15 Vacations for Thanksgiving Weekend
Looking ahead to your next Thanksgiving vacation? The ultimate preparation guide for your long weekend trip is here. Once you have your vacation sorted, it’s a good idea to pre book airport parking. ParkSleepFly can do all the extra work for you and find you the best lot for the best price.
Whether you are looking to spend a few days with the family or travel to an idyllic spot as a couple, here are 15 vacations for Thanksgiving.
Jump to:
- Chicago, IL
- Hawaii
- Keystone Resort, CO
- Lake Tahoe, CA
- Las Vegas, NV
- New Orleans, LA
- New York, NY
- Orlando, FL
- Park City, UT
- Phoenix, AZ
- Plymouth, MA
- Savannah, GA
- Toronto, ON, CA
- Washington, D.C.
- Williamsburg, VA
1. Chicago, IL
Big cities are beautiful during the holidays and the “windy city” is no exception. If you need constant buzz and activities to keep you happy, Thanksgiving in Chicago may be just the place for you.
Much like New York City, The Chicago Thanksgiving Day parade brings an exciting atmosphere to the city for all to enjoy on the long weekend. With the addition of floats, music, and entertainment, it’s sure to work up your appetite for the afternoon of celebrations! Just make sure to arrive early, as the parade takes place from 8am until 11am on State Street.
Other events include the German Christkindl market and outdoor ice skating. Don’t forget to pre-book your hotel and parking in Chicago!
2. Hawaii
If you’re looking to get some winter sun for Thanksgiving this year, we highly recommend none other than a trip to Hawaii. With beautiful white sandy beaches, marching bands, and luau, many of the resorts offer the perfect Thanksgiving package.
Hawaii tends to be quieter around this time of year, so if you want to unwind and relax, this is the perfect vacation location this year.
Given Hawaii celebrates Thanksgiving in a very similar way to the mainland U.S., you can guarantee a delicious Turkey dinner, just with a different scenic backdrop to enjoy. Hawaiians usually give thanks to Lono, the god of agriculture and often pause familial conflicts, practice gratitude and exchange gifts.
The sprawling beaches of this one-of-a-kind state mean you can also pass the time by participating in many different activities over the course of your trip, including snorkeling, surfing, and hiking.
3. Keystone Resort, CO
For the thrill-seekers this Thanksgiving, we recommend a visit to the sprawling mountains at Keystone Resort, Colorado. The beautiful rocky mountain backdrop against a warm fireplace with hot chocolates after a long day of snowboarding and skiing is a particular draw to Keystone Resort, and the promises of a Thanksgiving feast at the River Run Village restaurant means you can fully kick back and relax for this long weekend.
If traveling in late November, Keystone also offers a Welcome Winter Family carnival, full of cocoa, cookies and Salida circus. Why not combine your Thanksgiving trip with fun in the snowy mountains this year?
4. Lake Tahoe, CA
For a relaxing Thanksgiving by the water, why not consider visiting Lake Tahoe? From lakeside to mountain views, this peaceful destination in California is perfect if you want to escape from the cold.
Local restaurants at Lake Tahoe offer a variation of Thanksgiving dinner by the lakeside, with the offer of a beach stroll in the evening to enjoy the sunset. Heavenly Mountain Resort is at your disposal for exploration too, offering a myriad of hiking trails for you to enjoy by day.
Dining options include Jimmy’s at The Landing, Riva Grill on the Lake, The Beacon Bar + Grill and Edgewood Tahoe. Alongside these great restaurant options lies the Luxurious Casino which also offers a range of eateries.
If you would prefer to explore the lake and cook your own meal, this is also possible with the rental of a vacation home on Lake Tahoe.
5. Las Vegas, NV
Where better in the world than to celebrate Thanksgiving in Vegas? If you’re wanting an all-adult vacation, this is the place to be, with the addition of lasting heat from the summer. This makes Vegas a great winter sun option, especially for those traveling as a couple.
The Las Vegas strip is well known for its sprawling Casinos, but also for the Michelin-star celebrity restaurants that reside inside. If you fancy a twist on Gordon Ramsay’s Wellington, we highly suggest stopping by Hell’s Kitchen located at Caesars Palace.
If you feel more like a relaxed dining experience, there are plenty of other options available such as a Las Vegas buffet at Wicked Spoon, The Cosmopolitan and Bacchanal Buffet.
Vegas isn’t just about the food options however, there’s plenty to see and do for entertainment and shopping too, including the famous Gondola ride or the beautiful Bellagio fountain display that occurs every 30 minutes.
