Thanksgiving is one of the best times of year to plan a getaway. Whether you want a cozy small-town holiday, a warm escape, a festive city break, or a nature-filled retreat, Thanksgiving offers the perfect window for travel.
With beautiful fall colors still lingering in some places and the holiday season beginning in others, there is no shortage of incredible destinations to explore.
If you are looking for the best places to travel for Thanksgiving this year, this guide highlights the top spots across the U.S. and beyond for families, couples, and solo travelers.
New York City, New York
There is nothing more iconic than Thanksgiving in New York City. Between the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, stunning window displays, and ice skating in Bryant Park, the city feels magical this time of year. Enjoy classic holiday meals at historic restaurants or grab a cozy brunch before soaking in the excitement.
Why visit: Parade, early holiday markets, Broadway shows, and endless food options.
New YorkNew York City is one of the best places to visit on Thanksgiving thanks to the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, festive window displays, and the start of the holiday season across Manhattan. Visitors can watch massive balloons and marching bands glide through the city, enjoy ice skating at Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park, and explore holiday markets filled with seasonal treats.
Restaurants across NYC offer special Thanksgiving menus, from classic turkey dinners to upscale multi-course feasts. Whether you spend the weekend shopping on Fifth Avenue, seeing a Broadway show, or strolling through Central Park’s late-fall scenery, Thanksgiving in New York delivers an unforgettable holiday getaway.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago has its own incredible Thanksgiving traditions, including the annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. Stroll down the Magnificent Mile as the city lights up for the holidays, enjoy world-class museums, or warm up with deep-dish pizza after a chilly walk along Lake Michigan.
Best for: Food lovers, city explorers, and families.
Chicago is a top Thanksgiving travel destination with its iconic Thanksgiving Parade, festive downtown decorations, and world-class food scene. The city comes alive with holiday lights along Michigan Avenue, cozy Christmas markets, and early winter activities that make Thanksgiving weekend magical.
Visitors can enjoy riverwalk strolls, museums like the Art Institute, and warm up with deep-dish pizza after a chilly day by Lake Michigan. Many Chicago restaurants offer traditional and modern Thanksgiving dinners, giving travelers plenty of options without the stress of cooking. From shopping to sightseeing, Chicago is perfect for a festive Thanksgiving getaway.
Asheville, North Carolina
If you love fall colors and cozy mountain vibes, Asheville is one of the best Thanksgiving destinations. The Blue Ridge Mountains are stunning in late fall, and the Biltmore Estate begins its famous Christmas celebration during Thanksgiving week.
Perfect for: Scenic drives, cabin stays, and holiday charm.
Asheville offers one of the most beautiful Thanksgiving escapes in the U.S. thanks to its mountain scenery, vibrant food culture, and cozy holiday atmosphere. Late November is stunning in the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it the perfect time for scenic drives, hiking, and exploring charming mountain towns.
The Biltmore Estate begins its Christmas season around Thanksgiving, with incredible decorations, candlelit tours, and festive events that feel straight out of a holiday movie. Many Asheville restaurants highlight farm-to-table Thanksgiving dishes, and local breweries offer seasonal craft beers. It is an ideal destination for travelers who want fall beauty, relaxation, and holiday charm.
Orlando, Florida
For a warm, stress-free holiday, Orlando is a top pick. Theme parks like Disney and Universal offer special Thanksgiving menus, festive decorations, and mild weather that makes outdoor activities enjoyable.
Why visit: Sunshine, family-friendly activities, and holiday entertainment.
Orlando is one of the best warm-weather Thanksgiving destinations for families and theme-park lovers. Disney World, Universal Orlando, and other parks celebrate with special Thanksgiving dining events, holiday fireworks, and early Christmas decorations. With sunny skies and comfortable November temperatures, outdoor activities like swimming, golf, and nature trails are easy to enjoy between park visits.
Travelers can also explore Orlando’s shopping districts, local food halls, and entertainment complexes. For those who want a fun, weather-friendly, stress-free holiday, Orlando delivers a perfect Thanksgiving escape.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe’s unique blend of art, culture, and Southwestern charm makes it a beautiful Thanksgiving travel destination. Enjoy crisp desert air, incredible cuisine, and strolls through the historic plaza illuminated with early holiday decor.
Ideal for: Culture lovers, foodies, and travelers wanting something different.
New MexicoSanta Fe offers a cultural and scenic Thanksgiving getaway with its adobe architecture, world-class art galleries, and rich Southwestern cuisine. Late November brings crisp desert air, peaceful streets, and early luminaria displays that add a magical glow to the historic plaza.
