Thanksgiving Events
The holiday season is in full swing, and Concord is bursting with ways to celebrate — from festive outings and family traditions to meaningful opportunities to give back. Whether you're savoring a seasonal meal, lacing up your skates, or settling in for a cozy movie, here are some of the top things to do this holiday season:
❄️ 1. Glide Into the Season at Ice at The Veranda
Now through February 16, 2026
Nothing says “holiday magic” quite like lacing up a pair of skates and stepping onto a sparkling ice rink. Ice at The Veranda is back and ready to bring you laughter, music, and winter cheer all season long.
Purchase your General Admission Tickets or Season Passes in advance, since walk-ups are limited. And after a few spins around the rink, stay for the shopping, dining, and festive atmosphere throughout The Veranda.
🕒 Rink Hours
General Hours
Mon–Thu: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Fri: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sat: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sun: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Extended & Holiday Hours vary throughout Thanksgiving week, Winter Break, and special holidays including Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day. (Note: Heavy rain may cause temporary closures.)
Ice at The Veranda is more than a winter activity — it’s a seasonal tradition you won’t want to miss!
🦃 2. Start Your Thanksgiving With the Concord Turkey Trot
Date: November 27, 2025
Admission: $35
Location: 1351 Newhall Parkway, Concord, CA 94521
Contact: jpamer@diablovalleyfcu.org | (925) 771-5600
Looking for a meaningful and energizing way to kick off Thanksgiving morning? Join the community at Newhall Park for the annual Concord Turkey Trot — a festive 5K run/walk and Kids Fun Run that brings families, friends, and neighbors together for a great cause.
The Turkey Trot supports Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa, a nonprofit providing meals and essential services to those in need. Your participation directly helps local families, making this event the perfect blend of fitness, fun, and giving back.
Participants in the 5K receive a tech t-shirt and finisher’s medal, and the event happens rain or shine — so layer up, lace up, and let your holiday season begin with purpose!
🎁 3. Spread Holiday Cheer Through Be A Santa to a Senior (BASTAS)
November 18 – December 12, 2025
Want to make a real difference this season? Join the Concord Senior Center, Commission on Aging, and Home Instead for the Be A Santa to a Senior program — a heartfelt effort to deliver holiday joy to seniors who may feel isolated or be in financial need.
❤️ How It Works
Step 1: Pick Up a Gift Tag
Beginning Tuesday, November 18, visit any of the following locations to choose gift tags from Christmas trees:
City of Concord facilities (Civic Center, Community Pool, Senior Center)
Concord Library
Pleasant Hill YMCA
Visit Concord
Concord Chamber of Commerce
Luna Restaurant
Fiore Restaurant
Min’s Kitchen
Old Spaghetti Factory
Step 2: Shop and Return the Gift
Purchase the items listed on the tag, then drop off your unwrapped gift at the same location or at the Concord Senior Center (2727 Parkside Circle), Monday–Friday, 9 am–4 pm.
All gifts must be returned by Monday, December 8, with the gift tag attached.
They’re also accepting donations of wrapping supplies (wrapping paper, bags, ribbon, bows, tape), which can be dropped off or shipped to the Senior Center.
Step 3: Join the Wrapping Party!
Help wrap the donated gifts at a community event on:
📅 December 12, 2025
⏰ 3–6 p.m.
📍 Concord Senior Center
RSVP to concordsc@cityofconcord.org or call 925-671-3074.
This is a beautiful way to brighten someone’s holiday — your kindness truly makes a difference.
🧡 4. Share a Meal at the Free Thanksgiving Day Community Meal
Date: November 27, 2025
Admission: Free
Time: 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Location: First Lutheran Church, 4000 Concord Blvd, Concord, CA
Contact: alysa.hoffmeister@gmail.com | (925) 334-0466
Gather with neighbors, friends, and families for a warm and welcoming community tradition: the Free Thanksgiving Day Community Meal, hosted by Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving (GTAT).
Now in its 19th year, this event serves up to 300 free meals annually — a full traditional Thanksgiving feast complete with fresh fruit and thoughtful gifts for attendees to take home.
This family-friendly event is made possible through community support. Donations and volunteers are welcomed and deeply appreciated. Contributions are tax-deductible through GTAT/First Lutheran Church, a 501(c)(3) organization.
It’s a beautiful way to embrace gratitude and support one another during the holiday season.
🍿 5. Watch a Movie at Brenden Theatres on Thanksgiving Day
After your Thanksgiving festivities — whether you’ve finished the Turkey Trot, enjoyed a community meal, or wrapped up time with loved ones — unwind with a film at Brenden Theatres right here in Concord!
Thanksgiving Day is the perfect time to:
🎬 Catch a new blockbuster release
🍿 Enjoy popcorn and treats
🎟️ Relax in comfortable seating
👨👩👧 Spend time with family or friends
With several films typically premiering during Thanksgiving week, it’s a cozy, low-stress way to end the holiday on a fun note.
Whether you love action, comedy, animation, or heartfelt family films, Brenden Theatres offers something for every moviegoer. It’s the ideal spot to kick back, digest that extra slice of pie, and create a simple but memorable holiday moment.