How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Break in Binghamton: A Complete Guide

Experience awe at a holiday light show

Get in the holiday spirit with a spectacular light show! For a drive-thru experience, check out Broome County’s annual lights festival at Otsiningo Park, featuring everything from food, to dance performances, to fireworks! Or take a walk through Animal Adventure Park (the home of our real-life mascot Bing!) in nearby Harpursville at their Jungle Bells event, where you can hand-feed animals and enjoy a 2-million light extravaganza!

Run in this year’s Turkey Trot

As a runner myself, I strongly recommend participating in the Pete Keyes Turkey Trot! This 5-mile race through Otsiningo Park! Running is a great way to meet new people and get exercise.

Watch the Macy’s Day Parade and National Dog Show

Some of my favorite Thanksgiving memories are waking up and turning on the TV to enjoy kitschy parade performances and watch funny-looking dogs. This is best enjoyed with friends and a light breakfast to save room for a Thanksgiving meal! Tune in on NBC starting at 8:30 a.m. EST.

Spend less on Black Friday shopping

For those of us looking to get ahead on holiday shopping, there are a number of places to find gifts for your loved ones. For everything from Ulta to Barnes and Noble, check out Town Square Mall in Vestal, the Shoppes at Vestal, and Oakdale Commons in Johnson City.

Enjoy a local hockey game

The Binghamton Black Bears take on a number of opponents during the holiday season. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience a lively Binghamton hockey home game on Wednesday, Nov. 27 or Saturday, Nov. 30!

Support the community on Small Business Saturday

If you’d rather support small businesses than shop at big retailers, Binghamton has plenty of options! Little Venice is hosting a Small Business Saturday Sip & Shop & Toy Drive. The Broome County Humane Society is hosting a Holiday Artisan Show. You can also check out Old Barn Market’s pop-up event with music, vendors and treats. Cap off the day with a holiday tree lighting in downtown Binghamton featuring caroling from the Tri-Cities Opera Youth Choir & Community!

We hope you have a safe and fun break! For more things to do, check this out.

Shawn Ammann is an intern for the Office of Media and Public Relations, and a junior majoring in English. He is undecided on a career path, but is interested in screenwriting and sportswriting. He enjoys playing basketball, running, watching movies and writing.

Stephen Folkerts is an intern for the Office of Public Media and Relations, and a senior majoring in English. He hopes to work in ministry and publishing. In his spare time, he enjoys jazz drumming, poetry and basketball.