As the air turns crisp and the leaves put on their final show, Tulsa gears up for one of its coziest and most community-focused holidays: Thanksgiving. Whether your tradition is to lace up your running shoes, volunteer your time, or simply enjoy a delicious meal with loved ones, our city has something for you.

Here's your guide to Thanksgiving in Tulsa.

Run, Walk, and Give Thanks! ?‍♀️

• Tulsa Turkey Trot: A beloved tradition is back! On Friday, November 28th, the day after Thanksgiving, you can burn off those Thanksgiving calories with friends and family at the Tulsa Turkey Trot. This fun-filled event offers both a 5K run/walk and a shorter Fun Run, starting and finishing at the giant Christmas Tree at the BOK Center. All participants get a t-shirt and a finisher medal, making it a great way to kick off the holiday season with a healthy start.

• Turkey Trails-Tulsa: Another fantastic option is the Turkey Trails event on Sunday, November 16th. With a variety of race distances, including a 5K, 10K, and a Kids' Dash, this is a perfect event for the whole family. Hosted by the Bodies Race Company, it's a great way to get moving before the big feast.

A Feast Without the Fuss ?️

Prefer to leave the cooking to the experts? Many local and national restaurants in Tulsa offer special Thanksgiving meals or are open for business on the holiday. From classic American fare to international cuisine, you have a variety of choices to enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal. While specific menus and reservation requirements for this year will be announced closer to the date, keep an eye on these past favorites:

• Metro Diner: Known for offering both a dine-in option and heat-and-serve feasts to go.

• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: A perfect choice for a more upscale, three-course Thanksgiving dinner.

• Local spots: Many local establishments like Shiloh's and The Silver Skillet have offered traditional Thanksgiving meals in the past.

Remember to make reservations well in advance, as these spots book up quickly!

Giving Back to Our Community ❤️

Thanksgiving is about gratitude, and there are many ways to give back to the Tulsa community. Local organizations are always in need of a helping hand, especially during the holidays.

• Restore Hope Ministries: This organization often prepares and distributes Thanksgiving baskets to families in need. Call them for information on how you can help assemble or distribute these baskets.

• Iron Gate Tulsa: This is a fantastic place to volunteer by helping to serve community meals or stocking their grocery pantry. They're open every day, and your time can make a huge difference.

Check the websites of these organizations in early November for specific holiday volunteer needs.

Other Events to Enjoy Over the Weekend

• Holiday Heritage Market: Get a jump start on your holiday shopping at this fantastic market, which often takes place in November and features unique vintage and handcrafted goods from local artisans.

• The Nutcracker: The Tulsa Ballet's production of The Nutcracker usually begins its run in late November. It's a magical holiday tradition that is a perfect outing for the whole family.

• Tulsa Day of the Dead Bar Crawl: While not on Thanksgiving itself, this event on November 1st blends cultural celebration with the city's nightlife, a great way to kick off the month.

This Thanksgiving, whether you're enjoying a quiet holiday at home or making new memories out on the town, Tulsa's community spirit will be on full display. From my family to yours, I wish you a happy and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving!