Thanksgiving Week in TC: Festive Art, Scavenger Hunts, and Wellness Retreats

Good morning, this is your Traverse City Local Frequency for Wednesday, November 26, 2025. As we roll into a brisk holiday week, the city is alive with festive events, creative showcases, and opportunities to connect before the Thanksgiving feast. If you are looking to get a jump on your holiday spirit, downtown is lighting up with special art markets. The Crooked Tree Arts Center is hosting the Merry Marketplace Holiday Art Market starting at 10 this morning, featuring everything from handmade jewelry and ceramics to original prints and ornaments—a perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting local artists. And for those willing to venture a bit further, the Crooked Tree in Petoskey has their annual Holiday Bazaar open as well, running through mid-December, with a juried selection of regional art and crafts. Art lovers can continue their creative explorations at the Dennos Museum Center, where the “Ice Into Ocean: Arctic Tracings” exhibit opens at 11. Just down the hall, the museum is also holding a Dewey Blocksma Roundtable this morning. Blocksma's work is an imaginative gathering of figures and ideas inspired by medicine and daily life—a collection that promises to make you think and smile at the same time. If you want to spark your imagination or just take a reflective break from holiday prep, the Dennos is a welcoming retreat today. If you have out-of-town guests or little ones with lots of energy, check out the Traverse City Scavenger Hunt. Kickoff is at 10 on South Union Street and it’s a great way to discover hidden gems as teams race through town, solving clues and sharing laughs along the way. Participation is open and all you need is a sharp eye and a sense of adventure. As the daylight fades, consider bundling up for the Fifth Annual Strolling Lights Festival just outside town in Glen Arbor at 11 this morning, where twinkling lights and seasonal displays create a magical landscape for the whole family. For those seeking a wellness boost, cap off your evening at the free community yoga class at Original Hot Yoga TC. The doors open at 7:30, providing a relaxing, communal way to de-stress and loosen up ahead of tomorrow’s big meal. Mats are available—just bring yourself and a spirit of gratitude. On the practical front, many local restaurants and markets are offering Thanksgiving carry-out options for last-minute planners or anyone looking to spend a little less time in the kitchen this year. Sugar 2 Salt is featuring their S2S 2GO Thanksgiving Edition for takeaway, with a menu that highlights fresh, local ingredients—check with your favorite spots but act quickly, as supplies tend to run out early. While our community is bustling with holiday cheer, let’s not forget to look out for one another on these busy streets. Please travel safe, be patient during crowded times, and keep an eye out for neighbors in need. This has been Traverse City Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates. For more htt This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.