18 Best Thanksgiving Vacation Ideas to Book Right Now

Escape the ordinary this holiday—these Thanksgiving vacation ideas are your ticket to a stylish seasonal getaway.

Thanksgiving might be rooted in tradition, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend it elbow-deep in mashed potatoes or squeezed around a crowded table fielding questions from distant relatives. It’s one of the best times of year to escape—when the weather shifts, work slows down, and a long weekend offers just enough breathing room to reset before the full force of the holiday season hits.

Craving crisp mountain air, fall foliage, festive energy, or a total escape to somewhere warm and beachy? Thanksgiving is the perfect excuse to slip away without committing to a full vacation. You get the best of both worlds: a break that feels restorative, but short enough not to throw your calendar into chaos.

My curated list of Thanksgiving vacation ideas focuses primarily on U.S. destinations—from cozy mountain towns and historic cities to wine country and desert retreats—but I’ve also included a few personal favorites that shine this time of year across North America. And if you’re the type to trade turkey for glühwein, there’s even one magical European pick at the end that’s worth the extra air miles.

Thanksgiving Vacation Ideas in the US

1. New York City, New York

There’s no place quite like New York for Thanksgiving. It’s an obvious choice, but it’s bold, bustling, and brimming with that irresistible holiday energy.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade draws millions—those massive helium balloons, Broadway-style performances, and the sweet chaos of marching bands flooding down Sixth Avenue. Book a room at a hotel with parade views (like the Ritz-Carlton Central Park or Refinery Hotel), and you can sip coffee in your robe while the whole spectacle floats past your window.

For dinner, choose from iconic prix-fixe menus at spots like Gramercy Tavern, Eleven Madison Park, or even a cozy neighborhood bistro in the West Village. Between the window displays, ice skating rinks, and tree-lighting anticipation, Thanksgiving in NYC isn’t just a holiday—it’s a show.

Plan your Trip:

2. Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

If you’re craving authenticity with your apple pie, Colonial Williamsburg offers a truly immersive travel idea for Thanksgiving. This living history town goes all in on 18th-century tradition, complete with costumed interpreters, horse-drawn carriages, and rustic candlelit feasts.

You’ll find yourself savoring spoon bread and roast turkey in a tavern once frequented by revolutionaries. For a more upscale stay, check into the Williamsburg Inn.

It’s ideal for families and couples alike—offering a grounded, slower-paced way to connect with the deeper roots of the holiday season, far from the Black Friday stampedes.

3. Napa Valley, California

Fall in Napa is the tail end of harvest season, and there’s no better time to bask in golden vineyards and clink glasses over locally sourced Thanksgiving spreads.

Wineries like Domaine Carneros and Stag’s Leap often host special tastings and dinners, pairing roasted root vegetables and turkey with the perfect Pinot or Cab. The weather is crisp but pleasant, and the crowds are lighter than peak summer.

Stay at Auberge du Soleil for sweeping valley views or opt for Solage in Calistoga if spa treatments and mineral pools are on your list. Here, Thanksgiving becomes less about the turkey and more about the terroir.

4. Sedona, Arizona

For those seeking a soul-nourishing Thanksgiving, Sedona is an oasis of tranquility and awe-inspiring natural beauty. With its iconic red rock formations and spiritual energy, this Arizona gem is perfect for disconnecting from the holiday frenzy.

Start your day with a sunrise hike to Cathedral Rock, then indulge in a wellness brunch or spa treatment at Enchantment Resort or L’Auberge de Sedona. Many hotels and restaurants offer special Thanksgiving meals with a Southwestern twist—think roasted turkey with chile-infused gravy and pumpkin flan.

The energy vortexes might just align in your favor for a gratitude-filled reset.

5. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Lake Tahoe delivers the quintessential alpine holiday—fresh snow, pine-scented air, and cabin-chic vibes.

Thanksgiving here often marks the unofficial start of ski season, with resorts like Heavenly and Northstar beginning to open their lifts. Whether you’re carving powder or curled up with cocoa by the fire, it’s the perfect spot for a cozy, active holiday.

