Thanksgiving and Black Friday Around Philly: The Ultimate Guide

The most gluttonous day (or, for some of us, weekend) of the year is almost here. To help you make the most of your Philadelphia Thanksgiving celebration, we’ve assembled a handy holiday guide. Below, you’ll find information on where to buy a turkey, where to trot like one, where to get drinks on Wednesday night, where to eat near KOP on Black Friday, where to chill out when you’re stressed out, and more.

Where Buy Food for Thanksgiving Dinner

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Farm-to-table veggies. Warm loaves from Lost Bread Co. Cherry pie from Lil Pop Shop. If you’re really looking to dazzle your guests this week, don’t just pick up any old dish from Acme or Giant — check out our guide to local food shopping. And speaking of good food…

Where to Buy Local, Organic, and Free-Range Turkeys for Thanksgiving

Celebrate your Philadelphia Thanksgiving with a local turkey. LauriPatterson/iStock.com

Maybe you waited until the last minute to figure out your turkey situation (hey, no shame), but don’t worry: You can still order a bird from a few of these places (if you act fast, that is).

Or … just let Wawa cater your meal.

Some Wawa catering options for your Philadelphia Thanksgiving. | Photo courtesy of Wawa

Just throwing this option out there — because ICYMI, Wawa caters now. Among other things, you can get a 16-person Gobbler bar (inspired by the Thanksgiving-themed hoagie) with Shorti rolls, hot turkey in gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

50 Bars Where You Can Celebrate Thanksgiving Eve the Right Way

Royal Boucherie | Photo by Catharine Hennessy

Rumor has it that the Thanksgiving Eve is the biggest drinking night of the year. If you’re looking to get in on the fun, consider planning a bar crawl to some of the fabulous establishments on our newly released 50-best bars list. We guarantee we’ve got what you’re looking for, whether it’s a cocktail bar with stellar city views like Irwin’s, a locals’ spot like Tattooed Mom, Monk’s, or Johnny Brenda’s, or a dive like Oscar’s or Dirty Franks.

Where to Run a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot Near Philly

Find your Turkey Trots near Philadelphia in our list below. Photograph by Rafal Olkis via iStock.

This one goes out to those who are thinking about when they can run off their turkey just as much as when they can eat it. Here are nearly two dozens races you can partake in around the holiday.

New Stores to Browse at the King of Prussia Mall on Black Friday

The Kendra Scott Luxe collection of jewelry during the Luxe Party at the Kendra Scott Fashion Island Boutique on Tuesday, November 20, 2013, in Newport Beach, Calif. (Photo by Ryan Miller/Invision/AP)

Including Zara, Kendra Scott, Kate Spade New York, and more — be sure to check them all out when you visit.

Where to Eat Near the King of Prussia Mall on Black Friday

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You’re gonna need some carbs to navigate the retail madness. (And maybe a few drinks?) Check out this guide to eating well near the mall, including some of our favorite restaurants: Mistral, Tony Luke’s, Morton’s, and more.

Or Stick to Shopping at the Christmas Village

The Christmas Village opens on Thursday. | Photo courtesy of Kory Aversa

The beloved holiday market returns to LOVE Park on Thanksgiving Day with a brand-new beer garden, and we couldn’t be more excited. And you know what goes really well with beer? Warm, ooey, gooey, racelette cheese sandwiches. Visit the market between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday, or from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

And When It’s All Over … 7 Places to Go If the Holidays Stress You Out

Looking for stress relief in Philly? Try acupuncture at the Healing Arts Community Acupuncture. Photograph courtesy Healing Arts Community Acupuncture.

Punch some boxing bags. Have your chakras aligned. Get a mud wrap. Do whatever you need to do to prevent yourself from going crazy during these busy, family-filled times.