Thanksgiving is a time for coming together. It's why all the measures we need to take this Thanksgiving to stay safe feel wrong. At our core, we want nothing more than togetherness, especially in a year that's taken so much from so many.
Yet we know what we have to do to keep ourselves and our families safe. As Thanksgiving has come closer, medical professionals are getting real about the risk the holidays pose to us amid the public health crisis. It's left many families making hard decisions that suck a lot of the fun out of the holiday season.
It doesn't have to be that way, however. There are still a lot of ways to make this Thanksgiving feel as good as any other. That includes virtual Thanksgiving events.
Virtual Thanksgiving events are going to come in clutch for many people. They alleviate holiday loneliness. They give you something to do for yourself outside of your family's traditions. For so many, they'll be key to feeling connected to others. Here are some incredible online events that you should check out in the lead-up to Thanksgiving.
Virtual Tuck Before Turkey Classic Barre (Intensive)
When: Wednesday, November 25, 12 to 1:15 p.m. ET
Cost: $14.99
Pure Barre fans will love this chance to get in an intensive workout before stuffing their faces Thursday. This event is part of Facebook's Paid Online Events, which means you can buy your ticket right from your Facebook mobile app. The low-impact workout will make you feel the burn without leaving you too exhausted for the next day's events.
Share Gratitude With 'SendThanksNow'
When: Anytime
Cost: Up to you!
SendThanksNow is a social gratitude platform that helps you send messages and "Hearts" (worth real money) to essential workers or anyone essential to you. Each Heart is $0.01, making it an affordable and inventive way to show someone you care. They can then redeem their hearts for cash through PayPal or Venmo!
Learn How To Make a Perfect Pumpkin Roll
When: Wednesday, November 23, 1 p.m. ET
Cost: $14.99
Pumpkin rolls are a yummy and pretty treat to make. Learn how to perfect your roll and get a seriously awesome swirl at the instruction of Sunshine Baking Princess. The equipment and ingredient lists are already posted, so you have plenty of time to make sure you're prepared!
ZET Turkey Trot
When: Thursday, November 26, 8 a.m. ET
Cost: $19.99
Zug Elite Training is holding its first-ever Virtual Turkey Trot as a Facebook Paid Online Event. Your dollars will go to a good cause. Zug is raising money for Portland's Backpack for Bellies. If you take a picture after walking or running your 5K, you can win a free month of training!
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
When: Thursday, November 26, 9 a.m. ET
Cost: Free
Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade is a beloved tradition for many families. The parade will look different this year, with a virtually re-created experience instead of the usual 2.5-mile route through the heart of New York City. Kids will love seeing how they bring those balloons to life.
Virtual Thanksgiving Yoga
When: Thursday, November 26, 9:30 a.m. ET
Cost: $14.99
Take 90 minutes of Thanksgiving morning to focus on yourself. It can be a chaotic holiday, and starting the day centered can make a big difference as to how the rest of your day goes. It's the perfect way to start your day, no matter what your holiday will entail.
Paint Along Autumn Woodland
When: Thursday, November 26, 2 p.m. ET
Cost: $7.99
You can make something truly beautiful with some watercolors. Join a group of people on this Facebook Paid Online Event in taking some time in their day to create a lovely work of art. The autumn scene will be a gorgeous addition to any home and a lot of fun to create.
Tynkering at Thanksgiving
When: Friday, November 27, 10 a.m. PT, 1 p.m. ET
Cost: $25
Thanksgiving Kids Coding Studio gives kids a chance to try a new coding platform called Tynker. Tynker makes it easy for kids to explore their creativity while learning how to program. The challenges help kids flex their critical thinking and problem solving skills while emphasizing communication, collaboration, and creativity.
Gettysburg Tree Lighting
When: Friday, November 27, 5:45 p.m. ET
Cost: Free
The Gettysburg Christmas Tree in Lincoln Square is a sight to behold. Now you can see Santa turn those tree lights on and begin a magical time of year. You can post pictures of you and your family getting ready to tune into the event for a chance to win prizes from the Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association.
Virtual Holiday Scavenger Hunt for Kids
When: Saturday, November 28, 2 p.m. ET
Cost: $19 per person
This Zoom scavenger hunt for kids will take them to new and fascinating websites that provide both a learning and entertainment experience. It also celebrates a spectrum of holidays that include Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, and the winter solstice.
Magicgiving
When: Saturday, November 28, 7:30 p.m. ET
Cost: $25
If your family loves magic, they'll love this Thanksgiving magic special! Audience members will even have chance to become part of the show. At just 40 minutes long, it's good for younger ones with shorter attention spans as well.
LaughItOff Live (Thanksgiving Edition)
When: Saturday, November 28, 8 p.m. ET
Cost: $10
Support comics and have a great laugh at this virtual comedy show featuring four fun-filled acts. Clean Comedy Collection promises a show that's appropriate for the whole family to enjoy.
