Thanksgiving 2026 in Palm Beach County falls on Thursday, November 26, and public schools are closed the whole week of November 23–27 (plus Wednesday, November 11 for the fall holiday). That gives families a full week for turkey trots, holiday lights and a backyard game day, and below you'll find the real dates plus a simple plan to host your own.
Thanksgiving week 2026 at a glance
- Wed, Nov 11: no school in Palm Beach County (fall holiday).
- Mon–Fri, Nov 23–27: Thanksgiving break, no school all week.
- Thu, Nov 26: Thanksgiving Day.
- Thu, Dec 3: West Palm Beach's free Holiday in Paradise tree lighting kicks off the holiday season.
If you're looking for ideas for every no-school day this fall, our no-school day party ideas guide covers October and early November too.
Turkey trots and family events near you
A turkey trot is a fun way to start the holiday with the whole family. These are the ones we found for 2026 (always check the organizer's site before you go, since times can change):
- Delray Beach Turkey Trot 5K (40th year): Saturday, Nov 21, starting at Anchor Park on the oceanfront, 7:30 AM.
- Boca Raton Turkey Trot: Saturday, Nov 21, 9 AM, 1000 Spanish River Blvd. It benefits Feeding America.
- Levis JCC Turkey Trot: Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov 26, at South County Regional Park in Boca. The 5K starts at 7:30 AM and the youth 1-mile fun run at 8:30 AM.
- Holiday in Paradise Tree Lighting: Thursday, Dec 3, 6–10 PM, on the Great Lawn at the West Palm Beach waterfront. It's free, and Sandi, the city's famous sand tree, lights up for the season.
Why a backyard game day works so well on Thanksgiving week
Thanksgiving brings cousins, grandparents and neighbors together, and the kids get restless fast while the turkey is in the oven. A few big games in the yard give everyone something to do together, from the 5-year-olds to Grandpa. South Florida helps too: late November is usually warm and dry enough to play outside all afternoon.
The best games for a mixed-age crowd are simple to learn and quick to play:
- Team races: parachute races, three-legged races and sponge relays get big groups moving and laughing.
- Rolling fun: our Hamster Wheels ($349) let kids crawl inside and roll across the grass. They're always the first line at a party.
- Easy toss games: the Classic Ring Toss ($250) works for every age, and adults love Giant Jenga ($49) and LED Lighted Wood Cornhole ($90) after dinner.
Want it all planned for you? Try a party package
If you'd rather not plan the games yourself, our Birthday Pack 1 ($350) is a one-hour, competition-style game show led by a Crazy Games coach. Kids split into 4 colored teams and play 6 interactive games, like parachute races and tug of war. It works for Thanksgiving week just as well as for a birthday.
Book by Nov 8 and get a free snack machine
Our Break-Day Snack Bonus lines up with Thanksgiving week. Book between Oct 12 and Nov 8, 2026, for an event from Nov 11 to Nov 30, 2026, and get a free popcorn or cotton candy machine with 50 servings of supplies. Just mention SNACK BONUS when you book online, call or text.
Terms: one free machine per booking, our own popcorn or cotton candy machines only, subject to availability. $350 minimum order. The order must include a Crazy Games party package or at least one Crazy Games-owned game. Delivery, setup and pickup are free within 15 miles of West Palm Beach; farther out, the delivery fee shows at checkout.
How to plan your Thanksgiving game day in 5 steps
- Pick your date. Nov 11, the weekend of Nov 21–22, or any day of Thanksgiving week. Weekend dates book up first.
- Choose 4–6 games. Mix one big "wow" game (like the Hamster Wheels) with quick team races and toss games.
- Add a snack machine. Popcorn or cotton candy keeps the crowd happy, and it's free with the Snack Bonus if you book by Nov 8.
- Set up team rotations. Split the group into colored teams and rotate every 10 minutes so nobody waits long.
- Book online or call. We deliver, set up and pick up, so you can enjoy the day with your family.
Not sure how early to book? Our booking timeline guide explains why holiday weekends fill up first.
Frequently asked questions
When is Thanksgiving break 2026 for Palm Beach County schools?
Public schools are closed Monday through Friday, November 23–27, 2026. Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 26. Schools are also closed Wednesday, November 11.
Can we rent party games for Thanksgiving Day itself?
Yes. Book online or call us to check your date. Thanksgiving week is popular, so the earlier you book, the more choices you'll have.
What games work best for kids and adults together?
Team races (parachute, three-legged, sponge relay), the Classic Ring Toss, Giant Jenga and cornhole work for every age. The Hamster Wheels are the big hit with kids.
How does the free snack machine work?
Book between Oct 12 and Nov 8, 2026, for an event from Nov 11 to Nov 30, 2026, with a $350 minimum that includes a Crazy Games party package or at least one Crazy Games-owned game. Mention SNACK BONUS, then pick popcorn or cotton candy (50 servings included). One per booking, subject to availability.
Which areas do you serve?
We serve Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Martin counties. Delivery, setup and pickup are free within 15 miles of West Palm Beach; farther out, the delivery fee shows at checkout. The minimum order is $350.
Make this Thanksgiving the one the kids remember
Pick your games and your date, then book online at crazygamesfl.com or call 877-963-8368. Book by Nov 8 and mention SNACK BONUS for your free popcorn or cotton candy machine.
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