New York offers the Macy’s Day parade, while nearby Plymouth, Massachusetts, the site of the first feast, can be found near Boston. However, for NFL fans seeking a unique destination on the fourth Thursday of November, Dallas stands out as the ideal choice. With its exciting football games, rich history, delectable food, and mild weather – crucial for November trips – plan your perfect Thanksgiving weekend around these must-visit locations in the Dallas area.
NFL Thanksgiving Game
The Dallas Cowboys create an exciting atmosphere by playing annually on Thanksgiving, facing off against the Buffalo Bills this year. This cherished tradition has been alive for over fifty years, originating as a marketing endeavor to spotlight then-coach Tom Landry’s young team. Although Thanksgiving game tickets from the Cowboys sell out rapidly, fans can still acquire them through secondary markets.
Attendees can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the game itself, as AT&T Stadium serves over 9,000 pounds of turkey and 180 gallons of cranberry sauce each year. Food stalls throughout the stadium, including those in the East and West plazas, make it easy to grab a hearty meal during the game.
If tickets are elusive, catch the game at one of the premier Dallas Cowboys hangouts, many of which welcome NFL fans on Thanksgiving. Raise a glass to the Boys at Katy Trail Ice House, or savor T-Day drink specials at The Nodding Donkey.
Best Food
Dallas visitors who may not attend the game will find numerous restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day.
Among the most upscale options, the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas offers a children’s buffet alongside gourmet brunch options for adults. Meanwhile, Fearing’s, a distinguished dining spot at the Ritz-Carlton, serves a three-course meal infused with a Southwest flair. Additionally, City Works in nearby Frisco hosts a lively Thanksgiving watch party featuring TV feeds of the game and a selection of 90 beers.
Best Hotels
Consider staying at the Dallas Omni Hotel, conveniently located within walking distance of the iconic Pegasus Sign and the JFK Memorial Plaza. For the best morning brew, head to The Lumen situated near Southern Methodist University, or select Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek for an ambiance enhanced with fresh flowers placed in each room daily.
Opting for a location close to the stadium can streamline game day experiences. The Live! by Loews in Arlington boasts spacious accommodations and a short walking distance to AT&T Stadium. Alternatively, the delightful Thornton Inn Bed & Breakfast, just 2 miles from the stadium, offers high tea in addition to breakfast.
Best Attractions
For those looking to stir up an appetite before indulging in pumpkin pie, the annual YMCA Turkey Trot commences outside Dallas City Hall at 9 AM on Thanksgiving morning.
A particular highlight for NFL enthusiasts is the Cowboys Christmas at the Star, which seamlessly merges football and festive cheer, featuring a tree-lighting ceremony at the Tostitos Championship Plaza the day after Thanksgiving. Fans often find Cowboys players and cheerleaders in attendance.
Vitruvian Lights in Addison launches the Saturday following Thanksgiving, as thousands of twinkling LED lights transform Vitruvian Park into a magical winter spectacle. On the same day, the Allen Community Ice Rink, located just half an hour outside Dallas, will host its 8th Annual Great Turkey Skate, which includes a fun turkey bowling activity.
Shopping is an essential component of the Thanksgiving weekend, and Dallas presents an array of shopping opportunities. The upscale Dallas Galleria opens early on Black Friday, while the Allen Outlets welcomes bargain hunters on Thanksgiving evening. NFL fans will be pleased to find a variety of Cowboys merchandise at both locations.
With Thanksgiving temperatures typically hovering in the mid-60s, a plethora of choices for non-traditional Thanksgiving meals, and a mix of football and non-football themed activities, Dallas undoubtedly emerges as the perfect Thanksgiving weekend retreat for NFL fans.
