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Thanksgiving 2025 in the Nisswa and Brainerd Lakes Area

  • Writer: Camp Nisswa
    Camp Nisswa
  • 3 days ago
  • 8 min read

Updated: 2 hours ago



Looking for the perfect Thanksgiving plans in the Lakes Area? How about a home-cooked meal or a pre-made Thanksgiving Dinner to go or a Thanksgiving Day Buffet/Dinner? We've compiled a list of Thanksgiving dinners, pre-order options, and other activities in the Lakes Area to help you out! We'll continue adding to our list as we discover more Thanksgiving options. If you know of any dinners, Thanksgiving specials, or buffets, please reach out to us at info@campnisswa.com or submit the details via our event submission page. We're working on curating your Thanksgiving 2025 guide. Keep checking this page for updates as we continue adding events and dinner specials!


Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 27, 2025 | Nisswa, MN, Brainerd, MN, & Surrounding Areas

Happy Turkey Day from all of us at Camp Nisswa!

Meals / Pre-Orders / Buffets:


Pre-Order Grandma Bettie Jane's Pies from Schaefer's Foods for Thanksgiving | Nisswa, MN

  • Details: Grandma Bettie Jane’s Pies are made from scratch and baked fresh daily in in their store. A variety of pies are available daily.  Orders can be placed in our bakery for your favorite fruit or cream pies. Orders for cream pies require a 24-hour notice. Grandma Bettie Jane’s Pies are also available in the freezer section to take and bake! To order your favorite Grandma Bettie Jane's pie, call our bakery at 218-963-2265

  • Link


Knotty Pine Bakery – Thanksgiving Pre-Orders | Brainerd & Nisswa, MN

  • Date: Pre-Order by Friday, November 21, 2025 | Pick-Up Tuesday, November 25 or Wednesday, November 26, 2025

  • Details: 

    • Decorated Sugar Cookies – Buttery sugar cookies hand-decorated in festive fall colors. Available in packs of 6 or 12. ($30–$60)

    • 8" Pumpkin Cheesecake (GF-Friendly) – A perfectly spiced, creamy pumpkin cheesecake on a crushed-pecan crust. ($44)

    • 9" Pie – Scratch-made pies filled with homemade fillings and flaky crusts. ($40)

  • Pick-Up Locations:

    • Brainerd: Knotty Pine Bakery, 707 Laurel St, Brainerd, MN — (218) 454-2470•

    • Nisswa: Knotty Pine Bakery + Coffee Shop, 25469 Main St, Nisswa, MN

  • Order Details: Orders must be placed online by 11:55 PM on November 21 at knottypinebakery.com/shop.

  • Pick-up November 25–26 in Brainerd or Nisswa.


Passport Restaurant – Take & Bake Thanksgiving Dinner | Brainerd, MN

  • Date: Order by Sunday, November 23, 2025 at noon | Pick-Up: Wednesday, November 26 (11:00 AM – 6:00 PM) or Thursday, November 27 (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

  • Details: Let Passport Restaurant handle the cooking — just heat, serve, and enjoy! Each fully cooked meal includes Roasted Turkey Breast, your choice of Mashed Potatoes or Mashed Sweet Potatoes, choice of Corn or Butternut Squash, Homestyle Stuffing, Savory Gravy, Jellied Cranberry Sauce, and a Fresh-Baked Dinner Roll. Add a slice of plain cheesecake for $8.

  • Pricing:

    • 1 Person — $22

    • 2 People — $42

    • 4 People — $82

  • Order Details: Call 218-454-7243 to order by Sunday, November 23 at noon. Pick-up at Passport Restaurant, 606 Laurel St., Downtown Brainerd.

  • Link


Sunshine’s Summerhouse – Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner | Lake Shore, MN

  • Date: Pick-Up Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM

  • Details: Enjoy a stress-free holiday meal from Sunshine’s Summerhouse, where every Thanksgiving dinner is freshly smoked and chilled for easy reheating. Choose a full meal or just the smoked turkey for your table.

  • Turkey Dinner Includes:

    • Whole Smoked Turkey (approximately 12 lbs before smoking, serves 8–10)

    • Caesar Salad

    • Mashed Potatoes

    • Creamed Corn

    • Bread Pudding

  • All orders come chilled with heating instructions included.

  • Pricing:

    • Smoked Turkey, Sides & Dessert — $134.99 (Serves 8–10)

    • Smoked Turkey Only — $74.99 (Serves 8–10)

  • Reservations: Pre-order online at sunshinessummerhouse.com/thanksgivingturkey.html.

  • Pick-up only at Sunshine’s Summerhouse, 2008 Hill Dr, Lake Shore, MN. For questions, call 218-961-4300.