6. New Orleans, LA
If you’re looking for a party this year, look no further than a vibrant (and often outrageous) Thanksgiving in New Orleans. You’ll find plenty to do in the “Big Easy”, even when it’s Thanksgiving and not Mardi Gras.
Dining out in New Orleans for Thanksgiving is easy, as a lot of the local restaurants stay open during this holiday. Round up the family and enjoy a mouth-watering sit-down meal in the city of Jazz and Blues and soak up the culture of the deep South.
Visiting New Orleans this Thanksgiving and haven’t booked parking? Don’t worry, ParkSleepFly offers hotel and parking packages to make sure your travel is as stress-free as possible. Book a hotel in New Orleans now!
7. New York, NY
The big apple is well-known for its extravagant décor and events throughout November and December, making it the perfect place to spend the holiday. No one does Thanksgiving like New York!
The biggest event to see in the city is Macy’s New York Thanksgiving parade. This year’s display is expected from 9am until 12 noon, with a plethora of balloons, floats, and elaborate entertainment for all.
After watching the famous parade, why not stroll through Central Park and have a go at skating at the Central Park ice rink? Or even explore the traditional ‘tourist’ spots that remain open for the day? If stopping on a longer layover in New York, we highly recommend shopping the Black Friday sales the next day!
Pre-book your New York hotel soon to avoid disappointment!
8. Orlando, FL
Another warm destination to consider is Thanksgiving in Orlando, Florida. The winter sun will keep you toasty and more than entertained with its myriad of theme parks and fun activities.
If you’re looking to make Thanksgiving as fun as possible, Orlando may be just your ticket. This year promises a plethora of tastes, with the addition of Fusion Fest. A fun and bright festival that will have your mouth watering at every turn, this event is sure to have something for everyone.
If you feel like experimenting with your tastebuds this Thanksgiving, don’t miss out on this unique cultural celebration in the heart of Downtown Orlando. Book a hotel in Orlando fast!
9. Park City, UT
If you picture your perfect Park City Thanksgiving spent outside in soft, powdery snow and flying down amazing ski slopes, you need to research a trip to this particular destination. This city is renowned for its winter activities, but also for its splendor so you’ll have plenty to be thankful for this year.
There’s also a fantastic feast to be had at Flanagan’s on Main, Irish Pub and Restaurant. Located in the heart of Park City, this dine-in pub is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends.
10. Phoenix, AZ
This warmer destination still incorporates cold elements to really set the scene for Thanksgiving every year! Skate Westgate is back this year, with a 3,500 square-foot rink as an addition to the Plaza in Fountain Park.
Phoenix is an excellent destination for those wanting to soak up the winter sun and partake in off-season sunbathing. After spending the day out and about in the city, join Blue Hound Kitchen for a delicious three-course Thanksgiving dinner in Phoenix with friends and family.
Check out Phoenix hotels with parking and secure your stay this Thanksgiving.
11. Plymouth, MA
What better time to experience genuine southern charm than at Thanksgiving in Savannah? Enjoy Savannah’s beautiful green parks and a nice cool climate in this welcoming southern hot spot.
Savannah at Thanksgiving isn’t just about enjoying food and watching football too, it is known for its annual Turkey Trot, which is perfect for those who like to get up and go and be active on Turkey Day! This event takes place just before your Thanksgiving dinner, so why not work up an appetite and join in? Located at Daffin Park, this year marks the 14th year for the Turkey Trot.
12. Savannah, GA
What better time to experience genuine Southern charm than at Thanksgiving? Enjoy Savannah’s beautiful green parks and a nice cool climate in this welcoming southern hot spot.
Thanksgiving isn’t just about enjoying food and watching football too, Savannah is known for its annual Turkey Trot, which is perfect for those who like to get up and go and be active on Turkey Day! This event takes place just before your Thanksgiving dinner, so why not work up an appetite and join in? Located at Daffin Park, this year marks the 14th year for the Turkey Trot.
Itching to get away to Savannah for Thanksgiving but don’t have your airport parking lot space booked? Pre-book now with ParkSleepFly!
13. Toronto, ON, CA
Hopping over the border to Canada, Thanksgiving in Toronto is a great city to visit if you’re looking for a non-traditional day. This city will impress you with its diverse culture and high-end cuisine, offering another view for your Thanksgiving weekend.
The hustle and bustle of this city won’t end for you this US Thanksgiving, as Canada celebrates theirs in early October, meaning you can also get any last-minute Christmas gifts whilst you visit.
