How to celebrate Thanksgiving in Oxford this year

With Halloween in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look forward to Thanksgiving and the holiday season that follows.

Students at Miami University may head home for Thanksgiving break, but there’s no shortage of events for the locals in town as the holiday approaches. Here’s what to look forward too at the end of November this year.

Global Friendship Thanksgiving Dinner

Miami University students and Oxford residents alike are invited to this Thanksgiving dinner celebration from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 21. The event, hosted in the Shriver Center’s John Dolibois Room, is intended to expose international students to the traditional American holiday and help members of the community engage with each other.

The dinner will feature classic Thanksgiving food, as well as other activities. During the event, the Donald Nelson Award for Outstanding International Student Support will be presented.

This is a ticketed event with limited seats. Tickets cost $7 per person for up to two tickets or $6 per person for three or more tickets. Children under 10 eat for free.

Farm and Flea

Last year, Oxford held its first-ever Farm and Flea. The event, which expanded on the city’s year-round weekly farmers market, brought together dozens of artisans for a massive Uptown sale, just in time for the holiday season.

This year’s Farm and Flea is set for Saturday, Nov. 23 and will last 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The City of Oxford website lists 80 vendors for the event so far, plus food trucks, community organizations and farmers market vendors.

Visitors to the event will have a chance to buy handmade pottery, jewelry, candles, t-shirts, baked goods and more. The event will also feature live music, crafts and a gift-wrapping station. Head to the Uptown parks to get in on the fun.

Thanksgiving Holiday Skating

Families looking for a fun way to spend time with their kids while school is out can head to Goggin Ice Center for its Thanksgiving weekend holiday skating sessions.

The ice center will be open 3:15-5:05 p.m. on Nov. 27 and Nov. 29 through Dec. 1. Admission will be $7.50 per person, and skate rentals are free. Those who don’t want to join on the ice can watch on the sidelines for free.

TOPSS Community Thanksgiving

This year, the Talawanda-Oxford Pantry and Social Services (TOPSS) is hosting a free meal for the community on Thanksgiving. It’s the second time the organization has held the Thanksgiving meal, and during the first event last year more than 100 people joined.

The TOPSS community Thanksgiving celebration meal this year will be held at Oxford Seniors from 1-3 p.m. on Nov. 28. The event is free and open to the public and will include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy. Community members will provide additional sides and desserts, and takeout containers will be available for people who want to take their food to go.

Shop Small Saturday

Oxford has dozens of local businesses that sell everything from baked goods to clothing and gifts. Support your neighbors this holiday season by participating in Shop Small Saturday as you begin holiday shopping for December. Shop Small Saturday is on Nov. 30 this year.