Thanksgiving weekend at Crystal Mountain has two different starting lines: a race course Thursday morning and a holiday trail Friday evening.

The Thompsonville resort’s November 26–28 Reconnect Weekend offers a possible outing for Grand Traverse-area families looking beyond the dinner table.

The race and the trail are separate events, with different times, prices and planning needs.

Thanksgiving morning on the course

The Turkey Vulture Trot begins Thursday, November 26, with the 5K at 9 a.m. and a one-mile fun run at 10 a.m.

The start is near Kinlochen on Mountain Center Road, and part of the proceeds will benefit North Sky Raptor Sanctuary.

The resort says the 2026 race will use chip timing, recording when a runner crosses the start and finish.

Advance online prices are $25 for the 5K and $10 for the fun run through November 25 at 9 a.m.

Higher pricing begins a full day before the race: $40 for the 5K and $25 for the fun run after that cutoff.

Advance race-supply pickup is listed for November 25, noon–4 p.m., at Park at Water’s Edge; race-day check-in is in the Kinlochen lobby outside The Thistle.

Save the registration confirmation and check the current instructions before heading to the resort.

Friday evening: follow the lights

The Holiday Trail Celebration runs Friday, November 27, 5–8 p.m.

Santa’s arrival begins at 5 p.m., followed by the tree lighting at the Crystal Center at 5:30 p.m.

The advertised trail includes activities, food and beverage sales, retail promotions and visits with Santa and his reindeer.

Pick up one Holiday Trail Guide per family at the front desk, Park at Water’s Edge or Mountain Market.

For the prize drawing, the page instructs visitors to collect five trail-stop stamps and return their completed guide to Park at Water’s Edge by 7:55 p.m.

The drawing is at 8 p.m.; entrants must be 18 or older, and the limit is one entry per family.

Budget for the extras

The trail page lists paid activities, including laser tag, skate rentals and horse-drawn surrey rides.

Some require advance reservations, and skating depends on weather.

Promotions are advertised for several resort shops, but the published page does not establish a single discount that applies to every purchase.

Check the specific shop or activity before treating a promotional mention as a guaranteed saving.

Build a manageable weekend

The Reconnect Weekend overview also points to Thanksgiving dining, crafts and other resort activities.

Treat it as a menu of possibilities rather than an all-inclusive package.

Ask which activities are available to day visitors, what requires a reservation and what is included with any lodging you might book.

Families can choose a race morning, the Friday lighting or a longer visit instead of trying to fit every option into one trip.

Plan warm clothing and a meeting point, and allow for the practical needs of everyone in the group.

If relatives are visiting, send the exact event link rather than only the resort name so they arrive at the correct place and time.

For race and trail questions, the published contact is Park at Water’s Edge, 231-378-2238.

Confirm conditions and the current schedule before traveling; holiday activities and weather-dependent offerings may change.