Did you know Ohio hosts more than 20 major Thanksgiving events each year, drawing families from across the Midwest?
Ohio offers a mix of parades, runs, and festivals during the Thanksgiving season. People gather to celebrate harvest traditions, show gratitude, and enjoy time with friends and family. These events highlight local heritage and community spirit. From historic sites to modern venues, you find ways to mark the holiday.
Top Parades Across Ohio
Parades bring floats, marching bands, and cheerful crowds to Ohio streets. They kick off the holiday season with lights and performances.
Price Hill Thanksgiving Day Parade in Cincinnati
The Price Hill Thanksgiving Day Parade rolls through Cincinnati’s west side on Thanksgiving morning. Marching bands and floats entertain watchers. In 2025, Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey serves as grand marshal. Arrive early for good spots along the route. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon.
Bowling Green Holiday Parade
Held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the Bowling Green Holiday Parade features dozens of floats and community groups. It starts at 10 a.m. on November 22, 2025. Watch from downtown sidewalks. Santa Claus often appears at the end.
Hometown Holiday Horse Parade in Urbana
The day after Thanksgiving, Urbana hosts the Holiday Horse Parade. Horse-drawn carriages and riders parade through Monument Square. It begins at 6 p.m. on November 28, 2025. Shop and dine in the afternoon before the event.
Akron Holiday Parade
Akron’s parade marches down Main Street at 6 p.m. on November 28, 2025. It ends with a lighting celebration. Families line the streets for the festive display.
Dayton Holiday Festival Parade
Dayton’s parade lights up the night on November 28, 2025. It includes a tree lighting and holiday displays. Start your evening downtown for the full experience.
These parades offer free fun. Dress warm and bring chairs for comfort.
Running Events to Start Your Day
Thanksgiving runs let you burn calories before the feast. They support charities and build community.
Cleveland Turkey Trot
The Cleveland Turkey Trot draws thousands to Public Square. Choose a 5K or 10K on Thanksgiving morning. Runners wear costumes like turkey hats. It benefits the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Register online ahead.
Cincinnati Thanksgiving Day Run
Cincinnati’s run starts at Paul Brown Stadium. It’s a 10K event with views of the Ohio River. Families join the walk option. Proceeds go to local shelters.
Mason 5K
Runners kick off Thanksgiving at the Cleveland Turkey Trot.
Sign up early for these runs. They fill up fast. Warm up with stretches and stay hydrated.
Family-Friendly Festivals and Activities
Ohio libraries and parks host crafts and storytimes. These free events teach gratitude and history.
Medina Candlelight Walk
Medina’s Candlelight Walk lights up the square with luminaries. It runs the weekend before Thanksgiving. Shop for gifts and enjoy music. The event starts at dusk.
Glow at Cleveland Botanical Garden
The Cleveland Botanical Garden glows with holiday lights from late November. Walk paths lined with displays. It’s open evenings through December.
Winterfest in Cleveland
Winterfest at Public Square features ice skating and markets. It begins the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Skate rentals cost a small fee.
Craft Sessions at Libraries
Libraries like Fulton Branch Library offer Turkey Craft sessions. Kids make centerpieces from paper and glue. Seville Branch Library hosts Gratitude Art for Teens. They create chains listing blessings.
Storytime and More
Garrettsville Branch Library runs A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving screening. Portage Lakes Branch Library does Thanksgiving Storytime with books on harvest.
Holiday lights shine at Medina’s Candlelight Walk.
Check library websites for times. Most events need no registration.
Dining and Feasts with a Twist
Skip cooking and dine out. Ohio spots serve traditional dishes with local flavors.
Historic Inns for Thanksgiving Brunch
The Golden Lamb Inn in Lebanon offers a buffet with turkey and sauerkraut. Book reservations early. The Spread Eagle Tavern in Hanoverton serves kielbasa and cabbage rolls in period decor.
Restaurants in Cleveland
Crop Bistro & Bar does farm-to-table meals. Try Johnny Marzetti casserole. The Black Pig features buckeyes for dessert. Market Garden Brewery pairs beers with feasts.
Buffets and Prix Fixe Menus
The Metropolitan at the 9 hosts a prix fixe dinner. Include sides like stuffing. Many spots donate portions to charities.
Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at a historic Ohio inn.
Call ahead for menus. Ask about dietary options.
Ways to Give Back This Season
Thanksgiving means giving. Ohio organizations need volunteers.
Volunteer at Food Banks
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank packs meals. Sign up for shifts. City Mission serves dinners to those in need.
Support Animal Care
Cleveland Animal Protective League collects donations. Bring pet food or blankets.
Ronald McDonald House
Help families at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio. Bake treats or organize drives.
Plan a potluck Friendsgiving. Invite neighbors and share dishes.
These acts build blessings and community ties.
Ohio Thanksgiving parades and celebrations create lasting memories. Pick events that fit your group. Whether you run, watch parades, or volunteer, the season brings people together. Check websites for updates, as dates may change.
