Thanksgiving is a time for delicious food, family traditions, and making memories with loved ones. If you’re looking to make the holiday extra special, why not plan a family getaway? Many destinations offer festive events, seasonal activities, and plenty of opportunities to spend quality time together. If you’re ready to celebrate somewhere new, explore our top Thanksgiving vacation ideas for families and find inspiration for your next holiday adventure!
4 Thanksgiving Vacation Ideas for Families
Whether your family loves exploring historic towns, enjoying the great outdoors, or experiencing the excitement of a big city, there’s a Thanksgiving destination for everyone. You can spend the holiday discovering new attractions, taking in beautiful fall scenery, or creating traditions. Plus, staying at a timeshare resort gives your family extra room to relax and enjoy time together. From cozy mountain escapes to cities filled with holiday festivities, these destinations offer plenty of ways to make Thanksgiving memorable.
New York City
New York City is a classic destination for a Thanksgiving family getaway, especially as the city gears up for the holiday season. From festive window displays to iconic attractions, there’s plenty to explore during your visit. One of the biggest highlights is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which returns on Thursday, November 26, 2026, for its 100th parade! This beloved tradition began in 1924 and draws crowds eager to see larger-than-life character balloons, colorful floats, marching bands, and live entertainment. This year’s 100th-parade celebration will feature 100 inflatable elements. Some highlights include a new Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey balloon and the return of Underdog. If you plan to watch in person, arrive early to find a good viewing spot along the route. With a milestone celebration and plenty of holiday magic, New York City is an exciting Thanksgiving destination for the whole family.
West 57th Street, a Hilton Club
If you’d like to be as close to the Thanksgiving Day Parade as possible, be sure to check out West 57th Street, a Hilton Club. This resort is less than a mile away from the parade. Additionally, West 57th offers amenities like a business and fitness center to help you keep up with your routines. Accommodations include studios, one-bedroom villas, and penthouse units with beautiful furnishings. Studios feature a king-sized bed and are a comfortable retreat to unwind in. Meanwhile, one-bedroom villas come with all the same features as the studio, along with a sleeper sofa and a bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower. Lastly, the penthouse units boast everything the other units have to offer as well as wood-style flooring and spectacular views of the city thanks to their floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Plymouth, Massachusetts
What better place to explore Thanksgiving history than Plymouth, Massachusetts, home to the famous 1621 harvest gathering? Families can step back in time at attractions like Mayflower II, a full-scale replica of the ship that brought English colonists to Plymouth, or the Plimoth Grist Mill, a working reconstruction of the colony’s original 1636 mill. For a deeper look at the area’s past, visit the Pilgrim Hall Museum, which features authentic artifacts. They also showcase exhibits exploring the experiences of English colonists and the Wampanoag people. You can also explore living history exhibits at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, including a recreated 17th-century English village and the Historic Patuxet Homesite. With interactive experiences and fascinating stories from the region’s past, Plymouth is one of the top Thanksgiving vacation ideas for families who want to learn some history.
Cove at Yarmouth
The Cove at Yarmouth is a great home base for exploring Cape Cod and taking a day trip to Plymouth, Massachusetts! Located in West Yarmouth, the resort is approximately 34 miles from Plymouth, making it about a 45- to 50-minute drive depending on traffic. Spend the day exploring Plymouth’s rich history, visiting historic landmarks, strolling along the waterfront, or enjoying the local shops and restaurants. When you’re ready to return, The Cove at Yarmouth offers plenty of ways to unwind. Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and other recreational amenities. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to Cape Cod attractions, this resort is an excellent choice for travelers looking to combine coastal relaxation with a little New England history.
Chicago, Illinois
New York isn’t the only city with exciting Thanksgiving festivities! Chicago offers plenty of holiday fun for families, starting with the annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. On November 26, 2026, the 92nd annual parade will fill State Street with colorful floats, giant balloons, marching bands, dancers, and live entertainment. The free event runs along downtown Chicago and is a festive way to kick off Thanksgiving morning. The holiday excitement continues at Millennium Park, where you can visit the city’s official Christmas tree and enjoy seasonal ice skating. The tree-lighting ceremony is scheduled for November 20, giving families a chance to enjoy the holiday atmosphere before Thanksgiving Day. With festive traditions and plenty of winter activities, Chicago is a wonderful destination for a memorable family getaway.
Hotel Blake
Looking for a place to stay? Then try the Hotel Blake. This resort is within walking distance of Millennium Park. Plus, Hotel Blake is a short walk from the parade’s starting point at State Street and Ida B. Wells Drive! It’s safe to say you’ll have easy access to Thanksgiving festivities from the Hotel Blake. However, this resort has even more to offer. When you stay at the Hotel Blake, you’ll be staying in a piece of the city’s history. Formerly known as the Morton Building, you can find a historical marker right next to the hotel’s main entrance. Plus, there’s more to Hotel Blake than its historical value. Hotel Blake offers guest rooms and suites, including two-queen rooms and king-suite options. Accommodations include conveniences such as a microwave and mini refrigerator.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
For a Thanksgiving getaway surrounded by mountain views and seasonal charm, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a wonderful choice for families. Explore the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife spotting. For more family-friendly fun, visit Anakeesta, where you can enjoy treetop walks, mountain coasters, and stunning views of the Smokies. You can also stroll through downtown Gatlinburg to discover unique shops, local restaurants, and festive attractions. With its cozy mountain atmosphere and plenty of activities for all ages, Gatlinburg is an excellent destination for making Thanksgiving vacation memories together.
Gatlinburg Town Square
For a comfortable home base during your Gatlinburg getaway, consider staying at Gatlinburg Town Square! Located near downtown, this resort puts your family close to local shops, restaurants, and popular attractions. It’s also a convenient starting point for exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park and taking in the area’s beautiful mountain scenery. When you’re ready to unwind after a day of sightseeing, enjoy the resort’s indoor pool or relax in your spacious accommodations. With kitchenettes or full kitchens in select units, you’ll have extra flexibility during your stay. Gatlinburg Town Square combines a convenient location with family-friendly amenities. This makes it one of the top Thanksgiving vacation ideas for families.
Buy or Rent a Timeshare To Experience Thanksgiving Vacation Ideas for Families
Thanksgiving is a yearly tradition for many families, so why not make traveling part of it too? With a timeshare, you can travel to one of these amazing locations each year on Thanksgiving. This can turn your trip into an annual tradition and something your family can look forward to around the holidays. Want to go somewhere different or stay at home for a year? No problem! Plenty of timeshare companies allow members to bank their timeshare points so they can use them for another year, or use their points to travel somewhere else. If you’d like to buy or rent a timeshare, then check out our marketplace! If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 1-855-291-6327 or email us at [email protected].
