Events & Celebrations · Holidays · Family-Friendly
Thanksgiving in Polk County 2026: Turkey Trots, Markets and an Easy Holiday Weekend
Two Thanksgiving morning runs, LEGOLAND’s holiday kickoff, Small Business Saturday and the one grocery-store rule every Polk local knows. Your Thanksgiving week, planned.
In this article
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26. Whether you're hosting a houseful or keeping it small, here's how to make the most of the long weekend in Polk County.
Thanksgiving morning: run off the pie in advance
Two Turkey Trots are listed for Thanksgiving morning:
- Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot Fun Run hosted by Fleet Feet Lakeland, 6:30 a.m., free. It's a relaxed group run rather than a timed race. Check the listing for the meeting spot.
- Ultra Ultras Turkey Trot 5K and Kids Fun Run at Lake Wailes Park in Lake Wales, 8 a.m. This is the race's fourth year, and the loop around Lake Wailes is one of the prettiest flat runs in the county.
The grocery rule every Polk local knows
Publix started in Winter Haven in 1930 and still has its headquarters in Lakeland, and it famously closes its stores on Thanksgiving Day. Do your shopping on Wednesday, and do it early. By Wednesday afternoon the lines and the empty shelves tell you everyone else had the same idea.
Friday through Sunday
- LEGOLAND Florida's Christmas Bricktacular kicks off its holiday season on select dates, including November 21–22 and Thanksgiving weekend, November 27–29. It's included with park admission.
- Small Business Saturday is November 28. Start at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market (8 a.m.–2 p.m.) or the Winter Haven Farmers Market (9 a.m.–1 p.m.), then walk the downtown shops. Lake Wales' downtown market also runs that day, since it's the fourth Saturday.
- Get outside. If family is in town, a sunrise walk at Circle B Bar Reserve or an afternoon at Bok Tower Gardens shows off Polk better than any tour.
The week before: Haven Holiday Market
If you want to get a head start on gifts, the Haven Holiday Market takes over Central Park in downtown Winter Haven on Saturday, November 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with more than 250 vendors.
If you want to give back
Food pantries, shelters and church meal programs across Polk County need extra hands and donations in November and December. Call ahead before you show up. Many fill their volunteer spots weeks in advance, and they'll tell you exactly what they need most.
Bottom line
Shop Wednesday, run Thursday morning, and spend Saturday downtown. Check the events calendar for anything we add between now and then.
