Thanksgiving in Pennsylvania brings a variety of opportunities for outings, from enjoying the mountains to walking city streets. Late November in Pennsylvania is usually chilly to cold, so outdoor activities are limited. If you're spending the entire holiday weekend in Pennsylvania, consider that malls and urban areas have Black Friday shopping options.
Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania, so it has plenty of malls and stores for shopping the day after Thanksgiving. Philadelphia is home to a Thanksgiving Day parade, usually starting around 8:30 a.m. and ending around noon. Some of the best places to watch the parade are the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum and locations around Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Every year on Thanksgiving Day, Philadelphia hosts the National Dog Show. It's a nationally televised dog show that features dogs in many categories. More than 1,000 dogs compete.
Pittsburgh, on the western side of the state, also hosts a Thanksgiving Day parade featuring floats, bands and balloons. The event is free and takes place downtown from 9 to 11 a.m. The city has opportunities to volunteer or fund-raise for charity over Thanksgiving. The PNC YMCA Thanksgiving Turkey Trot includes a five-mile run or one-mile walk to raise money for the Pittsburgh YMCA. Several local shelters also accept volunteers to serve Thanksgiving dinner to homeless and veteran populations.
Pennsylvania Dutch Country, in the southern part of the state, includes many Amish families and families of Dutch descent. Over Thanksgiving, some resorts and bed-and-breakfasts in the area serve brunch or lunch, such as brunch at Eden's Resort in Lancaster. Though many area attractions are closed on Thanksgiving Day, they reopen the following weekend, making it a perfect shopping opportunity. Pennsylvania Dutch Country is also home to several covered bridges, which are a good destination for a Thanksgiving Day drive or walk.
The Poconos, in northeastern Pennsylvania, are known for skiing and hiking vacations and home to many resorts and inns. Many of these resorts hold a Thanksgiving dinner open to resort guests and others. The area is within a few hours' drive of New York City, making it convenient to stay in the Poconos and drive to New York for Black Friday shopping. Packages at some inns include lodging and a Thanksgiving day meal.
