While Boston’s famous museums are closed on Thanksgiving Day, the long weekend is the perfect opportunity to explore the best cultural centers of the city. For late November, the Museum of Fine Arts features Alan Michelson’s The Knowledge Keepers posted outside the doors, alongside current exhibitions for Georgia O’Keeffe, Salvador Dalí, and others. The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is also in the middle of its dynamic rotation of exhibits, from photography to multidisciplinary mediums.

Black Friday shopping means staying up late to finish out the day strong. Local Boston DJ Chris “LaFlamme” is making a highly-anticipated appearance at Mémoire for Thanksgiving weekend. Far from his first appearance at Encore Boston Harbor’s signature nightlife hotspot, LaFlamme is bringing his unique mix of sounds back to the mainstage for the holiday weekend. Standing room tickets are available. 

Dive into history with a visit to the site of the original Thanksgiving. Plymouth is a short 45-minute drive from the greater Boston area and is gearing up to celebrate this year’s middle fall holiday. A collection of museums depicting the town’s history are open all day for viewing, plus a reenactment of the Pilgrim Sabbath with costumes and a procession leading to a worship service. The history of Native American loss is recognized with honor to Indigenous peoples past and present at the Massasoit Statue on Cole’s Hill at noon on Thanksgiving Day.

While an early dinner is a Thanksgiving tradition for most, others like to atone for the feast before it begins. The runners of Boston will participate in several Thanksgiving races, including the Franklin Park Turkey Trot. All ages are welcome to join in this vigorous event, as one of the largest races in the city spends the morning weaving through the streets and parks of Boston. The fastest male and female receive awards, along with the fastest dog. The race starts at 9 a.m. on the Franklin Park golf course, and pickup begins at 8 a.m. for number bib pickup.

Boston’s best deals are back at the forefront for Black Friday weekend. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is one such outpost, offering dozens of shops across the historic buildings and promenade. As a more traditional luxury collective, Copley Place carries designer retailers like Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, and Versace. If weather permits, Newbury Street is a charming walkabout with shops to peruse for presents to buy. Stock up on holiday gifts early, or simply indulge in retail therapy for yourself.

An age-old outdoor activity, Myopia Hunt takes riding and the thrill of the chase out for a rousing experience. Located at the idyllic Appleton Farms in Ipswich, MA, riders will take to the trails for an authentic fox hunting adventure, aided by expert hunters and a scenic landscape. As one of the last hunts of the fall season, the hours for capping — when a hound catches up to the fox being chased — are between 10 a.m.–2 p.m. for new and seasoned property guests. Formal attire is required. Subscriptions are available.

Sports are the central theme of a holiday weekend, with local teams staying close to home. The Boston Bruins are playing on Nov. 29, also known as Black Friday, at TD Garden against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Catch the game at 6:30 p.m. in the city’s signature entertainment and sports epicenter, and don’t forget to return on Dec. 1 for an exciting game against the Montreal Canadiens and on Dec. 3 to watch the Bruins take on the Detroit Red Wings at home. Stop by the Boston ProShop to stock up on gear and holiday presents for the sports fans in your life.

Holiday cheer is here in the form of iconic presentations on Christmas and beyond. Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite is taking over Berklee Performance Center on Nov. 26 for an early Christmas treat, with the Diamond Cut Big Band performing hits from the popular album. For more magic, Mikko Nissenen’s The Nutcracker is making its holiday debut at the Boston Ballet starting Nov. 29 to bring battles with mice, magic, and nutcrackers back into the holiday season. For an out-loud performance, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is playing two shows at the DCU Center in Worcester on Nov. 30, warranting a drive for this cult favorite.