Spending Thanksgiving in St. George, Utah is like winning the holiday lottery without ever buying a ticket. You get the vibrant fall colors, the sweeping desert views, and the kind of weather that makes your relatives jealous. But beyond the scenery, there’s a growing list of Thanksgiving events St George Utah locals and travelers alike can enjoy, minus the stress of cooking, hosting, or navigating snow-packed roads. Whether you’re escaping the hustle of the holidays or embracing it with a scenic backdrop, Southern Utah knows how to do Thanksgiving right.
This blog is your shortcut to a peaceful, well-fed, and fully entertained Thanksgiving weekend. We’ll cover which restaurants are open and carving up the goods, where to take the family for seasonal fun, and which Southern Utah events are worth putting on your radar. By the end of this post, you’ll have a plan that includes dinner reservations, community experiences, and plenty of space to stretch out and soak in the fall air.
Holiday Dining in St. George Utah: Who’s Serving Thanksgiving Dinner?
We’ll start with what really matters, food. While most chain restaurants may go dark on Thanksgiving Day, several local favorites in St. George Utah stay open and serve up full Thanksgiving menus for both dine-in and takeout guests. This is ideal for RV travelers or visitors staying at places like Settlers Point who want the holiday experience without the turkey-roasting logistics.
Cliffside Restaurant is a local gem perched on a bluff with panoramic views of the red rock landscape. Each year, they offer a special holiday dining menu with all the classics: roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. The atmosphere is warm but elevated, perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the day without the cleanup.
The Painted Pony is another downtown St. George staple offering holiday prix fixe menus that bring a little culinary flair to tradition. Expect dishes like maple-glazed sweet potatoes, wild mushroom stuffing, and roasted root vegetables done with surprising creativity.
If you’re looking for something more laid back or family-focused, the buffet at the Hilton Garden Inn often hosts a Thanksgiving lunch that’s kid-friendly and hearty. And for travelers hoping to eat “at home” in their resort rental or RV, places like Harmons and Costco offer full Thanksgiving meal kits you can preorder and pick up the day before. They come with pre-cooked turkey, sides, and dessert, just heat and serve.
Local Thanksgiving Events and Family Activities
If your vision of Thanksgiving events in St. George Utah goes beyond the dinner table, you’re in luck. Southern Utah hosts several events in the days leading up to and following the holiday that are perfect for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking for a little extra festivity.
The Tuacahn Saturday Market is open the weekend of Thanksgiving and is worth a visit for handmade goods, hot cider, and local artisan finds. It’s nestled in the stunning red rock amphitheater area and feels more like a European Christmas market than a Southwest sidewalk sale.
Another great stop is the Dickens Festival, which typically kicks off the week after Thanksgiving but sometimes opens early with previews over the weekend. If you’ve never experienced this event, it’s a charming mix of Victorian costumes, holiday shops, live performances, and strolling carolers. The whole space feels like stepping into a Christmas card, and it’s a fantastic way to transition from fall holiday activities into the next season.
For families with younger kids, the St. George Children’s Museum stays open over the weekend and often hosts holiday-themed play stations or workshops. If your crew needs to run off some turkey calories, the Thunder Junction All Abilities Park is a wildly popular local spot with dinosaur-themed playgrounds, a working train ride, and interactive water features that (depending on the weather) might still be running.
And yes, if your idea of a Thanksgiving tradition includes waking up early to run off your future food coma, the Turkey Trot at Ivins is a popular fun run open to visitors of all ages. You don’t have to race competitively, plenty of people walk the course in costume and laugh their way to the finish line.
Scenic Drives and Outdoor Attractions Open Thanksgiving Weekend
While many parts of the country hunker down for Thanksgiving indoors, Southern Utah events often extend into the great outdoors thanks to the area’s mild climate. Thanksgiving weekend is a prime time to take in the red rock beauty without the crowds of peak tourist season.
Zion National Park is about an hour from St. George and remains open year-round, including all of Thanksgiving weekend. Shuttle services typically end by mid-November, meaning you can drive your own car through Zion Canyon, a rare treat for visitors. Just be aware that parking can still fill quickly, so getting an early start is a smart idea.
Closer to home, Snow Canyon State Park offers dramatic lava flows, petrified dunes, and a network of short scenic trails perfect for post-feast exploring. Jenny’s Canyon and the Petrified Dunes Trail are two easy hikes that give you a full experience of the landscape in less than two hours.
If you’re up for a longer scenic drive, take the route to Kolob Canyons via I-15 north. It’s part of Zion’s extended region but far less crowded, and the towering sandstone walls are especially vibrant with early morning or late afternoon light.
And don’t overlook lesser-known spots like Red Cliffs Desert Reserve or Pioneer Park, both of which offer free access and views that rival more famous parks. They’re close to Settlers Point and are excellent spots for Thanksgiving family photos if you want to send out a postcard-worthy holiday card this year.
Your Holiday, Your Way: Thanksgiving at Settlers Point
When you stay at Settlers Point Luxury RV Resort over Thanksgiving, you’re stepping into a celebration that feels both festive and flexible. You can build your own ideal holiday, whether that includes a formal restaurant dinner, a casual hike, or simply watching the sun set behind crimson cliffs.
The beauty of Thanksgiving in St. George Utah is that it doesn’t demand anything from you. There’s no rush to prep, no snow to shovel, and no pressure to entertain extended family if that’s not your scene. Instead, you have the time and space to enjoy the things you love most, good food, beautiful weather, and a weekend that actually feels like a break.
This year, you might find yourself dining on turkey with red rock views, chasing your kids through a corn maze, or quietly exploring a canyon in the cool desert air. Whatever you choose, Thanksgiving events St George Utah makes it easy to craft a holiday experience that’s both memorable and stress-free.
So book that reservation, prep your stretchy pants, and make your way to one of the most relaxed holiday destinations in the Southwest. Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, Southern Utah is ready to welcome you to the table.
