Thanksgiving weekend is a time for relaxing, enjoying family, and staying home for a blissfully long weekend. But for many people, the comforts of hearth and home only last as long as the turkey coma. Then it’s time to get out and about. There are many events happening in the Seattle area to kick off the start of the holiday season.

Seattle Turkey Trot 5k

Come out on Thanksgiving Day to the Sunset Hill neighborhood (near Ballard) to pre-emptively work off the calories you’ll be eating later in the day. This is one of Seattle’s biggest 5k runs, and one you won’t want to miss. For more info CLICK HERE

Wattle Waddle Marathon/Half Marathon

The Wattle Waddle Marathon starts at 8am at Pilchuck Trailhead, Cenntenial Trail. The Widdle Waddle Half-Marathon starts at 9. It’s a great chance to work up an appetite before chowing down on turkey and pie. For more info CLICK HERE

Macy’s Holiday Parade

Macy’s annual Holiday Parade starts at 9am on Friday, Nov. 24th at 7th Avenue and Pine St. Stick around until 5 pm for Seattle’s Star Lighting on the side of Macy’s, with fireworks to follow. For more info CLICK HERE

Nutcracker Ballet

The Christmas classic comes to life with George Ballanchine’s masterful choreography at the McCaw Hall at Seattle Center. Don’t miss out on this beautiful rendition of a holiday masterpiece. For more info CLICK HERE

Magic in the Market

Pike Place Market is the place to be on Saturday, November 30th, with carolers, Santa Clause, and tree lighting at 5 p.m. For more info CLICK HERE

Santa Train

November 30th and weekends through December, hop on the Santa Train with the Northwest Railroad Museum, from North Bend to the Snoqualmie Depot. You can enjoy cookies and a visit with Santa. For more info CLICK HERE

Garden d’Lights

Bellevue Botanical Garden dresses up with thousands of lights and colorful displays, November 30th through December 31st. For more info CLICK HERE

Seattle Marathon

Work off your Thanksgiving turkey belly at the Seattle Marathon and Half-Marathon, Sunday, December 1st at the Seattle Center. For more info CLICK HERE