12 things to do with family and friends on Thanksgiving weekend in Arizona

Don’t feel like turning your kitchen into a war zone this Thanksgiving? You’re not alone. Whether your turkey usually ends up more crispy charcoal than golden brown or you’d rather spend the day sipping cocktails than scrubbing pans, these restaurants and events have you covered.

Across the Valley, restaurants and resorts are rolling out the ultimate Thanksgiving spreads. These places aren’t missing out on the classics such as the mashed potatoes, pies and the turkey.

And once you’re done with dinner, numerous events are happening throughout metro Phoenix. You could meet friends or family at Holiday light displays or a festival.

Here are 12 things to do during Thanksgiving weekend.

Thanksgiving Eve Celebration at Omni Montelucia

Kick off your Thanksgiving celebration in style at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia’s Thanksgiving Eve Celebration. Enjoy an elegant atmosphere with delectable small bites, craft cocktails and live music.

Details: 1-8 p.m., Nov. 27. Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, 4949 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley. $50. omnihotels.com.

Thanksgiving at El Chorro

El Chorro invites you to celebrate the season your way. Featuring a wide selection of traditional holiday favorites, including savory dishes, fresh salads and desserts, it’s a great way to celebrate without doing all the work yourself.

Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Nov. 27. El Chorro, 5550 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley. $105. facebook.com.

Tia Carmen Thanksgiving Grand Mercado

Join the Thanksgiving celebration at Tia Carmen Thanksgiving Grand Mercado with indoor and outdoor seating, signature cocktails, and feature traditional harvest favorites plus a bountiful tour through the unique dishes by celebrity chef Angelo Sosa.

Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 27. Tia Carmen, 5350 E. Marriott Dr., Phoenix. $169. opentable.com.

Thanksgiving at Le Âme and théa at The Global Ambassador Hotel

A two-for-one, The Global Ambassador Hotel is offering a Thanksgiving Prix Fixe menu from Le Âme and a special Thanksgiving entrée and dessert from théa. You’ll also enjoy sunset and nighttime views of the desert backdrop.

Details: 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Nov. 27. Le Âme at The Global Ambassador Hotel, 4360 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. globalambassadorhotel.com.

Thanksgiving Brunch at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Why wait for dinner when you can start eating early? Chefs from Bourbon Steak, La Hacienda, Toro and Ironwood American Kitchen will collaborate and create a Thanksgiving-themed brunch menu.

Details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 27. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale. sevenrooms.com.

GreensGiving at Green New American

Save the turkeys and try this unique “thanksLIVING” experience at Green Tempe. With chef-curated sides and vegan and vegetarian options, your meal will include all the classic dishes just with a twist.

Details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 27. Green New American, 2240 N. Scottsdale Road, #113, Tempe. greenvegetarian.com.

Thanksgiving in The Wigwam Ballroom

Get a classic Thanksgiving meal and experience at The Wigwam. Serving a Thanksgiving Buffet, featuring favorites like turkey, honey ham and autumn salads and lots of desert options.

Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 27. The Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. $99. wigwamarizona.com.

Thanksgiving Brunch at Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen

The Thanksgiving dining experience is back at Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen at Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows. Its lavish Thanksgiving buffet offers an expansive selection of appetizers, entrées, sides and desserts created by the resort’s pastry team.

Details: Noon-8 p.m., Nov. 27. Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, 6114 N. Scottsdale Road. $95. andazscottsdale.com.

ZooLights

Experience the magic of the holiday season at ZooLights, the Phoenix Zoo’s beloved winter wonderland. Highlights include a new light show set to music, a stroll through a 200-foot-long light tunnel, s’mores pits with hot cocoa, and photo ops with Santa.

Details: 5:30-10:30 p.m. Nov. 26-Jan. 16. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway. $35. phoenixzoo.org.

Arizona International Auto Show

Car enthusiasts will want to make a stop at the Arizona International Auto Show, a Thanksgiving weekend tradition at the Phoenix Convention Center. This year, the event returns with a chance to see the latest cars, trucks, and electric vehicles from top manufacturers. Visitors can explore everything from luxury cars to hybrids and even test drive the newest models.

Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27-30. Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third St. $15. autoshowphoenix.com.

Las Noches de las Luminarias

Step into a magical desert wonderland at Desert Botanical Garden’s Las Noches de las Luminarias, which combines nature, light and music into an enchanting evening experience. Explore the garden’s trails aglow with thousands of luminarias and holiday lights while enjoying live music. Commemorate loved ones or special occasions by placing personalized messages on luminaria bags, which will be displayed at the Jan and Tom Lewis Desert Portal.

Details: On select nights, Nov. 28-Dec. 30. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $40.95. dbg.org.

Tianyu Lights Festival

The Tianyu Lights Festival is an illuminated walk-through light show that celebrates the rich tradition of Asian lantern artistry. There are over 40 handcrafted lantern displays, each carefully crafted from metal, silk and LED lights, in four themed areas: Bugs Aglow, Rainforest, Prehistoric Animals and Color of Holidays.

Details: 5:30-10:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays through Jan. 4. Camelback Ranch-Glendale, 10710 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix. From $33.04. tianyuculture.us.

Reporting by Tiffany Acosta, Arizona Republic