8 Best Places to Visit for Thanksgiving 2025
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Thanksgiving is the perfect time to take a break, explore new destinations, and maximize your PTO. With careful planning, you can turn the holiday weekend into a week-long getaway using only a few vacation days.
Here are 8 of the best Thanksgiving destinations, with recommendations for accommodations and activities to make your trip unforgettable.
1. New York City, New York, USA
NYC is the ultimate Thanksgiving destination. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade draws visitors from around the world, and ice skating at Rockefeller Center or strolling through Central Park adds a magical holiday touch. Don’t miss exploring the holiday windows along Fifth Avenue or catching a Broadway show.
Where to Stay:
Budget: Pod 51 or YOTEL New York – Affordable, modern, and central for first-time visitors.
Moderate: Arlo NoMad or CitizenM Times Square – Stylish, mid-range options with easy access to holiday attractions.
Luxury: The Plaza or The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park – Iconic, luxurious, and right in the heart of Manhattan’s festivities.
Mini Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive, check into hotel, stroll Times Square and Bryant Park.
Day 2: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, lunch nearby, ice skating at Rockefeller Center.
Day 3: Central Park walk, Museum of Natural History, Broadway show in the evening.
Day 4: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island tour, explore SoHo and Greenwich Village.
Day 5 (optional PTO day): High Line & Chelsea Market, last-minute shopping.
2. Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA
Plymouth offers a historical Thanksgiving experience. Visit the Plimoth Patuxet Museums for immersive reenactments, stroll the Plymouth Harbor, or take a Pilgrim-inspired walking tour. Families will appreciate the kid-friendly exhibits and interactive history lessons.
Where to Stay:
Budget: Inn on the Square – Cozy and comfortable in downtown Plymouth, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the historic waterfront.
Moderate: John Carver Inn & Spa – Historic charm with modern amenities and an on-site spa, located near Plymouth Harbor.
Luxury: Mirbeau Inn & Spa – Upscale retreat featuring elegant rooms, a full-service spa, and beautiful grounds, offering a serene and indulgent Thanksgiving getaway.
Mini Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive, settle in, evening stroll along Plymouth Harbor.
Day 2: Plimoth Patuxet Museums, Pilgrim Hall Museum, downtown walking tour.
Day 3: Thanksgiving feast, optional harbor cruise or scenic photography.
Day 4 (optional PTO day): Day trip to Cape Cod or Boston.
3. Aspen, Colorado, USA
For a snowy holiday escape, Aspen offers skiing, snowboarding, and cozy lodges. The town is decked out for the season, and early November often means quieter slopes before peak winter crowds. Beyond skiing, try snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hot tub evenings, or a scenic gondola ride for breathtaking mountain views.
Where to Stay:
Budget: St. Moritz Lodge – Cozy, no-frills lodging with classic ski-town charm, located just a short walk from Aspen’s downtown shops and restaurants.
Moderate: Aspen Square Condominium Hotel – Comfortable, centrally located condos with kitchenettes and easy access to Aspen’s ski slopes, dining, and nightlife.
Luxury: The Little Nell – Five-star, ski-in/ski-out resort offering elegant rooms, world-class dining, and personalized service, perfect for an indulgent mountain getaway.
Mini Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive, settle in, explore Aspen town.
Day 2: Skiing or snowboarding at Aspen Snowmass.
Day 3: Snowshoeing, snowmobiling or winter hike, gondola ride to Aspen Mountain.
Day 4: Art galleries, shopping, and hot tub evening at lodge.
Day 5 (optional PTO day): Scenic drive through Maroon Bells or relax in spa.
4. Savannah, Georgia, USA
Savannah combines southern charm with mild weather in November. Walk through the historic squares lined with oak trees, enjoy a riverfront cruise, and visit Forsyth Park for a scenic stroll. Don’t miss the local art galleries, boutique shopping, and ghost tours for a little adventure.
Where to Stay:
Budget: The Thunderbird Inn – Retro-inspired lodging with quirky charm, located just steps from Savannah’s historic district and popular squares.
Moderate: The Marshall House – Elegant historic hotel featuring period details, modern comforts, and a central location perfect for exploring the city’s streets and riverfront.
Luxury: Perry Lane Hotel – Stylish boutique hotel with contemporary design, rooftop pool, and upscale amenities, ideal for a chic and relaxing stay in the heart of Savannah.
Mini Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive, explore historic squares and riverfront.
Day 2: Forsyth Park, local art galleries, and boutique shopping.
Day 3: Riverboat cruise, carriage ride or ghost tour in the evening.
Day 4: Day trip to Tybee Island for beach walks and lighthouse visit.
Day 5 (optional PTO day): Explore Bonaventure Cemetery and local neighborhoods.
5. Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany in November is serene, with rolling hills, vineyards, and fewer tourists. Take a wine tour in Chianti, visit historic towns like Siena and San Gimignano, and enjoy farm-to-table seasonal dishes featuring truffles, wild mushrooms, and fresh pasta.
Where to Stay:
Budget: Hotel David – Classic Florence hotel with comfortable rooms, centrally located for easy access to the Duomo, markets, and historic sites.
Moderate: Agriturismo La Poggiopiano – Charming countryside farm stay with rustic elegance, local cuisine, and a tranquil setting among rolling Tuscan hills.
Luxury: Castello di Casole – Stunning restored castle offering spacious, luxurious accommodations, modern amenities, and picturesque views over vineyards and countryside, perfect for an indulgent escape.
Mini Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Florence, check-in, stroll Duomo and historic streets.
Day 2: Day trip to Siena and San Gimignano, enjoy local wine tasting.
Day 3: Cooking class or truffle-hunting excursion, local market visit.
