Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a week of chores and kitchen duty. This year, why not trade the apron for a suitcase? Instead of cooking turkeys, you could be exploring sunny beaches, sipping cocoa in mountain towns, or relaxing in charming holiday villages.
Many travelers are already breaking free from the normal festive routine and celebrating Thanksgiving in their unique way. And honestly, we think that it’s the best holiday upgrade ever!
So, welcome to Top Thanksgiving Getaways 2025, your go-to guide for the best places to escape, explore, and enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday week. Let the planning begin!
1. New York City
New York is one of the most famous Thanksgiving travel destinations in 2025 because the city feels alive with holiday spirit.
Things to do:
- Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Ice skate at Rockefeller Center.
- Explore Central Park’s fall colors.
- Shop holiday markets like Bryant Park Winter Village
Agent Tip: Highlight premium parade-view hotels in your packages to upsell clients and create exclusive experiences around the Macy’s Parade.
2. Orlando, Florida
Orlando is perfect if you want sunshine and non-stop excitement during your Thanksgiving vacation.
Things to do:
- Visit Walt Disney World’s holiday events.
- Watch special Thanksgiving fireworks at Magic Kingdom.
- Enjoy Universal Studios’ festive shows.
- Relax by the pool between park days.
Agent Tip: Package early theme park access with hotel stays to attract families looking for hassle-free Thanksgiving getaways.
3. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville might be one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving if you want to celebrate it with nature and amazing views.
Things to do:
- Tour the Biltmore Estate’s Christmas displays.
- Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for late fall scenery.
- Enjoy craft breweries and mountain cafés.
- Explore local art shops downtown.
Agent Tip: Recommend early morning drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway for best light and fewer crowds.
4. San Diego, California
San Diego offers warm weather and coastal relaxation for Thanksgiving travelers.
Things to do:
- Spend your day at La Jolla Cove or Coronado Beach.
- Visit the San Diego Zoo.
- Take a sunset cruise at the harbor.
- Enjoy a beachfront Thanksgiving brunch.
Agent Tip: Reserve sea-view restaurants early for holiday menus to avoid disappointment.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans offers a Thanksgiving that’s anything but ordinary. Here, you can easily witness jazz-filled streets, festive parades, and a food scene that turns the holiday feast into an unforgettable experience.
Things to do:
- Try famous Thanksgiving dishes like “Turducken.”
- Enjoy jazz music in the French Quarter.
- Join a food tour for Cajun and Creole favorites.
- Walk through Jackson Square’s holiday displays.
Agent Tip: Market themed food tours and jazz experiences as special add-ons to create culturally rich, memorable Thanksgiving experiences.
6. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is the ideal choice if you’re craving a peaceful, grounding Thanksgiving. Surrounded by stunning red rocks, quiet trails, and crisp desert air, it’s the perfect place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy a restorative holiday escape.
Things to do:
- Hike Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock.
- Relax at world-class spas and wellness retreats.
- Join a stargazing tour.
- Enjoy southwest-style Thanksgiving dinners.
Agent Tip: Suggest sunrise hikes to clients—they’re cooler, quieter, and offer stunning morning views.
Also Read: Why Macao is a Must-Visit Gastronomy Destination
7. Honolulu, Hawaii
If you just want a tropical vacation instead of celebrating Thanksgiving, then Honolulu is ‘it’ for you.
Things to do:
- Attend a Hawaiian luau with traditional food.
- Relax on Waikiki Beach.
- Hike Diamond Head for ocean views.
- Try fresh poke bowls instead of turkey.
Agent Tip: Book flights early. Thanksgiving travel to Hawaii is very popular.
8. London, UK
London celebrates Thanksgiving with surprising flair—even though it’s not a traditional British holiday. From special Thanksgiving menus across the city to festive lights, iconic landmarks, and cozy winter vibes, London gives you a stylish, global twist on the holiday.
Things to do during Thanksgiving week:
- Enjoy special Thanksgiving dinners at classic pubs
- Explore the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace
- Visit winter markets
- Go kayaking on the Thames
- Wander through early Christmas displays
London is perfect if you want a historic yet festive Thanksgiving escape.
Agent Tip: Package Thanksgiving dinner reservations at iconic pubs with guided tours of festive markets for a premium international holiday feel.
9. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago delivers the best of both worlds for Thanksgiving—crisp fall weather paired with world-class attractions. Stroll through festive markets, catch seasonal shows, and explore iconic museums, all while soaking up the city’s energetic holiday spirit.
Things to do:
- Explore the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.
- Visit the Art Institute of Chicago.
- Ice skate at Millennium Park.
- Try deep-dish pizza between sightseeing stops.
Agent Tip: Promote free festive events alongside paid attractions in bundled itineraries to appeal to budget-conscious clients without compromising experience.
10. Charleston, South Carolina
When you visit Charleston, it will offer you warm hospitality and coastal beauty for your Thanksgiving vacation.
Things to do:
- Walk the historic district’s cobblestone streets.
- Enjoy Charleston’s famous seafood and southern dishes.
- Take a sunset harbor cruise.
- Visit Waterfront Park and Rainbow Row.
Agent Tip: Offer curated restaurant bookings for Thanksgiving menus in combination with harbor cruises to upsell clients on a full-day experience.
11. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs mixes slow living with stunning desert views.
Things to do during Thanksgiving week:
- Enjoy outdoor brunches
- Ride the Aerial Tramway
- Hike Indian Canyons
- Visit modern art museums
- Shop at chic boutiques
Agent Tip: Market sunset lookout visits and boutique shopping as “exclusive insider experiences” to differentiate your package.
12. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver offers a calm Thanksgiving with fresh air and great scenery.
Things to do:
- Walk or bike through Stanley Park.
- Explore Granville Island’s markets.
- Take a day trip to Whistler.
- Enjoy warm cafés on rainy November days.
Agent Tip: Create layered clothing and scenic itinerary guides for clients, positioning your package as both practical and picturesque.
Popular Thanksgiving Dishes to Try
- Roasted turkey
- Mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Pecan pie
- Cranberry sauce
- Sweet potato rolls
- Mac and cheese
- Apple pie
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Make This Thanksgiving One You’ll Actually Remember!
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen and post-meal chaos. With the right destination, it becomes a refreshing mix of food, fun, and unforgettable moments. Whether you want snow in Lake Tahoe, sunshine in Hawaii, or city buzz in New York, these Thanksgiving getaways make 2025 a holiday to remember. So, pack your bags, skip the stress, and celebrate Thanksgiving your way!
FAQs
What is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a Christian holiday that celebrates gratitude, family, and togetherness. People enjoy a festive meal, watch parades, and kick off the holiday season.
When is Thanksgiving going to be celebrated in 2025?
Thanksgiving in 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27.
Is Thanksgiving a good time to travel?
Yes, Thanksgiving week is great for travel if you plan early. Many destinations offer festive events, special dinners, and holiday markets.
What are the best Thanksgiving destinations for 2025?
Top spots include New York, Orlando, Hawaii, and London, offering parades, festive meals, and holiday activities.
Do restaurants offer Thanksgiving meals in tourist cities?
Absolutely! Major cities and resorts worldwide serve special Thanksgiving menus, from classic turkey dinners to creative global twists.