Dine in the city’s heart after a long day of shopping and exploring, and relax, surrounded by fallen Maple leaves and Canadian culture this Thanksgiving. Book your stay in Toronto with ParkSleepFly now.
14. Washington, D.C.
If you’re feeling extra patriotic during the holiday season, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better destination than our nation’s great capital. Thanksgiving in Washington DC allows you to feel thankful as you enjoy the beautiful decorations while taking in some American history. There’s also the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Silver Spring!
Washington DC for Thanksgiving is also the hotspot for turkey-to-go this year, with plenty of city restaurants offering this option if you want a quiet night in! If you would prefer to feast the night away, however, we highly recommend the Waldorf Astoria Thanksgiving buffet, the perfect place to indulge to your heart’s content with friends and family.
Did you know that on August 6, 1863, Abraham Lincoln declared a day of thanksgiving after Union victories in Gettysburg and Vicksburg. After receiving a letter from Sarah Hale, he declared the last Thursday of November as the national holiday.
Sarah Hale (the author of Mary Had a Little Lamb) was the driving force for a unified day of thanksgiving. The holiday was primarily celebrated in New England, but each state had a different day for its celebration ranging from October to January. She started campaigning for a national holiday in 1846 writing letters to several presidents: Zachary Taylor, Millard Filmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan and Abraham Lincoln.
President Lincoln felt that a unified national holiday would bring the country together after the stress of the Civil War. Therefore, he declared the last Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day. Lincoln stated in a proclamation entreating all Americans to ask God to “commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife” and to “heal the wounds of the nation.
15. Williamsburg, VA
For another traditional Thanksgiving, Colonial Williamsburg is a place worth visiting. Thanksgiving marks the kick-off to Christmas and alongside Thanksgiving activities, you can also expect to enjoy a few festive-themed delights too.
Colonial Williamsburg has a plethora of attractions available, including Premium shopping outlets for those well-needed Christmas gifts, the official Jamestown settlement, and the Historic area. All these activities run on normal operating hours, apart from the outlets which have a longer opening time.
For restaurant choices, Williamsburg has a variety of both sit-down and buffet-style eateries, including King’s Arms Tavern, Campbell’s Tavern, and Colonial Williamsburg Lodge which offers a holiday buffet. All perfect after a day of exploring the city’s history and partaking in light shopping.
Are You Ready for Thanksgiving Travel?
Many people have to travel for business throughout the year. Planning these trips is nothing like those that take place around the holidays. Thanksgiving is definitely one of the most traveled and anticipated holidays for those flying to their destinations. These are trips that involve getting the opportunity to connect with friends and family who are miles away from you.
Although these are trips for pleasure, it is important that they be well planned and organized. The more of this you are able to do before your trip, the more you can enjoy it overall. Since this is one of the busiest times of the year, scheduling every aspect is important. According to statistics, 28.5+M people flew for the holiday in 2017. This means each airport around the country will be bustling with activity.
Book Flight Reservations in Advance
Thanksgiving trips for individuals and families have to be planned in advance. This is generally the best way to get the airfares that you want. Booking your reservations also takes the hassle out of this process for you. Another consideration for holiday trips is the possibility of seats being sold out. Groups flying together should focus on getting on the same flights through advance reservations.
Travel Only with a Carry-On
Everyone has been caught with too much luggage for their trips. This can certainly be a challenge when you are alone. One of the simplest ways to avoid having to struggle with heavy bags is to pack only one or two carry-ons. This is not only efficient but it is budget-friendly. You will avoid the cost of having to pay for checked bags. This also means you don’t have to wait for bags after your flight.
Register for TSA Pre-Check
Another terrific way to fast-track your holiday experiences are to register for your TSA Pre-Check status. This makes it quick and easy for you to go through security. Most often those who fly a lot during the year find this really convenient. It is necessary to fill out your application for this status and to also pay the necessary fee.
Avoid the Busiest Days
You may want to strategize when it comes to making holiday trips seamless. If it is possible to avoid the busiest days, you will enjoy the benefit. This can be done by either scheduling your departure a day or two early. The same strategy works for your return trip home. You may find that these flights are much cheaper, as well.
Get the Best Price with an Airport Hotel and Parking Package Deals
There are certain parts of your trip that will require confirmations. This is helpful whether you are thinking about your airport, parking, or hotel. Fortunately for you, there are great websites available to make this extremely easy and affordable.
No matter where you decide to travel to, have a stress-free Thanksgiving vacation by pre booking your airport hotel and parking with ParkSleepFly this holiday season.
