Thanksgiving Travels: How to Celebrate with Family and Friends Around the World

Thanksgiving is a beloved time to connect with family, savor delicious comfort food, and reflect on gratitude. While it’s traditionally celebrated in the U.S., the spirit of celebrating this day can travel with you anywhere. Whether you’re planning to travel to a new destination or hoping to create a memorable Thanksgiving at home, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this holiday worldwide.

Top U.S. Destinations for a Memorable Thanksgiving:

• New York City, NY – NYC is famous for its iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, an even more rousing experience to witness in person. Book a hotel near Central Park for parade views, then enjoy a post-parade walk through Central Park’s autumn landscape before heading to a cozy restaurant for a holiday meal.
• Santa Fe, NM – For a Thanksgiving with a unique cultural twist, Santa Fe offers a blend of Southwestern charm, cozy resorts, and a rich art scene. Many restaurants provide farm-to-table Thanksgiving dishes with a bit of Southwestern spice. Spend time exploring the local galleries or relaxing by a fireside at one of Santa Fe’s historic hotels.
• Lake Tahoe, CA/NV – For those who love the great outdoors, Lake Tahoe offers stunning snow-capped mountains, winter sports, and warm lodges for a picture-perfect Thanksgiving. Start your day with a hike or a few runs on the slopes, then settle in by the fire for a cozy holiday feast in one of Tahoe’s lakeside resorts.

If you’re traveling internationally or live abroad, you can still bring Thanksgiving traditions with you or celebrate in ways that blend the holiday spirit with local culture. Here are some beautiful cities worldwide where you can celebrate Thanksgiving with a global twist.

Thanksgiving Around the World:

• London, UK – London has a booming expat community, and several restaurants offer Thanksgiving dinners for Americans and locals alike. After your meal, take a walk along the Thames or explore the festive lights in Covent Garden, as London begins its Christmas season.
• Paris, France – While Thanksgiving isn’t officially celebrated, Paris offers plenty of cozy spots where you can find a Thanksgiving meal or create your unique celebration. You might consider a picnic with turkey sandwiches along the Seine, or head to one of the city’s charming restaurants for an exceptional French twist on holiday classics.
• Tokyo, Japan – Tokyo has several international restaurants that offer Thanksgiving meals for expats and tourists. Add a Japanese twist to your Thanksgiving meal by incorporating local ingredients, like green beans in tempura or turkey with a teriyaki glaze. Explore Tokyo’s fall foliage at parks like Shinjuku Gyoen before dinner for a festive day.
• Sydney, Australia – Sydney is warm and sunny, making it ideal for a beachside celebration. Plan a Thanksgiving BBQ at Bondi or Manly Beach, where you can enjoy turkey burgers, corn on the cob, and beach games with family and friends.

Fun Thanksgiving Activities to Try:

• Host a Potluck Feast – Hosting a meal is a wonderful way to gather people, especially if you want a multicultural twist on traditional Thanksgiving. Ask friends and family to bring their favorite dish, a Thanksgiving classic, or something that reflects their background. This mix can make for a vibrant table with flavors from around the world.
• Outdoor Friendsgiving Picnic – If you’re staying close to home, consider an outdoor Friendsgiving. Dress warmly and find a scenic park where you can set up blankets and enjoy hot cider, turkey sandwiches, and other easy-to-pack Thanksgiving dishes. The fall scenery adds a cozy, rustic touch to the meal.
• Take a Thanksgiving Day Hike – Enjoy some time in nature with a Thanksgiving morning hike or a walk in your local park. Fall foliage can make the experience magical and is a great way to reflect on gratitude.
• Host a Virtual Call for Faraway Family – A virtual dinner can still bring you together if you can’t be with loved ones in person. Set up a video call, cook together virtually, and enjoy a meal with family across the miles. For an extra touch, everyone can share one thing they’re grateful for to keep the spirit of Thanksgiving alive.