Day 4: Explore Pisa or Lucca, scenic countryside drive.
Day 5 (optional PTO day): Relax at a vineyard or explore Florence museums.
6. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland offers an unforgettable snowy escape with a chance to see the Northern Lights. Explore geothermal hot springs, the Golden Circle, and dramatic waterfalls like Gullfoss. Reykjavik itself is cozy and walkable, with museums, galleries, and boutique shopping.
Where to Stay:
Budget: KEX Hostel – Trendy, affordable, and centrally located with easy access to downtown and tours.
Moderate: Fosshotel Reykjavik – Comfortable, modern hotel with great amenities and a central location.
Luxury: Hotel Borg – Iconic 5-star hotel in downtown Reykjavik with historic charm and sophisticated comfort.
Mini Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive, check in, explore Reykjavik’s harbor, food museums, and street art.
Day 2: Golden Circle tour: Þingvellir, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir hot springs.
Day 3: Blue Lagoon or other geothermal spa, Northern Lights tour in evening.
Day 4: Explore Reykjavik surroundings or take a South Coast day trip.
Day 5 (optional PTO day): Whale watching or relax in town.
7. Christmas Markets in Germany
Many of Germany’s famous Christmas markets open in late November, perfectly coinciding with Thanksgiving weekend. Cities like Frankfurt, Nuremberg and Munich offer festive markets with twinkling lights, handcrafted gifts, mulled wine, and seasonal treats. Walking through the markets is magical, and the early holiday atmosphere gives a unique way to start the festive season abroad.
Where to Stay:
Frankfurt, Germany
Budget: Premier Inn Frankfurt Messe – Affordable, clean, and conveniently located near the Frankfurt Messe and Christmas market.
Moderate: Fleming’s Hotel Frankfurt Main-Riverside – Comfortable modern rooms near the river and market areas.
Luxury: Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof – Iconic 5-star hotel in the city center, perfect for a festive and luxurious stay.
Nuremberg:
Budget: a&o Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof – Affordable, modern lodging just steps from the train station, offering easy access to Nuremberg’s historic Old Town and Christmas markets.
Moderate: Sorat Hotel Saxx Nürnberg – Comfortable, centrally located hotel with contemporary amenities and convenient access to shops, restaurants, and festive market squares.
Luxury: Le Méridien Grand Hotel Nürnberg – Elegant, full-service hotel blending historic charm with modern luxury, featuring refined rooms, fine dining, and a prime location near Nuremberg Castle and Christkindlesmarkt.
Munich:
Budget: MEININGER Hotel München City Center – Clean, modern, and centrally located, providing easy access to Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, and Munich’s festive Christmas markets.
Moderate: Motel One München-Marienplatz – Stylish, contemporary hotel in the heart of the city, offering comfortable rooms and walking access to historic sites, shopping, and dining.
Luxury: Bayerischer Hof – Iconic luxury hotel combining historic elegance with modern amenities, featuring a rooftop terrace, fine dining, and prime access to Munich’s old town and festive markets.
Mini Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Frankfurt, stroll Römer Square market, explore Old Town.
Day 2: Travel to Nuremberg (~2–3 hours by train), visit Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg Castle and old town.
Day 3: Explore Nuremberg museums or optional day trip to nearby Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Day 4: Travel to Munich (~1–2 hours by train), visit Marienplatz market, Viktualienmarkt, and historic old town.
Day 5: Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle or enjoy Munich’s museums and parks.
Day 6 (optional PTO day): Take a Bavarian countryside tour or visit nearby towns like Augsburg or Regensburg for smaller, charming Christmas markets.
Day 7 (optional PTO day): Explore Munich’s Nymphenburg Palace, English Garden, or enjoy a local food & beer tour before returning home.
8. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town offers springtime sunshine, wine regions, and stunning coastal adventures. Hike Table Mountain, visit Cape Point, and explore the Cape Winelands for wine tastings and farm-to-table dining. Pair your holiday with a safari for a truly unforgettable experience.
Where to Stay:
Budget: Altona Guest House – Cozy and welcoming guesthouse with comfortable rooms, friendly service, and a convenient location for exploring Cape Town’s beaches, waterfront, and city attractions.
Moderate: Pods Camp Bay – Modern pod-style lodging near the beach, offering comfort and a unique stay experience without breaking the bank, or Ocean View House – Guesthouse with spacious rooms and stunning sea views, perfect for travelers wanting a scenic, mid-range option.
Luxury: One&Only Cape Town – Exclusive luxury resort with elegant rooms, world-class dining, spa services, and prime waterfront location, or Cape Grace Hotel – Sophisticated hotel with refined accommodations, award-winning dining, and personalized service in the heart of the V&A Waterfront.
Mini Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive, check in, explore V&A Waterfront.
Day 2: Hike or cable car up Table Mountain, city sightseeing.
Day 3: Full-day Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope tour.
Day 4: Cape Winelands wine tour or optional safari day trip.
Day 5 (optional PTO day): Explore Cape Peninsula beaches, visit Boulders Beach to see penguins, and stop in Simon’s Town.
Day 6 (optional PTO day): Take a scenic drive along Chapmans Peak, visit Hout Bay, and explore local craft markets.
Day 7 (optional PTO day): Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Robben Island tour, or relax at Clifton or Camps Bay beaches before returning home.
Maximizing Your PTO
With strategic planning, you can turn a 4-day Thanksgiving weekend into a full 5–7 day getaway using only 2–3 PTO days. The trick is combining holiday dates with short PTO extensions, whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally. This way, you get the full trip experience without sacrificing a whole week of vacation.
Let’s start planning your Thanksgiving adventure now and create memories that last far beyond the holiday!
