Thanksgiving Weekend in North York 2025: Your Complete Guide
Make the most of the long weekend (October 10-13, 2025) with this guide to North York dining, nature trails, family activities, and local events. Everything you need for a memorable Thanksgiving in your neighborhood.
When is Thanksgiving 2025?
Canadian Thanksgiving falls on Monday, October 13, 2025, creating a long weekend from Friday, October 10 to Monday, October 13. It's the perfect time to enjoy fall colours, gather with family, and explore what North York has to offer.
Weekend at a Glance
- Friday, Oct 10: Many take the day off — great for early trail walks
- Saturday-Sunday: Peak time for family gatherings and activities
- Monday, Oct 13: Thanksgiving Day — some restaurants open, many closed
- Weather: Expect 10-15°C days, 3-6°C evenings — dress in layers
Thanksgiving Dining in North York
Skip the stress of cooking for a crowd. Whether you need a complete meal for two or a traditional feast for the family, North York has smart solutions that solve the real problems: scale, price, and availability.
Small Feast Hacks (Kits for 2-5 People)
Perfect for couples or small families who want a real holiday dinner without the waste and expense of a 10-person turkey.
🦃 The Best Hack for Small Families (~$85)
Longo's Festive Traditional Turkey Roast Kit
- Serves 3-5 people perfectly
- Complete meal with all the fixings
- No all-day cooking required
- Multiple GTA locations including near North York
💑 The Couple's Solution (~$100)
Farm Boy Thanksgiving Dinner for 2
- Ready-to-heat, no-stress solution
- Traditional holiday meal scaled for two
- Check availability at GTA locations
🥖 The Local Butcher Alternative
Local Butcher Shops & Specialty Markets
- Heja Butcher Shop: Quality stuffed turkey options from local sources
- PerfectAge Meat: Premium meats and specialty cuts
- Support North York businesses
- Higher price point but premium quality
- Call ahead to confirm Thanksgiving availability
Affordable Holiday Classics (Reliably Open)
When you need comfort food on a holiday without the expensive dinner reservations.
🍗 The Family Classic
Swiss Chalet Family PAK
- Multiple North York locations (Yonge corridor)
- Affordable, low-stress family option
- Typically open on holidays with takeout
- Not turkey, but reliable comfort food
🥩 The Monday Lunch Find
The Keg Thanksgiving Lunch Prix Fixe
- Yonge corridor location
- Traditional meal without expensive dinner prices
- Limited availability - book early
- Confirm holiday hours before visiting
Strategic Dessert Solutions
Skip baking and support local bakeries with pre-ordered Thanksgiving desserts. This is the best way to get a high-quality treat scaled for a small gathering.
🥧 Specialty Pies & Pastries
- Local French Patisseries (e.g., La Cigogne Patisserie): Ideal for pre-ordering tarts, specialty small cakes, and elegant individual desserts instead of a full pie
- MarJo Bakery (Yonge/Finch Area): Family-owned, specializing in French techniques; excellent for custom cakes and high-quality pastries perfect for holiday entertaining
- Bunner's Bakery: The best vegan and gluten-free pie solution (GTA locations, check for Thanksgiving pre-orders and pickup)
🍰 Asian Bakery Alternatives
North York's diversity offers the perfect light alternative to heavy desserts.
- T & T Supermarket Bakery: Reliable source for fresh, large, and affordable Asian-style sponge cakes and unique fruit tarts, which are often lighter than traditional holiday desserts
- Local Korean/Japanese Bakeries (e.g., Hodo Kwaja): Excellent spots for small dessert boxes, sweet mochi, or cream puffs that require no pre-ordering (but sell out fast!)
Smart Ordering Tips
Make your Thanksgiving meal planning stress-free:
- Order Early: Popular meal kits sell out - order at least 1-2 weeks ahead
- Confirm Locations: Verify North York pickup or delivery zones
- Ask About Portions: Ensure the kit matches your guest count
- Get Reheating Instructions: Know exactly how to prepare your meal
- Reconfirm 24-48 Hours Before: Double-check your order and pickup time
- Check Holiday Hours: Many locations have reduced hours on Thanksgiving Monday
Note: Prices are approximate as of October 2025 and subject to change. Availability varies by location. Please contact businesses directly to confirm current pricing, menu options, and Thanksgiving hours. Some businesses mentioned may not have North York locations - verify proximity before ordering.
Best Nature Trails for Fall Walks
October is perfect for enjoying North York's trails with peak fall colours. Explore our complete guide to the best fall hikes in North York with detailed trail information, distances, difficulty levels, and photography tips.
🍁 Complete Fall Hiking Guide
Discover the top 9 fall trails in North York including Earl Bales Park, G. Ross Lord Park, Downsview Park, Edwards Gardens, Sunnybrook Park, and more.
View Complete Fall Hiking Guide →Suggested Weekend Itineraries
One-Day Local Experience
Perfect for those staying close to home:
- Morning: Hike at Earl Bales Park (8-10 AM)
- Lunch: Nearby café or restaurant
- Afternoon: Stroll at Edwards Gardens (2-4 PM)
- Evening: Thanksgiving dinner at booked North York restaurant
Two-Day Weekend Plan
Make the most of the long weekend:
- Day 1: Morning trails + farmers' market + neighborhood walk
- Day 2: Brunch + indoor activity (rec centre) + evening dinner
Community Events & Activities
Check these sources for last-minute Thanksgiving weekend events:
- Local community centres for drop-in programs and family activities
- Mel Lastman Square for pop-up markets and performances
- Farmers' markets in the area (confirm holiday hours)
- North York Guide newsletter for weekend event listings
- Neighborhood Facebook groups for community gatherings
📱 Share this Guide
Help other North York families plan their Thanksgiving weekend!
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Thanksgiving in Canada 2025?
- Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday in October. In 2025, Thanksgiving Monday falls on October 13, creating a long weekend from Friday, October 10 to Monday, October 13.
- Will local North York restaurants be open Thanksgiving Monday?
- Some restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving Monday, but many operate on reduced hours or may be closed. It's essential to call ahead to confirm hours and make reservations well in advance.
- Which North York trails are stroller-friendly for Thanksgiving weekend?
- Parts of Downsview Park circuit, some paved sections in G. Ross Lord Park, and sections of Earl Bales Park are more stroller-friendly. Always check trail conditions before heading out.
- What should I wear for outdoor activities in North York in October?
- October in North York typically sees daytime highs of 10-15°C and evenings near 3-6°C. Dress in layers, bring a light jacket, and pack an umbrella as fall weather can be unpredictable.
- Are there any Thanksgiving events in North York?
- Check local community centres, Mel Lastman Square, and the North York Guide newsletter for pop-up markets, craft fairs, and family activities during the long weekend.
- What are the best fall activities for families in North York?
- Nature walks at Earl Bales or Edwards Gardens, visiting local farmers' markets, community centre programs, and enjoying Thanksgiving dinner at local restaurants are all great family options.