Image courtesy of Lanier Islands Resort
Whether you pride yourself on being the host/hostess with the mostest or have barely mastered the skill of boiling water, the one holiday of the year that involves gathering around the table in front of a major spread is just around the corner. You may adore the recipes passed down for generations and the smiles on your guests’ faces as they savor each bite, but few people enjoy the hours of cooking and cleaning that go into preparing (and recovering from) that feast. Thanksgiving 2026 may be the year you reimagine a few holiday traditions.
A Compelling Argument for Going Out
If you live in Traditions of Braselton, you already know there is a veritable cornucopia of excellent eateries nearby, some of which will be open for Thanksgiving. Topping that list is neighboring Chateau Elan Winery & Resort.
Chateau Elan invites you and your family to gather around a table in its stunning Versailles Restaurant for an unforgettable Thanksgiving Day Brunch on November 26, from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. Promising an occasion where cherished traditions meet elevated Southern hospitality, the day begins with a thoughtfully curated menu of made-to-order omelets, croissant waffles fresh from the griddle, and house-baked pastries. You can also explore chef-attended stations, a lavish raw bar, and festive carving displays featuring oven-roasted turkey and herb-crusted prime rib. Seasonal favorites come together to create a feast worthy of the occasion, and a kids’ table will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. An irresistible dessert collection will make it easy to end this feast on a sweet note. You can savor every moment and celebrate the warmth of the season together for $140 per adult/youth over 12 and $58 per child aged 5-12. Children 4 and under dine for free with a paying adult. To learn more and view the menu, visit the event page on their website.
Located within 25 miles of Traditions of Braselton – a veritable straight shot west on nearby Friendship Road, Lanier Islands Resort combines savory, sweet, and scenery for an unforgettable Thanksgiving Buffet. Hosted from noon to 6 p.m. on November 26 in the Grand Ballroom of its Legacy Lodge, the lakeside destination invites guests to skip the cooking and the cleanup in favor of the opportunity to relax, indulge, and make the most of the season with an expertly prepared holiday feast. From traditional favorites like carved turkey and cornbread stuffing to decadent desserts, this bountiful holiday spread will satisfy every craving. Enjoy carved prime rib and pork loin, several action stations, seasonal sides like sweet potato casserole and parmesan garlic-whipped potatoes, and a grand dessert display. Reservations are required for the Thanksgiving Buffet and can be made by calling 678-318-2048. With the first seating at noon and the final seating at 5:30 p.m., the $20 resort gate fee is waived with each Thanksgiving Buffet reservation. Buffet pricing is $98 for Adults (14+), $75 for Seniors (62+), $48 for Children (6–13), and FREE for Children 5 & under (with a paid adult). If you time your visit right, you and your family can also enjoy the resort’s newly expanded holiday light show, the Magical Nights of Lights – showing nightly from November 20-January 3, 2027. To learn more about the Thanksgiving Buffet and Magical Nights of Lights at Lanier Islands Resort, visit https://www.lanierislands.com/holiday-events/.
OpenTable also lists Seasons 52 and Fogo de Chão near the Mall of Georgia, and McCrays Tavern on the Square and Perry’s Chophouse in Lawrenceville as open for Thanksgiving. Cracker Barrel is also open nationwide on Thanksgiving. You can always split the difference and pick up their Southern classics, including a Homestyle Turkey n’ Dressing Meal on Thanksgiving, to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
A Compelling Argument for Staying In
Again, if you live in Traditions of Braselton, your home is gorgeous and worth sharing with the ones you love best. Whether you’re preparing your Thanksgiving feast in your chef-inspired kitchen while your guests gather at your island to watch you work your magic, or everyone is seated around the table in your beautifully bedecked dining room to enjoy the meal you’ve prepared, the holidays are a wonderful time to show off your home.
If cooking isn’t your strong suit but hosting is, you can always ask others to help. Our neighboring Publix at West Jackson Crossing offers fully prepared Thanksgiving meals that feature a fully cooked turkey, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, homestyle gravy, cranberry orange relish, and marshmallow delight. You can also design your own meal with a choice of proteins, platters – such as deviled eggs or charcuterie, sides, desserts, and more. HOT TIP: order by November 23! You can always pick up a Honey Baked Ham and go potluck, asking your guests to bring their favorite Thanksgiving dishes to adorn your table and fill everyone’s stomachs.
As Long As You’re Switching Things Up…
If you’re planning to go against tradition this year by either dining out or staying in, it might be a great opportunity to embrace a NEW tradition or two. If staying home, consider starting a gratitude tablecloth – providing fabric pens for your guests to write what they’re thankful for – something you can pull out and add to each Thanksgiving. You can also search TikTok for the trendiest holiday games and turn the post-meal recovery into a memorable experience. If competition is your thing, ask your guests to wear their ugliest holiday sweater and present the winner with a trophy. If you go the potluck route, ask guests to bring recipe cards for their featured dish to share with everyone. With the holidays right around the corner and so many families in need, consider partnering with a local charity, hosting a donation drive, and asking your guests to bring items from the charity’s wish list.
If dining out, consider incorporating some of your cherished holiday traditions into the meal. You can still go around the table and share what everyone is most thankful for or their favorite Thanksgiving memory from past years. You can also take a post-meal Turkey Trot near the restaurant to get some fresh air, aid digestion, and extend the memories.
From all of us here at the Traditions of Braselton Discovery Center, we wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving! May you have much to be thankful for!
If you’re not already a neighbor at Traditions of Braselton, we encourage you to change that well before NEXT Thanksgiving rolls around. We’d love to introduce you to our one-of-a-kind master-planned community, our builder partners, and our wealth of lifestyle-enhancing amenities. Learn more at www.traditionsofbraseltonhomes.com!
KB 10/21/26
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