Indianapolis is a lively city, always buzzing with things to do for both locals and visitors alike. So, if you’ll be spending this upcoming Thanksgiving weekend in the area—whether you’re hosting, visiting family, or simply looking to shake up your usual traditions—you can be sure there will be plenty of ways to make your holiday memorable.
When building out your plans, however, it’s important to remember that the Indianapolis buzz doesn’t just stop at the city limits. At Bowdie’s Chophouse in Zionsville, located on the Graham Rahal Campus, we know there are several exciting options waiting just outside the city that are well worth adding to your plans—and since we know the area pretty well, we figured we’d point you toward a few of our favorites.
Here are some of the top things to do in—and near—Indianapolis for Thanksgiving 2026.
Need to make room for all those calories you’ll enjoy later? Kick off your Thanksgiving Day with one of the annual runs held in the area.
One of the area’s most beloved Thanksgiving traditions, the Gravy Chase, is back for 2026! Depending on how much of an appetite you want to work up, you can choose from three races: a 2.2- or 4-mile run/walk through historic downtown Zionsville, or a traditional 5K in nearby Lebanon. All three races begin at 8:30 a.m.
The best part? 100% of proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Boone County—so you can start Thanksgiving by giving back.
Register here.
If you’re looking for a race in the heart of Indianapolis, look no further than the Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash. Participants will take off from the Broad Ripple neighborhood on Indianapolis’s north side at 9 a.m. and can choose between a 2.6-mile or 4.3-mile run/walk.
And this race supports charity as well! 100% of the proceeds benefit Wheeler Mission and its work serving people experiencing homelessness throughout Central Indiana.
Register here.
If you just can’t keep your Christmas spirit inside until December, no worries—both Indianapolis and Zionsville give you a few ways to let it out over Thanksgiving weekend.
Held at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, this seriously cool event features eight model trains traveling along nearly 1,200 feet of track through miniature versions of Indianapolis landmarks. Even cooler, the scenes are built from natural materials like bark, twigs, seeds, pinecones, and shells—and then dressed up with holiday lights and decorations.
Included with museum admission, Jingle Rails runs from November 21, 2026 through January 18, 2027. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
One important note: the museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day itself, but if you’ll be in Indianapolis over the long weekend, this is certainly a fun way to spend a few hours.
This is Indianapolis’ official start to Christmas. For more than 60 years, the city has gathered at Monument Circle on the day after Thanksgiving for Circle of Lights, a free event centered around the lighting of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the heart of downtown.
This year’s celebration takes place Friday, November 27 from 5 to 9 p.m., when the Circle will once again glow with thousands of holiday lights—and that’s only part of the fun. The night also includes live musical performances, food trucks, and an appearance from the big guy himself. So, if it’s Christmas spirit you’re looking for, there’s no need to look any further.
Of course, if you find yourself closer to Zionsville over the weekend—or just want to double up on the holiday fun—there’s also a Christmas parade and tree lighting taking place Saturday, November 28 on Zionsville’s Main Street.
The parade starts at 5 p.m. and is expected to wrap up around 6 p.m. Immediately afterward, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will light the tree at the corner of Main and Pine streets, then stick around for photos. Santa’s got a busy weekend in Indiana!
Thanksgiving weekend, of course, is also a classic time to get some holiday shopping done. For those looking to cross a few names off their list over the long weekend, there are plenty of options both in and just outside Indianapolis.
You can take a stroll down the aforementioned Zionsville Main Street, where you’ll find several boutique storefronts lining the brick pathways of downtown. The local art, decor, and other unique finds can make for thoughtful gifts for your loved ones—and a charming shopping experience for you.
For those looking for more of a classic holiday shopping experience, you’ll find plenty of big-name retailers offering Black Friday deals at Castleton Square or The Fashion Mall at Keystone, both in Indianapolis.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the place we call home—but that’s not the only reason the Graham Rahal Campus deserves a spot on your Thanksgiving weekend itinerary.
Built around professional racer Graham Rahal’s passion for performance vehicles, the Zionsville campus is home to several automotive-focused destinations filled with high-end cars, motorcycles, and plenty of horsepower. If you have any racing or car fans in the family, the campus gives you a distinctly Indiana way to spend some time together before settling in for a big holiday meal.
There’s one last critical part of the Thanksgiving experience we haven’t talked about yet: the food! And among Zionsville restaurants, we at Bowdie’s Chophouse think a few of our menu items are particularly well suited for the holiday, including our Lobster Mac, Creamed Corn, and Au Gratin Potatoes—perfect for passing around the table with family and friends.
But more than that, we offer expertly prepared steaks, handcrafted cocktails, attentive service, and a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere. So, if you’re looking for a Thanksgiving dinner that feels a little more polished than usual—or simply want to elevate another meal over the long weekend—give us a try!
Located in Zionsville, about a 25-minute drive from downtown Indianapolis, we’ll be ready to serve up a dinner worthy of one of the most food-focused weekends of the year.
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