Many lodges offer full Thanksgiving dinners (minus the cleanup), and if you’re lucky, you’ll wake up to a soft blanket of snow. It’s equal parts adventure and nostalgia—the kind of Thanksgiving that looks great on a postcard.

6. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is one of those towns that feels effortlessly festive, especially in late fall. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s got that perfect mix of small-town charm and creative spirit. Think rustic cabins, craft beer flights, and an extremely aesthetic downtown area.

The famed Biltmore Estate hosts a lavish holiday celebration beginning in November, complete with lights, wreaths, and multi-course Thanksgiving dinners. The food scene is strong here—expect smoked turkey, bourbon pecan pie, and mountain-made ciders. It’s a laid-back but magical escape for couples or friend groups.

7. New Orleans, Louisiana

Thanksgiving in New Orleans is anything but traditional—and that’s exactly the point. Skip the standard turkey and dive headfirst into oyster dressing, gumbo, and deep-fried turducken.

This is a city that knows how to eat and celebrate, and November offers mild weather and fewer crowds. Book a stay in a French Quarter boutique hotel like Hotel Monteleone or Maison Metier, Downtown, stroll under the oaks in the Garden District, and catch live jazz after your feast.

You’ll leave stuffed and smiling—and possibly wondering why you ever spent Thanksgiving anywhere else.

8. Las Vegas, Nevada

For a Thanksgiving that trades tradition for spectacle, Las Vegas delivers glitz, energy, and endless dining options without a single dish to wash.

The city goes all-in on holiday menus, with celebrity chef restaurants like Gordon Ramsay Steak or Giada offering decadent twists on the classic spread.

The weather is mild in November, shows are running strong, and you can even squeeze in a Grand Canyon day trip before the turkey hits the table.

If you’re looking for Thanksgiving vacation ideas that ditch the formality and amp up the fun, Vegas is an unbeatable last-minute option.

Plan your Trip:

9. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe offers a Thanksgiving experience rich in culture, flavor, and Southwestern soul. Set against a backdrop of adobe buildings and snow-capped mountains, the city’s art galleries and artisan markets buzz with creative energy.

Thanksgiving menus here often include chile-infused gravies, sweet potato tamales, and blue corn stuffing—an homage to the region’s Native American and Mexican roots. Stay at a luxury adobe inn like Inn of the Five Graces or opt for a spa-forward escape at Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi.

Don’t miss a soak in nearby hot springs under the desert stars—it’s gratitude, elevated.

10. Maui, Hawaii

Thanksgiving on Maui is all about laid-back luxury. Whether you’re checking into the Four Seasons in Wailea or glamping on the Hana coast, you’re in for a slice of tropical paradise.

Many resorts offer holiday menus that fuse traditional dishes with island flair—like coconut stuffing, pineapple-glazed ham, or ahi poke starters.

Add to that world-class snorkeling, whale watching, and hiking in the lush Iao Valley, and you’ve got a Thanksgiving that’s active, restorative, and absolutely unforgettable.

11. Charleston, South Carolina

In Charleston, Thanksgiving feels like it was tailor-made for Southern hospitality. Mild weather means alfresco brunches, oyster roasts, and sunset strolls along the Battery.

Food is the centerpiece here, with many of the city’s celebrated chefs serving up elegant Thanksgiving menus that blend tradition with Lowcountry flair—think shrimp and grits, cornbread stuffing, and bourbon pecan pie.

Stay in a charming boutique inn downtown or escape to nearby Kiawah Island for golf and sea breezes. It’s a warm, elegant choice with just the right dose of coastal calm.

12. The Florida Keys, Florida

For a stress-free, flip-flop kind of Thanksgiving, head to the Florida Keys. The drive along the Overseas Highway is bucket list-worthy in itself, with jaw-dropping ocean views in every direction.

Key West offers quirky charm, live music, and endless key lime pie, while Islamorada and Marathon provide more relaxed, family-friendly vibes. Many restaurants and resorts offer Thanksgiving menus with tropical twists—grilled mahi-mahi, coconut stuffing, and pies spiked with rum.

