Ah, Thanksgiving! That magical time of year when we stuff ourselves silly and then complain about how full we are. If you’re in or around Yuba City, California, you’re in for a treat this holiday season. We’ve got a smorgasbord of events that’ll make your Turkey Day extra special. So grab your stretchy pants and dive into the festive fun!
Yuba-Sutter-Colusa Turkey Drive: Gobble for Good
From November 12 to November 23, 2024
Who says you can’t start celebrating early? The 18th Annual Yuba-Sutter-Colusa Turkey Drive kicks off the season with a bang. It’s like Black Friday shopping, but instead of fighting over discounted TVs, you’re helping feed families in need. Talk about a win-win!
This two-week extravaganza aims to provide 1,600 turkeys and hams for family dinners and holiday community meals—enough to feed over 5,000 local residents! You can donate cash, turkeys, or hams at various drop-off locations throughout Yuba City, Marysville, and Colusa.
Pro tip: If you feel extra generous, $25 buys one turkey or ham. But if you feel like a true turkey tycoon, $1,000 will snag 40 birds! Just think of all the turkey sandwiches you could make with that… or, you know, feed many people in need.
Yuba-Sutter Turkey Trot: Run Now, Gobble Later
November 23, 2024
Location: 301 Stewart Rd, Yuba City, CA 95991
Ever felt guilty about that third slice of pumpkin pie? Well, here’s your chance to preemptively burn off those calories! The Yuba-Sutter Turkey Trot 5k/10k Walk/Run is the perfect way to justify your impending food coma. This live, in-person event offers 5K and 10K options, so whether you’re a seasoned runner or more of an “I only run when chased” type, there’s something for everyone. Plus, it benefits Hands of Hope, so you’re not just trotting. You’re trotting for a cause!
The race starts at 9:00 AM, giving you plenty of time to work up an appetite before the big feast. And at just $27.50 per entry (until November 14), it’s cheaper than therapy and way more fun than listening to your Uncle Bob’s conspiracy theories at dinner.
Gobble & Graze: Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Class
November 22, 2024
Okay, this one’s not technically in Yuba City, but it’s worth the short drive! Learn how to create a Thanksgiving-themed charcuterie board that’ll make your Instagram followers drool with envy.
Picture this: you walk into Thanksgiving dinner with a beautiful board that makes the turkey look like chopped liver (which, ironically, might be on the board). You’ll be the talk of the town or at least the dinner table.
Just remember, creating a charcuterie board is an art form. It’s like playing Tetris but with salami and cheese. And unlike your Aunt Edna’s mystery casserole, everything on this board will be edible!
5th Annual After Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving
November 30, 2024
Location: 1511 Hayne Ave, Yuba City, CA 95993
Just when you thought it was safe to put away the elastic-waisted pants, along comes the 5th Annual After Thanksgiving Thanksgiving. It’s like Thanksgiving: The Sequel, but with 100% less family drama and 100% more leftovers.
Hosted by the lovely Josephine Brandon, this event is perfect for those who didn’t get their fill the first time (we’re looking at you, competitive eaters). Or maybe you just want to recreate the magic of Thanksgiving without the pressure of cooking an entire feast yourself.
Either way, it’s a great chance to gather with friends, swap leftover horror stories, and debate whether or not it’s socially acceptable to put cranberry sauce on everything. (Spoiler alert: it totally is.)
Traveling for Thanksgiving 2024
You’re not alone if you plan to ditch Yuba City for greener (or gravy-er) pastures this Thanksgiving. According to travel experts, Thanksgiving 2024 is shaping up to be busier than a turkey farm in November.
Whether you’re flying to feast with far-flung family or driving to dodge dish duty at home, remember to pack your patience and appetite. And maybe some antacids, just in case.
If you’re flying out of Sacramento International Airport (about an hour’s drive from Yuba City), arrive early and be prepared for crowds. If you’re driving, check your route for any construction or delays. The last thing you want is to miss out on the turkey because you’re stuck in traffic.
And there you have it, folks! A cornucopia of Thanksgiving activities in and around Yuba City. Whether you’re running a race, making a fancy cheese board, or just eating your weight in mashed potatoes, remember what Thanksgiving is all about: being grateful for what you have and then immediately wanting more food. Happy feasting!
Sources: allevents.in, runsignup.com, Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way Facebook Event
Header Image Source: Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash