Essential Guide to Thanksgiving in Berkeley

Celebrate Thanksgiving in Berkeley with festive dinner options and seasonal activities that showcase the city’s charm. Gather with loved ones for a Thanksgiving dinner at one of Berkeley’s exceptional restaurants or indulge in a Thanksgiving meal kit at home. After your holiday feast, enjoy a variety of things to do to make the day special.

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Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

The Berkeley Boathouse

3:30-9:30pm

Indulge this Thanksgiving at Berkeley Boathouse, a bayfront restaurant with a full bar and all-day, à la carte dining from breakfast to dinner. Feast on Thanksgiving specials like the Maple-Brined Organic Turkey or Herb-Crusted Prime Rib with Smoky Mushroom Jus, paired with pumpkin pie or a bruléed lemon meringue tartlet. Make your reservation on OpenTable to join in the festivities. Reserve your table here.

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City Cruises

Elevate your Thanksgiving with a holiday cruise! Embark on City Cruises’ Thanksgiving dinner cruises to take in breathtaking views of Berkeley’s waterfront while savoring a festive buffet. Book your cruise here.

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Skates on the Bay

11:30am-9pm
Make Thanksgiving memorable with Skates on the Bay’s three-course dinner, served against the backdrop of the Berkeley waterfront. Their three-course meal includes comforting holiday favorites like a traditional turkey dinner, a seafood trio, soups, salads, and tempting desserts. Reservations can be made on the Skates on the Bay website.

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ZINO Mediterranean Cuisine

12-6pm
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a decadent holiday buffet at ZINO. The buffet menu includes a seafood buffet, a chef station with apple and thyme-brined turkey, salt-crusted rosemary prime rib, and whole roasted salmon, along with traditional sides and an assortment of desserts. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by calling 510-845-7300.

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Thanksgiving Dinner Pre-Orders

Berkeley Bowl (East and West)

Simplify your Thanksgiving with Berkeley Bowl’s pre-order holiday meals. Choose from a range of holiday meal kits, including vegan and traditional turkey dinners, Southern-inspired dishes, and surf-and-turf options. Or order sides, roasts, and desserts à la carte for a personally curated meal. All orders are available for pre-sale only, with pickups scheduled for November 25 or 26. Just choose your favorites, and enjoy a delicious holiday without the hassle.

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The Butcher's Son

The Butcher’s Son offers a vegan Thanksgiving feast that’s sure to delight! Designed for 4 to 6 people, the meal includes vegan turkey, sausage stuffing, shepherd’s pie, cheesecake, and eggnog. Orders are open until November 9, with pick-ups available from November 17-26 at 1954 University Ave in Berkeley. Act quickly—these meals tend to sell out fast!

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Kitchen On Fire

Hosting Thanksgiving but not sure where to start with the cooking? Let Kitchen on Fire give you some pointers! Throughout November, they are offering classes on all of the most important aspects of a Thanksgiving meal: sides, turkey breasts and legs, and holiday pies, along with their other helpful cooking classes.

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Skates on the Bay

Bring Skates on the Bay’s flavors home this Thanksgiving with their pre-ordered family meals. Choose between a Turkey Family Meal with all the fixings or a Prime Rib Family Meal, both serve 3 to 4 people and include pumpkin pie for dessert. Orders are open until 4 p.m. on November 22nd, with pick-ups available on November 26 from 11am-6pm and November 27 (Thanksgiving Day) from 9am-11am.

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Pizzeria da Laura

Famous for their focaccia, Pizzeria da Laura is offering their delicious bread for Thanksgiving pre-orders. Not only would this be an excellent choice for bread or stuffing with your turkey dinner, but it is also great sandwich bread to make the most of your leftovers. Order now for pickup on Wednesday, November 26th anytime between 11:30am-8pm.

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Things to Do on Thanksgiving

Admire Holiday Lights

Stroll Fourth Street after Thanksgiving dinner to admire Dazzling Holiday Lights. Sparkling lights drape from the trees, and you can enjoy the unique storefronts and seasonal decor that make Fourth Street a favorite Berkeley holiday destination. It’s a great way to end your Thanksgiving with family and friends! Looking to pack your Thanksgiving weekend with unforgettable experiences? Explore our events calendar for all the best things to do for a weekend full of holiday magic.

Take a Sunset Hike

Spend Thanksgiving surrounded by Berkeley’s natural beauty with a sunset hike. Trails, such as those leading to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the iconic Big C, offer stunning views of the Bay Area as the sun dips below the horizon. It’s a peaceful way to connect with nature and family.

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Dining In? We Got You!

If you're taking on Turkey Day in-house, here are a few ways to bring Berkeley to the table!

Natural Wine, Made in Berkeley

Berkeley's local winemakers can elevate your table with natural, delicious reds, whites, rosés, and more. Check out festive bottles from Hammerling, Convenant, Donkey & Goat, Broc, Tessier, and Noria to get things started.

Sandos & Sides

Triple Rock Brewery offers a traditional Thanksgiving sandwich before and after the holiday, best paired with one of its famous house-brews, like the IPAX and the classic American Red Rock ale.

Homeroom Berkeley has it going on with mac & cheese for all, making the perfect Thanksgiving side additions.