Best Ways to Enjoy Thanksgiving in Arlington

Thanksgiving brings people together like few holidays can, and these Arlington establishments are ready to make Turkey Day 2025 one to remember.

And of course, the celebration goes well beyond the feast itself. In addition to places to celebrate the big feast, we’ve got fun activities to get you moving before and after eating all that fabulous food.

Credit | Copperwood Tavern Shirlington

Learn to Cook a Thanksgiving Feast

This year, the instructors at Cookology Culinary School in Ballston offer hands-on culinary classes where you’ll prepare a host of delicious Thanksgiving dishes. Trust us, your family will be impressed with your culinary mastery! Check out further details and their full class schedule here.

Go for a Run

The 20th annual Turkey Trot 5K is a favorite Arlington tradition that takes place on Thanksgiving Day. The starting line is at Lyon Park, on N. Pershing Street between Fillmore and Garfield Streets, with an official start time at 8:00 a.m. The “fun run” benefits Arlington nonprofits that serve our local community. So, get your flock together and hit the road!

Order Thanksgiving Dinner & Catering

If you’re gathering the gang together to celebrate turkey day, it’s good to know some Arlington restaurants are preparing sumptuous Thanksgiving feasts. Enjoy a nice sit-down dinner at any of these restaurants or order ahead and dig in at home.

McCormick & Schmick’s

Thanksgiving is a big event at this Crystal City restaurant. Enjoy their Thanksgiving pre-fixe menu including Butternut Squash Bisque, Walnut Mixed Greens Salad, and Roasted Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing, Apple Squash Casserole, Seasonal Vegetables and more. Click here to reserve your spot this Thanksgiving!

Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company

This Arlington barbeque joint prides itself in using red oak and hickory, never gas or electricity to cook delicious meats. Its counter-service menu features wood-only barbeque, vegetarian and gluten-free options too. Ribs, chicken, sandwiches and cornbread are fan favorites. Their catering menu is the perfect option for hosting your own Thanksgiving dinner party. Learn more about their catering options here.

Smokecraft Modern Barbecue

This Thanksgiving, Smokecraft Modern Barbecue has you covered. Make Thanksgiving dinner one to remember with their unique menu. Enjoy appetizers such as Smoked Butternut Squash Soup, Roasted Beet and Pecan Salad, main dishes such as Smoked Whole Turkey, Smoked Ham and more. Start planning your delicious dinner and order ahead here.

Texas Jack's Barbecue

Bring Texas Jack’s home this Thanksgiving and enjoy a mix of the barbecue classics you love & Thanksgiving staples like smoked turkey, stuffing, parsnip mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and more. If you're looking to dine in, Texas Jack's is also offering a holiday menu featuring Thanksgiving platters for the whole family. Check out more information on their catering and dine-in offerings on their website here.

Epic Smokehouse

Treat your family to a delicious Thanksgiving dinner from Epic Smokehouse! Enjoy slow-smoked turkey for several hours with their in-house secrets to keep the bird juicy and full of flavor. They get turkey primed, and ready for you just to heat up and serve. Order their signature Smoked Turkey as well as their sides on their website here.

Crystal City Sports Pub

This local Arlington favorite is serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, complete with a Honey Glazed Ham, Herb Rubbed Turkey and a variety of side dishes perfect for the whole family. Saved room for dessert? You can also add a slice of Apple Pecan or Pumpkin Pie to your meal and end on a sweet note. For more information and to make reservations for your group visit their website here.

Sabores Tapas

Add some Spanish flavor to your Thanksgiving dinner! Enjoy a family meal for four including Turkey breast, peppercorn gravy, cranberry sauce and more. Email cater@saboresva.com to place your order by November 26 and pick your order up on November 28 at noon.

Copperwood Tavern

Looking for a beautiful turkey dinner without all of the hassle? Copperwood Tavern in Shirlington is open on Thanksgiving Day and in addition to their full menu, will be offering all of your traditional Thanksgiving favorites. Reserve a table for your family and friends here before this popular establishment books up.

Treat Yourself to Something Sweet

Livin’ the Pie Life

Tell Grandma you’ve got dessert covered for your Thanksgiving feast with an order from this popular bakery on Langston Boulevard. It features all the classics of apple, pumpkin or pecan, plus some additional tasty surprises! Check the website for more information about the types of pies and pick-up times.

Bakeshop

This local bakery offers a variety of baked good including cakes, pies, macarons, cupcakes and more, perfect for making your Thanksgiving a sweet one. Their Thanksgiving menu includes classic pies such as Pumpkin, Pecan, and Bourbon Chocolate Pecan as well as ice box pies including Pumpkin Spice Latte, Key Lime, Nutella and more. Place your order in advance on their website here.

Northside Social

Northside Social in Clarendon is offering a variety of sweet and savory baked goods, perfect for getting in the Thanksgiving spirit. Take your dinner party to the next level with their Fall Quiches, or Charcuterie Platters, or satisfy everyone's sweet tooth with their Chocolate Brownie Platter or Cinnamon Rolls. For more information and to place your order visit their website here.

See more of Arlington's local bakeries here.

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Jackie Evans

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