a aluminum tin of turkey, green beans and dressing

7 Ways to Spend Thanksgiving Week in Tuscaloosa

Classes are dismissed Nov. 24-26, and UA offices are closed Nov. 25-26 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Whether you’re in town for part of or all of next week, there are several things to do on and off campus, from enjoying a classic Thanksgiving meal to getting ready for the winter holidays.

yellow leaves on a tree
Enjoy the beauty of a quiet campus during the Thanksgiving break.

Be Grateful for Friends

Celebrate Friendsgiving 6-8 p.m. Nov. 19 on the John England Hall patio with food, games and music. The event is hosted by University Programs.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a Free Meal on Campus

Bama Dining is hosting its Thanksgiving at Lakeside Dining once again. Students and families on campus for Thanksgiving are welcome to enjoy a delicious traditional meal from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 25. All are welcome and no meal plan is required. The menu includes ham, oven-roasted turkey, glazed sweet potatoes, baked mac and cheese, grilled green beans, dressing, deviled eggs and more.

Help Decorate Trees at the Museum

From Nov. 23 through Dec. 3, drop by the Alabama Museum of Natural History for holiday ornament decorating and free hot beverages in the Grand Gallery. All are welcome to celebrate the holidays with this free event while helping to decorate the museum’s trees with natural-history themed ornaments. And if you like your ornament, you’re welcome to take it home and put it on your tree.

Ice Skate in Downtown T-Town

The city of Tuscaloosa’s annual Holidays on the Plaza kicks off Nov. 22 with the opening of the ice skating rink on Government Plaza in downtown. Ice skating and holiday festivities take place nightly on weekdays and all day on weekends. The rink is closed on Thanksgiving Day. See the event website for the full schedule of events and hours as well as skating ticket prices.

Celebrate Native American Culture and Contributions

Native American Heritage Month continues through the end of November. Sign up for the field trip to the Birmingham Museum of Art on Nov. 23 to see the “Lost Realms of the Moundbuilders: Ancient Native Americans of the South and Midwest” exhibition. Or visit Moundville Archaeological Park, which is open every day next week except Thanksgiving Day.

Cheer on the Tide   

Women’s basketball is hosting several teams in town. The Tide takes on Mercer Nov. 24 at 6 p.m., Western Carolina Nov. 26 at 2 p.m. and Bethune-Cookman Nov. 28 at 1 p.m. in Coleman Coliseum. Women’s volleyball plays Ole Miss in Tuscaloosa on Nov. 26 and 27. And who could forget the most epic football match-up of the year? The Iron Bowl takes place Nov. 27 at 2:30 p.m. at Auburn and will be aired on CBS.

Volunteer Your Time

There’s no better way to practice gratitude than paying it forward by helping others and the community. Check out current volunteer opportunities on Serving Bama.