Where should you celebrate Thanksgiving Day this year? Although the holiday is all about reuniting with your loved ones and sharing what you're thankful for, where you celebrate makes a bit of a difference. Imagine if you celebrate the
American holiday in Hawaii, for example, trading in that cool autumn weather with the warmth of the tropics. What about if you celebrate it in Orland, Florida instead? Perhaps share a feast with a certain famous mouse? And of course, you can't forget about the Big Apple, its iconic parade, and all its bustling energy! There are many great American cities that are perfect for you and your family to celebrate Thanksgiving Day!
New York City, New York
There's probably no better city to celebrate Thanksgiving than here in the Big Apple. When you want to have the ideal American holiday,
New York City is the place where you want to be. Right off the bat, there's the city's iconic
Thanksgiving Parade, an annual tradition that even folks from other parts of the country can join in on. It looks great on TV but there's no replacing seeing it all unfold in person. At the same time,
New York in the fall is fabulous! The foliage creates a stunning scenery that you'd only get to see on the back of a postcard.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Have you heard of Gatlinburg, Tennessee before? Probably not, right? It's not exactly a famous city. Compared to the iconic New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, and more, Gatlinburg is virtually non-existent. Even more so since it's not a metropolis to begin with. The place is more of a mountain town than anything else and this is what makes it one of the best places to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Instead of a typical dinner with all your relatives around, why not escape to the woods with only a handful of your loved ones? Imagine the sort of holiday adventures you'll have here!
Plymouth, Massachusetts
For Thanksgiving Day this year, why not go to the place where it all started? Plymouth, Massachusetts is only a 45-minute drive away from Boston. And while the city itself isn't as big and as metropolitan as the latter, it's still quite a sight to see. After all, this is the exact location where the pilgrims ate and made merry with the Native Americans, establishing the first-ever Thanksgiving celebration. If you go here for the holiday, you can see the historic town and all its old-world wonders, not to mention re-enactments of what happened during that fateful dinner all those years ago!
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Still on a history high and you want to stay that way for next year's Thanksgiving Day too? Then head on over to
Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania. You can't get any more historic than that. As Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, it's only natural that you'd want to spend it in the city where the country established its independence. As you tour Philadelphia's most famous spots, you'll fall deeper in love with America, even when you're already American yourself. And for a big bonus, you can enjoy the famous Philly Cheesesteak with your Thanksgiving turkey for dinner too!
Williamsburg, Virginia
Here's another historic haven for you: Williamsburg, Virginia. A well-known historic city, this is another place in the US where you can learn more about the country on one of its most famous holidays. In particular, Williamsburg focuses on what the culture was like back when America was first discovered. The city puts on events and exhibitions that show what people wore, how they acted, and what they ate in the 17th and 18th centuries. And every Thanksgiving Day, they also take you back to that time when the pilgrims met and dines with the Natives. You can learn what was on the menu during the first-ever Thanksgiving dinner!
New Orleans, Louisiana
That's enough about American history! You can focus on that on the
4th of July instead! Thanksgiving is all about two things: family (& friends) and food. And in New Orleans, Louisiana, you can enjoy both! Take your loved ones to this lively and colorful city and have a ball during the holiday. Dance to the jazzy tunes of the city's famous music scene, see the iconic sights, and of course, indulge in their flavorful southern cuisine. From Gumbo and Jambalaya to Beignets and Bananas Foster, why not have a unique holiday feast this year?
Orlando, Florida
Truth be told, there's really only one reason why you should celebrate Thanksgiving Day in Orlando, Florida:
Walt Disney World! Isn't it only fitting that you'd take your friends and family to the “happiest place on Earth” on the day you share what you're thankful for? What better way to express how grateful you are for having them in your life than letting them have the time of their lives here? You all can meet the adorable characters from your favorite
Disney films, go on thrilling rides, play fun games, and more. And to end the day right, watch their colorful parade. What's not to love?
Honolulu, Hawaii
Finally, there's Honolulu, Hawaii. Thanksgiving Day is practically synonymous with the autumn season and its scenic beauty and idyllic charms. It's as if it's not a real Thanksgiving if you're not surrounded by fall foliage and there aren't any pears and pumpkins on your dinner table. With that said, however, sometimes you'd just want to escape the cold. And what better place to do that than in Hawaii? The island is known for its sunny weather all year round and in its capital city of Honolulu, there's a lot of fun to be had, even on Thanksgiving!
These American cities are arguably the best places for you and your friends & family to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. From history and heritage to traditions, these cities have what you need for the best holiday ever!
