Celebrate Bounty At Thanksgiving Events & Fun Runs in Cincinnati

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, signifying the start of the holiday season and the traditional celebrations that come with it. The Cincinnati area is abuzz with community events, from Turkey Trot races to fall feasts. Here are a few you won't want to miss.

1. Thanksgiving Day Race
5 Stadium Way, Cincinnati

The 108th Annual Thanksgiving Day 10k Run and Walk will take place on Thanksgiving morning. The course starts at Paul Brown Stadium, weaving through the downtown area. Proceeds go to benefit Ronald McDonald House, Girls on the Run, Salvation Army and other reputable charities. You can register online for a fee of $37 until November 17; prices go up after that. Registration includes a T-shirt and refreshments including bagels, Sunny D and water after the race.

2. Fall Feast
525 Elm St, Cincinnati

Fall Feast is an annual event that has been hosted by the city of Cincinnati at the Duke Energy Center since 2005. Each year, volunteers assemble to prepare and serve a delicious Thanksgiving meal to those in need. You can register as a volunteer on the event's website. Volunteers are needed to cook, serve and entertain on Thanksgiving Day, and also to set up on the days preceding the event. Celebrations officially commence at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, and about 4,000 community members are expected to attend.

3. Macy's Light Up the Square
Fifth and Vine St, Cincinnati

What better way to continue the celebrations the day after Thanksgiving than with a holiday lights festival? Light Up the Square is scheduled for 5 –11 p.m. on Friday, November 25. There will be an ice skating rink, food and drinks and music performed by local bands. Admission is free for all ages!

4. Hungry Turkey Half Marathon and 5K
5057 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati

If you want to run off your Thanksgiving feast from the day before, register for the Hungry Turkey Half Marathon or 5K on Friday, November 25. The races begin at 8:30 a.m. in Otto Armleder Memorial Park. You can register online, and all participants receive a hoodie and a cinnamon roll upon completion of the race. Prepare for a fun race; many participants dress up like turkeys and other Thanksgiving favorites.

5. Winterfest at Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Dr, Mason

Winterfest is more of a general holiday celebration than a Thanksgiving festival, but it's such a beautiful way to embrace this time of family togetherness and joy. The event repeats nightly from 5 – 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November 24 through December 30. There will be twinkling lights, holiday characters roaming around and, of course, all of the regular rides and attractions. You can buy tickets for as low as $25 per person online.

Residents at Springs at West Chester and Springs at Liberty Township, we're curious: have you attended any of these events? What did you think? Are there other Thanksgiving events you would recommend? Let us know in the comments below.