Thanksgiving is a holiday that many people look forward to because of all of the delicious food and time spent with loved ones. It’s also the kick-ff of the entire holiday season in the United States, and it’s definitely meant to be a relaxing and joyous time. While staying at home over Thanksgiving is often a good time, sometimes you want to get out of town and have a new experience. If you’re looking to make a new family tradition, or just want to get away by yourself or with friends, there are some cities in the U.S. that are perfect for doing just that.
Here are the ten best places in the United States to celebrate Thanksgiving.
10 10. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
While you might be thinking of places that have significant historical sights or snow as the perfect place to spend the holiday, going somewhere where you can just have a good time is sometimes the right place. Vegas is a great way to go if you’re looking to get away from dropping temperatures and not have to worry about cooking yourself. There are many great buffets and fancy restaurants that will make for a delicious Thanksgiving meal that’s different than the norm. You can enjoy the Strip or even see a show and bask in the nice temperatures.
9 9. PARK CITY, UTAH
Park City, on the other hand, is the perfect place to go over Thanksgiving if you’re looking for a more traditional winter experience. This city is a resort town that’s known for the Sundance Film Festival and skiing. It has the largest ski resort in the country, and it’s a beautiful town that sits nestled in mountains that are sure to be covered in snow. The St. Regis Deer Valley restaurant is one of the most popular and fancy places to get a meal in the area. Or, you could consider renting a cabin or hotel room for a very cozy experience.
8 8. CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS
While there are many places in the west that are great to spend the holiday, the East Coast also offers some perfect choices. Cape Cod was the place where the Mayflower first landed, so, if you’re looking to experience some history on your vacation, this is a good place to go. There is a monument to the Mayflower here, and every thanksgiving they have a celebration of the pilgrims and their arrival. Another amazing experience you can have here is taking a Thanksgiving Day train ride that provides a five-course meal. This is definitely a unique experience you can have on Turkey Day you won’t find anywhere else.
7 7. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
While Chicago might be cold in November, it’s definitely worth the trip. As a large and bustling city, it’s full of many free holiday things to do over Thanksgiving. For one thing, they host a Thanksgiving Day Parade that’s one of the biggest in the country. You can also check out Millennium Park to enjoy some ice skating as you kick off the Christmas season.
Chicago is definitely a great place to explore during the late fall and winter, and, if you’ve never been before, you should consider planning a getaway.
6 6. SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
Another place to visit for the holiday that’s on the warmer side is Santa Fe. This is a great place to go to learn more about Native American culture and history, and there are many museums and art galleries here that will allow you to do that. You can also go to the Winter Indian Market that’s held the weekend after Thanksgiving every year. This event is the perfect way to see art, music, and more. Santa Fe is a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the southwest while enjoying your delicious Thanksgiving meal.
5 5. ASPEN, COLORADO
When thinking about iconic wintertime destinations in the U.S., Aspen is definitely high up on the list. This winter wonderland is perfect for people who want to ski or snowboard. Thanksgiving is usually when the resort and ski season really gets started, and this makes it perfect if you want a cozy, winter getaway.
There are many beautiful hotels in the area that will allow you to enjoy cozying up next to the fire after a day of hitting the slopes.
4 4. LAKE TAHOE, NEVADA
Lake Tahoe is another destination that has great skiing. So, if you want to still experience that wintertime feeling but have already been to Colorado, Lake Tahoe is perfect. There are also a variety of restaurants and resorts in the area, so you’ll be able to find a Thanksgiving meal. One of the best places to go is Granlibakken which provides upscale lodging and has historic significance. There Thanksgiving meal includes turkey and all the sides you could dream of.
3 3. KEY WEST, FLORIDA
While some people love to experience the start of winter and want that cabin feel for their holiday, others just want to escape the cold. If you're one of these people, Key West is ideal for you. You can do so many fun activities here such as swimming, parasailing, and more. You can consider visiting the Key West Aquarium or hitting up some of the unique small shops on the island. A tropical getaway might not be the most traditional of Thanksgiving destinations, but it’s perfect if you just want to get away from it all.
2 2. LEAVENWORTH, WASHINGTON
Leavenworth is one of the smallest places on this list, but it’s here because it's known for having a lot of holiday celebrations. This town is located in the Cascade Mountains and is modeled after a Bavarian-style village. They start Thanksgiving off right with a Christkindlmarkt in the traditional Bavarian style. To really make the most of your stay, you can find a small cabin or lodge to stay at, and eat at a restaurant or make your own meal. There are also many wineries and breweries in the area that make for a relaxing time.
1 1. NEW YORK, NEW YORK
New York City is a great place to visit in both the fall and winter. Over Thanksgiving, you can enjoy the last remnants of fall in the city and check out Central Park. But, the main reason to go over Thanksgiving is to check out the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This huge parade features floats, celebrities, entertainment, and more. It ends with Santa Claus arriving at the Macy’s store, and it’s a great way to transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas.