Thanksgiving in Europe might be travel’s biggest secret. While summer and Christmas are crazy packed, Thanksgiving remains delightfully quiet. Sure, you’ll have to pack a few more layers and deal with the occasional rain shower, but in return, you get to see top attractions without the crowds, spend more time in cozy cafés, and experience the start of the Christmas lights turning on. Convinced? Great, keep reading to discover the best places to go in Europe for Thanksgiving and what to do in each.
Why Visit Europe Over Thanksgiving Weekend
You already have a long weekend. So, why not add a day or two of PTO and enjoy a proper escape? Here’s why Thanksgiving in Europe should top your travel list.


- Cooler temps make for pleasant sightseeing: The mild, autumn air is perfect for walking. You can spend all day exploring historic sites and city neighborhoods without breaking a sweat.
- Lower crowds and better value: A Europe Thanksgiving means shorter lines, easier dinner reservations, and cheaper hotels compared to peak season.
- Early holiday spirit: Many Christmas markets and festive light displays kick off in late November. You’ll get a taste of the holiday magic without the peak-season crowds.


What Weather to Expect For a Europe Thanksgiving
The weather across Europe in November varies dramatically. In southern cities like Barcelona, you can expect mild, pleasant days, while in northern destinations like London, you’ll need to prepare for colder temperatures and more frequent rain. This means your travel strategy is simple: either choose a destination whose climate suits you, or pack a versatile wardrobe and be ready for anything.
Here is a snapshot of average November conditions so you can pick your vibe:
| City | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) | Chance of a Rainy Day |
| Paris | 11° (52°) | 6° (43°) | ~35% |
| London | 10° (50°) | 5° (41°) | ~40% |
| Rome | 17° (63°) | 9° (48°) | ~30% |
| Athens | 18° (64°) | 12° (54°) | ~25% |
| Lisbon | 18° (64°) | 11° (52°) | ~40% |
| Barcelona | 17° (63°) | 9° (48°) | ~25% |
Best European Cities for Thanksgiving
This list has a little bit of everything. We’re talking classic culture hubs (Paris, London), ancient icons (Rome, Athens), and sunny coastal picks (Lisbon, Barcelona). The one thing they all have in common is this: they’re incredible places to spend Thanksgiving in Europe.
Thanksgiving in Paris
Paris in November means cosy cafés, glittering shop windows, and top museums without crowds. Yes, it might drizzle from time to time, and you’ll have to deal with shorter daylight hours, but in return, reservations are easier and the city’s winter style is in full swing.


Best Things to Do in Paris For Thanksgiving
November in Paris is the perfect time to pair top landmarks with leisurely lunches and time for wandering.

Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa
2.5 Hours | €€
Get to know Venus de Milo, Liberty Leading the People, and Napoleon’s Coronation like never before.
Book Now!

Food Tour of Paris’ Montmartre District
4 Hours | €€€
Savor the finest baguettes, macarons, wines, and cheeses while uncovering the soul of Montmartre.
Book Now!

Privileged Access Eiffel Tower Tour with Seine River Cruise
2.5 Hours | €€
See beautiful Paris with second floor Eiffel Tower elevator tickets, a river cruise, and champagne.
Book Now!
Where to Find Thanksgiving Dinner in Paris
You’ve got three good options here: go traditional French for a new experience, splash out at a fine-dining spot, or book an American-style dinner.
- The American Church in Paris | €€: They often host a large community Thanksgiving dinner, a great option if you want to celebrate with like-minded travelers.
- Joe Allen Paris | €€€: This American-style restaurant is a classic choice for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, and it’s a favorite among expats.
- Hôtel Le Bristol Paris | €€€€: For a luxurious experience, book in at Le Bristol’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Epicure.
- Discover more ideas: Best Restaurants in Paris
Top Hotels For Thanksgiving in Paris

Maison Proust ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Le Marais • Terrace • Sauna
Luxurious hotel opened in 2023 with fabulous communal spaces and a Turkish spa.
Location, Photos & Booking

Alba Opéra Hôtel ⭐⭐⭐
Opéra Arrondissement • Courtyard
Charcter-packed and quaint, legends like Louis Armstrong have stayed here.
Location, Photos & Booking

Maison Souquet ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Montmartre • Belle Époque Theme
Delightfully swanky and romantic, with an on-site lounge and spa.
Location, Photos & Booking
Thanksgiving in London
London comes alive in late November as Christmas lights switch on and the festive season begins. It’s the perfect time to catch a West End show, warm up in a historic pub, and enjoy indoor attractions. Just be prepared for the cold, damp weather by bundling up in layers.


