Whether you’re a long-time Madison resident or new to the area, the Madison and Middleton communities offer countless ways to celebrate this special day. We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to help you plan your perfect Thanksgiving 2025, from turkey trots and restaurant reservations to volunteer opportunities and take-home feast options.
Madison Area Turkey Trots: Start Your Day with a Run
Madison Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk
Kick off your Thanksgiving morning with Madison’s most beloved tradition! The Madison Turkey Trot has become a cornerstone of the holiday, bringing together thousands of runners, walkers, and families for a festive 5K that benefits United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Dane County (UCP).
Location: Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53703
When: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Start Times: 5K Race at 8:00 AM, Kids Dash for ages 8 and under
Highlights: Chip-timed results, choice of long-sleeve t-shirt OR fleece pullover, Greenbush Bakery donuts at finish, commemorative finisher medal, part of nationwide Thankful Turkey Run/Walk
Packet Pickup: Wednesday, November 26, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM at PLAYTRI Middleton, 1661 Deming Way, Middleton, WI 53562
Thanksgiving Dining: Madison & Middleton Restaurants
Skip the cooking stress! Here are top restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner 2025:
The Edgewater – Thanksgiving in The Grand Ballroom
Location: 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, WI 53703
When: Thursday, November 27, 2025, 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Menu: 24-hour brined turkey, honey-glazed ham, brioche stuffing, buttermilk potatoes, cranberry compote
Phone: (608) 535-8200
The Statehouse at The Edgewater
Location: 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, WI 53703
Menu: Cider-brined turkey, dry-aged prime ribeye, autumnal desserts + regular menu
Phone: (608) 535-8200
The Madison Concourse Hotel – Grand Buffet
Details: 19+ dishes including pumpkin wild rice soup, traditional turkey, truffle mac and cheese. Ballroom setting near Capitol Square.
Old Feed Mill – Thanksgiving Buffet
Location: 114 Cramer Street, Mazomanie, WI 53560
When: November 27, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: $30 adults, $28 seniors, $14 children 14 and under
Essen Haus – Traditional German-Style Thanksgiving
Location: Downtown Madison
When: November 27, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: $30 adults, $15 children ages 6-10
Reservations: (608) 255-4674
Delta Beer Lab – FREE Community Thanksgiving
Location: 167 E. Badger Road, Fitchburg, WI 53713
When: November 27, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Cost: FREE (donations encouraged, benefit local nonprofits)
RSVP: First 150 guaranteed admission – reserve on Eventbrite starting November 1
Take-Home Thanksgiving Meals: No Cooking Required
Pasture and Plenty – Local Love Thanksgiving Crate
Location: 2433 University Ave, Madison, WI 53726
Details: Locally-sourced complete Thanksgiving dinner with Riemer Family Farm turkey, seasonal sides, vegan options available
Price: $310 (serves 6-8), a la carte sides also available
Pickup: Starting November 21
Phone: (608) 665-3770
Cooper’s Hawk – Heat & Serve Kit
Location: 1611 Deming Way, Middleton, WI 53562
Price: $199.99 for 6 people
Order Deadline: November 21
Pickup: November 26 or 27
Phone: (608) 716-7775
The Edgewater – Take-Home Meal
Location: 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, WI 53703
Price: $280 (serves 4-5) or $150 (serves 2)
Order Deadline: Monday, November 24 at 3:00 PM
Pickup: Wednesday, November 26, 2:00-6:00 PM
Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company
Details: Multiple Madison locations. Turkey dinner with all sides and pumpkin pie
Price: $20 for turkey dinner, $12.95 for kids meal
Pre-Order: November 3-23
Pickup: November 26 or 27
Willy Street Co-op – Hot Bar
Locations: 1221 Williamson St, 2817 N. Sherman Ave (Madison), 6825 University Ave (Middleton)
Available: November 22-28
Menu: Locally-made Thanksgiving sides, vegan options, Door County cherry pie
Give Back: Thanksgiving Volunteer Opportunities
Goodman Community Center – Basket Drive
Location: 214 Waubesa Street, Madison
Impact: 4,000+ families, 21,000+ residents including 10,000 children
Volunteer Dates: October 21-22 (registration), November 15-24 (sorting/packing), November 22-25 (distribution)
Phone: (608) 241-1574
Second Harvest Foodbank
Location: 2802 Dairy Drive, Madison
Activities: Food sorting, mobile pantry, data entry
Phone: (608) 216-7214
Madison Turkey Trot – UCP Volunteers
When: Wednesday, November 26 (packet pickup) and Thursday, November 27 (race day)
Locations: PLAYTRI Middleton (1661 Deming Way) and Alliant Energy Center
Roles: Registration, water stations, medal distribution
NewBridge Madison – Meal Delivery
When: Thursday, November 27, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Details: Pick up meals at LJ’s Sports Tavern (8 N. Paterson St), deliver to older adults
The Road Home Dane County
Location: 890 W. Wingra Drive, Madison
How to Help: Donate gift cards, adopt a family, or contribute $75 per family member
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
Location: 2033 Fish Hatchery Road, Madison
Priority Needs: Traffic controllers, outdoor food loading, Saturday help
Why This Matters for Madison Families
Whether you’re running the Turkey Trot, dining at one of Madison’s wonderful restaurants, picking up a farm-fresh meal kit, or volunteering to help your neighbors, Thanksgiving 2025 in the Madison area offers something special for everyone. This is what makes our community great: we come together to celebrate, support one another, and create traditions that last a lifetime.
From all of us at The Storage Guy, we wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with warmth, gratitude, and great food. Happy Thanksgiving, Madison!