Where to Travel for Thanksgiving: 15 Best Places for a Cozy Holiday

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to escape the daily routine and create unforgettable memories in a beautiful setting. Whether you’re craving a classic New England autumn, a charming small-town celebration, or a warm-weather retreat, there’s a perfect destination for every kind of traveler.

From picturesque mountain getaways to lively city festivities, these destinations offer the best of the season—cozy atmospheres, delicious food, and plenty of holiday spirit. Here are 15 of the best places to visit for a Thanksgiving trip.

1. Williamsburg, Virginia

Step back in time with a colonial-style Thanksgiving in Colonial Williamsburg, where historical reenactments bring the 18th century to life. Enjoy a traditional feast at King’s Arms Tavern, complete with roasted turkey and sweet potato pudding.

The nearby Jamestown Settlement hosts a fascinating Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia event, showcasing how early settlers celebrated harvest season. The city’s Grand Illumination and festive decorations make it a magical place to kick off the holiday season.

2. Plymouth, Massachusetts

For a truly authentic Thanksgiving experience, head to Plymouth, the site of the first Thanksgiving in 1621. Visit Plimoth Patuxet Museums to see how the Pilgrims and Wampanoag people lived, and enjoy a historically inspired Thanksgiving meal.

The town’s America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration features a lively parade, a waterfront festival, and interactive historical exhibits. Don’t miss the chance to see the famous Plymouth Rock while you’re there!

3. Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is perfect for a cozy, nature-filled Thanksgiving getaway. The fall foliage is stunning, and the town is home to charming boutiques, local breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants.

Spend the holiday exploring the Biltmore Estate, which kicks off its Christmas at Biltmore event in November. Afterward, enjoy a gourmet Thanksgiving dinner at one of Asheville’s renowned restaurants, like The Omni Grove Park Inn.

4. New York City, New York

Thanksgiving in New York City is a bucket-list experience, thanks to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Watch the giant balloons, marching bands, and celebrity performances from a prime viewing spot along the parade route.

After the parade, enjoy a festive meal at a top-notch restaurant or grab a slice of New York-style pumpkin pie at a cozy café. If you’re staying for the weekend, don’t miss the start of the holiday season in Rockefeller Center.

5. Charleston, South Carolina

For a mild-weather Thanksgiving with Southern charm, Charleston is a fantastic pick. The city’s historic streets are lined with cobblestone alleys, waterfront views, and festive decorations.

Dine on a Southern-inspired Thanksgiving feast with fried turkey, cornbread stuffing, and pecan pie at top restaurants like Husk. Take a relaxing stroll along The Battery, or book a harbor cruise to soak in the city’s coastal beauty.

6. Park City, Utah

For a Thanksgiving escape in the mountains, Park City offers breathtaking scenery and early-season skiing. The Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort often open in late November, making it a perfect place for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.

After hitting the slopes, warm up with a cozy dinner at Riverhorse on Main, one of the city’s top-rated restaurants. Don’t forget to explore Historic Main Street, where charming boutiques and holiday lights set a festive mood.

7. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival officially kicks off the holiday season, and the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade is a lively alternative to New York’s.

After the festivities, explore the Christkindlmarket, an open-air German Christmas market with mulled wine and handmade gifts. If you’re craving a deep-dish feast, Lou Malnati’s is the place to go.

8. Napa Valley, California

For a wine-country Thanksgiving, Napa Valley offers stunning vineyards, gourmet cuisine, and mild fall weather. Many wineries host special Thanksgiving wine tastings, making it an ideal destination for food and wine lovers.

Enjoy a farm-to-table Thanksgiving meal at a luxurious resort like Auberge du Soleil, or take a scenic ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train, where you can indulge in a multi-course holiday dinner while admiring the vineyards.

9. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg offers a quaint, festive escape with crisp mountain air and stunning fall colors. Visit Ober Mountain for early-season skiing, or take a scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

For a homey holiday meal, enjoy a classic Southern-style Thanksgiving feast at The Old Mill or Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant. The Gatlinburg Winter Magic Festival also begins in November, filling the town with twinkling lights.

10. San Antonio, Texas

For a warmer Thanksgiving getaway, San Antonio offers festive celebrations along the River Walk, where holiday lights start to appear in late November.

Dine riverside at Boudro’s Texas Bistro, then explore the historic Alamo and nearby missions. The city also hosts a unique Ford Holiday River Parade, featuring illuminated floats drifting down the river.

11. Stowe, Vermont

Nothing says classic New England Thanksgiving like Stowe. This charming town is surrounded by snow-dusted mountains, covered bridges, and picturesque farms.

Stay in a cozy inn and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal at the Trapp Family Lodge, or explore the scenic trails of Smugglers’ Notch State Park before the snow fully sets in.

12. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah’s oak-lined streets, historic charm, and Southern hospitality make it an excellent Thanksgiving destination. Take a holiday-themed trolley tour, or explore the Forsyth Park and River Street before indulging in a festive meal.

For a unique experience, book a Thanksgiving dinner cruise on the Savannah River, offering breathtaking waterfront views and a traditional feast.

13. Santa Fe, New Mexico

For a Thanksgiving with Southwestern flair, Santa Fe offers a mix of Pueblo-style architecture, art galleries, and incredible cuisine. November brings crisp air and beautiful desert sunsets.

Visit the Santa Fe Plaza, which starts its holiday light displays, or enjoy a New Mexican-style Thanksgiving dinner with roasted turkey, green chile stuffing, and tamales at The Shed.

14. Honolulu, Hawaii

If you’d rather swap turkey for tropical beaches, Honolulu is the perfect Thanksgiving getaway. Enjoy a luau-style Thanksgiving dinner with fresh seafood, pineapple-glazed ham, and Hawaiian sweet rolls.

Spend the day relaxing on Waikiki Beach, or hike up Diamond Head for breathtaking views before indulging in a holiday feast at Duke’s Waikiki.

15. Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is a dreamy Thanksgiving retreat with snow-capped peaks and luxurious resorts. Many travelers come for early skiing at Aspen Snowmass, or to simply enjoy a cozy holiday in a winter wonderland.

Warm up with hot cocoa by the fire at The Little Nell, and don’t miss Aspen’s Thanksgiving feasts at top restaurants like Element 47. If you stay through the weekend, the town’s holiday celebrations begin in full swing.