Top 5: Cities to Celebrate Thanksgiving

While many Americans choose to spend Thanksgiving at home or visiting family and friends, others take this opportunity to explore other cities. These are our favorite cities to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Chicago

Chicago is home to a popular Thanksgiving Day parade. The route spans one mile on State Street. Arrive early to nab a prime vantage point. Other holiday activities kicking off Thanksgiving weekend include a Christmas tree lighting and the opening of Chicago’s German-style Christmas market, Christkindlmarket Chicago.

New Orleans

What better holiday to spend in one of the United States’ best foodie cities? Many restaurants offer special Thanksgiving menus, including deep-fried turkey. The annual Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade travels down Decatur Street and ends at the French Market.

New York City

While many have watched New York City’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade on television, seeing the enormous balloons in person is a bucket-list experience. The large-scale parade attracts huge crowds to the city, so be sure to prepare well in advance.

Orlando

Spending Thanksgiving in Orlando, specifically Walt Disney World, is a one-of-a-kind experience. In addition to spectacular holiday decorations, tasty meals and parades, guests can take advantage of extended holiday hours and Black Friday shopping deals the day after Thanksgiving.

Plymouth, Mass.

Spend the holiday in the historic site where the first Thanksgiving took place. Located about an hour south of Boston, Plymouth, Mass., features an extensive living history experience on Plimouth Plantation. Learn the inner workings of a 17^th-century village and enjoy a traditional turkey dinner.