Arrive in the United States in late November and you will hear one question more than any other: “What are you doing for Thanksgiving?” For Americans, it is the year’s big family occasion, a long weekend that blends comfort food, gratitude, parades, and a lot of travel.
If you are a UK expat or planning a visit, the good news is that it is a welcoming holiday you can enjoy without feeling like an outsider. This guide explains what happens, how to take part with confidence, and the travel and visa details worth knowing before you make plans.
The holiday at a glance
Thanksgiving is a national holiday centred on sharing a meal and reflecting on what went well during the year. In the U.S. it falls on the fourth Thursday in November, which means a long weekend for many people, with gatherings often stretching into Friday and Saturday.
Upcoming U.S. Thanksgiving dates:
- 2025: Thursday, 27 November
- 2026: Thursday, 26 November
- 2027: Thursday, 25 November
- 2028: Thursday, 23 November
Note: Canadian Thanksgiving is different — it’s the second Monday in October and has distinct traditions.
What the day actually looks and feels like
Most households sit down to an early dinner rather than a late one, and the menu is reassuringly traditional: roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans or a casserole, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Before eating, many families share a short moment of thanks — you do not need to prepare a speech, just a sentence or two will do. For more on how the tradition began, you can read about the history of Thanksgiving on History.com.
The telly is lively all morning: New York’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade fills the screen with marching bands and huge balloons; later on, American football takes over. Outside the home, the country is quieter than usual. Offices, banks, government services, and many restaurants close, and the roads and airports are extremely busy from Wednesday through Sunday as people criss-cross the country to be with family.
Invitations, etiquette, and feeling at ease
If you receive an invitation, accept it. Thanksgiving is intimate for many families, yet it is also a day when newcomers are made to feel included. A quick message asking what you can bring is both polite and practical; a side dish, dessert, soft drinks, or a small host gift such as flowers, chocolates, or a British favourite are all appreciated.
Aim to arrive on time, as “dinner” might mean 2 or 3 pm. If you are a vegetarian, vegan, or have allergies, let your host know in advance so they can plan something you will enjoy. Afterwards, a short thank-you note or text the next day goes a long way.
No plans yet? You still have options
You do not need family nearby to enjoy the holiday. Many expats organise a relaxed “Friendsgiving” on the weekend before or after, mixing American classics with British comforts. Community centres, universities, and places of worship often host open dinners and welcome new arrivals.
If cooking is not on the agenda, hotels and neighbourhood restaurants publish set menus, and supermarkets sell “heat-and-eat” feasts that make hosting straightforward in a small flat. Volunteering is another meaningful way to spend the day; food banks and shelters are busy throughout November and always grateful for help.
Where to soak up the atmosphere
You can enjoy Thanksgiving just about anywhere in the United States, but a few cities make it especially memorable.
In New York City, the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade fills the streets with giant balloons, marching bands, and festive crowds. Afterwards, you can go ice skating at Bryant Park or Rockefeller Center, take a walk through Central Park to enjoy the autumn colours, or browse the city’s early winter markets.
Further north, Boston offers a traditional New England feel. Its historic streets, cool sea air, and cosy neighbourhood restaurants create the perfect backdrop for the holiday. It is also close to where the first Thanksgiving took place, which gives it extra charm for anyone interested in American history.
In the Midwest, Chicago combines big city energy with plenty of seasonal cheer. The State Street Parade and ice skating at Millennium Park are highlights, and the Christkindlmarket brings a festive European touch to the long weekend.
If you prefer something quieter, Washington, DC is ideal for culture and calm. Many of its world-class museums remain open through the weekend, although it is worth checking opening hours before you visit.
And if you would rather skip the crowds, a local celebration can be just as enjoyable. Host a small Friendsgiving with other expats, join a community dinner, or plan your city trip for Friday or Saturday instead of the busy Thursday.
Planning for the long weekend
Because the holiday pulls so many people onto roads and planes, planning pays off. Book flights, intercity trains, and hire cars early, as prices rise and availability drops in the week of the holiday. Supermarkets are at their busiest on the Wednesday, so shop a day or two earlier if you can.
The next day is Black Friday, when shops open early and online sales run through the weekend into Cyber Monday. Schools typically close on Thursday and Friday, and some districts add an early finish on Wednesday, so families often turn the week into a mini-break.
U.S. entry and visa guidance for UK visitors
If you are visiting the United States for tourism or short business, most British citizens travel under the Visa Waiver Program using an ESTA rather than a full visa. An ESTA is generally valid for two years, or until your passport expires, and each stay can be up to 90 days. Apply as early as you can; while many decisions arrive quickly, allowing at least 72 hours before departure is sensible. You will need a valid e-passport with the chip symbol. If you plan to work, study, or remain longer than 90 days, check the appropriate U.S. visa category instead — an ESTA will not be suitable.
If you already live in the U.S., Thanksgiving itself does not affect your immigration status, but if you are travelling internationally over the break, make sure your re-entry documents (and any visa stamp or advance parole, if relevant) are in order before you fly.
Making the tradition your own
Part of the fun is blending what you love from home with what America does best. Perhaps you add Yorkshire puddings beside the turkey, bring a crumble alongside pumpkin pie, or start a simple tradition like a toast where everyone shares one good thing from the year.
If you would rather be outside than in front of the TV, swap a full NFL afternoon for a brisk walk and a kick-about in the park. Leftovers are half the point: think towering turkey sandwiches, bubble-and-squeak from the veg, or a quick pie made with puff pastry.
Quick checklist for newcomers
- Confirm your travel bookings early, as holiday prices rise quickly.
- If you are visiting, apply for your ESTA in good time and make sure your passport is an e-passport.
- Say yes to invitations and offer to bring something to share.
- Do your shopping before Wednesday if you are cooking.
- Be prepared for Black Friday crowds the following day.
Plan your Thanksgiving with Visa Bureau
Whether you are visiting or settling in, Thanksgiving is a welcoming introduction to American life. If you are arranging a trip for the holiday period, Visa Bureau can help you understand your U.S. entry options and prepare for travel with confidence.
Explore our guides to ESTA and U.S. visas, as well as practical advice on moving to the USA, healthcare, and everyday life, and if you need personalised support, get in touch with Visa Bureau for tailored guidance before you book.