What's your dinner menu for Thanksgiving 2024? Every November, people will prepare turkeys and pies to celebrate Thanksgiving with their family and friends. Do you know why we celebrate Thanksgiving and what traditions arel? Follow Trip.com, you will know all the things about Thanksgiving and special events in 2024!🔥
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About Thanksgiving 2024
Thanksgiving 2024 Date
Thanksgiving is a beloved American holiday held on the fourth Thursday of November, which is Novemebr 28th in 2024. This festival is included in federal holiday so everyone will have time for family, gratitude, and reflection on the blessings of the year.
| Thanksgiving Schdule | |
| Year | Date |
| 2023 | November 23th |
| 2024 | November 28th |
| 2025 | November 27th |
Origin of Thanksgiving
The tradition of Thanksgiving dates back to the early 1600s, when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans came together to celebrate the harvest in 1621. This first Thanksgiving set the stage for what would become a national holiday in the United States. President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, during the Civil War, to foster unity and healing.
Today, Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for the harvest and the past year’s fortunes, but it also serves as a time for togetherness, often shared through a special meal.
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Tradition of Thanksgiving
Modern traditions revolve around:
- Feasting: Turkey is the centerpiece of the meal, accompanied by stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
- Parades and Performances: The Macy’s Parade in New York City is watched by millions and is a staple of the holiday.
- Football: NFL games are a Thanksgiving staple, with families gathering to watch the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys play.
- Expressions of Gratitude: Many families go around the table, each person sharing something they are thankful for before digging into the meal.
Prepare Thanksgiving 2024: Food, Drink & Decor
Thanksgiving Food
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A traditional Thanksgiving meal is an opportunity to showcase some of the best flavors of fall. Here’s a breakdown of must-have dishes:
- Main Dish: The turkey is the showstopper. Whether you’re roasting it the traditional way or trying a new method, make sure to brine the turkey for added flavor. In 2024, consider a unique preparation style, like brining the turkey or smoking it for an added flavor punch. For smaller gatherings, try a stuffed turkey breast or herb-roasted chicken.
- Side Dishes: Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and cornbread stuffing are essentials. Add a modern touch by including roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, honey-glazed carrots, or a quinoa-based salad for healthier options. For something fresh, add roasted Brussels sprouts or a cranberry-orange relish to your spread.
- Desserts: End the feast with classic pies like pumpkin, pecan, and apple. In 2024, experiment with a twist on tradition by offering a salted caramel pumpkin pie or bourbon pecan pie.
Thanksgiving Drinks
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Pairing the right drinks with your Thanksgiving meal can enhance the experience for your guests:
- Wines: Serve a combination of white and red wines. Chardonnay and Riesling are excellent choices for white wine lovers, as they complement turkey and lighter sides. For red wine enthusiasts, Pinot Noir or Zinfandel pairs well with heartier dishes like stuffing and cranberry sauce.
- Cocktails: A festive cocktail like a cranberry Moscow mule or a spiced apple sangria can add a fun twist to the celebration.
- Non-Alcoholic Options: Offer sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice or apple cider, and serve warm beverages like hot apple cider or spiced tea for a cozy feel.
Thanksgiving Decor
Thanksgiving decor sets the tone for the celebration and brings warmth to the holiday:
- Table Setting: Choose a warm color palette of rich reds, golds, and oranges to capture the autumn spirit. Use rustic elements like wooden chargers, plaid napkins, and seasonal centerpieces featuring pumpkins, gourds, and fall foliage.
- Nature-Inspired Centerpieces: Incorporate items like pinecones, acorns, and dried leaves to create a beautiful, natural centerpiece. You can also add candles for a cozy, intimate ambiance.
- Personalized Touches: Create name cards for each guest or place a gratitude card at each setting, encouraging everyone to write something they’re thankful for. These small touches help make the meal more meaningful.
How to Enjoy Thanksgiving 2024
Special Events 2024:
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (New York City)
The iconic Macy’s Parade is a must-see event, whether you’re attending in person or watching from home. The parade features massive character balloons, floats, and live performances. This year’s parade (Nov. 28th) is expected to feature new additions to its lineup of giant balloons and an array of celebrity performances.
From Unsplash/Chris Moore
NFL Thanksgiving Games
If you’re near Detroit or Dallas, catch the live NFL games featuring the Detroit Lions or the Dallas Cowboys, both of which have been playing on Thanksgiving Day for decades. The festive atmosphere in the stadium adds to the holiday spirit.
From tristateruns.com
Turkey Trot Races
Turkey Trot races take place in cities across the U.S. and are a great way to start the holiday. From 5Ks to fun runs, these races bring communities together. Cities like San Francisco, Denver, and Austin have popular runs that are open to participants of all ages. These events often benefit local charities and are a great way to stay active before the big meal.
Home Night:
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If you’re spending Thanksgiving at home, there are plenty of activities to keep the evening fun and relaxing:
- Movie Night:
- After the feast, cozy up for a movie marathon. Popular Thanksgiving movies include:
- A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
- Home for the Holidays
- Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.
- For something different, stream feel-good family comedies or animated films:
- Cheaper by the Dozen
- The Parent Trap
- Coco
- Frozen
- Finding Nemo
- Board Games:
- Classic board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or a Thanksgiving-themed bingo are great for all ages.
- Family Photo Album Night:
- Go through old family photos together, reminiscing about past holidays and creating new memories. You could even start a new tradition by taking a yearly Thanksgiving family photo.
- Outdoor Fire Pit:
- If you have a backyard, set up an outdoor fire pit and enjoy s’mores or hot cocoa under the stars. It’s a perfect way to extend the holiday vibe into the evening.