Thanksgiving 2025: Traditions, Recipes, and Best Spots to Celebrate

Introduction

Thanksgiving. Yeah, that time of year. Everyone eats way too much. Yells at the TV over football. Argues about who made the stuffing “wrong.” In 2025, it’s Thursday, November 28. Long weekend vibes. Perfect for eating. Traveling. Or just doing something different. Some stay home. Roast a turkey bigger than the neighbor’s dog. A fight over the last slice of pumpkin pie. Others pack bags. Hit the road. See how the holiday feels somewhere else. Either way, this guide is for planning a quiet dinner, a trip, or a full-on festive adventure.

1. Thanksgiving 2025 Dates and Facts

Okay, so Thanksgiving festival 2025 is November 28, the fourth Thursday like always. But hey, there’s more than just the date:

• Lincoln made it a thing in 1863. Probably wanted everyone to chill during the Civil War. Or not, who knows.
• Gratitude’s the point, whether it’s family, pets, your favorite hoodie, or even Wi-Fi. Kinda depends on your vibe.
• Other countries celebrate differently, Canada, Liberia, and even Japan. Weird, right?

Travelers, heads up: knowing the history makes it more than just turkey day. Makes it kinda… rich, you know?

2. History of Thanksgiving

Back in 1621, the Pilgrims and Native Americans had a big harvest meal. Not turkey sandwiches, not pumpkin lattes. Just food. Sharing. Survival vibes. Over time, it became what it is today: food, family, chaos, naps repeat. Towns like Plymouth, Massachusetts, still do old-style reenactments. Most people? Just stuffing faces. But Thanksgiving now isn’t just dinner; there are parades, fairs, markets, and chaos everywhere if you’re into that. Travelers? You can totally soak up the vibe.

3. Top Destinations to Celebrate Thanksgiving 2025

3.1 New York City, NY

NYC on Thanksgiving? Total madness. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has huge balloons, marching bands, and floats. People everywhere. Chaos, but fun chaos. Ice skating at Rockefeller Center, hot chocolate on every corner. Streets lit up like they stole Christmas lights. Restaurants go wild. Hotels do brunch for days. Want full holiday hype? NYC delivers. Just wear comfy shoes and dodge tourists like a pro.

3.2 Plymouth, Massachusetts

History nerds, listen up. Plymouth is the OG Thanksgiving town. Reenactments, harvest fairs, cooking like 1621. Slower than NYC, but charming as heck. Perfect if you like history and holiday vibes.

4. Thanksgiving Traditions

Traditions are messy, but fun:

• Family gatherings & dinners: Smells amazing. Arguments over gravy, who carved the turkey, and who didn’t help clean up. Classic chaos.
• Football: Mandatory. Sorry.
• Volunteering: Some folks hit shelters, soup kitchens, and community events. Feels good.
• Decorating: Pumpkins, leaves, random lights. Cozy feels.

At home or traveling, these rituals keep Thanksgiving alive.

5. Thanksgiving Recipes

5.1 Main Course

• Roasted turkey. Classic. Everyone fights over the legs.
• Alternatives: Ham, chicken, veggie roasts. For the picky or vegetarian folks.

5.2 Side Dishes

• Mashed potatoes with gravy and stuffing on the plate.
• Green beans, cranberry sauce, and sweet potatoes on the side.
• Cornbread and all the comfort foods grandma always serves.

5.3 Desserts

• Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, apple pie. Sometimes cheesecake sneaks in.
• Anything sweet and fall-y is fair game.

5.4 Drinks & Beverages

• Hot cider, cocoa, spiced wine, and cocktails if you’re feeling fancy.
• Some families have a yearly “signature” drink. Weird, but tasty.

Travelers might find local twists on pumpkin cheesecake muffins, turkey sliders, or other weird but good stuff.

6. Fun Activities for Families

Thanksgiving isn’t just sitting at a table. There’s plenty to do:

• Games and crafts for kids: Pumpkin painting, scavenger hunts, DIY decorations
• Movies: Family-friendly Thanksgiving flicks. Or horror if that’s your thing.
• Community stuff: Farmers’ markets, harvest fairs, parades

In NYC, Plymouth, and Orlando, you can mix sightseeing with holiday chaos. Keeps kids and adults busy.

7. Travel & Holiday Tips

Traveling for Thanksgiving? Do this:

• Book early. Seriously. Stuff fills up.
• Plan activities. Some shows/events sell out quickly.
• Pack for the weather. NYC? Freezing. Florida? Sun’s out. Layers.
• Budget smart. Local food, small events, off-peak times.

Thanksgiving travel means food, fun and adventure. Win-win.

8. Unique Ideas for Thanksgiving 2025

Want to do something different?

• Eco-friendly: Skip disposable stuff. Support local farmers. Hit up sustainable restaurants if possible.
• Virtual gatherings: FaceTime. Zoom. Call people far away. Doesn’t feel the same, but it works.
• Personal gratitude rituals: Write in a journal. Make a gratitude tree. Or volunteer somewhere, even just for a few hours.

Little touches like these make the holiday feel real and personal, no matter where it happens.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving Day celebration 2025 is all about food, family, chaos, fun, repeat. NYC chaos, Plymouth charm, Orlando madness, pick your vibe. You can stick to tradition or do something new. Either way, the goal? Laugh, eat, make memories, and remember what the day’s about. So what are you waiting for? Book your International package with Travel Junky now to experience Thanksgiving Day in the best way.