The Thanksgiving holiday might be wet, but there’s a lot going on this weekend from Black Friday sales, Christmas trees and the return of Juneau Public Market. The weather is going to be wet and cold, but there’s plenty of ways to stay warm (or not) this holiday weekend.
Thanksgiving Day – Nov. 25
• Hot Thanksgiving meals; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; 439 W. Willoughby Ave.
The Juneau Corps of the Salvation Army are hosting a hot Thanksgiving meal distribution beginning at 11 a.m. There will be no dining in this year, but the distribution is open to walk and drive-thru. Masks are required.
• Turkey Trot, 9 a.m.; Airport Trail at the end of Radcliffe Road.
One mile and 5K races on the Airport Trail will be held Thursday morning, with proceeds benefiting the Glacier Swim Team and Thunder Mountain High School cross country team. Early registration for the 1-mile race is $10, and $15 for the 5K. Same-day registration is $20 and begins at 9 a.m., the one mile race at 9:30 a.m. and the 5K at 10 a.m. The race can also be run virtually with both in-person and virtual runners eligible for prizes.
Friday – Nov. 26
• Juneau Public Market; Noon-7 p.m. Centennial Hall, 101 Egan Drive.
After going virtual for a year because of COVID-19, the Juneau Public Market is returning this year but because of City and Borough of Juneau COVID-19 mitigation rules, the market can only admit those with proof of vaccination. Over 65 artists are traveling to Juneau for the 39th annual market, according to organizer Peter Metcalfe, who said free COVID-19 booster shots and information will be provided in the lobby. Cellphone photos of vaccination cards are accepted as proof of vaccination, Metcalfe said. Admission is $8. The market starts at Noon Friday but will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
• Christmas tree and wreath sale; 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fred Meyer parking lot, 8181 Glacier Highway.
The Juneau-Douglas High chool: Yadaa.at Kalé and Thunder Mountain High School swim and dive teams will be selling Christmas trees and wreaths starting Friday. Trees start at $50 and wreaths are $40, delivery is offered for $25. The sale will be open every evening but with different hours on weekends. Weekdays, the sale will be open from 5-7 p.m. and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends. Online ordering is available at jdswimdive.org.
• Black Friday Sales
Downtown businesses will be open as early as 9 a.m. with Black Friday sales, according to the Juneau Downtown Business Association. Fred Meyer and Costco will both have sales. Fred Meyer opens at 5 a.m. Friday and Costco will open at 9 a.m.
• Douglas Christmas tree lighting; 6 p.m. Douglas Community United Methodist Church courtyard, 1106 3rd Street, Douglas.
The Juneau Fourth of July Committee is sponsoring two events Friday, the first is the lighting of a Christmas tree in Douglas. The tree lighting will begin at 6 p.m. and feature performances from Young Voices of Alaska.
• Skate with Santa, 7-7:45 p.m. and 8:15-9 p.m., Treadwell Arena, 105 Savikko Road.
Following the Douglas tree lighting the Fourth of July Committee will host its annual Skate with Santa at the Treadwell Arena. The free event is open to all, but because of COVID mitigation rules reservations are required for this year’s event. There are two 45-minute open skate sessions Friday night, the first starting at 7 p.m. and the next starts at 8:15 p.m. Reservations can be made with the City and Borough of Juneau.
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 27-28
Christmas tree sales and Public Market will both be open, but with different hours from Friday. Christmas tree sales: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Public Market: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Contact reporter Peter Segall at psegall@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter at @SegallJnuEmpire.
