Thanksgiving is all about good company, full plates, and leaving the cooking to someone else once in a while. Luckily, Arizona has plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday without turning on the oven, from lavish resort brunches and traditional buffets to waterfront dinners and private chef experiences. Here’s a look at some of the best ways to enjoy Thanksgiving around Arizona without spending the day in the kitchen.
Resort Brunches & Buffets
Thanksgiving Brunch at the Arizona Biltmore
2400 E Missouri Ave, Phoenix, AZ
November 26, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Arizona Biltmore’s annual Thanksgiving Brunch returns to the Gold Room, the resort’s original 1929 dining hall. The buffet centers on a turkey carving station with all the trimmings: house-made cranberry sauce, pan gravy, sourdough stuffing, and sweet potato casserole. The buffet also features a slow-cooked prime rib station and a seafood display with grilled lobster tails, king crab legs, and West Coast oysters, followed by a spread of holiday desserts. Live music and specialty cocktails set the mood, and football fans can slip over to the adjoining Aztec Room to catch the games. Tickets are $198+ for ages 13 and up, $69+ for ages 4–12, and free for little ones 3 and under. Refunds are available based on the event’s cancellation policy.
Thanksgiving at The Phoenician
6000 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
November 26, 2026 | J&G Steakhouse 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Mowry & Cotton 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., The Phoenician Tavern 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
For a Thanksgiving with plenty of options, The Phoenician is serving up holiday dining across three restaurants. J&G Steakhouse will offer a lavish brunch buffet with seasonal favorites for $235 per adult and $110 for children ages 5–12, along with dinner specials featuring classic steakhouse favorites and a specially curated prix fixe menu. Mowry & Cotton will serve Thanksgiving specials alongside its regular menu, with live guitar music, while The Phoenician Tavern will offer a Thanksgiving dinner buffet with live guitar music for $125 per adult and $62 for children ages 5–12. Kids 4 and under eat free at The Phoenician Tavern.
Thanksgiving Brunch at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ
November 26, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
At the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Thanksgiving is practically a culinary team sport. Four restaurants and five chefs come together for one big holiday brunch, with talent from Bourbon Steak, La Hacienda, Toro Scottsdale, and Ironwood American Kitchen each bringing their own themed menus to the table. Think turkey and stuffing with a side of chef flair. Be sure to book early, as this one is a local favorite.
Thanksgiving in The Wigwam Ballroom
300 E Wigwam Blvd, Litchfield Park, AZ
November 26, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Wigwam keeps things classic with a traditional Thanksgiving buffet packed with all your holiday favorites. It’s one of the more wallet-friendly resort options this year: $99 per adult and $30 per child ages 4–12, with children 3 and under dining free. Gratuity and service charge are not included.
Sit-Down Dinners & One-of-a-Kind Experiences
The Italiano Thanksgiving Buffet by Chef Joey
9301 E Shea Blvd #137, Scottsdale, AZ
November 26, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Thanksgiving the Italian way at The Italiano, where Chef Joey’s holiday buffet pairs traditional Thanksgiving classics with Italian favorites. Expect carving stations, fresh seafood, handmade pastas, seasonal sides, and decadent desserts in an energetic yet elegant setting. Adults are $120, and kids are $39. Reservations are highly recommended, as seating is limited.
Thanksgiving at Elements – Sanctuary Camelback Mountain
5700 E McDonald Dr, Paradise Valley, AZ
November 26, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Elements turns Thanksgiving into a three-course affair with sweeping mountain views and locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The menu brings a refined twist to holiday favorites, with options like Oysters Rockefeller, Burrata with roasted golden beets, Turkey Roulade, Beef Tenderloin, and Snapper Veracruz, followed by festive desserts including Spiced Cranberry Tart and Pumpkin Cheesecake. For those looking to make it an even bigger occasion, add-ons include a seafood tower, sashimi, caviar service, and shareable sides. Thanksgiving dinner is $175 for adults and $55 for children 12 and under, plus tax and gratuity, with add-ons priced separately.
Lake Pleasant Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise
8708 W Harbor Blvd, Peoria, AZ
November 26, 2026
Take Thanksgiving dinner out on the water with a sunset cruise on Lake Pleasant. Guests can enjoy a buffet dinner from Butcher Block Catering featuring oven-roasted turkey and stuffing, brown sugar-glazed ham, classic holiday sides, and apple or pumpkin pie, with a vegetarian herb-roasted spaghetti squash also available. Tickets are $85 for ages 13 and up, $50 for kids 4–12, and $15 for ages 0–3, with no meal included for the youngest guests. A full bar is available on board with cash-only service, and outside food and drinks are not permitted. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure. Bookings are non-refundable but can be rescheduled with 24 hours’ notice, and guests with dietary restrictions should call ahead since the food is prepared off-site.
Catering & Private Dining
The Herb Box
7051 E 5th Ave, Ste J, Scottsdale, AZ (Old Town) & 7000 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ
Catering menu coming soon
The Herb Box is gearing up for the holidays with options to bring the feast to you or gather the family in one of their private dining spaces. While the 2026 Thanksgiving Catering Menu hasn’t been released yet, last year’s “Whole Feast” package served 8–10 guests and included everything you need for a full holiday meal, making it easy to skip the grocery runs and kitchen prep. Check their website for this year’s menu and holiday offerings!
Gourmet Dining, Right at Your GoodNight Stay
For an elevated Thanksgiving without lifting a finger, take advantage of our culinary partners. Secret Garden brings private chefs, mixologists, and event staff right to your vacation home for a fully customized dining experience. Chef William Turner, an award-winning celebrity chef, can craft unforgettable in-home meals with Southern, West African, Native, and French-inspired flavors. Culinary Brigade offers a team of professional chefs ready to turn your stay into a gourmet adventure, from personalized meals to private cooking classes and lavish feasts. With these partners, your holiday at GoodNight Stay can be as effortless as it is delicious.
No need to stress over the turkey or pumpkin pie this year. After indulging at one of these spots, head back to your GoodNight Stay and kick back in a home that has everything you need to keep the holiday vibes rolling. Discover additional deals on our specials page to make your getaway sweeter. Your “home for the holidays” is waiting, just bring your appetite!
