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New Thanksgiving traditions

Woman serving a man at a soup kitchen

Do you and your loved ones have special traditions for the Thanksgiving holiday beyond watching football, stuffing yourself and taking an afternoon nap? If you’re looking to shake up your routine or add more meaning to the holiday, all these activities in and around Indianapolis are good for the heart! Start a new Thanksgiving tradition!

Learn to cook something new

For many people, Thanksgiving is an intimidating holiday to cook for. Try a cooking class to enhance your skills, learn new recipes and enjoy the camaraderie and support of those in the same boat!

Sur la Table

Modern Thanksgiving – Learn to cook a modern Thanksgiving meal! Work alongside classmates to make approved recipes from Bon Appetit, with tips and techniques to help you cook with confidence.

Dates and times:  Nov. 8, 11 a.m.; Nov. 18, 4 p.m.
Location: Sur la Table, 14400 Clay Terrace Blvd, Suite 100, Carmel 
Cost: $75 
Register >>

New Thanksgiving Side Dishes –  Learn to cook incredible Thanksgiving side dishes that are sure to steal the spotlight from the turkey. Work alongside classmates to make approved recipes from Bon Appetit, with tips and techniques to help you cook with confidence.

Dates and times:  Nov. 16, 11 a.m.
Location: Sur la Table, 14400 Clay Terrace Blvd, Suite 100, Carmel 
Cost: $75 
Register >>

Thanksgiving Macarons – This class takes the mystery out of making macarons, and you’ll be thankful for these delicious confections made with Thanksgiving’s best flavors—pumpkin, apple and pecan pie fillings.

Dates and times:  Nov. 10, 9 a.m.; Nov. 14, 11 a.m.
Location: Sur la Table, 14400 Clay Terrace Blvd, Suite 100, Carmel 
Cost: $75 
Register >>

Best Thanksgiving Recipes – Nervous about cooking Thanksgiving dinner? Don’t be! The staff at Sur la Table shares their all-time favorite, can’t-miss recipes for a flavor-packed feast. 

Dates and times:  Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m.; Nov. 17, 4 p.m.
Location: Sur la Table, 14400 Clay Terrace Blvd, Suite 100, Carmel 
Cost: $75 and $95
Register >>

Chef JJ's Backyard

The Perfect Turkey – Learn how to brine and season the very turkey you will serve on Thanksgiving Day with Chef JJ’s Hands-on Gobble Gobble class!

Dates and times:  Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m.; Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Chef JJ’s Back Yard, 1040 Broad Ripple Ave., Indianapolis 
Cost: $60 (does not include the price of the turkey)
Register >>

Volunteer to serve others

On a day that is dedicated to giving thanks and expressing gratitude, spending some time serving others who are less fortunate seems like a natural way to celebrate the holiday. Here are a few Indianapolis organizations that are looking for volunteers on and around Thanksgiving.

Mozel Sanders Annual Thanksgiving Dinner "Feed The Hungry" event: This is the largest day of feeding for Indianapolis, and the Mozel Sanders Foundation couldn't accomplish it without the help of its volunteers.

  • What is needed: Volunteers assist in preparing, packaging and delivering dinners on Thanksgiving Day. They will be assigned to their area once they arrive and each volunteer will have a specific assignment during a certain time period.
  • Location: Atherton Hall on the Butler University campus and Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
  • How to volunteer: Go to mozelsanders.org and follow the instructions for signing up online.

Good Samaritan Network Thanksgiving food distribution and prep: Good Samaritan Network, a collaborative of nonprofits in Hamilton County, distributes food baskets to Hamilton County families in need so they can enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving meal.

  • What is needed: Volunteers unload and sort food, assist clients and deliver food. Preparation takes place Nov. 10, 15, 16, and food distribution is on Nov. 17.
  • Location: Hamilton County Fairgrounds, Noblesville
  • How to volunteer: Go to gsnlive.org and click “Holiday iVolunteer” to sign up online.

Meals on Wheels: Active in Central Indiana for 47 years, Meals on Wheels delivers more than 500 meals every day to seniors, and those who are disabled and chronically ill. A special Thanksgiving meal is delivered on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday.

  • What is needed: Volunteers to help deliver Thanksgiving meals on Nov. 22 and 23 to clients who are homebound.
  • Location: Throughout the greater Indianapolis area.
  • How to volunteer: Please call (317) 252-5558 or fill out a volunteer form online.

Run or walk for a good cause… and to burn calories

Gather your friends and family and join in on a fun run/walk Thanksgiving morning. You’ll be raising money for a good cause while burning enough calories to justify that extra slice of pumpkin pie!

Gobble Gallop (Avon)

  • Benefits: Hendricks Regional Health YMCA
  • Date, time, location: Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22 at Hendricks Regional Health YMCA, 301 Satori Pkwy #160. 5K begins at 8 a.m. and quarter-mile run begins at 9 a.m.
  • More info and to register >>

Drumstick Dash (Broad Ripple)

  • Benefits: Wheeler Mission—all proceeds provide meals and care for homeless men, women, and children in our community.
  • Date, time, location: Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, at Broad Ripple High School. 4.6 mile and 2.75 mile begin at 9 a.m.  Lil Gobblers race begins at 10:15 a.m.
  • More info and to register >>

Bolt for the Heart (Carmel)

  • Benefits: 100% of the proceeds will go to buying AEDs for Indiana State Trooper patrol cars.
  • Date, time, location: Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, at the Carmel Palladium Center Green. 5K run/walk begins at 9 a.m.
  • More info and to register >>

Wishbone 5K (Fishers)

  • Benefits: Fishers YMCA
  • Date, time, location: Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, at the Fishers YMCA. 5K begins at 8 a.m. Kids Fun Run and Senior Stroll, too!
  • More info and to register >> 

Z Gravy Chase (Zionsville)

  • Benefits: Boys & Girls Club of Zionsville
  • Date, time, location: Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, at Rosie's in Downtown Zionsville. Both the 2-mile and 4.5-mile runs begin at 8:30 a.m.
  • More info and to register >>

Whatever you decide to do to celebrate Thanksgiving, we wish you a very happy holiday full of love and gratitude!

Do you have a Thanksgiving tradition that you love? Tell us in the comments!


Indianapolis Realtor Kristie SmithAbout the Author
Kristie Smith
Kristie Smith is the founder and CEO of the Indy Homes Real Estate Team. She is a REALTOR, and is one of the most recognized and accomplished Indiana real estate agents. Ranked among Central Indiana's top 10 real estate teams, the Indy Homes Team specializes in relocating families moving to the Indy area, as well as Helping People on the Move locally in Indy.


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