As the long, warm days of summer give way to crisp fall air, thoughts turn to the festive season ahead and, for many, that means Thanksgiving.
While plenty of families choose to gather at home, there’s something to be said for skipping the hours in the kitchen and letting someone else take care of the turkey and trimmings. Today, Thanksgiving is as much about making memories with loved ones as it is about the meal itself, so this year, why not swap the stress for a far-flung family getaway?
From New York's bright city lights to a tropical Caribbean retreat, here are Elite Traveler’s top Thanksgiving getaways for 2025. Expect roast turkey and pumpkin pie, or dip into the untraditional, with omakase dinners on the sand and gratitude hikes through forest trails.
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The Plaza, New York
Manhattan, New YorkFrom the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, balloons and brass bands included, to the frenzy of Black Friday shopping, New York takes Thanksgiving seriously. For those wanting to soak up the city’s holiday spirit, The Plaza, one of Manhattan’s grand dames, offers a luxurious base from which to celebrate. The hotel embraces the season with a Thanksgiving-themed afternoon tea in its Palm Court, featuring sandwiches reimagined with festive fillings and desserts inspired by the harvest season. Prefer a more traditional feast? The concierge can arrange tables at the city’s top restaurants serving multi-course Thanksgiving dinners. Combine that with easy access to Fifth Avenue for the next day’s shopping, and it’s clear why The Plaza remains a quintessential New York Thanksgiving destination.
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Wildflower Farms, Auberge Collection, New York
Gardiner, NYFor a Thanksgiving that swaps skyscrapers for wide-open skies, head to Wildflower Farms. Here, the holiday is all about grounding: gratitude walks through meadows, evenings by the firepit and meals that lean into the Hudson Valley harvest, culminating in a farm-driven Thanksgiving feast at Clay, the hotel’s restaurant. Beyond the table, guests can sign up for seasonal workshops, from honey tastings (learning to spot the differences in terroir across local hives) to botanical mixology classes that make use of wild foraged flavors.
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Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Collection, Connecticut
Washington, ConnecticutThe Mayflower Inn has long been the quintessential New England Retreat, making it an ideal getaway for Thanksgiving. Nestled in the rolling hills of Litchfield Country, the inn hosts an elegant holiday feast in both the Garden and Tap Room, where menus highlight produce from nearby farms. Around the holiday, there’s a full calendar of seasonal programming: wreath-making workshops, guided hikes through fall-colored trails that culminate in fireside cocktails and restorative sessions at The Retreat, the inn’s spa and wellness sanctuary.
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The Setai, Miami
Miami Beach, FloridaFor those who’d rather trade coats for kaftans, book into The Setai, where Thanksgiving brunch is served right on Miami Beach. The annual celebration is lavish: carving stations for the traditionalists and seafood towers for those who prefer lobster to turkey. A decidedly Miami experience, there’s specialty Thanksgiving cocktails too, and a selection of holiday desserts. The hotel’s location also makes it a practical choice for those who want to combine the holiday with exploring Miami Beach, with the area's main shopping, dining and nightlife destinations all within walking distance.
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Montage Los Cabos
Los Cabos, MexicoIf you’re craving a second summer, Montage Los Cabos makes a persuasive case. Shoulder season in Los Cabos brings perfect temperatures with fewer crowds, and the Sea of Cortez stays warm enough for snorkeling well into November. On property, Thanksgiving is woven into a series of thoughtful experiences: chocolate and churros socials and pumpkin cookie decorating keeps little ones entertained. For those wanting to honor the reflective side of Thanksgiving, the hotel also hosts a post-holiday Love and Gratitude Ceremony, an opportunity to pause, reset and give thanks in a truly meaningful setting. When it comes to the feast itself, you can choose between a family-style dinner by the sea at Marea, or an intimate beachfront dinner on Santa Maria Bay, where the waves provide the soundtrack.
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Eden Roc Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana, Dominican RepublicGloomy fall weather may already have you reaching for your passport, so for Thanksgiving, consider head to the ever-sunny Dominican Republic, where Eden Roc Cap Cana delivers Thanksgiving with a tropical twist. The resort embraces the holiday with a full slate of programming designed for both families and foodies. Kids can dive into holiday crafts, scavenger hunts and open-air movie nights, while adults might prefer the culinary highlights. This year, the property is hosting beachfront omakase evenings on November 27 and 28, crafted by guest chef Andrea Arcieri. Meanwhile, a collaboration with sister property Twin Farms brings chef Nathan Rich to the Dominican Republic for three days of Thanksgiving-inspired dining. The series kicks off with a grill-focused beach barbecue, continues with a social Friday celebration featuring the chef’s signature dishes and concludes with a collaborative four-hands dinner, complete with cocktails and live music.
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The Goring, London
London, UKThanksgiving may not be marked on the British calendar, but at The Goring, it’s a holiday worth celebrating. Each year, the Belgravia hotel puts on a proper Thanksgiving dinner, complete with roast turkey, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie, so expats and visiting Americans don’t miss out. The setting is exquisite, with an elegant dining room lined with fine china, white linens and impeccable service. And the timing is ideal for a visit across the pond, as London in late November shines with autumn leaves giving way to the first twinkle of Christmas lights.
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Nobu Hotel Chicago
Chicago, ILThis Thanksgiving, why not head to the windy city? And for those looking for a different take on Thanksgiving, where they can feast in style, Nobu Hotel Chicago provides the ideal stay. The hotel's brunch, usually reserved for weekends, will be available for the Thanksgiving holiday, where guests will be able to enjoy an impressive, festive spread, with a carving station, sushi and more. Come evening, guests can dine on a la carte holiday specials.
