Each year, on the fourth Thursday in November, America gathers for one of its favorite celebrations: Thanksgiving. From the scent of roast turkey filling the kitchen to the hum of parades and football games on TV, some classic and quirky Thanksgiving traditions bring joy to every home across the nation. And while every family celebration looks a little different, each likely has its favourite pumpkin pie recipe and nominated turkey carver. Whether you gather with relatives or friends, the spirit of this American holiday is connection, thankfulness and good food!
Let’s look at some favorite Thanksgiving traditions, starting with the main feast…
What is at a traditional Thanksgiving dinner?
The Thanksgiving meal is the heart of the holiday. This vacation is when families and friends gather around the table for a huge spread of comfort and celebration foods. At its center is almost always a glistening, roast turkey. Joining the turkey are half a dozen delicious sides – think creamy mashed potatoes, herby stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, gravy and sweet potato casseroles topped with marshmallows (yep, that might be the weirdest one!).
Thanksgiving is almost like Christmas, but without the pressure of giving gifts – it’s just gathering with loved ones to eat good food and share stories. Each region and family has different twists – from oyster stuffing and maple-glazed vegetables in New England to cornbread dressing and pecan pie in the South. And while the time of the feast varies, families often sit down to eat mid-afternooon around 3pm or 4pm.
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How did turkey become a Thanksgiving tradition?
Well, it’s a long story that mixes history and practicality. American’s early settlers and Indigenous peoples shared harvest feasts featuring wild fowl. By the 19th century, turkey became the ideal choice. It was large enough to feed a crowd and widely available across America. When President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, turkey was already a household favorite. Over time, cookbooks, media and family traditions cemented its status as the star of Thanksgiving dinners.
The turkey pardon
A quirky and beloved Thanksgiving tradition is the Presidential Turkey Pardon. Each year, the U.S. President spares a turkey from the dinner table in a special ceremony, and instead it gets to live out its life on a farm. It’s a lighthearted ritual that dates to the mid-20th century.
Break the wishbone for good luck
After the turkey is carved, two diners each take one end of the dried wishbone. They make a silent wish and pull. The person who ends up with the larger piece is said to have their wish granted.
Sweet finish – pumpkin pie and other desserts
No Thanksgiving meal ends without something sweet, and at the Thanksgiving table pumpkin pie reigns as the ultimate holiday dessert. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this pie captures the cozy feeling of autumn.
But when has a feast ever had just one dessert? Every American family has its own must-have treats and favorite sweets, from pecan and apple pies to rich chocolate or sweet potato versions. A Thanksgiving meal will always end on a comforting sweet note that might put you into a food coma. That’s fine, because a post-meal nap is totally encouraged!
Share what you’re thankful for
Around the Thanksgiving dinner table, families and friends often take a moment to reflect and share what they’re most thankful for. It could be you’re grateful for good health, happiness, hitting personal milestones, or just appreciate the people around you. If you’ve never been to a Thanksgiving meal, arrive ready to share something at the table.
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Thanksgiving morning parades and traditions
Let’s rewind a little to before the Thanksgiving meal… Thanksgiving morning is also full of excitement and American spirit. Across the country, some cities and small towns kick off the day with colorful parades, live music and community celebrations. Lots of places host local fun runs called “Turkey Trots”.
The most famous of all events is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Expect enormous balloons, marching bands and dazzling floats to roll down the city streets. Families either gather to watch in real life or catch the parade on TV.
Football and family time
For millions of Americans, Thanksgiving celebrations wouldn’t be complete without a good game of football – and by football, we’re talking about NFL, not soccer. Since the early 20th century, NFL games have become a cornerstone of the Thanksgiving holiday with fans tuning in from home, or venturing into the yard for a friendly rivalry between bites of pie.
Most families will try to wrap up their Thanksgiving meal by game time – when some will curl up by the TV while others doze off for a post-feast nap.
What NFL teams traditionally play on Thanksgiving?
The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys take center stage in the NFL’s Thanksgiving football games. The Lions first hosted in 1934, followed by the Cowboys in 1966. In 2006, the NFL added a third primetime matchup, giving fans even more to enjoy. In the 21st century football is very much a part of the festive spirit.
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Black Friday – and travel deals
The day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday – the official start of the holiday shopping season. In America, that means doorbuster deals and crazy crowds at the malls. Across the weekend, you’ll also see posters for Small Business Saturday and festive markets.
But with online shopping booming, you don’t have to venture out IRL to take advantage of the savings. In fact, if you’re reading this now and want to travel in 2026 then you should check out Trafalgar’s huge Black Friday Travel Sale. There’s 15% off stacks of popular trips, plus special Buy One, Get One 50% Off on a handful of trips each week through November.
Thanksgiving weekend travel plans
For many Americans, travel is an essential part of Thanksgiving traditions. The long weekend offers the perfect opportunity to visit relatives, reunite with families and friends… or even kick off winter vacations.
Airports, train stations and highways are buuuusy with holiday travelers. In 2024 a record-breaking 79.9 million Americans were expected to travel across the weekend, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Yes, travel is a Thanksgiving tradition – and while most will simply visit family, you could turn the long weekend into a memorable mini getaway. Or you could even turn your favorite Trafalgar tour private and take the family along for the trip of a lifetime amd make memories together.
READ NEXT: 18 best Thanksgiving vacation ideas: perfect escapes for a festive holiday
Giving thanks and giving back
At its heart, Thanksgiving is about more than food, football and festivities – it’s a time to reflect and express gratitude for what you have. Some families give back to their communities too. Many volunteer at shelters, donate to food drives or host meals for those in need.
Those are the most popular Thanksgiving traditions (along with some quirky ones!). Is there anything else your family does at Thanksgiving? Leave a comment…