Thanksgiving, the most delicious holiday of the year is only 3 months away! These destinations and properties celebrate Thanksgiving in a variety of family-friendly, luxe, cozy, and thrill seeking ways. From the North Shore of Oahu to the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, these destinations make Thanksgiving easy to celebrate out of town.
The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay — Kahuku, Hawaii (pictured)
In case you haven't heard, Oahu's iconic Turtle Bay Resort transitioned to a Ritz-Carlton this summer! That doesn't change the property's beloved annual tradition for Thanksgiving, though. The holiday starts off with both a Turkey Trot 5K and a full-blown oceanfront triathlon on November 30th, open to the public. Both events take place along Turtle Bay's expansive North Shore coastline, which is world-renowned for its premier surf. November is also a great time to surf in Hawaii, and Turtle Bay makes it easy with its very own surf school hosted by championship surfer and new Hall of Fame inductee Jamie O'Brien. Following an active day, Turtle Bay's Kuilima Ballroom will host a Thanksgiving buffet feast featuring a mix of classic Thanksgiving dishes with a distinctly Hawaiian flair. Over 70% of the property's ingredients are sourced from the resort's 400-acre onsite farm, and Thanksgiving makes no exception!
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows - Scottsdale, Arizona
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows is an artfully designed, mid-century modern enclave tucked away on 23 acres of gardens and shaded groves in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, and the ideal escape for a rejuvenating Thanksgiving experience. On top of a wide range of customizable treatments at the Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary, three full size pools, an open-air fitness center, and a number of programs and initiatives perfect for a mid-holiday season refresh, the award-winning Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen is offering an unforgettable private holiday dining experience outdoors in the Organic Garden. From 1pm-8pm on Thanksgiving Day, guests can enjoy a selection of appetizers, a choice of a main entree per person, shared sides and an array of delicious desserts created from our in-house pastry team. Guests can enjoy an extensive range of culinary offerings from Chef Sam DeMarco for $150 per person (and $70 for kids ages 3 to 16). To book a reservation, email reservation specialist, April Ferber at april.ferber@andaz.com.
British Virgin Islands - Anegada Lobster Fest
Swap turkey for lobster this Thanksgiving at Anegada Lobster Fest in the British Virgin Islands, which is undoubtedly the tastiest adventure in the Caribbean. Taking place in the drowned island of Anegada, the event is designed as an island-wide scavenger hunt where residents and visitors alike are encouraged to explore the island while sampling freshly caught Anegada spiny lobster flavors and decadent dishes. Now in its 12th year, the event takes place annually the weekend following American Thanksgiving (Nov. 29 - Dec. 1, 2024), with each participating restaurant featuring live music, set against a backdrop of the best beaches in the Caribbean, making travelers truly feel as if they're in a true culinary oasis.
Rosewood Baha Mar - Nassau, Bahamas
As the temperatures start to cool some may be looking to take a family trip over Thanksgiving and with plenty of direct flights from cities across the U.S., The Bahamas is often a popular destination. Rosewood Baha Mar is a place that desires to feel like a home away from home and such, the hotel has planned a series of events around Thanksgiving. On November 27th, Rosewood Baha Mar invites guests to take time to give back to the community by preparing, packing and delivering food to the elderly. For Thanksgiving Day, families can order a full Thanksgiving feast via in-room dining with a menu featuring items such as a Slow Roasted Cornish Hen, a Spiny/Caribbean Lobster Stuffing and Hibiscus Cranberry Sauce on the side, and dessert options such as Pecan Pie or Maple Chocolate Custard. The hotel’s restaurants will also be open for dining on the 28th with Café Boulud The Bahamas offering a Thanksgiving Menu which starts with a Canapé Caviar with the main course featuring options such as Turkey and Bacon Ballotine or Celery Root Ravioli. And for dessert, a decadent pumpkin pie. Then on the 29th of November the hotel will be hosting a family reception inviting guests to mingle with the managers while enjoying wine, champagne, canapé and entertainment. More information is available on the hotel’s festive page.
The Grand America Hotel - Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is home to some of the most picturesque outdoor destinations in the U.S. and The Grand America Hotel, located in the heart of downtown, is a perfect holiday getaway for families, couples and travelers looking for a memorable way to spend more time with one another. Laurel Brasserie & Bar is taking the worry out of the day with their Grand Thanksgiving Brunch and Dinner Buffets that highlight Chef Xavier Baudinet’s spin on holiday classics. Be sure to make your calendars are marked as Reservations open Friday, August 30 at 10AM and sell out very quickly. Adults tickets are $95 and kids are $48. After Thanksgiving, guest should take a stroll through Grand America lobby and courtyard taking in over 100 soaring crystal chandeliers to the European marble beneath their feet and one-of-a-kind 18th century-paintings adorning the walls, every surface of the hotel holds a story waiting to be discovered.
