As an out-of-state student, it has not always been easy to spend time with my loved ones in Florida during holidays like Thanksgiving. If anything, the trips themselves were chaotic and utterly exhausting.
Although the memories will last me a lifetime, traveling hundreds of miles by car or flying on countless flights can take your breath away. This feeling is especially common during Thanksgiving break, when most students typically only get Thursday and Friday off and may only get two full days with their families.
While this may not be the case for everyone, not every LSU student can travel for the holidays. This may be due to financial constraints, the distance and time needed for travel, or anything in between. Because of this, it’s important for students staying in Baton Rouge to know that they, too, have opportunities to get out and celebrate.
For any runners in the room, start your morning off right with the annual Turkey Trot. It’s a great way to get outdoors, increase your heart rate, and feel a sense of accomplishment after crossing the finish line.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone who simply wants to celebrate Turkey Day, you can walk or run either one mile or five miles. The one-mile race begins at 7:30 a.m., and the five-mile race starts at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Registration is now open and will close before the race begins, so if you wish to participate, register soon.
On Friday evening, students interested in hockey can visit the Raising Cane’s River Center to watch the Baton Rouge Zydeco. Tickets are limited and currently range from $50 to $100 per person, so be sure to set aside funds if you’d like to attend.
The following day, head to the Electric Depot for Local Pop Up’s Small Business Saturday. The event begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. There, you can enjoy window shopping or support local makers and vendors. While you’re there, grab a coffee from CityRoots, a local favorite.
Later that day, you can drive through the Burden Museum and Gardens to get into the Christmas spirit while viewing thousands of lights and decorations. Tickets cost $25 per person. The event runs from November 28 through December 30, so be sure to get your tickets ahead of time.
It’s worth noting that these events do require some spending. If you’re hoping to save money, consider some of the following ideas instead.
It costs nothing to be kind, so consider giving back this Thanksgiving by volunteering at a local soup kitchen. It’s a meaningful way to get out of the house, spend time with others, and spread joy to those who may need it most this season.
You can also stay home and enjoy your favorite hobbies—reading, coloring, painting, watching sports, or anything else that brings you peace. Set aside some time to truly relax and let the hours pass gently.
If you’re struggling with being away from loved ones, consider calling or FaceTiming them to stay connected. It’s a simple way to remind each other that you care, even from afar.
You can also watch local parades or the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Enjoy the floats, performances, and music as they move through the streets of New York City.
And if you’re not quite in the holiday spirit, try watching your favorite movies and turn your day into a cozy marathon.
No matter what you choose to do, I hope you have a warm, restful, and happy Thanksgiving.
