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  • More Best Places To Spend Thanksgiving Weekend In The US

Thanksgiving is an American holiday that is celebrated as widely as Christmas. This federal holiday takes place on the fourth Thursday of November and sees retailers mark down prices for Black Friday sales, families gather for turkey dinners, and parades gracing the streets of America’s favorite cities. These are some of the best spots in the US to spend Thanksgiving Weekend this year.

UPDATE: 2023/09/12 21:03 EST BY REENA JAIN

More Best Places To Spend Thanksgiving Weekend In The US

Wondering about the best places to spend Thanksgiving weekend in the US? Well, there are many exciting places offering cherishable experiences. This list has been updated with four more places to go for Thanksgiving in the US along with new pictures and links. Choose one and spend a great weekend with family.

Related: 10 Things To Do In NYC During Thanksgiving That Aren't The Parade

14 Gatlinburg, Tennessee

People passing by A wooden wall featuring "Gatlinburg" in Gatlinburg, USA
Photo by A n v e s h on Unsplash
 People passing by A wooden wall featuring "Gatlinburg" in Gatlinburg, USA

Gatlinburg serves as a stunning gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is a popular vacation destination for families. Although its serene beauty is at its best in the fall and there are a range of activities that make for a fun fall trip. Additionally, The Great Smoky Mountains Thanksgiving and Christmas Arts and Crafts Show and many other exciting events make it one of the top Thanksgiving getaways in the US. It's also a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, with many adrenaline-raising activities at Mount Harrison.

13 Hawaii

Hawaiian Luau performers on a beach
Image by Les Bohlen from Pixabay
Hawaiian Luau performers on a beach

November is the ideal time to visit Hawaii for those who love traveling amid fewer crowds. It is also the ideal time to savor a delicious turkey dinner, as the majority of resort restaurants offer special Thanksgiving meals. Visitors can enjoy beaches, a range of water sports, tasty local dishes, a not-to-be-missed beachside luau performance, and the cultural diversity of this paradise. Embrace the spirit of gratitude in a laid-back island setting, and have a memorable and fun Thanksgiving.

12 Orlando, Florida

Universal Studios, Orlando
Foto de Aditya Vyas na Unsplash
Universal Studios, Orlando

There are many Halloween haunts, culinary treats, and cultural delights to enjoy in Orlando during the fall. The city is also among the best places to spend Thanksgiving in the US, as many theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios have extended hours during holiday weeks. Additionally, Disney World also offers a range of Thanksgiving dinner options to make sure that guests aren't missing out on the traditional feast.

11 Chicago, Illinois

The bustling metropolis of Chicago

Image by Q K from Pixabay
The bustling metropolis of Chicago

Travelers love to visit Chicago for many reasons, and many even brave the chilly temperatures to enjoy a range of exciting holiday activities and attractions that make it one of the best Thanksgiving vacations in the USA. Its annual Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the biggest in the country, with award-winning marching bands, enormous helium balloons, equestrian units, performance groups, dancing troupes, celebrities, and much more.

10 Canterbury, New Hampshire

Canterbury, New Hampshire

Image by David from Pixabay
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

Canterbury is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful towns in New Hampshire. Located in picturesque New England, Canterbury is best visited during fall because of the stunning leaf colors on the trees and the ground. A highlight of Canterbury is the iconic Shaker Village. The charming historic settlement is home to old structures, artisan markets, and other festive events.

9 Georgetown, Colorado

Georgetown, Colorado

Image by Abhay Bharadwaj from Pixabay
Georgetown Loop Rail, Colorado

Georgetown, Colorado, is located west of Denver via I-70. It’s a historic town known for its beautiful Victorian buildings, the large lake that is visible from the highway, and its antique shops. Whether travelers want to spend a full Thanksgiving weekend here or simply make it a day trip from Denver, it’s worth visiting for the history and quaint, old-world charm.