Viceroy Santa Monica – Santa Monica, California
Enjoy a quintessentially Thanksgiving under the palms just steps from the Pacific Ocean at iconic beachside hotel Viceroy Santa Monica, which unveiled a multi-million dollar renovation last year. Sugar Palm, Viceroy Santa Monica’s signature restaurant, is offering several ways to gather and celebrate Thanksgiving under the swaying palms with friends and family this year. On November 28, guests can enjoy a prix fixe, family style Thanksgiving dinner. The menu includes a choice of one starter, one entree, and one dessert in addition to an array of complimentary sides to feed the whole family, from classic favorites to elevated twists. The Thanksgiving menu will also be available for takeout via pre-order by calling or emailing Sugar Palm up to the week before Thanksgiving Reservations for dinner can be made on OpenTable and to-go orders can be placed by emailing sp@sugarpalmoceanave.com or calling (310) 260- 7511.
El Capitan Hotel – Merced, California
El Capitan Hotel is a historic hotel representative of the pioneer spirit of the American West, delightfully restored in the heart of charming small town Merced. Located less than 100 miles from Yosemite, El Capitan is the perfect stop to add to a Thanksgiving road trip itinerary. The hotel’s signature restaurant Rainbird, which utilizes the freshest ingredients from local farms in the center of the country’s most valuable agricultural region, will offer Thanksgiving dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. on November 28. The menu will feature locally grown sweet potatoes, turkey or ham, and all of the holiday’s classic trimmings, plus special desserts and themed cocktails and mocktails. Reservations can be made on OpenTable. El Capitan’s coffee and cocktail bar Native Son will also offer Thanksgiving themed cocktails and coffees from November 1 - December 1, inspired by pumpkin spice, spiced rum, and all the cozy smells and tastes of fall!
Noble House Hotels & Resorts – 29 Properties Across North America
Noble House Hotels & Resorts is a boutique, family-owned brand of 29 luxury and upscale hotels, resorts, and experiences across North America that provide incredibly immersive opportunities for discerning travelers to explore local communities in which they reside, get outdoors, and embark on memorable adventures with family and friends. This ethos extends to Thanksgiving, as a range of properties from beachside retreats to city escapes to mountain hideaways are offering culinary experiences and the chance for loved ones to get away and gather. The Edgewater, Seattle’s only over-water hotel, will offer a Thanksgiving feast with holiday classics and new favorites at signature restaurant Six Seven featuring panoramic views of the Puget Sound. Each guestroom has a fireplace for the ultimate cozy fall vibe. Napa Valley Wine Train offers the most unique Thanksgiving experience in the area with a 3.5-hour journey aboard a vintage train while enjoying a welcome glass of bubbly and multi-course gourmet feast. On this elegant journey, guests can marvel at Napa’s stunning fall landscape from the Vista Dome, a two-story elevated observation-style dining car. Jekyll Island Club Resort in Jekyll Island, Georgia, will offer a classic multi-course dinner in the Grand Dining Room with a dose of historic Southern charm. The quaint, luxe 18-room Chatham Inn Relais & Châteaux is located amidst stunning New England fall leaves for a quintessential autumn Thanksgiving experience.
Viceroy Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
Viceroy Chicago is a stylist retreat located in Chicago’s historic Gold Coast. Set within a reimagined 120-year-old building, the hotel offers travelers looking for a Thanksgiving getaway a lively social scene, skyline views and guest rooms studded with striking art. Viceroy Chicago will also offer a Thanksgiving dinner buffet priced at $125 for adults and $55 for kids, inclusive of a turkey carving station, chuck roast station, salad bar, sides, dessert station and more. Tickets can be pre purchased online. Onsite restaurant, Somerset, serving farm-fresh local ingredients and approachable, modern cuisine, will also offer Thanksgiving to-go kits in celebration of the holiday. The Gratitude Package to-go kit, which feeds 3-4 people, includes half a turkey, sides, a Pink Lady apple salad, rolls, and choice of one pie for $190, and the Thankful Package to-go kit, which feeds 5-7 people, includes a whole turkey, sides, a Pink Lady apple salad, rolls, and a choice of two pies for $350. Both are available for pre-order, and can be picked up from November 27-28.
Hotel Vermont– Burlington, Vermont
Celebrate this Thanksgiving at Hotel Vermont, Burlington’s only independently-owned hotel known for its warm service and upscale boutique setting overlooking Lake Champlain, with a memorable dinner experience. The hotel’s inviting on-site restaurant, Juniper, hosts an annual Thanksgiving dinner that features all the classic Thanksgiving favorites, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients for $90 per person and kids under 10 at $25. Last year’s highlights included Slow Roasted Vermont-Grown Turkey with savory stuffing, Brussels sprouts, creamy mashed potatoes and a Vermont Cranberry Co. sauce.
