Thanksgiving in the US is one of the most classic American experiences there is. Friends and family don their coziest fall sweaters and gather to eat good food, cheer on their favourite football teams, and give thanks. Whether you’re headed out West for the true Americana experience or opt for a road trip through the country’s heartland, if you’re planning to be in the US for Thanksgiving, you’re in for a treat. Read on to discover the top Thanksgiving traditions you need to know about.
1. Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Whether you watch it on TV or check it out live, this classic American tradition can’t be missed if you want to get the full Thanksgiving experience. Be sure to arrive early in the morning to get a good spot, and dress warmly because November in NYC can be COLD.
2. Host a Friendsgiving
It just wouldn’t be November without getting the gang together for Friendsgiving. Friends are our chosen family after all, right? Pull out the paper plates and make it potluck style, or go all out and cook your friends a full turkey dinner. Either way, it’s sure to be a blast.
3. Enjoy a Thanksgiving feast
Literally the cornerstone of every American meal is the turkey (gobble gobble). But if turkey isn’t your thing, you can still fill up on traditional American classics like cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, pumpkin pie, stuffing, and cornbread. Remember to wear your roomiest pair of pants.
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4. Run in a Turkey Trot race
Whether it’s a “Burn your Bird” 5k on Black Friday or a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, Americans love to feel less guilty about their annual indulgence by going on a run. Gather with the neighbours or your local community and jog off those Thanksgiving calories!
5. Indulge in ‘Blackout Wednesday’
Known the country over as the “biggest night of the year,” Blackout Wednesday (the night before Thanksgiving) is THE night to go out on the town. For most Americans, this usually means heading back to your hometown and running into everyone from your high school ex to your best friend’s mom at your local bar. It’s the perfect combination of cringey and nostalgic, so just lean into it.
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6. Prepare for Black Friday (and Cyber Monday) deals
The absolute best time to get your holiday shopping done, Black Friday happens the day after Thanksgiving, and in recent years, Cyber Monday also happens the following Monday. Don’t forget to check which of your favorite stores will have deals (if you’re in America, nearly all of them will), so get your credit card ready.
7. Give thanks
While it’s easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, don’t forget what Thanksgiving is really all about: giving thanks. This means expressing gratitude for all the great things and people in your life, so don’t be afraid to show it!
8. Play a game of football in the yard
Basically nothing says “Thanksgiving” more than playing a rousing game of American football (or flag football) in the yard. And nothing hits harder than enjoying this classic American activity on a cold Thanksgiving weekend back in your hometown. For those less athletically inclined, watching football on TV counts, too.
9. Presidential turkey pardoning
Thanksgiving in the US wouldn’t be complete without the official presidential turkey pardoning. Tune in to watch POTUS pardon his bird, saving it from the Thanksgiving feast to come.
10. Breaking the wishbone
If you’re in need of a bit of luck, this one’s for you. The wishbone tradition is a classic, and it goes like this: find the turkey’s wishbone, grab onto one side while someone else grabs the other, both of you make a wish, pull, and whoever ends up with the larger piece will have their wish come true.
11. Check out the fall foliage
Leaf peepers rejoice, because Thanksgiving in the US is the perfect time to appreciate fall foliage throughout the country. Late November is the ideal time to catch the leaves in their most vibrant colours before they fall for the season, especially in the Northeast and down South, so be sure to get outside and check it out.