8 Lake Placid, New York

A beautiful orange fall foliage over a body of water in Lake Placid.
Photo by Catia Dombaxe on Unsplash
A beautiful orange fall foliage over a body of water in Lake Placid

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life for Thanksgiving Weekend by visiting the Adirondack Mountains in Lake Placid, New York. The village, located near the lake of the same name, is a peaceful getaway spot with mountain views and fresh air. It’s one of the few cities in the United States to have hosted the Olympics, and active travelers can participate in the town’s 5K Turkey Trot event.

7 Estes Park, Colorado

Estes Park Lake, Estes Park, Colorado
Shutterstock
A photo of Estes Park Lake, Estes Park, Colorado

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s no better place to spend Thanksgiving Weekend in the US than in the town of Estes Park, Colorado. Located in the north of the state, this town is a jumping-off point for the exploration of Rocky Mountain National Park. Spending the weekend in Estes Park means lots of fantastic hiking opportunities, fresh air, and mountain views.

Related: Thanksgiving Brunch Is So Much Better Than Dinner (And Way More Affordable)

6 Wareham, Massachusetts

Wareham Town Hall

Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Wareham Town Hall, Wareham, Massachusetts

Located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, the town of Wareham is well known for its thriving cranberry industry. The main road in the town (Route 28) is known as the Cranberry Highway. Travelers who love their turkey with a side of cranberry sauce won’t find a better spot to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. Starting in late October, visitors to Wareham can enjoy Cranberry Bog Tours and visits to Makepeace Farms.

5 New York City, New York

New York City
Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash
New York City skyline aerial view

It’s always a good time of year to visit New York City, and the Big Apple is especially lively during Thanksgiving Weekend. Not only is Central Park gorgeous during autumn, but there are lots of events taking place during the Thanksgiving Weekend. Perhaps the most notable is the Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which takes place on Thanksgiving Thursday from 9:00 am to noon.

In addition to the Thanksgiving Day Parade, travelers can attend holiday markets and go ice skating at various rinks around the city. One of the most popular is the ice rink at Rockefeller Center, but there are also less crowded skating options at parks like Central Park.

4 Asheville, North Carolina

Biltmore Estates in Asheville North Carolina
Photo by Stephanie Klepacki on Unsplash
Biltmore Estates in Asheville North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina, is frequently listed as one of the best destinations to visit in the United States during the fall. It’s got stunning fall foliage and is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering scenic views and hiking opportunities. Visiting over Thanksgiving weekend means indulging in Turkey buffets and shopping on Friday and Saturday at the 200+ shops in the town.

Related: Non-Traditional Things To Do Instead Of Traveling (Or Turkey-ing) For Thanksgiving

3 Scottsdale, Arizona

Camelback Mountain and the skyline of old town Scottsdale, Arizona
Shutterstock
Camelback Mountain and the skyline of old town Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale, Arizona, is full of exciting activities to try, including hiking Camelback Mountain and visiting Papago Park. The desert city remains balmy during the daytime in November, with highs of 27ºC, while nights are pleasantly cool, averaging around 6ºC. Many resorts and restaurants in Scottsdale remain open on Thanksgiving, allowing visitors to indulge in Thanksgiving buffets even if they don’t know anyone hosting a dinner in the city.

2 San Francisco, California

Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, California
Photo 48798083 Scott Jones | Dreamstime.com
Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, California

Travelers who love shopping will find San Francisco is the perfect place to spend Thanksgiving Weekend. Besides offering exceptional cuisine to suit every palate (so many options beyond Turkey), San Francisco residents and visitors alike will be lining up early Friday morning, the day after Thanksgiving, to take advantage of the sales at local malls and stores. As if the deals on Black Friday weren’t enough, travelers with the foresight to book their flight home on Tuesday instead of Monday can also take advantage of the Cyber Monday sales.

1 Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Western town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA
Shutterstock
Western town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA

Nature lovers will fall in love with Jackson Hole, Wyoming when visiting on Thanksgiving weekend. Jackson Hole is beautiful year-round, but during autumn, the colorful leaves against the backdrop of the mountains are breathtaking. It’s a chance to witness untouched wildlife and nature before snowboarders and ski enthusiasts arrive for winter. Be sure to bring a high-quality camera to capture the wildlife that roams freely in these parts.