been running since 1956! The musical light show features the famous Wanamaker Organ and is narrated by Julie Andrews. It runs every two hours during store hours.
12 Days of Christmas Pop-Up Holiday Bar
When: Open every Friday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 a.m. from Friday, November 29 until Sunday, December 22
Where: 12 South 20th Street, Philadelphia (rooftop of Farmer’s Keep)
12 Days of Christmas is a pop-up holiday bar located at the new outdoor area of Farmer’s Keep. Decked out in Christmas decorations and offering delicious craft cocktails, beers, and wines, there’s no better place to ring in the holiday season. The upstairs rooftop bar will boast a large Christmas tree, with space heaters (and hot drinks) to keep guests warm. The exciting drink specials include holiday-themed cocktails such as Peppermint Dream (vanilla vodka, creme de cocoa, peppermint schnapps, pomegranate grenadine) and Christmas Coquito (spiced run, coconut, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla).
Philadelphia Turkey Trots
Face to Face Germantown Turkey Trot
When: Thursday, November 28 at 9 a.m.
Where: Forbidden Drive in Wissahickon Park, 200 W. Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia
Twenty-seven years ago, Jim and Frannie Maguire (along with their 9 kids) held a 5-mile run to benefit Face to Face. Every Thanksgiving since then, the race had celebrated giving back to the impoverished in Germantown that Face to Face serves. Registration is $40 for the 5-mile run and $30 for the Fun Run. Children 12 and under can participate in either race for $15. (Register by November 24 to save $5 on all prices.) Runners receive a Dri-Fit Race shirt. Awards are given for male and female 1st through 3rd place overall along with 1st place age bracket awards. Celebrate at the after-party held at MaGerk’s Pub & Grill from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Click here to register.
Fairmount Park Turkey Trot
When: Thursday, November 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Memorial Hall, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia
The 29th Annual Fairmount Park Turkey Trot is a 5-mile run on a certified 5-mile loop flat course. It starts and finishes at Memorial Hall. Registration and packet pickup is in the Carousel House. All registered runners will receive a long-sleeved t-shirt. Registration is $40. (Register by November 15 to save $5.) On-site registration opens at 6:30 a.m. Race starts at 8:30 a.m. Click here to register.
