Thanksgiving is the perfect time for reuniting with loved ones, eating lots of food, taking in the beauty of nature, and participating in activities together as a family. To help you plan, we have compiled a list of restaurants offering Thanksgiving meals, as well as events happening in Lake Norman throughout the week that you can check out!

Where to Eat

 

 

Al's Bar & Grille 

Cornelius | Open on Thanksgiving Day | (11am-11pm)

For some people, Thanksgiving weekend is all about taking some time to relax and watch sports with friends and family. If you’re a football fan, Al’s Bar & Grille is your Thanksgiving day hangout. Enjoy wings, cold drinks, and plenty of big-screen TVs showing the games. It’s casual, lively, and exactly what a low-key holiday should feel like. As an added bonus, if the weather is nice, they even have patio seating. 

Al's Bar & Grille
Al's Bar & Grille
Firebirds
Firebirds

Firebirds

Huntersville | Open Tuesday, 11/24 (9am-8pm) and Wednesday, 11/25 (9am-4pm) | Pickup Only

Firebirds is making the holiday easier with their chef-prepared, uncooked Thanksgiving Feast. Everything comes neatly packed and ready for you to finish at home, complete with simple instructions. Your kitchen still smells like Thanksgiving, and you can take the credit! Their family meal feeds up to six and includes your choice of turkey, ham, or a mix of both, plus classic sides like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, asparagus, and even caramel apple bread pudding for dessert. Orders can be placed online for pickup on Tuesday or Wednesday before the holiday, making it a smooth process for securing your holiday eats.

Honey Baked Ham

Cornelius | Open Wednesday, 11/25 (10am-6pm) | Closed on Thanksgiving Day

Skip the stress of cooking your own ham this year, Honey Baked Ham has you covered. Call ahead to place your order, swing by for pickup, and enjoy a perfectly glazed ham that everyone will swear you made from scratch. Their sides and desserts are equally popular, so you can grab a full meal if you’re looking for a simple way to host without the hassle.

Honey Baked Ham
Honey Baked Ham
Macs Speed Shop
Mac's Speed Shop

Mac's Speed Shop

Cornelius | Open Wednesday, 11/25 (11am-10pm) | Closed on Thanksgiving Day

For barbecue lovers, Mac’s Speed Shop makes Thanksgiving prep easy and flavorful. This year they will offer smoked turkey and Southern-style sides to go on Wednesday—perfect for a laid-back family feast with a smoky twist. If you’re out shopping on Black Friday, it’s also a great place to unwind with one of their craft beers or cocktail specials.

Midwood Smokehouse 

Huntersville | Open Tuesday, 11/24 and Wednesday, 11/25 (11am-9pm) | Closed on Thanksgiving Day

If you’d rather let the pitmasters handle the cooking, Midwood Smokehouse fits the description. Order a whole smoked turkey, spiral cut ham, pulled pork or a rack or ribs to pick up before Thanksgiving, and you’re all set. Make sure to browse the menu and try some of the delicious traditional sides like broccoli casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry apple compote and mac and cheese. While you’re there, you can explore Birkdale Village or relax with a local beer, creating the perfect mix of festive and laid-back. With generous portions and classic Carolina barbecue flavor, it’s no wonder locals return year after year.

Midwood Smokehouse
Midwood Smokehouse
Lakeside patio view at North Harbor Club restaurant
North Harbor Club

North Harbor Club

Davidson | Open on Thanksgiving Day (11am-5pm)

Settle in by the water at North Harbor Club for a special three-course Thanksgiving prix fixe menu served with beautiful lake views. The atmosphere is upscale yet comfortable, making it the perfect spot to reconnect with family members and friends. From their seafood starters to seasonal desserts, every course is crafted to highlight the flavors of fall. Be sure to reserve early, this is one of Lake Norman’s most popular Thanksgiving traditions.

Red Rocks Cafe 

Huntersville | Open on Thanksgiving Day (11am-10:30pm) 

Red Rocks Cafe has become a go-to spot for Thanksgiving dining in Birkdale Village. The inviting atmosphere, extensive menu, and convenient location make it a top pick for anyone who’d rather skip the kitchen. Choose from an à la carte Thanksgiving menu with a delicious turkey dinner to make your big lunch no big deal! After your meal, take a stroll through Birkdale’s decorated streets or get a head start on holiday shopping. Reservations are strongly recommended, as tables go fast each year.

Red Rocks Cafe Thanksgiving
Red Rocks Cafe
The GuestHouse Restaurant
The GuestHouse

The GuestHouse 

Huntersville | Open on Tuesday, 11/24, Wednesday, 11/25 and Thanksgiving Day 

From the culinary minds who brought you Choplin's Restaurant in Cornelius, The GuestHouse delivers a contemporary American dining experience. From expertly crafted dishes to an elevated bar program, every detail is designed for memorable meals, intimate evenings, and special occasions. The restaurant will provide guests with a Thanksgiving menu this year for $89 per person along with some of their signature dishes such as filet, sea bass, and lobster pasta. The GuestHouse offers a cozy yet elevated way to celebrate without ever turning on your own oven. They will have limited hours and seating available, so contact them for the full details and to make your plans. 