Best Things to Do in London For Thanksgiving
When planning your London itinerary, aim for a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. This way, you can take full advantage of a sunny autumn day or duck into a cozy museum or theater if the weather turns.

Legends and Lore Tour of the Tower of London
3 Hours • ££
Travel the River Thames by boat then dive into British history at London’s famous fortress.
Book Now!

Exclusive Borough Market Food Tour + Viral Donut Workshop
2.5 Hours • £££
Make London’s famed crème brûlée donut in a private class at Borough Market—only with The Tour Guy!
Book Now!

London in a Day Tour with Westminster Abbey and Tower of London
7 Hours • £££
Explore Buckingham Palace, see the Crown Jewels, take a river cruise on the Thames, and more.
Book Now!
Where to Find Thanksgiving Dinner in London
London has a large American expat population and is one of the easiest places in Europe to find a Thanksgiving meal. You can book a traditional turkey dinner, find a restaurant that offers a gourmet take on the holiday, or seek out an American restaurant that’s serving a special menu.
Here are a few places to find a Thanksgiving dinner in London:
- The Riding House Fitzrovia | £££: A popular choice that’s known for its festive and delicious Thanksgiving menu.
- The Wolseley | ££££: This elegant restaurant often offers a sophisticated Thanksgiving meal in a beautiful setting.
- Balthazar London | £££: Modeled after a classic French brasserie, this spot is a favorite among Londoners and often serves a special Thanksgiving menu.
- Discover more ideas: Best Restaurants in London
Top Hotels For Thanksgiving in London

The Marylebone Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pool • Stylish Location • Luxe Rooms
A polished, five-star stay just minutes from Bond Street shopping and Soho nightlife—great for couples or chic weekenders.
Location, Photos & Booking

NoMad London ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lounge • Communal Spaces • Opera House Views
If you want luxurious rooms, creative cocktails, and a quiet library lounge just for guests, NoMad is your Covent Garden pick.
Location, Photos & Booking

The Gate Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Apartment-Style • Family Friendly • Lounge Access
Feels like your own East London flat—perfect for families, digital nomads, or anyone craving more space without sacrificing style.
Location, Photos & Booking
Thanksgiving in Rome
Rome in late November is glorious as the summer crowds have finally gone home. The pleasant weather and lack of lines make this the perfect time to explore the city’s ancient wonders.


Best Things to Do in Rome For Thanksgiving
The pleasant weather and lack of crowds make this the perfect time to explore Rome’s ancient wonders.

Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica
3 Hours | €€€
Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms, Creation of Man & Scala Regia passageway.
Book Now!

Exclusive Sistine Chapel After Hours Small Group Tour
2 Hours | €€€€
Step inside the Vatican Museums after they close to the public for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Book Now!

Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums
7 Hours | €€€
Enter the Sistine Chapel, Roman Forum, and see St. Peter’s Dome, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more.
Book Now!
Where to Find Thanksgiving Dinner in Rome
While not as common as in London or Paris, classic Thanksgiving dinners do exist in Rome. You can try to find an American-style restaurant, book a high-end hotel dinner, or simply enjoy a fantastic Roman meal as your new Thanksgiving tradition. Here are a few places to find a Thanksgiving dinner in Rome:
- The Abbey Theatre Irish Pub | €€: This pub often hosts a Thanksgiving dinner that’s popular with expats and locals.
- Mama Eat | €€: Known for its Roman and Neapolitan cuisine, they sometimes offer a Thanksgiving menu.
- St. Regis Rome | €€€€: High-end hotels like this one are a safe bet for a traditional, albeit expensive, Thanksgiving meal.
- Discover more ideas: Best Restaurants in Rome
Top Hotels For Thanksgiving in Rome

Bio Hotel Raphael ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Piazza Navona • Terrace
Luxury hotel with a rooftop restaurant plus spacious and calming suites near Piazza Navona.
Location, Photos & Booking

Hotel de Russie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Timeless Luxury • Spanish Steps
Popular hotel for VIPs like Bruce Springsteen with a classic Italian style and a dreamy courtyard.
Location, Photos & Booking

Palazzo Manfredi ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Luxury • Near Colosseum • Terrace
Wake up to views of the Colosseum and enjoy meals on a stunning terrace in this top hotel in Monti.
Location, Photos & Booking
Thanksgiving in Athens
Athens in late November offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient history in comfortable, mild weather. The only con is that finding a traditional Thanksgiving dinner can be a bit of a challenge.


