BYU’s Thanksgiving break is Nov. 22-26. In a quick survey of 30 on-campus students, 20% said they were staying in Provo. Whether you’re with family or friends, there are events in Provo, Orem, and across campus for students to enjoy the holidays.
While it’s true that most of campus is quiet during Thanksgiving, there are several events scheduled for the city’s students to participate during the holiday.
Things to do on campus
BYUSA clubs are encouraged to hold their regular meeting on campus on Tuesday, November 21st. According to BYUSA’s event calendar, he is booked for a club night from 7pm until 10pm on Tuesday, November 21st. Students can contact each club on Tuesday to see if they are still hosting a meeting.
sporting event
The BYU women’s basketball team will play Loyola Marymount University on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. at the Marriott Center.
Additionally, the Provo Predators hockey team will take on the Ogden Mustangs at Peaks Ice Arena in Provo on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online for $6.
thanksgiving turkey trot
Whether it’s to make new friends or find a place to eat pumpkin pie, the Turkey Trot is a community-wide event held across Utah on Thanksgiving Day.
The Orem’s Earn Your Turkey Race, hosted by Runner’s Corner Fitness Center, will be held on Thanksgiving Day. Race lengths vary from a 4-mile option to a 2-mile walk to a kids race. The race begins at Orem Community Park. Town residents and students can register on the website and purchase matching shirts. Admission fees range from $15 to $25, but prices increase on race day.
Provo’s annual Turkey Trot has been canceled, but Springville’s annual Hobble Before You Gobble 10K, 5K and Fun Run will be held Nov. 23 at 7:45 a.m. . Students can register for Hobble Before You Gobble on the website.
Francesca Castellano, an experience design student at Park City, said her favorite Thanksgiving tradition is participating in the Turkey Trot with her husband.
“After I married my husband, I knew it was something his family did and I had to be a part of it,” Castellano said.
Detailed dates and locations for the Utah Turkey Trot can be found on the Running USA website.
Christmas themed event
For some students, like mechanical engineering major Calvin Bates, the Christmas tree is put up right after Thanksgiving.
“We usually decorate right after Thanksgiving, and one of my favorite traditions is getting the Christmas tree right after,” Bates said.
Orem and Provo are hosting Christmas-related events for those looking forward to the upcoming holiday.
The 6th Annual Gingerbread Competition Display will be held at University Place Mall in Orem during Thanksgiving week. After the awards ceremony on November 20th, the winners will have their homes on display at University Place from November 20th to 27th, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Santa’s grand arrival at University Place Mall will be celebrated from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 24. According to its website, community members are invited to “come and welcome Santa as he makes an unforgettable entrance to University Place.”
The event will feature a DJ, face painting and refreshments.
Additionally, the Spanish Fork Festival of Lights begins on Thanksgiving Day and runs through New Year’s Day. At $10 per car, this drive-thru Christmas light showcase is one of his nearby options to start the Christmas season.
Resources for students in need
Kyle Slaughter, who oversees assessment and evaluation of Campus Life initiatives, said the aid provided to students will vary depending on the student’s situation. “If there is an urgent need, there are resources readily available,” he said.
“We want students to know that resources are available and that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it,” Slaughter said.
For students experiencing food insecurity before and after the holidays, the BYU Dean of Students Office provides students with connections to on-campus and off-campus resources. Students are encouraged to call or email the Dean of Students Office at 801-422-2731. .
The Office of Food and Housing Insecurity also provides guidance to those experiencing insecurity related to housing, local transportation, public transportation, and financial needs. According to the website, the program consists of multiple components, including direct assistance and referrals to on- and off-campus resources.
For more information on events outside of Provo and Orem, Utah, students and locals should visit the Utah Valley Events website.