Thanksgiving means a lot of things for Philadelphian's. It means the unofficial start of Winter and the holiday season, chilly streets and twinkly lights, the opening of the Christmas Village at Love Park and the Macy's Christmas Light Show. It means the biggest drinking night of the year (Thanksgiving Eve) and a day to hunker down with family and friends. It means party dresses, libations and great food.


Here is some essential information to get you through Thanksgiving this year, from where to go the night before, to where to eat-out or take-out if you don't feel like cooking, and where to shop on Black Friday.

Thanksgiving Eve

Thanksgiving Eve has become one of the biggest drinking nights of the year. It rivals New Years Eve as a party night and it makes sense. Everyone is home from out of town, people are feeling festive and everyone has off the next day to do nothing but hang out, watch football and gorge themselves. Here are some of the most happening places to go on Thanksgiving Eve.

The Barbary

The Barbary is pretty much always a mess (in a good way) and especially on Thanksgiving Eve. The party that night will be In Between Days. They'll be playing "the music you grew up to," (if you are 22).

Johnny Brenda's

DJs Emynd & BoBliz will be throwing one of their "The Year is" parties upstairs at Johnny Brendas. Emynd & Bo pick a year from the last 3 decades and play only songs from that year while they project themes and events from that period onto the stage.

These parties are very popular and attract a diverse crowd to revel in nostalgia and good times. The year is 1988.

Silk City

DJ Sammy Slice has been hosting the Mo' Money Mo' Problems party every week at Silk City for the last 5 years but this Wednesday night will be his last. Sammy Slice is known for playing a mix of hip hop and pop music that gets everybody dancing. This party has alway's been a blast and it will be missed, get it in one last time.

Public House

If you're a young professional who prefers Center City check out Public House. A $30 ticket includes a top shelf open bar from 9-11.

The Walnut Room

Philly famous DJs Brendan Bring'em and Low Budget host the longest running Wednesday dance party in the city and on Thanksgiving Eve it's a dane party on steroids.

Thanksgiving Restaurant Options.

Not everyone celebrates Thanksgiving the traditional way and that's OK. Some people have small families or live far from their's, some celebrate "Friendsgiving," and some would just rather be served than spend their day off cooking and cleaning. While many restaurants close early on Thanksgiving, some stay open and offer Thanksgiving inspired dishes. Many offer prefix family-style menus or grand buffets. Here are some places to go.

Supper

It's fitting that you should spend Thanksgiving at a restaurant called Supper. Chef Mitch Prensky is serving a traditional family-style feast.

The Prime Rib

This famously fancy Philadelphia landmark Steak House will be adding Thanksgiving favorites to their menu. An $18 turkey dinner is available for kids under 12.

Moshulu

Eat Thanksgiving dinner aboard the Moshulu, the cruise ship turned restaurant on the Delaware. They will be serving traditional turkey day items.

Lacroix

Lacroix is famous for their decadent brunches with chocolate fountains and oysters on the half shell. This year they will be serving a Thanksgiving themed all day brunch buffet. At $85 per person it is pricey but a deal considering the quality of food offered at unlimited portions.

Take Out!

You can also enjoy Thanksgiving from the comfort of your own home without cooking with these high end take out meals from The Farmers' Cabinet, Garces Trading Company, Tavern 17 and Percy Street BBQ.

Black Friday

Black Friday shoppers beware, this experience is not for the faint of heart. It is a highly competitive sport from the parking lot to the checkout line. If you do want to take part in the madness here are some Malls around Philly to visit.



Cherry Hill Mall

Nice mid-sized mall in Jersey. 2000 New 38 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.

Franklin Mills Mall

Discount and outlet mall in Northeast Philly. 1455 Franklin Mills Circle, Philadelphia, PA 19154.



King of Prussia

Only the 2nd biggest Mall in America with everything from Forever 21 to Louis Vuitton. 160 N Gulph Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

Willow Grove Park Mall

An nice mid-sized mall in the Philly burbs. 2500 West Moreland Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090.