3 Cheers Hospitality – Thanksgiving Family Meal | Brainerd, MN

  • Date: Pick-Up Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

  • Details: Skip the stress of cooking and shopping — 3 Cheers Hospitality has your Thanksgiving dinner ready to heat and serve. Each family meal includes your choice of Slow Roasted Turkey Breast or Honey Glazed Pit Ham, served with Extra Buttery Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic Gravy, Honey Thyme Carrots, Garlic Green Beans, Cranberry Chicken Walnut Salad*, Chef’s Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, Artisan Dinner Rolls, and UGLY Cheesecake.

  • Pricing:

    • Family of 2 — $64

    • Family of 4 — $128

    • Family of 6 — $191

  • Add-Ons: Pound of Ham — $20 | Pound of Turkey — $20 | Mac & Cheese — $10 | Butternut Squash Soup (32 oz) — $15

  • Order Details: Order online at 3cheershospitality.square.site


Thanksgiving Made Easy with Notch 8’s Heat & Eat Dinners | Brainerd, MN

  • Details: Take the stress out of Thanksgiving with Notch 8 Restaurant & Catering’s chef-made Heat & Eat dinners, featuring all the homemade flavor without the hassle. Each meal includes rotisserie smoked and sliced turkey, smoked gouda scalloped potatoes, scratch-made gravy, honey brown sugar glazed winter squash, cran-pecan sage dressing, and classic pumpkin pie. Available in three sizes—2 servings for $69, 4 servings for $129, and 8 servings for $244. Orders must be placed by November 21, 2025, by calling 507-609-0311, with pickup on November 26, 2025, from 4–6 p.m. at Notch 8 in the Northern Pacific Center.

  • Link


Community Thanksgiving by the Brainerd American Legion, VFW, Eagles, and Elks | Brainerd, MN

  • Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025

  • Details: Police and Fire departments will deliver meals from 9 to 10:30 AM, followed by drive-through public pickup from 11 AM to 1 PM.

    To reserve a dinner, call the Brainerd Legion at 218-829-2249.

    There will be no indoor dining this Thanksgiving, as all meals are for delivery or pickup only.

  • Link


Breezy Point Resort – Thanksgiving Buffet at Marina II | Breezy Point, MN

  • Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

  • Details: Enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving lakeside at Breezy Point Resort’s Marina II Restaurant. The buffet features Herb Crusted Prime Rib with au jus and creamy horseradish, Roasted Turkey with cranberry sauce and gravy, and a wide array of accompaniments including Orange Maple Baked Salmon, Country Stuffing, Mac & Cheese, Sweet Potato Casserole, Brussels Sprouts, Chicken Wild Rice Soup, and festive desserts.

  • Pricing:

    • Adults: $40.95

    • Ages 5–12: $18.95

    • Under 4: Eat Free

  • Reservations: Reservations are required and this event will sell out. Book via OpenTable or call 218-562-7161 for groups larger than 12.

  • Menu Link


Dine-In Thanksgiving Dinner at Madden's on Gull Lake | Brainerd, MN

  • Date: November 27, 2025, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

  • Details: Celebrate Thanksgiving with a delicious buffet prepared by Madden’s culinary team in the scenic Wilson Bay Dining Room overlooking Gull Lake. Enjoy traditional Thanksgiving dishes with a modern twist. MENU LINK

    • Cost: $45 for adults, $12 for children ages 4-12, free for children 3 and under.

    • Reservations: Call 218-855-5924 to reserve your spot.

  • Link


Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort Thanksgiving Dinner | Deerwood, MN

  • Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Details: Celebrate Thanksgiving at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort with a festive buffet featuring classic and creative holiday dishes. Enjoy Rosemary & Sage Roasted Turkey with cranberry-jalapeño relish, Triple Smoked Dark Cherrywood Bone-in Ham, and Slow Roasted Rosemary and Sea Salt Prime Rib with au jus and creamy horseradish.

  • The buffet also includes all the fixin’s — Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Streusel Casserole, Charred Brussels Sprouts with Maple-Bourbon Glaze, Mac & Cheese, Crusted Rosemary Scalloped Potatoes, Smoked Salmon & Lake Trout by Northern Waters Smokehaus, and a full dessert bar featuring Apple Pumpkin Pecan Crisp, Vanilla Crème Brûlée, Flourless Chocolate Torte, and assorted pies.

  • Pricing:

    • Adults: $45

    • Ages 4–11: $17

    • Under 3: Free

  • Reservations:

    • Call 218-678-4644 to reserve your table.

  • More Info:

Thanksgiving at the Quarterdeck Resort | Nisswa, MN

  • Date: November 27, 2025, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

  • Details: Bring your family and friends and enjoy a turkey dinner for Thanksgiving on Gull Lake.

