MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Thanksgiving in the Monadnock Region is about more than just food — it’s about community. Whether your family is looking for a festive night out, wants to enjoy a fully prepared feast at home, or simply needs a place to gather with others this holiday season, local restaurants and organizations are once again stepping up. From Keene to Jaffrey to Brattleboro, here’s where to find dine-in, takeout, and community Thanksgiving meals next week on and around the holiday.

Community and No-Cost Thanksgiving Meals

Several local organizations are offering free Thanksgiving meals to anyone seeking a warm holiday dinner or a welcoming place to gather. In Keene, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Keene Aerie #1413 will host its 21st Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for Those in Need, a longstanding tradition that feeds hundreds of residents each year. The meal will be served at the 100 Nights Shelter, 122 Water St., on Thanksgiving Day. Organizers encourage community support through donations and volunteer help amid rising need and uncertainty around SNAP benefits. For more information, contact Mary Russell, Madam President, Ladies Auxiliary at mary.russell_12@outlook.com, or Erica Bean, Past Madam State President, Ladies Auxiliary, at queenbee296@hotmail.com, or call 352-9253.

Also in Keene, the Assembly of God will serve a free Community Thanksgiving Dinner on November 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This sit-down meal, served by volunteers, includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, corn, carrots, rolls, pie, coffee, iced tea, and more. No sign-up is required, and everyone is welcome.

In Jaffrey, The Optimist Café, located at 16 Colls Farm Road, will host a complimentary Thanksgiving feast for anyone needing a warm meal and good company. The menu includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, squash, green beans, homemade rolls, and pies for dessert. While donations are appreciated, they are never required. Guests are encouraged to RSVP by phone at 593-5389, direct message, or email to help the café prepare.

Dine-In Thanksgiving Options

For those looking to enjoy a festive meal out, Fritz Belgian Fries in Keene is offering a Thanksgiving buffet with turkey and gravy, beef and gravy, stuffed shells, mac and cheese, smashed red potatoes, cornbread stuffing, vegetable sides, dips, appetizers, pies, and desserts. Gluten-free meals are available upon request. Buffet seatings on Thanksgiving Day are from 12:00–1:30 p.m., 1:30–3:00 p.m., and 3:00–4:30 p.m. Pricing is $45 for adults, $20 for children under 12, and free for kids under 5. Reservations are required at 357-6393, as seating is limited.

In Brattleboro, The New England House will serve a cooked-from-scratch Thanksgiving menu from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., featuring butternut squash bisque, harvest salad, traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings, maple-Dijon ham, seafood selections, and vegetarian or vegan options. Call (802) 254-6886 for reservations.

For those seeking an upscale pre-holiday experience, Granita Enoteca in Keene is hosting a Thanksgiving Wine & Chef’s Tasting Dinner on Saturday, November 23, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The five-course menu is paired with American wines and guided by the restaurant’s sommelier. Phone: 355-5242.

Takeout Options for a Stress-Free Holiday

If you prefer to enjoy Thanksgiving at home without the stress of cooking, several local establishments are offering takeout meals. The Arlington Inn and Tavern in Winchester provides single-serve Thanksgiving dinners ready to warm, available for pickup or delivery on November 26 from 5–7 p.m. and November 27 from 9–11 a.m. Delivery is available in Winchester and Ashuelot only. Meals include turkey with gravy, rolls, cranberry sauce, a choice of three sides, and a dessert slice, with a vegetarian option of roasted portabella mushroom. Pricing is $27 per meal or two for $50, with extra pie slices for $4 and whole pies for $16. Orders are due by November 23 at 8 p.m., with payment due at pickup or delivery. The Arlington will also donate meals to families in need if contacted before November 23. Email orders to thearlingtoninn@outlook.com or call 239-4728.

In Brattleboro, the Brattleboro Food Co-op is offering pre-order holiday meals for pickup on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Their Turkey Feast includes maple-brined turkey breast, roasted butternut squash, maple-glazed carrots, roasted asparagus, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and salad. A Vegan Feast is also available, featuring a tofu entrée with roasted vegetables, gluten-free stuffing, and matching sides. Orders are accepted online only, with no substitutions. Phone: (802) 257-0236.