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America’s Best Cities to spend Thanksgiving 2026

Dancers in colorful traditional dresses perform at the Holiday River Parade in San Antonio, Texas, with a festive backdrop.
Photo by the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce

Searching for the best places to spend Thanksgiving in the USA this year? Whether you want to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, eat an authentic 1621 Pilgrim feast in historic Plymouth, ski fresh powder in Park City, sip cabernet at a Napa Valley harvest dinner, or trade snow for a beachside luau in Hawaii, 2026 has incredible Thanksgiving getaways for every type of traveler. From sunny, affordable escapes (hello San Antonio and Orlando) to cozy mountain retreats and history-packed weekends, these top 10 destinations — ranked using AAA booking data, WalletHub 2025 rankings, and real traveler trends — promise perfect weather, unique holiday events, and unforgettable memories. Start planning your Thanksgiving trip now before flights and hotels sell out!

1. San Antonio, Texas Celebrate Thanksgiving 2026 in San Antonio, Texas – ranked the #1 best city for Thanksgiving by WalletHub thanks to perfect sunny weather, the lowest chance of rain in the country, and affordable holiday dining. Stroll the famous River Walk illuminated with millions of twinkling lights during the Ford Holiday River Parade the day after Thanksgiving, enjoy authentic Tex-Mex twists on turkey dinner, and explore the historic Alamo. With budget-friendly hotels and family activities everywhere, San Antonio is the ultimate stress-free Thanksgiving getaway. Plan your trip at Visit San Antonio.

A nostalgic view of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade featuring a giant turkey float and a large balloon character, surrounded by a crowd and urban buildings.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo by Jon Harder

2. New York City, New York Experience the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live in New York City – the most iconic Thanksgiving tradition in America. Watch giant balloons, Broadway performances, and Santa’s arrival along Central Park West, then ice-skate at Rockefeller Center or Wollman Rink. From lavish Thanksgiving dinners at Tavern on the Green to cozy rooftop views of the skyline, NYC delivers unbeatable holiday magic (just bundle up and book hotels early!). Discover more at NYC Tourism.

Orlando skyline at sunset with palm trees adorned in colorful holiday lights, reflecting in the lake.
Orlando, Florida, USA downtown skyline at Eola Lake. Photo by Sean Pavone

3. Orlando, Florida Escape to warm weather and Disney magic this Thanksgiving in Orlando, Florida – AAA’s most-booked Thanksgiving destination for 2026. Enjoy special holiday feasts at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, lighter crowds than Christmas week, and temperatures in the 70s perfect for pool days. Add Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (starting early November) or a Thanksgiving buffet at one of the resorts for the ultimate family-friendly holiday vacation. Start planning via Orange County Visitors Portal.

Historical reenactment of a Thanksgiving feast with Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a meal.
Living history reenactment of Pilgrims and Indians dining on Plymouth Plantation, Plymouth, MA. Photo by Joe Sohm | Dreamstime.com

4. Plymouth, Massachusetts Travel back to where it all began with Thanksgiving in historic Plymouth, Massachusetts – “America’s Hometown.” Watch America’s only historically accurate Thanksgiving parade, tour Plimoth Patuxet Museums, and dine on an authentic 1621-style harvest meal with Pilgrims and Native Wampanoag educators. With cranberry bogs, fall foliage, and Plymouth Rock, this is the most meaningful and educational Thanksgiving destination in the United States. Explore details on See Plymouth.

A glass of red wine sits on a stone table overlooking lush vineyards with rolling hills in the background under a bright blue sky.
Glass of Cabernet Sauvignon overlooking vineyards in Napa, California. Photo by Ashley Harp

5. Napa Valley, California Trade turkey stress for wine-country bliss with Thanksgiving in Napa Valley, California. World-class wineries host lavish multi-course harvest dinners paired with award-winning cabernets, while golden vineyards and hot-air balloon rides create postcard-perfect fall scenery. Stay at a luxury inn, relax at a spa, and savor farm-to-table feasts – the perfect adults-only or romantic Thanksgiving escape. Book your visit through Visit Napa Valley.

A vibrant Thanksgiving Day parade float featuring a large turkey, cornucopia, and performers in traditional Pilgrim costumes, set against an urban backdrop.
Pilgrims and Turkey Float in Thanksgiving Parade. Philadelphia, PA. Photo by © Georgesheldon

6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Celebrate Thanksgiving in Philadelphia, the city that hosted America’s first Thanksgiving parade in 1920! Watch the country’s oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade with dazzling floats and performers along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, then explore Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Affordable hotels, historic taverns serving creative turkey dinners, and holiday markets make Philly an underrated gem for Thanksgiving weekend. Get the full itinerary at Visit Philly.

A beautiful beach scene in Honolulu, Hawaii, featuring clear turquoise waters, sandy shores, and a backdrop of modern buildings and Diamond Head mountain under a bright blue sky.
Thanksgiving in Hawaii! Photo by TheLensNomad

7. Honolulu & Oahu, Hawaii Say “aloha” to Thanksgiving on the beach in Honolulu, Hawaii. Trade chilly weather for 80-degree sunshine, sunset catamaran sails, and traditional Hawaiian Thanksgiving luaus featuring kalua turkey, fresh poke, and hula dancing. Hike Diamond Head in the morning, relax on Waikiki Beach in the afternoon, and watch fireworks over the Pacific – paradise found for a tropical Thanksgiving escape. Find visitor info on City and County of Honolulu.

A vibrant light display featuring a large, illuminated sculpture of a woman with flowing hair, surrounded by a fountain with water jets in a colorful nighttime setting.
Photo by Atlanta Botanical Garden

8. Atlanta, Georgia Discover Southern hospitality this Thanksgiving in Atlanta, Georgia – WalletHub’s #2 city for generosity and affordability. Enjoy mild fall weather in Piedmont Park, soul-food Thanksgiving dinners with cornbread and collards, and holiday lights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. With budget-friendly hotels and a vibrant food scene, Atlanta mixes tradition and modern fun perfectly. Dive in at Explore Georgia – Atlanta.

Sunset view of a fishing pier over calm ocean waters with waves lapping at the shore.
Sunrise at the Sandbridge pier on Virginia Beach. Photo by Tim Pennington

9. Virginia Beach, Virginia Spend a relaxing, budget-friendly Thanksgiving in Virginia Beach, Virginia – one of the most affordable coastal destinations with oceanfront hotels starting under $100. Walk the 3-mile boardwalk, volunteer at local turkey trots or food drives (Virginia Beach ranks high for Thanksgiving charity), and enjoy fresh seafood alongside classic holiday meals with sweeping Atlantic views. Plan ahead with Visit Virginia Beach.

A panoramic view of Park City, Utah at dusk, showcasing the twinkling lights of the town amidst snowy mountains. The scene captures the cozy ambiance of a ski resort destination.
Dusk View of Park City Glowing. Photo by Adventure_Photo

10. Park City, Utah Kick off ski season with Thanksgiving in Park City, Utah – many resorts open the weekend after turkey day. Ski or snowboard fresh powder in the morning, then warm up with hot cocoa and gourmet lodge dinners at Deer Valley or Park City Mountain. Add bobsled rides at the Olympic Park and Main Street holiday shopping for a perfect mountain Thanksgiving getaway before the December crowds arrive. Check it out on Visit Park City.