New Jersey is stepping into Thanksgiving week with a full lineup of vegetarian and vegan dining options, seasonal celebrations, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re searching for a plant-based Thanksgiving dinner, planning a festive outing, or looking for something active before the big meal, the Garden State is packed with opportunities to enjoy the holiday season. For those who want to explore even more things to do and places to eat across the state, our curated guides to food & beverage and activities & fun offer plenty of inspiration.
Across New Jersey, restaurants are preparing special vegetarian and vegan menus for both dine-in celebrations and convenient takeout. Many locations offer full holiday spreads, while others provide à la carte entrées perfect for building your own Thanksgiving table. With Thanksgiving falling on Thursday, November 27, 2025, deadlines for preorders may be tight, but several standout spots are still accepting inquiries for last-minute catering.
Greens and Grains, a popular plant-based chain with several New Jersey locations, has become a go-to for those seeking comforting vegan classics. Their seasonal Thanksgiving menu and limited-time “Gobbl’r” sandwich give diners a creative take on holiday flavors. Good Karma Cafe in Red Bank also shines during Thanksgiving week, offering organic vegan dishes like seitan cutlets, roasted acorn squash, and traditional sides that make for a complete and satisfying meal. La Lus Vegan Cafe in Beverly brings its signature Southern-inspired flavors to the holiday, preparing offerings such as vegan mac and cheese, candied yams, and a hearty “meatless” loaf. In Millville, Wildflower Vegan Cafe continues to attract interest for its plant-based holiday specialties, including lentil loaves and their popular “turkey-safe seitan,” making it worth calling to check on late-order availability.
For those choosing to dine out on Thanksgiving Day, several New Jersey restaurants will be open with vegetarian-friendly options on their regular or seasonal menus. Benares, located in Wyckoff, delivers a robust variety of Indian dishes—from vegetable samosas to palak paneer—allowing diners to enjoy bold flavors in place of traditional holiday fare. Moghul in Edison brings a festive twist to Thanksgiving with a lunch buffet offering numerous vegetarian Indian dishes, as well as a vegetarian takeout package for those celebrating at home. For an elevated dining experience, Heirloom Kitchen in Old Bridge offers a curated holiday service that includes a full vegan prix fixe menu crafted with seasonal ingredients.
Alongside all the culinary choices, Thanksgiving week in New Jersey brings a full slate of festive activities for locals and visitors. Turkey Trots take place across the state on Thanksgiving morning, offering 5Ks, fun runs, and walk events for participants of all ages. In Flemington, the annual CEA/Johanna Foods Turkey Trot kicks off the morning with a 5K and two-mile walk, while West Windsor hosts the 13th Annual Mercer County Turkey Trot, supporting local food banks. Runners in Pennington can join the Hopewell Valley Turkey Trot, and Clark’s Oak Ridge Park welcomes competitors for the Big Turkey Half and 5K. Bayonne continues the tradition with a scenic 5K and fun run through County Park, rounding out a morning of fitness and holiday spirit. Families looking to start Thanksgiving with a meal can head to the Bistro at iPlay America in Freehold for a festive feast, while Artisan’s Restaurant in Toms River offers a classic holiday dining experience. Glen Rock’s community run brings neighbors together for a friendly Thanksgiving morning race.
Thanksgiving Eve is equally lively, with events ranging from bar crawls to live music. Jersey City hosts a popular Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl featuring multiple venues, signature drinks, and entertainment. The Union Firehouse in Mount Holly welcomes crowds for a performance by Split Decision Band, while P.J. Whelihan’s in Cherry Hill hosts an evening of live music from Hickstown Road—a tradition for many in the area.
Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) highlights the spirit of gratitude and community connection through ongoing programs, athlete recognition, and preparation for upcoming winter events. Earlier this month, the organization hosted its signature fundraising event, the “Thanks4Giving – Turkey Dash & Splash,” in Asbury Park on November 15, 2025. Although the large-scale event has concluded, SONJ continues to use the season to celebrate its athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families, reinforcing the importance of community support and inclusion. Those interested in exploring local activities and family-friendly programs across the state can find ideas and opportunities through our activities & fun guide.
The holiday weekend continues with craft shows, tree lightings, and seasonal markets across New Jersey. Paramus High School’s Thanksgiving Craft Show on Sunday, November 30 brings together dozens of artisans and handmade goods. Cedar Grove welcomes guests to Sts. Anargyri’s Annual Dinner Dance with dinner and entertainment. In Haddonfield, the community gathers for its annual tree lighting and Santa parade to mark the start of the Christmas season. Clinton’s Red Mill Museum Village transforms into a Winter Village beginning Saturday, November 29, complete with vendors, decorations, and an old-fashioned holiday atmosphere that fills the historic property.
Here is a list of unique vegetarian Thanksgiving dish ideas and categories, ranging from creative main courses to non-traditional sides, along with ideas for finding recipes:
Unique Vegetarian Main Dishes
Instead of focusing on a “mock turkey,” these ideas embrace flavorful vegetables and legumes as the centerpiece.
- Stuffed Squash: This is a festive, individual main course. Use acorn or butternut squash halves and stuff them with a mixture of wild rice, mushrooms, cranberries, pecans, and herbs.
- Mushroom Wellington: A visually impressive dish that uses layers of puff pastry wrapped around a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, herbs, and maybe a layer of spinach or a savory “duxelles.” It slices beautifully and feels very festive.
- Butternut Squash and Sage Lasagna: A rich, hearty alternative to a meat dish. Use fresh lasagna sheets, a creamy blend of butternut squash puree, ricotta (dairy or plant-based), sage, and a white sauce.
- Cauliflower “Steaks” with Gremolata: Thick-cut cauliflower steaks, roasted until tender and golden brown, topped with a bright gremolata of parsley, lemon zest, and garlic. A simple yet elegant main dish.
- Wild Rice and Quinoa Pilaf with Roasted Root Vegetables: A substantial, protein-rich alternative that can be prepared in a large, communal dish and dressed with a savory gravy or vinaigrette.
Creative Vegetarian Side Dishes – Elevate classic sides with unique flavors or ingredients.
- Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate Seeds and Balsamic Glaze: A sweet, tangy, and visually stunning twist on a holiday classic.
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan and Marshmallow Streusel Topping: Skip the traditional marshmallows and use a crunchy, homemade streusel topping with pecans, oats, brown sugar, and butter (or coconut oil).
- Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Shallots: Instead of canned fried onions, make your own crispy, golden-brown fried shallots for a more gourmet, fresh flavor.
- Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese: A creamy, comforting side dish where the “cheese” sauce is a blend of squash, cashews (or cheese), and nutritional yeast.
- Cranberry and Apple Stuffing (Egg-free): Create a hearty stuffing using sourdough bread cubes, apples, dried cranberries, celery, onion, sage, and vegetable broth.
- Food Network: Offers a vast collection of vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes on the Food Network website.
- Allrecipes: Find numerous vegetarian holiday side dish and main course ideas on Allrecipes.
- Specialized Vegan Blogs: Websites like “Minimalist Baker,” “Oh She Glows,” and “The Vegan Abode” are excellent for creative, entirely plant-based ideas that are flavorful and easy to follow.
- Sustainable Action Now: Food With Feeling recipes and Weekly Meal Plans and more
Embrace the seasonal produce—squashes, root vegetables, mushrooms, and fresh herbs—to build a unique and delicious feast!
With so many ways to enjoy Thanksgiving week, New Jersey offers something special for everyone—from plant-based holiday meals to outdoor events and festive gatherings. Whether dining out, picking up a vegan feast, joining a community run, or exploring local holiday markets, the Garden State delivers a warm and lively start to the holiday season.