Restaurants throughout Santa Fe offer creative Thanksgiving menus that blend classic dishes with local flavors like green chile and blue corn. Visitors can explore museums, take day trips to scenic hot springs, or enjoy breathtaking hikes. Santa Fe is ideal for travelers seeking a unique, artsy, and relaxing Thanksgiving experience.
Honolulu, Hawaii
If your ideal Thanksgiving means beaches and warm breezes, head to Honolulu. You can still enjoy a traditional holiday dinner, but you can trade chilly weather for sun, surf, and outdoor adventures.
Best for: Tropical escapes and couples or solo travelers looking to relax.
Honolulu is a top Thanksgiving destination for travelers who want sunshine, warm ocean breezes, and complete relaxation. Visitors can enjoy traditional Thanksgiving meals at beachfront restaurants, attend Hawaiian holiday events, or spend the day swimming, surfing, or snorkeling along Waikiki Beach.
The weather is warm and pleasant, making it the perfect time for hiking Diamond Head, exploring botanical gardens, or taking scenic coastal drives. Whether you want adventure or pure relaxation, Thanksgiving in Honolulu offers a tropical twist on the holiday.
Williamsburg, Virginia
For a historic Thanksgiving experience, Williamsburg offers colonial charm and immersive holiday events. Many restaurants serve classic meals inspired by early American traditions, and nearby Virginia towns celebrate with parades and seasonal festivities.
Great for: History lovers, families, and cozy holiday trips.
Williamsburg is one of the best places to visit on Thanksgiving for travelers who love history, tradition, and colonial charm. The area offers immersive experiences like historic reenactments, Thanksgiving-inspired demonstrations, and special meals in Colonial Williamsburg’s taverns.
Nearby attractions like Jamestown and Yorktown also offer events during the holiday weekend. Visitors can enjoy beautiful fall colors, cozy inns, and festive shopping at Merchant’s Square. Williamsburg gives you a classic American Thanksgiving with a unique historical backdrop.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona’s red rock landscapes make Thanksgiving feel magical. The weather is cool but comfortable, perfect for hiking, scenic drives, and relaxing spa days. Many resorts offer Thanksgiving brunches and special events.
Why go: Natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, wellness-focused getaway.
Sedona is a stunning Thanksgiving getaway known for its red rock landscapes, spiritual atmosphere, and peaceful desert views. November brings mild temperatures perfect for hiking, jeep tours, stargazing, and exploring scenic overlooks.
Many Sedona resorts and restaurants offer Thanksgiving brunches with breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs. Spa retreats, meditation classes, and wellness activities add to the relaxing holiday vibe. For travelers wanting nature, quiet, and scenic beauty, Sedona offers a rejuvenating Thanksgiving trip.
Charleston, South Carolina
With warmer temperatures, beautiful architecture, and incredible Southern cuisine, Charleston is a lovely Thanksgiving destination. Explore historic streets, enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with Lowcountry flair, or take a relaxing walk along the waterfront.
Best for: Food-focused travel and romantic getaways.
Charleston is a charming Thanksgiving destination filled with historic streets, warm November weather, and world-renowned Southern cuisine. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks along the waterfront, explore historic homes, tour plantations, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown.
The city’s top restaurants serve elevated Thanksgiving dishes featuring Lowcountry flavors, making it one of the best places for food-focused holiday travel. With its cozy inns, cobblestone streets, and early Christmas decor, Charleston is perfect for a romantic or relaxing Thanksgiving getaway.
Denver, Colorado
Denver is a great jumping-off point for early-season skiing. Many mountain towns begin opening for the season around Thanksgiving, giving you the chance to hit the slopes or enjoy cozy lodge vibes. In the city, holiday markets and light displays kick off the season.
Perfect for: Outdoor adventure and mountain scenery.
Denver is ideal for Thanksgiving travelers who want both city attractions and easy access to outdoor adventure. The city hosts holiday markets, festive light displays, and plenty of restaurants offering creative Thanksgiving menus.
Ski resorts in the nearby Rocky Mountains begin opening around this time, giving visitors the option to hit the slopes or enjoy snow-covered mountain towns. Museums, breweries, and scenic drives make Thanksgiving weekend in Denver active, fun, and full of variety. It is a great destination for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The best places to travel for Thanksgiving offer a mix of festive events, cozy getaways, warm-weather escapes, and scenic adventures. Whether you want to experience iconic holiday traditions, enjoy a peaceful retreat, or spend the long weekend exploring a new city, Thanksgiving is one of the most rewarding times of year to travel.