It’s a far cry from the traditional holiday, but that’s the whole point if you’re looking to really get away.

International Thanksgiving Vacation Ideas

13. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

This UNESCO-listed jewel in the heart of Mexico’s highlands is beloved for its colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and romantic rooftop terraces.

It also happens to be an ideal Thanksgiving destination, especially for those craving culture and sunshine. Plenty of upscale restaurants in San Miguel cater to international travelers, offering traditional American menus alongside more inventive takes like turkey with mole or pumpkin tamales.

Add in rooftop mezcal cocktails, art gallery strolls, and the golden-hour glow over Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, and you’ve got a stylish, south-of-the-border escape that feels both familiar and entirely new. San Miguel de Allende is also the perfect-sized escape for a few days of vacation.

Plan your Trip:

14. Riviera Maya, Mexico

The Riviera Maya offers the kind of Thanksgiving vacation idea that feels like a warm-weather exhale—turquoise waters, beachfront resorts, and just the right touch of cultural exploration.

Spend your days snorkeling cenotes, wandering ancient Mayan ruins, or simply lounging under a palapa with a margarita in hand. Resorts from Tulum to Playa del Carmen often host Thanksgiving dinners with a tropical twist—think tamarind-glazed turkey, Yucatán-style sides, and local mezcal cocktails.

It’s a seamless blend of relaxation and celebration, perfect for those who want the holiday without the hassle.

Plan your Trip:

15. Turks and Caicos, Caribbean

For those who want a Thanksgiving vacation idea that allows you to truly get away, there are the Caribbean Islands. Spend Thanksgiving on a powder-soft beach in Turks and Caicos, where the water is neon-turquoise and the only turkey you’ll see might be in a gourmet beachside buffet.

Grace Bay’s resorts—like Wymara or Amanyara—offer barefoot luxury at its best, many with special Thanksgiving dinners under the stars. Spend your days snorkeling coral reefs, sailing, or simply lounging in a hammock with a rum punch in hand.

This is the version of Thanksgiving where stress is outlawed and gratitude is sun-kissed.

16. St. Barts, Caribbean

For one of the most luxurious Thanksgiving travel ideas, head to St. Barts, where French-Caribbean elegance meets barefoot luxury.

November is shoulder season, meaning you’ll enjoy slightly fewer crowds while still experiencing the island’s world-class dining and crystal-clear waters. Thanksgiving here is a decadent affair—expect foie gras, champagne, and panoramic ocean views.

Whether you’re dining at Bonito or hosting your own villa celebration, St. Barts turns the holiday into something utterly stylish. It’s perfect for couples or groups of friends wanting to skip the casseroles and lean into island indulgence.

17. Quebec City, Canada

Though Canadian Thanksgiving is in October, November in Quebec City is pure storybook magic. As snow begins to dust the rooftops and cobblestone streets, Old Quebec transforms into a quiet, European-style winter escape.

Boutique hotels like Auberge Saint-Antoine offer refined comfort, while local bistros serve up comforting Quebecois fare like tourtière, maple-glazed ham, and mulled wine. Christmas markets begin to appear by the end of the month, adding a festive sparkle without the full December crowds.

For those looking to exchange the chaos for a cozy, cobbled getaway, this is a seriously underrated pick.

18. Bavaria, Germany

If you’re ready to flip the Thanksgiving script entirely, consider an early escape to Bavaria, Germany. While the Thanksgiving holiday isn’t really celebrated in Europe, Christmas markets begin popping up in late November.

Towns like Nuremberg, Munich, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber transform into glittering wonderlands filled with twinkling lights, gingerbread, glühwein, and handcrafted ornaments. The timing is perfect to soak up old-world holiday charm before the December rush.

It’s ideal for couples or culture lovers looking to swap turkey for bratwurst and immerse themselves in fairy-tale Europe.

Plan your Trip:

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Which of these Thanksgiving travel ideas will you be looking into this fall? Have any questions or comments about your trip? Let me know in the box below.

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