7 Best Places to Experience Thanksgiving in the USA

New York City offers one of the most iconic Thanksgiving experiences with its famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. For over 90 years, this spectacular event has filled the streets of Manhattan with giant balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, and celebrity performances. Watching the parade is a must for visitors, whether you secure a spot along the parade route or catch the action on TV from a cosy hotel room.

After the parade, you can indulge in a traditional Thanksgiving meal at one of the city’s renowned restaurants, many of which offer special holiday menus. Extend your stay to experience the start of New York’s festive season, with ice skating at Rockefeller Center and the city’s iconic Christmas window displays.

For a dose of history, Plymouth, Massachusetts, is the ultimate Thanksgiving destination. Known as the birthplace of the first Thanksgiving in 1621, Plymouth offers a deeply immersive experience. Every year, the town hosts America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade, a re-enactment of the Pilgrims' journey and the first feast shared with the Wampanoag people.

You can visit historic sites such as Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower II ship, and Plimoth Patuxet Museums, where you can learn about Pilgrim and Native American history. Thanksgiving in Plymouth is a perfect blend of tradition, history, and celebration, making it an unforgettable way to commemorate the holiday.

Chicago is home to the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, a lively event that runs down State Street and features colourful floats, equestrian units, and performances from theatre companies and marching bands. It’s a classic, family-friendly celebration with an urban twist, perfect for those who want to experience the holiday in the Windy City.

After the parade, Chicago has plenty to offer, from exceptional Thanksgiving meals at its many award-winning restaurants to exploring the Magnificent Mile. The city also kicks off its holiday season with the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, which brings even more sparkle and festive cheer to your Thanksgiving break.

Step back in time and experience a Thanksgiving like no other in Colonial Williamsburg, a living-history museum that recreates life in 18th-century America. During the Thanksgiving season, visitors can enjoy traditional meals inspired by colonial recipes, complete with historical re-enactments and festivities.

Williamsburg also hosts the Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia event, where you can learn how early settlers and Native Americans prepared for the winter months and feast days. Add a visit to nearby Jamestown and Yorktown to further enrich your historical Thanksgiving experience.

For those who want to combine Thanksgiving with scenic views and a mild climate, San Francisco is an ideal choice. The city’s Embarcadero Center lights up for the holidays with a ceremonial tree lighting on Thanksgiving Day, while top restaurants offer special Thanksgiving menus featuring fresh, local ingredients. For a unique experience, many locals opt to take a Thanksgiving Bay Cruise, enjoying a traditional meal while taking in the stunning views of Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline.

After your meal, you can explore San Francisco’s famous neighborhoods, take a ride on the cable cars, or walk off your feast with a hike in the nearby Muir Woods or along the picturesque Marin Headlands.

Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg offers a charming, nature-filled Thanksgiving experience. Many visitors head to this mountain town to combine the holiday with a retreat into nature, surrounded by stunning fall foliage and crisp mountain air. Gatlinburg also hosts its own Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, which begins the day after Thanksgiving, making it the perfect destination for those looking to transition into the festive season.

Gatlinburg’s charming cabins, holiday feasts, and opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities provide a peaceful yet exciting way to celebrate Thanksgiving in a beautiful natural setting.

In New Orleans, Thanksgiving is a time for food, music, and celebration with a Southern flair. The city’s Bayou Classic, held over Thanksgiving weekend, is an annual football showdown between two historically Black colleges, Grambling State and Southern University. The festivities include a lively battle of the bands and a traditional Thanksgiving feast with a Cajun twist.

In New Orleans, you can expect turkey with a side of crawfish étouffée or jambalaya, and plenty of local entertainment. After your Thanksgiving meal, explore the city’s vibrant French Quarter, enjoy live jazz, or take a scenic walk along the Mississippi River. The city’s rich culture and unique culinary traditions make it an unforgettable place to spend the holiday.