Family in town? A long weekend ahead?

Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, Nov. 26 this year, and there are a few good reasons to get out of the house before Sunday, Nov. 29.

Think a Thanksgiving morning 5K, an old-fashioned cane grinding, local holiday markets, and a couple of outings worth the drive.

We've sorted the options by day, with the practical details first. As always, check an organizer's page before leaving home, especially for holiday hours and outdoor events.

Thursday, Nov. 26: Thanksgiving morning in Green Cove Springs

Premier Fitness Turkey Trot 5K

7:30 a.m. · Spring Park, Green Cove Springs · $30 registration

Start Thanksgiving with a run or walk along the river. Premier Fitness says everyone who finishes gets a medal, and participants can check in beginning at 7 a.m. near the picnic tables by the gazebo.

This is a non-chip-timed race, so there's no pressure to chase a personal best. Registration · Event details.

Thanksgiving buffet at Magnolia Point

11 a.m. or 3 p.m. seating · 3670 Clubhouse Drive, Green Cove Springs

Prefer someone else handle the cooking? Magnolia Point Golf & Country Club is advertising a Thanksgiving buffet with turkey, ham, salmon, traditional sides and desserts. Adults $49++, children $23++, ages 3 and under complimentary.

The “++” means additional taxes and/or service charges; confirm the full cost when booking.

Reservations: 904-269-9276, ext. 4. Menu and details.

Letters to Santa at Spring Park

Nov. 20 through Dec. 20 · Spring Park Pool Pavilion, Green Cove Springs · Free

Santa's mailbox is already out by the pool pavilion, so you can drop a letter off after the Turkey Trot or any day through the weekend.

 You can also mail letters to the City of Green Cove Springs, Attn: Santa's Elf, 321 Walnut Street, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043.

Include a name and return address on the envelope if you'd like a letter back from Santa. Official details.

Friday, Nov. 27: Start the holiday shopping

Black Friday Shopapalooza in Orange Park

Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. · Thrasher-Horne Conference Center, 2900 Thrasher Horne Ave., Orange Park

Want to browse something other than the usual big-box sales?

Black Friday Shopapalooza brings vendors to Thrasher-Horne on Friday and Saturday. Event listing.

Christmas Made in the South

Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. · Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water St., Jacksonville

Browse artists and makers at this indoor holiday shopping show, which continues Saturday (10 a.m.–5 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.–5 p.m.). Admission is $10 for adults, and children 12 and under are free.

A hand stamp covers all three days; bring a new, unwrapped Toys for Tots gift for $1 off. Official show details.

Saturday, Nov. 28: A good day for Green Cove Springs

Cane Grinding at Elrod Acres

9 a.m.–4 p.m. · 3679 Thunder Road, Green Cove Springs · Free admission

Watch sugarcane go through an antique mill and see syrup made the old-fashioned way. There will also be farm activities, music and vintage equipment to explore.

Food and gift-shop purchases cost extra. 

Explore Clay event details.

Sniktaw Farms Christmas Market

10 a.m.–8 p.m. · 2285 Mariners Road, Green Cove Springs

Holiday vendors, crafts, s'mores, Santa photos (pets welcome) and lights after dark make this one a good choice for families who want to go later in the day.

Confirm admission and activity costs with the farm before visiting.

Event listing · Organizer flyer.

Thriftmas Market

2 p.m.–6 p.m. · Vera Francis Park, Green Cove Springs · Free admission

Mama's Thrift is hosting this Saturday market for secondhand gifts and vintage holiday finds.

Event listing · Facebook event.

Sunday, Nov. 29

Deck The Chairs Christmas Market

10 a.m.–5 p.m. · Latham Plaza and Seawalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach · Free admission

The first of five Sunday markets features local makers, artists and holiday gifts by the ocean. It's also the opening week for Deck The Chairs, with decorated lifeguard chairs and holiday lights after dark.

The market runs in daylight, so plan accordingly if you're hoping to see the lights too.

Official market details · Holiday event guide.

Before the holiday: Oakleaf Turkey Trot on Wednesday

The Oakleaf Turkey Trot is listed for Wednesday, Nov. 25, around 9 a.m., at Double Branch Fieldhouse, 370 Oakleaf Village Parkway. Check-in begins at 8:50 a.m., with forms due Tuesday, Nov. 24, and no event-day registration.

The registration form asks for a resident access-card number, so visitors should confirm eligibility before signing up.

Our pick? For a local, low-cost Saturday, head to Elrod Acres during the day and consider Sniktaw Farms after dark.

For visiting family who loves holiday shopping, Christmas Made in the South or the Sunday beach market both make easy outings.

Details can change as Thanksgiving approaches. We'll keep an eye on the listings and recommend confirming hours, admission and registration with each organizer before you go.