Thanksgiving Dinner, Takeout, Family Activities

Thanksgiving on Long Island brings together restaurant dinners, catered meals, community races, and the first holiday celebrations of the season. Whether you are planning a gathering close to home or entertaining visiting family, this guide covers options across Nassau County and Suffolk County for Thanksgiving Day and the surrounding weekends.

Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026. The holiday weekend runs through Sunday, November 29, with several turkey trots taking place earlier in November. Listings below reflect published information checked on November 1, 2026. Prices, schedules, menus, and availability can change; check the linked organizer or restaurant before reserving or traveling.

Thanksgiving Dinner on Long Island

These restaurants have published Thanksgiving offerings for November 26. Dining formats vary, so check whether the price covers a complete meal, an individual entrée, or a buffet. Ask about tax, gratuity, children’s pricing, and any required deposit before booking.

Nassau County Restaurants	Suffolk County Restaurants
Plattduetsche Park – Franklin Square Plattduetsche Park is offering Thanksgiving dining from 1-6 p.m., with turkey and traditional accompaniments alongside German specialties. The menu includes alternatives such as roast duck, sauerbraten, and salmon. A children’s menu is listed at $19.95; adult prices should be checked on the full menu or with the restaurant. Large groups are welcome. November 26. Address: 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square. Telephone: (516) 354-3131. Official details and booking.	H2O Seafood & Sushi – Smithtown H2O in Smithtown is offering a three-course Thanksgiving prix fixe dinner for $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. The holiday selection includes a roasted turkey platter alongside seafood and steak options. Its regular menu will not be available that day; confirm holiday seating times when making a reservation. November 26. Address: 215 West Main Street, Smithtown. Telephone: (631) 361-6464. Official details and booking.
Thyme – Roslyn Thyme in Roslyn lists a three-course Thanksgiving dinner from 1-8 p.m. at $98 per person and $40 for children under 10. Entrée choices include turkey, halibut, duck, and prime rib with a $12 supplement. A vegetarian or vegan entrée is available on request; confirm dietary needs and any additional charges when reserving. November 26. Address: 8 Tower Place, Roslyn. Telephone: (516) 625-2566. Official details and booking.	Ruggero’s – Wading River Ruggero’s in Wading River lists a three-course Thanksgiving meal at $74.95 per person, plus tax and 20% gratuity. Turkey, pasta, seafood, and meat dishes give groups several choices beyond the traditional holiday plate. A children’s dinner and dessert menu is $25 for children under 12. Contact the restaurant for actual holiday seating times. November 26. Address: 5768 Route 25A, Unit Y, Wading River. Telephone: (631) 886-1625. Official details and booking.
	East Wind Thanksgiving Buffet – Wading River East Wind’s Grand Ballroom buffet is $84.95 for adults and $39.95 for children ages 3-10, plus tax. Published seating choices are 1, 1:30, 3:30, and 4 p.m., with a two-hour seating limit. Ask about pricing for younger children and review cancellation terms when booking. November 26. Address: 5720 Route 25A, Wading River. Telephone: (631) 929-6585. Official details and booking.

Thanksgiving Takeout & Catering

A prepared dinner can keep the gathering at home while reducing kitchen work. Compare the number of people served, whether food arrives hot or needs reheating, pickup arrangements, and the final ordering deadline.

Nassau County Takeout & Catering	Suffolk County Takeout & Catering
Thyme Thanksgiving Catering – Roslyn Thyme publishes a November 18 catering deadline, with curbside pickup or local delivery on November 25 or 26. Thanksgiving morning orders require a whole roasted turkey. Consult the catering menu for item prices, quantities, delivery coverage, and pickup instructions. Address: 8 Tower Place, Roslyn. Telephone: (516) 625-2566. Official details and booking.	Desmond’s at East Wind – Wading River Desmond’s offers a Thanksgiving package serving 8-10 for $389 plus tax, including a 16-18-pound turkey and accompaniments. Order by Tuesday, November 24. Cold pickup with reheating instructions is November 25 from 1-6 p.m.; hot pickup is November 26 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Pickup: 5720 Route 25A, Wading River. Telephone: (631) 846-2335. Official details and booking.
Plattduetsche Park Thanksgiving Trays – Franklin Square Plattduetsche Park also advertises Thanksgiving trays and dishes for celebrations at home. Preordering is required; contact the restaurant for current prices, portions, ordering cutoff, and collection times. Address: 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square. Telephone: (516) 354-3131. Official details and booking.

Long Island Turkey Trots

Thanksgiving races range from shorter family runs to five-mile events. The dates below distinguish Thanksgiving morning races from earlier celebrations. Registration fees are the published rates checked November 1; later registration can cost more.

