THANKSGIVING RUNDOWN: LOCAL ACTIVITIES THIS WEEK

As Thanksgiving approaches, the smell of pumpkin spice and the feeling of gratitude fill the air. Whether you’re staying local for the break or just looking for ways to celebrate, there are plenty of activities around town to enjoy the season. From festive gatherings to volunteer opportunities, Thanksgiving is about connection, reflection, and giving back.

COMMUNITY EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

The Gresham area hosts several events to capture the holiday spirit. The 2025 Celebration of Thanksgiving at East Hill Church in Gresham (Friday, November 21, 7–9:30 p.m.) is a pre-holiday gathering featuring music, fellowship, and holiday cheer.

Portland also offers events like Thanksgiving at NAYA Garden (Native American Youth and Family Center, 5135 NE Columbia Blvd.), celebrating community, culture, and gratitude. Free or low-cost activities such as urban hikes, museum days, and seasonal fairs over Thanksgiving weekend make it easy for families and students to enjoy the season affordably.

These events provide opportunities to engage with the community, enjoy seasonal festivities, and experience local traditions.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Thanksgiving is a great time to give back. Local organizations such as Snowcap Community Charities and The Sunshine Division welcome volunteers to distribute meals and groceries to families in need. Participating in a food drive or helping serve meals at a shelter is a powerful way to share gratitude beyond your own dinner table.

Many churches and nonprofits also organize community dinners where anyone is welcome, reminding us that Thanksgiving is about compassion, generosity, and unity.

STUDENT-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

For students who can’t travel home, there are many ways to celebrate locally. Hosting a Friendsgiving potluck or organizing a movie night or board game evening with friends makes for fun, low-cost gatherings.

Nature lovers can enjoy local parks such as Oxbow Regional Park or the Gresham Butte Trail for a scenic autumn walk. Students can also explore free or inexpensive Portland events, like museum visits or seasonal fairs, over the Thanksgiving weekend. These activities help students stay connected and create new traditions, even far from home.

CULTURAL TWIST

Thanksgiving has different meanings for everyone, especially international students experiencing it for the first time. Many enjoy participating in potlucks, trying traditional American dishes, or sharing foods from their own cultures. Events like Thanksgiving at NAYA Garden highlight these cultural exchanges, creating a more inclusive celebration.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, Thanksgiving is a chance to connect with your community, friends, and family or even create new traditions of your own. From volunteering and attending local events to enjoying a cozy Friendsgiving or a fall walk, there are countless ways to embrace the season. Take a moment to appreciate the people, places, and experiences that make your community feel like home, and make this Thanksgiving a celebration of gratitude and togetherness.

To all those who have joined from the beginning to the end, thank you for exploring the many ways our community comes together this holiday season.