Thanksgiving Around Elizabeth, New Jersey

Spend Thanksgiving in Elizabeth, New Jersey with our guide on the top activities, events, food, and more.

Whether you’re looking for Thanksgiving-open restaurants or kid-friendly things to do this holiday, we’ve got you covered with a jam-packed itinerary that’s better than a day of gravy and cranberry sauce. From seasonal events to fall activities, celebrate Thanksgiving with mouthwatering eats, unforgettable music, discounted treasures, and highly rated accommodations.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Shopping

Events

Outdoors

Stay

Dinners for Thanksgiving Day & Weekend

Elizabeth offers a wide range of cuisines. Why not skip defrosting at home and let local restaurants do the cooking? Head to highly rated restaurants on Thanksgiving Day and the weekend.

Tropicana Diner

Location: 545 Morris Avenue

Although Tropicana Diner will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, it's offering weekly specials for the fall holiday season. Check out their Facebook page for updates on their holiday catering menu.

Noches de Colombia

Location: 545 Bayway Avenue

Enjoy a Latin American spin on your Thanksgiving meal at Noches de Colombia! This local restaurant will be open on Thanksgiving Day, serving a delicious meal you don't have to prepare, cook, or clean up after! For more info on their offerings that day, check their Facebook page.

Valenca Restaurant

Location: 665 Monroe Avenue

Valenca Restaurant offers authentic Portuguese cuisine and comforting Thanksgiving sides as delectable catering options. They have previously offered roast pork and stuffed turkey, plus stuffing and pumpkin pie, to help you customize your Thanksgiving feast. Explore their current catering options here.

Del Porto Ristorante

Location: 91 Elizabeth Avenue

Featured in The Sopranos, Del Porto Ristorante also offers mouthwatering pasta, brunch bites, and more. If you’re looking for places to eat during Thanksgiving week, we recommend exploring fall specials in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Imagine flavorful appetizers, perfectly cooked entrees, and decadent desserts.

Algarve Restaurant

Location: 656 Van Buren Ave

Algarve specializes in traditional Portuguese entrees with a focus on grilled fish and meats. Make a reservation for Thanksgiving dinner and spend your holiday at one of the best restaurants in Elizabeth!

For more culinary recommendations, check out our guide to local restaurants, bars, and more.

Black Friday Shopping

Step into New Jersey's biggest indoor outlet mall, where unbelievable deals on your favorite brands await! For this Black Friday, explore must-have clothes, shoes, and more, and take home the latest trends without breaking the bank. The Nike Factory Store, Coach, and Primark are just a few of the popular shops at The Mills at Jersey Gardens. For more information on current and upcoming deals, visit the shopping hub's official website.

People walking through the Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth.

Holiday Events & Shows

The Elizabeth area has talented performers year-round. Enjoy these events during Thanksgiving weekend:

Find more events in Elizabeth throughout the week and year on our events calendar.

Outdoor Recreation

Breathe in the fresh air as you stroll through the picturesque Warinanco Park, where colorful trees provide an Instagram-worthy backdrop. Spanning more than 200 acres, the park offers plenty of fun activities for all ages. Before you start your scenic walk, we recommend stopping at a cafe like the Colombian Coffee Shop for a hot drink.

Bonus Activity: Spend this Thanksgiving weekend skating at Warinanco Sports Center’s ice rink! Public sessions will be held during select times on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

A person holds a leaf in front of the fall foliage at Warinanco Park.

Indoor Pampering

Treat yourself to a Thanksgiving glow-up at Stunning Med Spa. Melt away holiday stress with spa treatments, IV drips, facials, and more, so you look and feel your best this season. A stop at Stunning gives you the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and head into the festivities feeling refreshed and confident.

Treat Yourself and Your Loved Ones to a Top-Tier Stay

There is no shortage of exceptional hotels in Elizabeth. Why not make this Thanksgiving special by staying in premier-rated accommodations? Check into your home away from home and relax with modern amenities. Along with luxurious bedding, enjoy onsite bars, pet-friendly features, and flexible services.

Explore More

Fall Things to Do

International Cuisine

The Ultimate Guide to Warinanco Sports Center

Annual Events & Festivals

Christmas Activities & Events in Elizabeth, New Jersey

Author

GoElizabethNJ

GoElizabethNJ is the city’s official tourist information center, providing visitors with the resources they need to visit the premiere up and coming urban destination.