  • Link


Bites Pub & Grub Thanksgiving Menu | Pine River, MN

  • Date: November 27, 2025, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

  • Details: Bites Pub & Grub will serve a special Thanksgiving menu featuring Parmesan Crusted Walleye, Turkey, or Prime Rib, each accompanied by mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, stuffing, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, and a choice of soup or salad. Pie will be available for $3 per slice. The regular breakfast menu is offered from 8 AM to 12 PM, and the Thanksgiving meal will be served from 12 to 5 PM. The regular menu will not be available. Reservations are encouraged by calling 218-587-2564.

  • Link


Thanksgiving Buffet at Grand View Lodge | Nisswa, MN

  • Date: November 27, 2025, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

  • Details: $59 for Adults, $14 for Children (ages 4-10). Reservations Required, call 218-963-8756

  • Link


 Nisswa American Legion – Thanksgiving Special Opening | Nisswa, MN

  • Date: November 27, 2025, 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

  • Details: Potluck at 4:00 PM | Bar and pull-tabs open

  • Link


Thanksgiving Potluck at Harpo's | Merrifield, MN

  • Date: November 27, 2025, 3:00 PM

  • Details: . If you want to join in please stop by the bar and sign up for what your bringing.

  • Link


A Traditional Cragun’s Thanksgiving Feast | Brainerd, MN

  • Date: November 27, 2025, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

  • Details: Lakeside Dining Room, Adults $39, Kids 5-12 $15, Kids 4 & Under Free. Guests who are lodging in our Lakeside Lodge Hotel rooms for 2 nights or more receive Thanksgiving dinner. Make your reservations by calling 218-825-2700

    Open to the public.

  • Link




Highlighted Events:


Brainerd Turkey Run | Brainerd, MN

  • Date: Morning of November 27, 2025

  • Details: 16th Annual Brainerd Turkey Run on Thanksgiving Day morning! 5k run / 1 mile walk. All proceeds benefit the Shriners Children's Twin Cities.

  • Link


Craft Fair at the Nisswa American Legion | Nisswa, MN

  • Dates: November 28: 10 AM - 5 PM | November 29: 9 AM - 5 PM

  • Link


Nisswa City Of Lights | Nisswa, MN

  • Date: November 28, 2025

  • Details: City of Lights is Nisswa’s beloved holiday celebration happening Friday, November 28, 2025, in Downtown Nisswa. The event transforms the town into a festive wonderland with twinkling lights covering trees, fences, and storefronts. Families can enjoy photos with Santa, storytelling, food vendors, bonfires, cider, mini donuts, and holiday carolers. The evening concludes with a dazzling fireworks show, making it a cherished kickoff to the holiday season.

  • Link


Black Friday in Crosslake Town Square | Crosslake, MN

  • Date: November 28, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Details: 2nd Annual Black Friday Event

  • Link


Aitkin’s “World Famous” Fish House Parade | Aitkin, MN

  • Date: November 28, 2025

  • Details: 33nd Annual Fish House Parade | The Fish House Parade is a family-friendly event.

  • Link


Small Business Saturday in Crosslake Town Square | Crosslake, MN

  • Date: November 29, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Link


Holiday Market at Roundhouse Brewery | Nisswa, MN

  • Date: November 29, 2024 | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

  • Details: Start your holiday shopping early with some small business shopping! They will have vendors from around the area with lots of gifts ideas for you!.

  • Link


Live Music:


Roundhouse Brewery | Nisswa, MN

  • Wednesday, November 26, 2025 - The Mark Petersen Band from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

  • Friday, November 28, 2025 - Tailgunners from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

  • Saturday, November 29, 2025 - Mark Mraz from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM


Jack Pine Brewery | Baxter, MN

  • Friday, November 28, 2025 - Sophie Diumenti from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM


  • Friday, November 28, 2025 - Seth Doud at 6:30 PM

  • Saturday, November 29, 2025 - Tequila Tom from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM


Snarky Loon Brewing | Jenkins, MN

  • Saturday, November 29, 2025 - Dos Guys from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM


Quarterdeck | Nisswa, MN

  • Saturday, November 29, 2025 - Michael Pink from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM


The Side Tack | Brainerd, MN

  • Saturday, November 29, 2025 - Bombshell starting at 9:00 PM


Make sure to check out our Weekend Roll Call during the week of Thanksgiving to access a comprehensive list of events and activities planned for the holiday weekend.


Thanksgiving Lodging Packages:


Cragun’s in Brainerd, MN

Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, MN

  • Dates: November 26 - November 30, 2025

  • Link


Quarterdeck Resort on Gull Lake


Madden's on Gull Lake


Breezy Point Resort

  • Details: Stay November 26 or 27 and receive ½ off your buffet when you book the Thanksgiving Package.

  • Link


Gull Lake Beach Resort


*All dates and activities are subject to change* © 2025 Camp Nisswa LLC.  All Rights Reserved

© 2025 Camp Nisswa LLC. All Rights Reserved


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