Thanksgiving brings us together with our friends and families (ideally somewhere cozy) to catch up, feast, and reflect on the good things in life.
While you may be looking forward to your favorite fixings or the post-feast football watch party, why not take it up a notch and add some fresh ideas to the mix?
Whether you’re eager to explore new destinations over the long weekend, feel inspired to host a unique celebration at home, or simply want to spend meaningful time with those you love most, Thanksgiving gives us so many ways to make lasting memories.
If you’re ready to shake things up, we’ve gathered some creative ways to make this Thanksgiving one to remember — whether you’re looking to travel, dream about future adventures or find meaningful ways to give thanks right where you are.
How will you reimagine Turkey Day?
Destination Thanksgiving: Fresh Ideas for a Holiday Adventure
Thanksgiving traditions are wonderful, but adding a little adventure can make the holiday feel fresh and exciting. Whether you take a mini road trip, enjoy a special staycation, or plan a future vacation — bring everyone together in a new way, creating memories that go beyond the dinner table.
Traveling for Thanksgiving also shifts your perspective because you can count even more blessings as you try new regional traditions, bask in the beauty of a new area, or simply enjoy your ability to travel.
So, if you’re ready to shake things up, here are some fun ways to reimagine Thanksgiving with a travel twist.
Thanksgiving in a New Destination
If you’re craving a change of scenery, why not turn this Thanksgiving into a mini getaway? A new destination can bring extra magic to the holiday, and there are so many options to make it memorable. Think cozy mountain cabins, beachside bungalows or even a charming historic inn in a quaint town to really set the mood.
Ideas for the Perfect Destination Thanksgiving
Beachy Thanksgiving: Trade the autumn leaves for sandy shores. Imagine a Thanksgiving meal as the sun sets over the ocean, with fresh seafood, island-inspired dishes, and the sound of waves as your background music. Personally, I’d head to The Sanderling Resort in Duck, North Carolina for a family-forward stay.
Cozy Getaway: Thanksgiving at its best! Embrace somewhere that’s ultra-autumnal (like The Kimpton Taconic in Manchester, Vermont) where you can enjoy a farm-to-table feast, then spend the afternoon on a scenic hike, meandering the historic village or around a warm bonfire.
City Escape: Make Thanksgiving feel extra special by celebrating in a vibrant city. And what better city than the Big Apple? Find a spot to watch the NYC Thanksgiving parade live, then head to one of the many restaurants that offer special Thanksgiving menus.
Local Staycation Thanksgiving
If a full-blown trip isn’t in the cards, how about a staycation? Breathe fresh air into your holiday traditions by booking a nearby AirBnb or a cozy hotel suite and treat it as a Thanksgiving retreat (without the long travel). Changing up your environment, even just a bit, can make the holiday feel brand new.
Ways to Make a Staycation Special
Thanksgiving Room Service: If you’re at a hotel, take full advantage of room service for breakfast or brunch, or even dinner itself. If you’re at a private home rental, consider cooking a smaller, special Thanksgiving meal in the evening. After all, it’s more about being with your loved ones and feeling grateful.
Holiday Spa Day: Kick off your staycation with a morning at a local spa, or DIY a spa day with face masks, bath bombs and cozy robes for everyone.
Staycation Bucket List: Spend the day exploring local sites you haven’t visited before. Think museums, local parks, or hidden spots only “tourists” seem to go.
Plan Your Dream Vacation for Next Thanksgiving
Not quite ready to travel? Why not start planning a Thanksgiving adventure of next year? Gathering around the table to map out your dream destination can be a fun and bonding experience. It also gives you something amazing to look forward to for next year. Imagine pasta for Thanksgiving in Italy, a family cycle around Amsterdam, or a tropical getaway in Costa Rica.
Dream Vacation Planning Tips
Create a Family Vision Board: Gather photos, travel ideas, and everyone’s must-do items. Make a vision board that reflects your family’s shared travel dreams.
Build a Thanksgiving Travel Jar: A designated “Thanksgiving Travel Jar” is a fun way for everyone to chip in — even loose change counts!
