10 Best Places to Go for Thanksgiving

One of the first destinations that comes to mind when we think about Thanksgiving is Gatlinburg, TN. This city has all the elements that make it the epitome of the Fall season. First, the weather is just right with an average 61°F High and 35°F Low and the picturesque trees are that perfect orange that we all love to see this time of year. Second, there’s plenty of kid-friendly things to do including Ober Gatlinburg, Dollywood Family Amusement Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and more. Known for iconic and historic pancake houses, don’t forget to taste Atrium Pancakes on Thanksgiving morning and make reservations at places like The Old Mill or Applewood Farmhouse.

Orlando, FL is home to magical places and beautiful memories, and this is also true during Thanksgiving. Starting with Fall-themed celebrations and festivals throughout Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld, you will definitely feel like you have arrived to the perfect Thanksgiving destination. Don’t want to spend a lot on theme park tickets? Then consider dining in a restaurant at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk or Disney Springs - two popular dining, shopping and entertainment complexes. What if you want the best of both worlds? An incredible theme park adventure and a homemade Thanksgiving feast. Then check out our How-To Guide: Thanksgiving Dinner in Orlando.

We are sure that when you hear Thanksgiving in NYC, the first thing that comes to mind is Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And that’s just one of the many reasons for spending Thanksgiving in New York City. The city that never sleeps, has so many dining options that you will never feel the stress of thinking about where to eat or what restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day. If you want to take your NYC vacation to the next level, consider watching a play on Broadway, visiting Time Square or the Statue of Liberty, or admiring nature in Central Park or Central Park Zoo.

It doesn’t get any more authentic than celebrating Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This beautiful coastal town is the hometown of Thanksgiving! Celebrations include a parade, family festival, a concert series, historic village and more. You can also visit Plimoth Plantation (an amazing living history museum) and have a Homestyle Buffet meal on Thanksgiving Day. It is the best place to get a glimpse of what this historic holiday and celebration is truly about! The celebration of Thanksgiving comes to life as pilgrims, native Americans, soldiers, patriots and pioneers bring history to life on the streets of Plymouth.

If you are looking for another authentic Thanksgiving experience, Colonial Williamsburg is the place to go. For instance, you can spend Thanksgiving in the Berkeley Plantation, which is actually the place where this Holiday was celebrated for the first time. Moreover, Williamsburg is the nation’s largest Living History Museum, making it the best destination to understand life back in the 18th century when America was born. For some added excitement, check out the thrill rides and attractions at Busch Gardens Williamsburg theme park!

If you want an itinerary full of entertainment and adventure this Thanksgiving, then consider visiting Las Vegas, Nevada. Experience your favorite musical artist or band in concert, enjoy a mesmerizing magic act or a laugh out loud comedy show, view the iconic Fountains of Bellagio, and more. Also, don’t forget to check out the Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade which celebrates both Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can even stop by the Westgate Race and Sports Book to watch (or wager on) some Thanksgiving Day football live on the big screens.

Did you know that Cape May is more than your average destination, it’s also a National Historic Landmark. Why? Well for starters, it contains the largest collection of 19th Century framed buildings and is known for its spectacularly grand Victorian houses. Explore the Cape May Lighthouse, or county zoo. Shop the quaint stores and galleries. Or visit the beautiful beaches and your Holiday Weekend is already looking extra special! Also, you can count on many of the restaurants in the area to be open for Thanksgiving.

The Fall Foliage in the spectacular Ozarks is like no other! It is so magical and picturesque that you will find Fall Foliage Photo Tours in the area. With a Temperature High of 59° and a Low of 34°, it’s ideal for a great outdoorsy vacation with the family. You can also add to your adventure itinerary a day at the famous Silver Dollar City Amusement Park where you’ll find a wide range of holiday events including an Old Time Christmas festival and the Living Nativity. Check out one of the dozens of live shows (including some exciting Christmas shows) or find one of the many restaurants open and serving up holiday dinners.

Washington, DC is home to many historic buildings and monuments, but also kid-friendly Fall and Thanksgiving events. For instance, you can join one of the many parades near the area including the Silver Spring Maryland Thanksgiving Parade or the Reston Town Center Holiday Parade. Another great thing about Washington, DC is that you can save a lot on your trip by visiting all the Smithsonian museums and galleries. These include the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History and more! As the nation’s city, almost all of the amazing attractions in D.C. are free!

Known for the Golden Gate Bridge, this west coast gem is a great destination for the holidays! You will find everything from Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks, to Sea Lions relaxing near PIER 39. If you do get to visit the PIER 39 area, consider going to the Aquarium of the Bay. Other cool experiences you can try this Holiday Season include the San Francisco Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise, a San Francisco Hop On/ Hop Off Tour, the beautiful Botanical Gardens, Golden Gate Park, Alcatraz Island, Ghirardelli Square, Japanese Tea Garden or the nearby Muir Woods - home to the famous, giant redwood trees.