Thanksgiving in New Jersey is the most celebrated and most heavily traveled time of the year for family and friends to come together for a festive meal.
While the turkey is generally served as the main dish for a Thanksgiving dinner, goose, and duck, and ham, are now sometimes served in place of the Thanksgiving turkey. Some other alternative recipes for a Thanksgiving dinner include the Chinese recipe for goose that could be used on the similarly-sized American bird. Vegetarians or vegan's usually have tofurkey, a tofu-based dish with imitation turkey flavor.
Interested in having a New Jersey organic
or a
farm raised Turkey this Thanksgiving?
Turkeys raised by industrial turkey farms are very different today than the turkeys found on the Thanksgiving Day table our grandparents and ancestors cooked. Today, the large majority of all turkeys raised in the U.S. are grown on commercial farms. Check out the benefits of New Jersey farm raised turkeys and where you can purchase them.
Things to do to celebrate Thanksgiving in New Jersey
Thanksgiving in the Country - House Tour
Saturday Nov 7 & Sunday Nov 8, 2009
Sergeantsville, NJ 08557
laura@chamberswalk.com
The homes displayed on the Tour are nestled in a region of elegantly restored colonial homes, quaint shops and working farm. Some date from the 18th & 19th century. It is a two day event and includes house tours, a luncheon, crafting demonstrations and a complimentary tea.
Celebrate An 1836 Thanksgiving
Sunday November 22, 2009, 12pm – 3pm
Allaire Village
4265 Atlantic Ave
Farmingdale, NJ
(732) 919-3500
Celebrate an authentic Thanksgiving Service at the Village Chapel, Christ Episcopal Church, where the Rite Reverend Thomas Tanser, Howell Works Company minister of 1836, will deliver his Harvest Sermon. Visitors are then invited to wander the streets of the Historic Village and enjoy the autumn foliage as they make their way to the home of the Howell Works Company See a traditional Thanksgiving Feast being prepared over the open hearth. The delicious aroma of turkey, roasting in a tin reflector oven, fills the kitchen as period clad Historic Interpreters demonstrate the arts of 19th Century cooking while preparing such Thanksgiving favorites as apple and pumpkin pies, vegetable dishes, and an varied array of side dishes.
Races - Run/Walks
Turkey Day 5K
Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2009, 10 am
Cooper River Park Stadium
North Park Dr.
Pennsauken NJ
609-561-4441
Morris Township Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2009
Ginty Field Morristown
Morris Twp NJ
908-245-3000
5k, 1 mile fun run/walk & 150 yard kids dash
Ashenfelter 8k Classic & Ridger Romp
Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2009
Glen Ridge NJ
973-809-9311
8k (4.97 miles) 9am
1 mile, 8:30am
Turkey Trot to benefit Atlantic City Rescue Mission
Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2009
Birch Grove Park
1770 Burton Ave
Northfield, NJ
(609) 272-0663
5K Run / Walk, 5 Mi Fun, 10 am
Other Thanksgiving Related Events
Thanksgiving Craft Show
Sunday, November 29, 2009, 10am-5pm
Paramus High School
99 E. Century Rd
Paramus201-666-1340
Over 100 quality exhibitors will be particpating at the show which will be set up in the hallways, gym and cafe. Hand painted furniture, folk art, stained glass, apparel, children's items, woodwork, pottery, ceramics, American girl doll clothing and furniture, floral's, fine photography, fine turned wood items, seaonal items, framed sports items, fiber, hand crafted bead, silver and stone jewelry and much more will be available. Admission is $3.00 each.
Thanksgiving Day Dinner Cruise
A great alternative to a land based restaurant.
Enjoy a grand buffet, with an energetic floor show to entertain you. Dance, relax and stroll under a canopy of stars. And for the most magnificent view of the Manhattan skyline, simply look out any window. Celebrate the holiday with friends, family and out of town guests aboard a Thanksgiving Day cruises.
November 26, 2009
Dinner Cruise
Spirit Cruises
866-483-3866
Departing Lincoln Harbor, NJ
Boarding: 6:30pm
Cruising: 7:00 - 10:00pm
$63.90 per person
What many regard as the nation’s first Thanksgiving took place in December 1621 as the religious separatist Pilgrims held a three-day feast to celebrate a bountiful harvest. 
