Talking Turkey: Fun Runs and 4 Other Thanksgiving Events Around New Orleans

New Orleans knows how to celebrate with style, and what better time to party than kickoff of the holiday season? Share the Thanksgiving spirit with friends and family at these exciting events taking place near our Springs New Orleans luxury apartment communities.

1. Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
TerraBella Village
111 TerraBella Blvd, Covington
985.892.8822
3.6 miles from Springs at River Chase

Burn off some Turkey Day calories for a good cause at the 13th annual Lung Cancer Run for Hope. Registration begins at 7 a.m. on November 23 and race time is at 7:30. All proceeds go to the MD Anderson Network, an organization that provides hope and support to cancer patients and caregivers.

2. Thanksgiving Day Thoroughbred Racing
New Orleans Fair Grounds
1751 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans
504.943.2200
39.5 miles from Springs at River Chase

Football isn't the only Thanksgiving sport to enjoy. Horse racing has long been a traditional holiday activity in New Orleans, and there is a full slate of 10 races scheduled at the fairgrounds beginning at 11 a.m. Don't feel like cooking? Enjoy a buffet dinner of Thanksgiving favorites on either a reserved-seating or first-come-first-served basis. Visit the website for reservations and prices.

3. A NOLA Thanksgiving Fine Arts and Gifts Show
Slidell Municipal Auditorium
2056 2nd St, Slidell
504.975.3239
2.3 miles from Springs at Fremaux Town Center

Get a head start on holiday shopping at this fine arts and gifts show. Treat yourself with one of the exciting prizes from the show's cornucopia basket for only $5 per draw. In addition, there will be a raffle benefiting the Children's Wish Endowment. The show takes place November 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and November 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free for all guests.

4. Celebration in the Oaks
City Park
1 Palm Dr, New Orleans
504.482.4888
33.1 miles from Springs at Fremaux Town Center

Find out first-hand why Celebration in the Oaks is billed as "one of the most spectacular holiday lights festivals" in the United States. Magical light displays are featured throughout the 25 acres of City Park as well as in the majestic oaks on the grounds, while entertainment includes amusement rides and photos with Santa. The festival starts the day after Thanksgiving and runs through New Year's Day. Tickets are $9, and advance purchase is strongly recommended. (Amusement ride tickets are separate.)

5. Bayou Classic
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
1500 Sugar Bowl Dr, New Orleans
504.293.2619
31.8 miles from Springs at Fremaux Town Center

Can't get enough football on Thanksgiving Day? Don't miss the holiday weekend's traditional match-up on November 25 between Grambling State University and Southern University. Start the day with the festive parade from the Superdome to the French Market at 9:30 a.m., followed by kickoff at 4 p.m. If football's not your thing, check out the Bayou Classic Greek Show & Battle of the Bands at 6 p.m. on November 24.

What's your favorite Thanksgiving activity? Share it with us in the comments!