Nassau County Turkey Trots	Suffolk County Turkey Trots
Long Island Turkey Trot – East Meadow The Never Stop Running Foundation’s Long Island Turkey Trot takes place at Eisenhower Park on Saturday, November 21. The 5K begins at 9 a.m., preceded by a free Kiddie Dash at 8:30 a.m. The listed in-person registration price is $42.08 including the processing fee, increasing to $44.15 on race day. November 21. Location: Eisenhower Park, Field 2 / Parking Lot 2, East Meadow. Official details and booking.	Nissequogue River State Park Turkey Trot – Kings Park This Kings Park race has a children’s 1K at 8:30 a.m. and a 5K at 9 a.m. Advance registration is $27.59 for the 5K and $13.10 for the children’s event, including processing fees. The organizer welcomes walkers, wheelchairs, and strollers, with instructions to start toward the back. November 26. Location: Nissequogue River State Park, 799 St. Johnland Road, Kings Park. Official details and booking.
Garden City Turkey Trot – Garden City The Garden City event includes an 8:30 a.m. Challenger Division run, a 1.4-mile fun run at 9:30 a.m., and a five-mile run at 10 a.m. Early registration is $20 for the fun run or $30 for the five-mile race, plus processing fees, with increases beginning November 14. November 26. Location: St. Paul’s Recreation Complex, 285 Stewart Avenue, Garden City. Official details and booking.	Shoreham-Wading River Turkey Trot – Shoreham The community race in Shoreham offers a one-mile run for ages 13 and older at 8 a.m., a one-mile run for ages 12 and younger at 8:15 a.m., and a 5K at 8:40 a.m. Advance entry is $28.63 including processing for either distance; a combination option is listed at $33.80 through November 22. November 26. Location: Miller Avenue School, 3 Miller Avenue, Shoreham. Official details and booking.
Glen Cove Turkey Trot – Glen Cove The Glen Cove 5K run/walk starts at 9:30 a.m. Thanksgiving morning. Published advance registration is $35.87 including the processing fee, with discounted rates for participants 18 and under or 65 and older. Race-day registration closes at 9:10 a.m. November 26. Location: Glen Cove High School, 150 Dosoris Lane, Glen Cove. Official details and booking.
North Shore Turkey Trot – Glen Head The North Shore Turkey Trot in Glen Head begins with a half-mile children’s fun run at 9 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9:30 a.m. The listed 5K rate is $33.80 including processing, increasing November 23; the children’s run is $13.10 including processing. November 26. Location: North Shore Community Youth Organization, 200 Glen Head Road, Glen Head. Official details and booking.

Things to Do Thanksgiving Weekend

The days after Thanksgiving bring family programs, light displays, and tree lightings. These outings take place at specific times or throughout the holiday season; they should not be confused with regular Thanksgiving Day attraction hours.

Nassau County Activities	Suffolk County Activities
Magic of Lights – Jones Beach State Park The drive-through display at Jones Beach State Park runs November 20, 2026-January 3, 2027. Published hours are 5-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The November-only online ticket is advertised at $22 per standard vehicle; check checkout fees, vehicle restrictions, and ticket validity before purchasing. Thanksgiving weekend: November 26-29, during the published evening schedule. Location: Jones Beach State Park. Official details and booking.	Candlelight Tour & Tree Lighting – Southold Southold Historical Museum’s free event runs Friday, November 27, from 3-6 p.m. Visitors can tour decorated historic buildings, see demonstrations, enjoy music, and meet Santa. The tree lighting is scheduled for 5 p.m.; refreshments are available for purchase. November 27. Location: Maple Lane Museum Complex, 55200 Main Road, Southold. Telephone: (631) 765-5500. Official details and booking.
Jolly Jamboree – Garden City Long Island Children’s Museum holds its holiday kickoff on Saturday, November 28, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Activities include cookie decorating, seasonal crafts, music, and visits from Santa and other holiday characters. Published tickets are $16 per adult or child for nonmembers and $14 for members. November 28. Location: 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City. Telephone: (516) 224-5800. Official details and booking.	Annual Lighting of the Lighthouse – Montauk The Montauk Chamber of Commerce lists the annual Montauk Point Lighthouse lighting for Saturday, November 28, from 4-7:30 p.m. It is listed as a free outdoor, family-friendly event. Check the latest arrival and parking instructions before traveling to the eastern end of the Island. November 28. Location: Montauk Point Lighthouse, 2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk. Official details and booking.

Giving Back During Thanksgiving

Island Harvest lists its Turkey & Trimmings campaign for November and December, with food collections, fundraising, and volunteer opportunities across Long Island. Readers interested in contributing can check the organization’s current campaign information or call (516) 294-8528 for appropriate donation arrangements. Confirm individual collection dates and accepted items before dropping off food.

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Key Facts & Details

Thanksgiving Day	Thursday, November 26, 2026
Holiday weekend	November 26-29, 2026
Coverage	Nassau County and Suffolk County
Dining locations	Franklin Square, Roslyn, Smithtown, and Wading River
Family outings	Garden City, Southold, Jones Beach State Park, and Montauk Point Lighthouse
Planning priorities	Reserve restaurant seating, meet catering deadlines, and register for races before prices increase or spaces fill.
Information checked	November 1, 2026

Book meals around your group’s size and budget, then leave room for a race, museum program, or evening light display. For catered dinners, note the ordering cutoff and allow time for pickup and reheating. For outdoor events, check the forecast and organizer updates before leaving, and use the official links throughout this guide for the latest availability and arrangements.