 

Turkey Trots

 

Town of Huntersville
Town of Huntersville

Angels & Sparrows Thanksgiving Family 5K

November 26 (7am)
16620 Cranlyn Rd., Suite 100, Huntersville | More Details

Grab your crew and gobble up the good vibes at the 15th Annual Thanksgiving Morning Trot supporting Angels & Sparrows! The nonprofit empowers families to reach their potential by providing access to food security and educational opportunities that lead to a fresh start. This is not your average 5K. It's a family-friendly, morning full of donuts, coffee, hot chocolate, and positive energy. The event is not timed, and strollers and pups are welcome. As a pro tip, be sure to park in the Regal Birkdale parking lot. 

Northstone Turkey Trot

November 26 (7am)
15801 Northstone Drive, Huntersville | More Details

Participate in a scenic 5k adult or kids run through Northstone Country Club on Thanksgiving morning. This family-friendly 5K allows runners to take in the gorgeous foliage and brisk air of fall, and all child participants even win a medal! All of the event proceeds go toward A Giving Spirit Foundation, a charity that provides financial assistance to Charlotte-area mothers experiencing a medical crisis. Even if you don't register for the event, you are still welcome to participate in the free run/walk option. Come out and support a great cause and get your holiday weekend started off right. 

Northstone Country Club
Davidson Green
Turkey Trot
Lake Norman Turkey Trot

Lake Norman Turkey Trot

November 26 (7:30am)
20010 Chartown Dr., Cornelius | More Details

Start your Thanksgiving morning on the right foot at the 20th Annual IDNutrition Lake Norman Half Marathon, Turkey Trot 10K & 5K. Choose from a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or a virtual run and kick off the holiday with family, friends, and a scenic course around Lake Norman. The event starts at Life Fellowship Church and features festive energy, great swag, and plenty of motivation to earn that second slice of pie later in the day.

 

Davidson Turkey Trot

November 26 (8am)
Davidson Village Green | More Details

If you’re after small-town charm with your Thanksgiving cardio, the Davidson Turkey Trot is the perfect pick. This family-friendly 5K winds through the tree-lined streets of downtown Davidson, offering a relaxed, festive vibe that locals love. Walkers, runners, and strollers are all welcome, and proceeds go toward local nonprofits, so you’re doing good while feeling good. It’s a fun, feel-good way to start your holiday and can earn you just as much pie as any other!

 

Davidson green
Davidson Green

Themed Events & Outings

 

Davidson Farmers Market

Saturdays through November 21 (9am-12pm)
120 South Main St., Davidson  

More Details

This vibrant market is open every Saturday from April to November before beginning its more limited winter schedule and features nearly 50 vendors representing farmers and local producers within a 100-mile radius. It offers everything from fresh meats and vegetables to breads, honey, and baked treats. Stop by to gather last-minute ingredients for your Thanksgiving feast or simply enjoy the local vibe with a coffee in hand while strolling through downtown Davidson.

Davidson Farmers Market
Davidson Farmers Market
Birkdale on Ice
Birkdale Village

Birkdale on Ice 

November 21-January 10 (Hours Vary) 

Birkdale Commons Pkwy & Sam Furr Rd, Huntersville

More Details

As Thanksgiving wraps up and the holidays start rolling in, Birkdale Village is where things start to feel festive. The Lighting of Birkdale Village flips the switch on the season with lights all over the plaza, setting the tone for what’s ahead. 'Tis the season to lace up your skates and glide into the holiday spirit at Birkdale on Ice! Guests need to book ice skating reservations in advance to ensure a skating time slot. While walk-ups are also welcome, they cannot be guaranteed a skating spot at any particular time. Tickets cost $18 for a 75-minute session, and season passes cost $120 per skater. It's time to burn off some of those Thanksgiving pies! 

 

30th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Packing Day

November 23 (8am)

9815 Rose Commons Dr., Huntersville  

More Details

Help The Lake Norman Kiwanis Club pack more than 450 Thanksgiving Dinners for families in need within the Lake Norman community. The dinners are large enough to feed four or five people. The event takes place behind Publix. Be prepared for all weather because the event happens rain or shine and can be a little chilly. Enjoy participating in an event that ensures others have a wonderful holiday! 

Lake Norman Kiwanis Club Thanksgiving
Photo Courtesy of Lake Norman Kiwanis Club
Peony and Gold Thanksgiving Workshop
Peony and Gold

Thanksgiving Floral Pumpkin Workshop 

November 23 (7pm)
9606 Bailey Rd, Suite D, Cornelius  

More Details

Attend a hands-on floral workshop at Peony and Gold Florist that's designed to be fun, relaxed, and completely beginner-friendly. Just before the holiday company arrives, take some time to be creative, learn something new, and leave the shop with a beautiful arrangement. Create a luxurious Thanksgiving centerpiece using beautiful seasonal flowers arranged in a matte ceramic pumpkin vase. You'll be guided step-by step through creating the arrangement, with all the flowers, materials, and pumpkin vase included. No previous floral experience is required, so try your hand at something new! 

Light Up Cornelius

November 28 (4-7pm)
Downtown Cornelius  

More Details

Take in the annual Christmas tree lighting in Cornelius at a family-friendly, free event that includes community group performances, children's activities, sledding, kids games and inflatables, a model train display, food and drinks, cookie decorating, and a visit from Santa! You are sure to capture that glowing feeling of the holiday season while surrounded by friends and neighbors. 

Light Up Cornelius
Town of Cornelius

We're thankful for our fantastic destination's hospitality partners and you, whether a visitor or resident, who make Lake Norman a wonderful place. If you check out any of the places above, let us know on social media @Visitlakenorman! Share the fun of your holiday weekend experiences by leaving us a review on Tripadvisor. We hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and spend it with a grateful heart surrounded by your loved ones.