For some people, Thanksgiving is a holiday to be celebrated at home with family. But for others, Thanksgiving is a chance to take a mini vacation and enjoy some much-deserved time off. This November, consider jetting to one of these great Thanksgiving destinations.
New York City
How about Thanksgiving dinner in New York City? You can enjoy the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The oversized balloons, lavish floats, performers, and marching bands have graced New York’s streets on Thanksgiving Day for 87 years. For the best views, consider booking a luxe suite on the parade route. The Mandarin Oriental, New York Hilton, and the historic Warwick hotels all boast unbeatable views.
You can even get some behind-the-scenes and watch the balloons being blown up the night before at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Eve Balloon Blow-Up at 79th Street and Columbus Avenue.
Plymouth, Mass.
If you’re interested in a historical Thanksgiving, point your jet toward Plymouth, where the 17th century colonists once lived in what was then a small English village. Starting on Nov. 22, there is a three-day celebration of Thanksgiving history that includes concerts, parades, and waterfront events.
Check out the costumed actors on the Mayflower II, a full-sized recreation of the real Mayflower, see the real — and surprisingly small — Plymouth Rock, and don’t forget to visit Plimouth Plantation, where you can learn about how both the pilgrims and the Wampanoag people lived in 1627 and enjoy a truly traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
Washington, D.C.
If you’re in Washington, D.C. over Thanksgiving, you’ll have access to a variety of attractions to commemorate the history of the many people who have shaped America, from Washington to Lincoln to Jefferson and beyond. Many restaurants in the city host lavish Thanksgiving dinners, so you won’t have to miss out on your turkey and pumpkin pie.
And don’t miss the turkey pardon at Mount Vernon: Every year since 1989, the president has pardoned the turkey meant for the White House table, allowing it to live to a ripe old age on a farm.
Dallas, Texas
Texas might not seem like a destination that has much relevance to Thanksgiving, but you’d be surprised: They have an entire year-round park downtown dedicated to giving thanks. The park includes the Hall of Thanksgiving, which displays the history of Thanksgiving, among other attractions.
And if sports are more your speed, the Dallas Cowboys have a game every Thanksgiving, a tradition that’s been in place since 1966. Their new Arlington stadium cost $1.15 billion and watching the game from one of its fully-stocked suites would undoubtedly be a fun way to spend your Thanksgiving Day.
No matter where you spend your holiday, may it be full of good times, good food, and good friends and family. Have a happy Thanksgiving!