Family Travel Wish List: Let each person share a top travel pick. Put everyone’s suggestions into a bowl, mix them up, and draw the winning location!
If traveling isn’t in the plans this year, don’t worry. There are countless ways to make the holiday special right where you are.
International Thanksgiving Potluck
Give your Thanksgiving meal a global spin by having each person or household bring a dish inspired by a different culture. America is a melting pot after all. It’s a fun way to celebrate Thanksgiving while “traveling” through flavors from around the world. Plus, the unique dishes might just become new family favorites.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
Italian-Inspired Thanksgiving: Think antipasto platters, bruschetta and tiramisu.
Mexican-Inspired Thanksgiving: Add some spice with tamales, guacamole, or even a taco bar.
French-Inspired Thanksgiving: Bring in rich flavors with French onion soup, ratatouille and a decadent chocolate mousse for dessert.
Friendsgiving Picnic
Take Thanksgiving beyond the dining room and host an outdoor picnic in a nearby park or even in your backyard. Set-up blankets, portable heaters, and a picnic-friendly Thanksgiving spread. This twist makes the holiday feel like a relaxed, fresh air celebration.
And if being outdoors is not a possibility given your location, think about bringing a dinner to someone you know that lives alone and cannot cook or venture out. After all, Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for what we have and sharing it with others less fortunate.
Here are some tips to make this idea a festive reality.
Picnic-Ready Feast: Opt for dishes that are easy to pack and serve, like roasted turkey sandwiches, mini pumpkin pies and a thermos of spiced cider.
Outdoor Decor: Set the scene with cozy blankets, warm lighting and some mini pumpkins or autumn leaves for a festive touch.
Thanksgiving Games: Bring along classic games like cornhole or create a fun scavenger hunt for kids (and adults) to enjoy in the outdoor space.
Thanksgiving Movie Marathon
For a laid-back holiday, turn Thanksgiving into a cozy movie marathon! Gather everyone, set-up a movie line-up, and settle in for a day of comfort and connection. This is especially fun for families or friends who just want to relax and enjoy each other’s company in a low-key way.
Here are some essentials for your movie marathon.
Thanksgiving Classics: Start with family favorites like “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,”“Planes, Trains & Automobiles,” or “Home for the Holidays.”
Cozy Vibes: Create a cozy “movie zone” with plenty of pillows, blankets and maybe even break out the festive PJs.
Giving Back Together: Meaningful Ways to Show Gratitude This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude. But rather than simply going around the table and sharing what you’re thankful for, why not make this the year you start a new tradition of giving back?
Whether you’re helping out in your local community, starting a family gratitude project, or finding ways to spread kindness, these ideas bring everyone closer together. Here are some simple yet powerful ways to make this Thanksgiving all about connection and gratitude.
Volunteer Locally or Donate to a Cause Abroad
Use Thanksgiving as a day to spread kindness, whether it’s in your own backyard or across the globe. Volunteering together can turn the holiday into a shared experience of giving back.
Donating to a cause can help your family feel connected to communities around the world, and even closer to home. Consider encouraging friends and families nearby to bring a donation of a non-perishable food item to item: food, winter clothes, toys and deliver them together as part of your Thanksgiving tradition.
Thanksgiving Recipe Exchange
For many of us, Thanksgiving is all about the food. With a Thanksgiving recipe exchange, you can preserve family favorites over generations and even try something new.
Each household in your family or friend group can contribute a special recipe (even if it come with a good story or reason why you’re grateful for this dish) that you gather into a unique “Thanksgiving cookbook” filled with meaningful dishes and memories. Share the cookbook and make memories cooking year after year.
Make it a Thanksgiving to remember by connecting, giving thanks and creating new memories. Whether you’re celebrating in a new spot, getting creative at home, or giving back, there are so many ways to make this holiday feel special.
I spend Thanksgiving morning in the early hours making dinner rolls for the neighbors.
Now, that’s a great neighbor! Happy Thanksgiving!