Detroit Thanksgiving Staycation: Turkey Trot + Holiday Moments Downtown
We kept Thanksgiving simple this year with a quick overnight at the newly renovated Westin Book Cadillac and the Detroit Turkey Trot the next morning. It was an easy way to kick off the holiday without a big itinerary — just enough to feel festive and enjoy the city in a low-key way.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Westin Book Cadillac in the Jefferson Suite, which is part of the hotel’s recent renovation. The extra space made the night before the race relaxed and easy. It also made it simple to bring Jack’s mom along for part of the day without everyone feeling cramped.
The Jefferson Suite gave us plenty of room to settle in before race morning.
Thanksgiving Eve Downtown
We checked in, dropped our bags, and headed out for a small loop around downtown. Even before Thanksgiving, Campus Martius already feels like the start of the season.
Campus Martius already glowing for the holidays.
Lunch + Holiday Stop With Jack’s Mom
We brought Jack’s mom downtown earlier in the day for Hudson Café (always easy and consistent) and a quick walk to see the giant Hudson-inspired bear. It was cold, so we kept her time outside short, but she still got her holiday moment.
A quick stop by the Hudson-inspired bear with Jack’s mom.
We also brought her down the week before for the tree lighting at Parc and a cozy stop at Cadillac Lodge, so she got both the lights and the warm indoor spaces without needing to be out too long.
Holiday Pop-Ups
After taking Jack’s mom back to the hotel to warm up, the two of us went out again for a couple of light holiday stops.
Side Hustle Holiday Pop-Up
Festive drinks, funny holiday glasses on the tables, and all the classic over-the-top décor.
A fun stop at Side Hustle’s holiday pop-up.
Chalet 313
Warm, cozy, and a great view of the tree and rink.
Both spots were easy walk-ins and gave us that little bit of festive energy before heading back for the night.
Thanksgiving Morning: Turkey Trot
The next morning we walked out the door and straight to the starting line — no parking scramble, no early commute. Just a simple way to start the day.
Cold, crowded, and fun — our Thanksgiving morning tradition.
Tips For Next Year
The Campus Martius tree is worth a visit on its own — day or night.
Stay downtown if you’re doing the trot. You’ll avoid early-morning stress.
Book early — Thanksgiving Eve fills up more than you’d think.
Pair the race with a simple holiday moment the night before.
Pop-ups like Side Hustle and Chalet 313 are fun and easy stops.
Hudson Café works well for breakfast or lunch and they take reservations.
Keep layers handy. It’s always colder than you expect on Thanksgiving morning.
