New Turkey Day Traditions

Ideas for an exceptional Thanksgiving weekend

By Ross Boissoneau | Nov. 7, 2020

It’s the (second) most wonderful time of the year. For many people, the chance to gather round the table with a bevy of friends and family to give thanks for the year ranks only behind Christmas Day for joy and merriment. 

Only this year it’s — different. The rise of the pandemic and other associated ills mean two things: One, most people are already looking forward to a better year in 2021 (we hope). 

Second, the gatherings this Thanksgiving are going to look and feel different for most people. Smaller tables with fewer people gathering together. No large contingents shopping together Thanksgiving night or on Black Friday. Yet, despite so many things altered, that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate, give thanks for what we do have, and maybe try out some new traditions.

Like, well … that turkey dinner. While there won’t be throngs packed together in restaurants or around your Aunt Rosie’s dining room (and living room and basement) tables, there are plenty of ways for you to have your turkey and take part in reconfigured but less cramped holiday fun all around northern Michigan.  

Bay Harbor
A great place to give thanks: the tony Inn at Bay Harbor, where you can enjoy a full turkey dinner — the big bird, mashed potatoes, dressing (aka stuffing, if you prefer), and all the rest while drinking in views of the Little Traverse Bay’s November horizon. This year’s dinner in The Sagamore Room will offer expanded hours from noon to 5pm to allow for proper social distancing, so you can enjoy your traditional mean without worry. Still worried? Get your dinner to go instead. Call (231) 439-4117 to reserve and arrange pickup.

Bellaire
At Shanty Creek Resort, you also can get your turkey and all the fixings to go, easy as pie (your choice of apple, cherry or pumpkin) and take home the evening’s entertainment. The resort’s annual Gingerbread House has been converted from an onsite experience to a home-based version this year; that means you can grab a to-go kit, which includes one gingerbread house, icing, and candy. Reserve your house no later than Nov. 21 for pickup between 1pm and 4pm the following Tuesday, Nov. 24; Wednesday, Nov. 25; or Friday, Nov.  27).

Thompsonville
Looking for a full weekend of holiday fun? Check out Thanksgiving Reconnect Weekend at Crystal Mountain Resort. Thanksgiving dinner to go is available 10am to 5pm on Thanksgiving day. Then, 6pm to 9pm Friday, you can head back to enjoy a festive tour through Crystal’s resort village, where each stop offers activities, food and beverage, and retail sales. Collect five or more “trail stop” stamps, and you can win a prize. All weekend long you can run your own 5K Turkey Vulture Trot; cost is $20 and all proceeds go to North Sky Raptor Sanctuary. Finally, you’re invited to attend the resort’s village Christmas tree lighting against an audio backdrop of festive holiday music at 5:30pm Saturday.

Walloon
If it’s ho-ho-holiday tree lighting you’re after, there are several places around the region to get your twinkle on. Kicking it all off will be the tree lighting in Walloon Lake Village on Wednesday, with live music from the Petoskey Steel Drum Band, live reindeer, and a visit from those crazy Clauses. Free hot chocolate from Sweet Tooth Ice Cream Shop, snowman-kit making with Tommy's Walloon, and a cash bar are also available from 6pm to 9pm in Walloon Lake Village's Talcott Center.

Harbor Springs
In Harbor Springs, there activities all day on Saturday, from movies to reindeer, and maybe even an elf or two. Letters to Santa can be dropped off in one of the area drop boxes. At 6pm, you can help revelers celebrate a century-old tradition at the annual Christmas tree lighting, complete with carols, all while masked and safely distanced. And while the annual chili dinner has been canceled, there will be plenty of cookies to fill your belly.

Suttons Bay
Suttons Bay merchants are collaborating with Northern Lumber to create a life-size “Letters to Santa” mailbox, which will be decorated in the seasonal spirit and set outside Bahle’s. Letters to Santa “kits” will also be handed out to the kids at school and local businesses. Letters will have prompts so kids can specify what they hope for, what they are grateful for, and any questions they may have for Santa. Since the kids won’t be able to sit on Santa’s lap this year, responses from the North Pole to one of the questions will be sent to the kids in return.

More Tree Lightings
Leland’s tree light takes place Friday, with a parade, caroling and treats. In Charlevoix, Friday’s festivities include holiday crafts, photo fun, and a parade.
In Frankfort, the community tree lighting on Saturday will feature Mr. and Mrs. S. Claus.