The Most Popular Thanksgiving Activities in America

Who hasn’t seen those classic Thanksgiving dinner scenes that American films and series have brought into our lives? Golden-roasted turkey at the center of a bustling family table, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pies, and the heartfelt moment when everyone shares what they’re thankful for.

On the fourth Thursday of November, these scenes are re-enacted across America. Cousins, neighbors, and friends gather around the same table, and Thanksgiving dinner with traditional American flavors becomes a warm family reunion. 

However, the meaning of Thanksgiving goes far beyond a shared meal. It’s about embracing life with gratitude despite the challenges of the past year and remembering the importance of love and sharing, which is the essence of the day. These feelings go beyond dining rooms and express themselves in vibrant events held across the country. And we can’t forget “Black Friday,” the shopping frenzy that follows Thanksgiving Day and has captivated the world.

1. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (New York)

If you ever find yourself in New York around Thanksgiving, don’t miss the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Since 1924, this tradition has carried on without interruption, featuring colorful balloons, giant mascots, celebrity appearances, and lively Broadway performances. It’s one of the biggest Thanksgiving celebrations that reflects American culture.

New York’s streets come alive with music and performances, and the parade is watched by millions on TV. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, considered one of the year’s most captivating events, begins early in the morning and travels a five-kilometer route through the city’s main streets, ending in Central Park.

2. American Football Games

America’s passion for football is also something we know mostly through the movies. On Thanksgiving, many families gather around the TV to watch NFL’s Thanksgiving games. The traditional matchups, especially featuring the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions, bring families together and create a special atmosphere at home. The excitement of these games has become as significant a part of Thanksgiving as the turkey itself.

3. Black Friday Shopping Frenzy

The day after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of a shopping tradition in the U.S. – Black Friday. We’ve seen the ripple effect of this event in our own country in recent years, haven’t we? When the day arrives, many stores announce their biggest discount event of the year, kicking off a massive shopping marathon. This starts early in the morning, sometimes even at midnight, and lasts until late at night. Many shopping enthusiasts wait all year for this special day, making Black Friday one of the most thrilling activities of Thanksgiving weekend.

4. Turkey Trot Races

On Thanksgiving morning, many cities across America host “Turkey Trot” races. With the lively participation of locals, these runs offer a fun atmosphere and provide a popular way to burn off some calories before the Thanksgiving feast and start the day on a healthy note.

These events are held on courses of various lengths and distances and are open to all ages. Many participants show up in themed costumes, making the races even more colorful.

5. Thanksgiving Concerts and Events

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Thanksgiving is joining the special music and entertainment events held in big cities. Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago stand out in particular for these events, which begin with preparations in the early morning. Event areas are set up in city centers, laying the groundwork for a big evening of entertainment.

So what can you expect from these large Thanksgiving celebrations? Light shows, live performances, and concerts by famous music groups are at the heart of the fun. Many American families head to these areas after Thanksgiving dinner to fully enjoy the music and festivities – and admission is completely free.

6. Family Visits and Thanksgiving Dinner

As we know, Thanksgiving is all about bringing family together. The most important tradition of Thanksgiving is, of course, the family dinner. A menu of traditional Thanksgiving flavors (roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cornbread, and pie) brings the whole family together and gives everyone a chance to express their gratitude for each other and for life.

Thanksgiving is one of the most cherished days for Americans, combining food and the spirit of giving thanks.

7. National Thanksgiving Turkey Pardon

We end with a rather unique tradition. Each year on Thanksgiving, the President holds a ceremony known as the National Thanksgiving Turkey Pardon. For those wondering what a turkey pardon is, here’s the story: a ceremony space is set up in the White House garden, and the President symbolically “pardons” a turkey. This means the turkey is spared from being eaten and is sent to a farm to live out its life. This amusing yet interesting tradition attracts a lot of attention and is broadcast live on TV.