Celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend in Findlay and Hancock County
Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend in Findlay and Hancock County. Take advantage of the special events, family traditions, and shopping – learn more below!
Family Traditions
Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season and if you don’t already have Findlay and Hancock County traditions this is a great time to start. Don’t miss out on these Thanksgiving weekend traditions:
Turkey Trot
Make exercising for a good cause part of your Thanksgiving this year! Women’s Resource Center’s annual Turkey Trot will be taking place in-person this year. Day-of race registration will take place at St. Michael’s Church-East beginning at 7:30 a.m. and the race will weave throughout the Country Club Acres neighborhood at 9 a.m. Awards are given for top finishers and costumes! Learn more here
City of Findlay Tree Lighting Ceremony
Photo courtesy of Nick Moore, nickmoorephotography.com
After a full day of Black Friday shopping head to Dorney Plaza for the official lighting of the City of Findlay’s Christmas tree. This year’s tree is BIG – over 40 feet! The tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 26 and we hear the mayor will have a special guest with her for the lighting! Learn more here
North Pole Express kick-off
Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation is a favorite year-round but their North Pole Express isn’t to be missed. This affordable family activity is just $3 for children and $4 for adults to ride the quarter-scale train. Included in that price are visits to the decorated Train House, a walk through the beautifully decorated grounds, and even a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus when they’re visiting. The North Pole Express kicks off on Friday, November 26, 5:30 – 9 p.m. and will continue every Friday and Saturday, 5:30 – 9 and Sunday, 5:30 – 8 until January 2. Learn more here
Bluffton Blaze of Lights
The Bluffton Blaze of Lights Ream Display is a can’t-miss attraction Thanksgiving weekend.
Bluffton is a beautiful village on any average day but on Small Business Saturday they transform into a scene from a Hallmark Christmas movie! The entire town gets in to the fun with residential and business holiday decorating competitions, a holiday display steeped in local history at the Bluffton Presbyterian Church, and a great holiday parade beginning at 5 p.m., leaving from the Community Pool and running south on Main Street to College Street. You won’t want to miss this one. Learn more here
Santa’s Mailbox
Drop off your child’s letter at Coffee Amici, Smarty Pants Findlay, or Trends! on Main and Kiwanis elves will help Santa return personalized letters!
The Kiwanis Club of Findlay always brings the holiday spirit with their Santa’s House, which will return to Downtown Findlay next year, however this year they’re spreading the joy with Santa’s Mailbox! Children of all ages are invited to write Santa a letter and drop it off at one of three Downtown locations – Trends! on Main, Smarty Pants Findlay, or Coffee Amici – and Kiwanis elves will help Santa return personalized letters to every child. Just don’t forget to include the child in your life’s name and return address! Letters can be dropped off now until Sunday, December 12.
Shop until you Drop
Support these friendly faces and shop small this weekend!
Once Thanksgiving is over its time to knock out those Christmas shopping lists! Black Friday and Small Business Saturday specials give you plenty of opportunities to do that all while supporting local. Why support local? You will be supporting the businesses of the people you see every day and who make up your community. Besides getting great gifts for your loved ones (and maybe a few things for yourself too!) when you shop local approximately 2/3 of the money you spend stays in our community! You can make a huge difference in our community by simply purchasing even just a few of your Christmas gifts locally.
Many of your favorite small businesses in Findlay and Hancock County are having extended hours this weekend, discounts and promotions, and more! See holiday hours and promotions here.
Cheers!
Enjoy Drinksgiving, take part in an Ugly Sweater party, and even watch the City of Findlay Tree Lighting ceremony – all this weekend at Modcraft Brewing!
The day before Thanksgiving is a great time to gather with friends who may be returning home for the holiday or just catch up with local friends. No matter how long its been since you’ve seen one another it is easy to have a good time in Findlay. Many local bars are open on Wednesday, including Modcraft Brewing for their Drinksgiving event. You can see all local businesses’ holiday hours here.
Did you know the Sunday after Thanksgiving is Small Brewery Sunday? Findlay Brewing Company and Crafted Nanobrewery are both open and are ready for you to celebrate!
No matter how you’re celebrating we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. See local businesses’ holiday hours here and see what events are coming up here. Happy Thanksgiving!