Best Things to Do in Athens For Thanksgiving
Athens is your oyster in November. Book those tours, enjoy long lunches in the sun, and set aside time for epic sunsets.

Complete Skip-the-Line Acropolis & Parthenon Tour with Guided Museum Visit
4 Hours | €€€
Discover the ancient mythology and historic landmarks of Athens with an expert archaeologist guide.
Book Now!

Essential Highlights Tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon
2 Hours | €€
Skip the line and get to know Greece’s most important ruins, including the Temple of Athena Nike.
Book Now!

Athens Local Food Tour in Monastiraki
4 Hours | €€
Discover the real taste of Greece with a fun foodie guide and explore amazing Varvakios Agora Market.
Book Now!
Where to Find Thanksgiving Dinner in Athens
A traditional Thanksgiving dinner is a rare find in Athens, but there are options. You can look for an expat-run restaurant or a high-end hotel, or you can embrace the local culture with a new kind of holiday feast. Here are a few places to find a Thanksgiving dinner in Athens:
Top Hotels For Thanksgiving in Athens

Divani Palace Acropolis ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Acropolis View • Rooftop Terrace
Spacious classic‑decor rooms (many with balcony views), seasonal pool, sauna, fitness center, and on‑site gourmet restaurant.
Location, Photos & Booking

Royal Olympic Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Decadent Rooms • Temple Views • Pool
Elegant rooms, library lounge, poolside terrace and seasonal outdoor pool—all overlooking Temple of Zeus and National Garden.
Location, Photos & Booking

NJV Athens Plaza ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Modern Decor • Family‑Friendly
Stylish rooms overlooking Syntagma Square, Mediterranean dining, modern décor, plus easy access to Kolonaki shopping.
Location, Photos & Booking
Thanksgiving in Lisbon
Lisbon’s mild climate makes it one of best places to spend Thanksgiving in Europe, and you might even get a beach day trip in. Just keep in mind that the occasional rain shower is likely.


Best Things to Do in Lisbon For Thanksgiving
The mild weather is perfect for a full day of sightseeing and day trips. Afterwards, you can enjoy Lisbon’s quieter evenings in cozy restaurants, sipping wine and listening to Fado music.

Sintra and Cascais Semi Private Day Trip from Lisbon with Pena Palace
8 Hours | €€€
Explore two of Portugal’s most beautiful villages and take in the view from the Roca Cape cliffs!
Book Now!

Ultimate Lisbon Food & Wine Walking Tour
3 Hours | €€
Savor 15 authentic Portuguese tastings across 6 iconic spots in Lisbon’s vibrant Baixa and Rossio.
Book Now!

2-Hour Lisbon Sightseeing Tour by Private Tuk Tuk
2 Hours | €€
Explore the highlights of Portugal’s capital, such as the Alfama, the Cathedral, and Commerce Square.
Book Now!
Where to Find Thanksgiving Dinner in Lisbon
Lisbon has a growing number of restaurants and hotels that offer Thanksgiving menus. You can search for an American-style restaurant, book a fine-dining experience, or find a traditional Portuguese restaurant that offers a celebratory meal. Here are a few places to find a Thanksgiving dinner in Lisbon:
Top Hotels For Thanksgiving in Lisbon

Solar do Castelo ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hilltop Location • Oasis • Alfama
Set in an 18th-century mansion, this hotel is the perfect spot to unwind in well-decorated rooms.
Location, Photos & Booking

Pousada de Lisboa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
River Views • Luxury • Historic
Relax in style between outings thanks to the spa, indoor pool and rooftop terrace overlooking Praça do Comércio.
Location, Photos & Booking

The Ivens ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chiado Neighborhood • Top Restaurant
Modern and beautiful rooms, frinedly staff, and an on-site restaurant make this hotel perfect for couples chasing a bit of luxury.
Location, Photos & Booking
Thanksgiving in Barcelona


If you want to avoid packing a winter jacket, Barcelona is a top choice for Thanksgiving in Europe. Plus, the city feels much more relaxed and less frantic than during the summer.
Best Things to Do in Barcelona For Thanksgiving
Barcelona in November is perfect for two things: tapas, long walks along the beach, and seeing Gaudí’s work without the crowds.

