Thanksgiving has always been a time for gratitude, reflection, and gathering with loved ones. In 2025, those traditions continue to evolve—families are blending in-person gatherings with hybrid celebrations, finding new ways to include grandparents, whether they’re across the table or across the country.
There are countless ways to express gratitude this Thanksgiving in the Big Easy, from volunteering in the New Orleans community to preserving family stories for future generations. We’ve put together an updated 2025 Thanksgiving Calendar, filled with activities in Greater New Orleans, to inspire you to plan a memorable Turkey Day for your grandparents. Gobble Gobble!
Editor's Note
Be sure to check back annually, as we update this calendar with new events each year.
2025 Calendar
Thursday – Nov 27, 2025 – Thanksgiving Brunch at The Roosevelt Hotel
Thursday – Nov 27, 2025 @ 6.30 am – New Orleans Athletic Club’s Turkey Day Race
Thursday – Nov 27th, 2025 @ 11 am – https://www.humanhorseraces.com/
Thursday – Nov 27th, 2025 @ 3 pm – Annual Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Parade
Volunteer Together At Second Harvest Food Bank
Thanksgiving embodies gratitude like no other American holiday. It is also an opportunity to give back to the community and make a positive impact on society. Nothing is more rewarding than giving back as a family, from one generation to the next.
Take several hours from watching football and get your grandparents to help you volunteer—whether it’s serving meals at Second Harvest Food Bank, assisting with a church or synagogue community dinner, organizing a food drive, or delivering meals to homebound seniors.
If mobility is limited, consider simpler acts such as assembling care packages, writing cards, or making donation calls from home. Your grandparents may have a favorite foundation they want to support—it’s worth asking! There is no better way to feel grateful than by giving back to others.
Thanksgiving Cards and Family Photos
Thanksgiving often kicks off in the early afternoon for many families, with NFL football and appetizers being popular activities. However, if Grandma and Grandpa aren’t keen on football, there are plenty of other memorable family activities to enjoy.
Consider inviting the grandparents over early to write thank-you cards, which can be distributed before dinner—a truly generous and thoughtful way to express gratitude. Another idea is to gather the entire family for a photo shoot. Remind everyone to don their best fall attire, or for a fun twist, create matching family shirts for the occasion.
Connect Through Hybrid Celebrations – For Families Who Cannot Be Physically Together
Not every loved one can make it to the Thanksgiving table in person, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the celebration. If family can’t be in town, set up a group FaceTime or Zoom call right from the dinner table so grandparents feel included in the conversation, the meal, and the laughter. You might even plan a short “virtual toast” where everyone, near and far, shares what they are most thankful for this year.
For those who are less comfortable with technology, enlist a grandchild to help set up the call or show them how to use a tablet for future connections. Small touches like these ensure that everyone, whether across town or across the country, can share in the holiday spirit together. Here is a helpful guide on setting up a group FaceTime Call with an iPhone.
Post Dinner Stroll at City Park’s Botanical Gardens or Lafreniere Park
Undoubtedly, your belly will be full after a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Take a walk with Grandma and Grandpa, exploring the autumn beauty and enjoying the crisp air. Thanksgiving presents a fascinating outdoor opportunity to stroll through your surroundings and experience the breathtaking trees and leaves in their most beautiful and colorful form of the year.
If you’re in the New Orleans area, consider visiting City Park’s Botanical Garden (open year-round) or Lafreniere Park for a little extra holiday magic. Traditionally, Thanksgiving dinner starts in the early evening or late afternoon, leaving just enough time for the cooled-down part of the day right before sunset to squeeze in a memorable Thanksgiving stroll with the family.
Capture Family Memories
Thanksgiving is a magical time when the bonds between generations are strengthened, creating cherished memories that shimmer long after the last bite of pumpkin pie. Beyond the traditional meal, consider these ideas to capture precious family moments:
- Gratitude Jar: After dinner, invite everyone to write down something they appreciate about Grandma or Grandpa and place it in a jar. Reading these notes aloud can become a heartwarming new tradition.
- Digital Keepsakes: Record a short video of grandparents sharing a favorite story, or compile a family photo album or slideshow. These digital memories can be easily shared with relatives who are unable to attend, honoring your grandparents and creating a legacy for future generations.
- Simple Gestures: Small actions can make a big difference, such as printing out a beloved family photo or showing grandparents how to save memories on their smartphone.
Experience the 6th Annual Human Horse Races
Thanksgiving in New Orleans comes with its own brand of whimsy, and nothing captures that better than the Human Horse Races in Mid-City. Picture neighbors and friends dressed head-to-toe as horses, galloping down the street in good fun, cheered on by live music and hungry spectators. It’s part parade, part comedy, and entirely local tradition. Take Grandma and Grandpa out to enjoy the festive energy, grab a bite from food vendors, and laugh along with the crowd. The races offer an unforgettable way to stretch your legs after the holiday meal while soaking up a celebration that could only happen in New Orleans.
Thanksgiving Day Mississippi River Jazz Cruise
For a more relaxed but equally memorable outing, consider booking a Thanksgiving Day Jazz Cruise aboard the Creole Queen. Families can enjoy a full holiday meal while drifting along the Mississippi River, surrounded by the sounds of live New Orleans jazz. Grandparents will appreciate the slower pace and spectacular skyline views, while kids and grandkids get a chance to experience one of the city’s most iconic traditions from the water. Whether as your main holiday meal or a festive addition to the day, a riverboat cruise turns Thanksgiving into a celebration of both food and music—two things New Orleans does best.
Help Grandma Prepare A Juicy Bird and Mouthwatering Sides
No one knows how to properly prepare a juicy, delicious roast bird better than Grandma. From applying the simplest salts and herbs to a wow-worthy spiced, glazed turkey, Grandma has the most experience.
Thanksgiving side dishes perfectly balance the main course, bringing all the flavors of a true fall feast to the table. Consider helping Grandma prepare them, from salads and casseroles to corn dishes and potatoes. You can also assist with classic desserts such as cakes, cookies, cheesecakes, cobblers, and pumpkin pie, adding the final touch to the Thanksgiving meal.
Play A Game Of Touch Football
Even though the Saints aren’t playing this Thanksgiving, we can still enjoy some local football. Transform your backyard into a gridiron or find a sunny spot in a local park. With just a few improvised goalposts, you can ignite a spirited game of touch football. This isn’t just about burning off those extra helpings of turkey and pie; it’s about inhaling the crisp autumn air, soaking in the golden hues of the season, and crafting a day etched with exhilarating touchdowns, joyous laughter, and the priceless gift of time spent with those who cherish you most.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday that represents gratitude and blessings for the things we value most in our lives. Often, we forget about our grandparents in the throes of daily life. This Thanksgiving is the perfect time to show appreciation for them by taking the extra step and planning something unique, fun, and heartfelt.
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Please contact us to schedule a complimentary tour of one of our centrally located homes throughout Greater New Orleans. We are looking forward to meeting you and your family.
There are countless ways to express gratitude this Thanksgiving in the Big Easy, from volunteering in the New Orleans community to preserving family stories for future generations. We’ve put together an updated 2025 Thanksgiving Calendar, filled with activities in Greater New Orleans, to inspire you to plan a memorable Turkey Day for your grandparents. Gobble Gobble!