Unbeatable Barcelona in a Day Tour
4.5 Hours • €€€
Discover the real culture of the city at Sagrada Familia and Park Guell with transfer.
Book Now!

Skip the Line Sagrada Familia Tour
1.5 Hours • €
Discover the stories and secrets behind Gaudí’s grand basilica with an expert tour guide.
Book Now!

From Barcelona: Day Trip to Montserrat with Tapas & Wine
7 Hours • €€€
Discover Montserrat, ride the scenic cogwheel train, and savor local delicacies at a vineyard.
Book Now!
Where to Find Thanksgiving Dinner in Barcelona
A traditional Thanksgiving dinner is not a common offering in Barcelona. Your best options are to find an American-style restaurant, see if a high-end hotel is offering a special menu, or embrace the local culture with a Spanish holiday feast.
Here are a few places to find a Thanksgiving dinner in Barcelona:
Top Hotels For Thanksgiving in Barcelona

Hotel Neri Relais & Chateaux ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Medieval Luxury • Rooftop Pool
Hidden on a peaceful square near La Rambla, this moody-meets-modern hotel is ideal for couples who crave quiet and charm.
Location, Photos & Booking

Ohla Barcelona ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rooftop Pool • Fine Dining • City Views
Modern, central, and wildly photogenic, it’s a favorite for travelers who want rooftop hangs and Michelin-starred meals in one stay.
Location, Photos & Booking

H10 Cubik ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sustainable • Rooftop Pool • Great Value
Powered by renewables and full of style, it’s a solid choice for eco-conscious travelers who still want a pool and views.
Location, Photos & Booking
Tips for Spending Thanksgiving in Europe
We’re here to help you nail this whole Thanksgiving in Europe thing. While you’ve been busy dreaming of croissants and castles, we’ve put together a few key tips to make sure your trip runs like a well-oiled machine.
- Book Thanksgiving Dinner Early: Reservations for Thanksgiving dinners in Europe are essential and often sell out weeks in advance.
- Pack Layers: November weather can be unpredictable. Pack a mix of warm layers, a waterproof outer jacket, and comfortable, water-resistant shoes.
- Book Skip-the-Line Tickets: Even with smaller crowds, skip-the-line tickets for major attractions are a great way to save time and guarantee entry.
- Embrace a New Tradition: If you can’t find a Thanksgiving dinner, embrace the local food scene. A traditional English pub roast or a lively Spanish tapas feast can be just as festive.
- Stay Central: Book a hotel or apartment that is centrally located and near public transportation to make getting around easy.
- Check Holiday Hours: While Thanksgiving isn’t a holiday, some smaller shops might have reduced hours on Sundays, so be sure to plan your shopping accordingly.


Thanksgiving in Europe FAQs
No—Europe doesn’t celebrate the holiday, which makes Thanksgiving in Europe a great time for thinner crowds, better prices, and relaxed sightseeing.
Paris, London, Rome, Athens, Lisbon, and Barcelona top the list for culture, mild weather, festive lights, and plenty of things to do.
Expect cooler, wetter conditions in Northern Europe and milder days in the south; pack layers, waterproof shoes, and a warm coat.
American-style restaurants, expat clubs, and upscale hotels are your best options for Thanksgiving dinner in Europe.
Combine iconic landmarks with cozy cafés, markets, river cruises, and early Christmas lights for a balanced plan of things to do.
Since Thanksgiving isn’t a holiday in Europe, major museums and shops stay open, though some smaller stores may have reduced Sunday hours.
Absolutely—shorter lines, earlier sunsets, and plenty of indoor attractions make Thanksgiving in Europe great for families.
Final Thoughts
You’re here to make memories, not recreate the dining room at home. Keep plans loose, try the local specialty, and laugh when the weather misbehaves. Wander, nibble, and let the holiday glow do its thing. Welcome to the best travel secret of the year—Thanksgiving in Europe might just hook you for life.
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