5 Best Thanksgiving Week Destinations for 2026

The best Thanksgiving 2026 trips are Lisbon, Mexico City, New Orleans, New York and San Antonio, each combining good late-November weather with something to do that is not a turkey dinner. Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, so fly Sunday to Tuesday before or on the holiday itself, and book early.

1. Lisbon, Portugal

Weather: cool to mild · Best for: food and atmospheric neighborhoods · Trip length: 5–7 nights

WeRoad's Thanksgiving destination list picks Lisbon for relatively mild temperatures, great food and atmospheric neighborhoods. Pick where to sleep with our Lisbon neighborhood guide, and note the easyJet Portugal strikes scheduled for October and December, which do not currently overlap Thanksgiving.

2. Mexico City, Mexico

Temperatures: 47–72°F · Best for: culture and value · Trip length: 4–6 nights

GetYourGuide describes November in Mexico City as cool and dry with minimal rainfall and plenty of sunshine, plus Revolution Day parades late in the month. Spend days along Paseo de la Reforma, in Roma and Condesa, and on the Xochimilco canals; WeRoad also flags food, museums and strong airport connections.

3. New Orleans, Louisiana

Weather: mild · Best for: food and live music · Trip length: 3–4 nights

The city's tourism site lists things to do on Thanksgiving Day, including restaurants that stay open, a City Park turkey trot, human horse races as a fundraiser and beignets at Cafe du Monde. That guide is not specific to 2026, so confirm event dates before you go.

4. New York City

Parade: Nov 26, about 8:30 a.m. · Weather: cold · Best for: the classic holiday atmosphere

NewYork.co.uk says the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade starts around 8:30 a.m. at Central Park West and 77th Street, runs down Sixth Avenue to Herald Square and lasts about three hours. The balloon inflation on the Upper West Side runs from roughly noon to 6 p.m. the evening before, with big crowds.

5. San Antonio, Texas

Temperatures: 70s°F · Best for: warm weather without a long flight · Trip length: 3–4 nights

Boletoxpress lists San Antonio among warm-weather picks, with the River Walk and a free parade on November 27. It suits travelers who want sun and a lower-key holiday, and it is also a driveable option for much of Texas.

When to Fly and Book

Best days: Sun–Tue before, or Thanksgiving Day · Avoid: Wednesday before, Sunday after

Going's Thanksgiving travel guide recommends flying Sunday to Tuesday before the holiday or early or late on Thursday, and booking international trips two to eight months ahead. Expedia's Thanksgiving getaways page shows November 26–29 hotel rates from about USD 76–98 for budget stays to USD 200–350 for mid-range ones. Fares are climbing, so read why Thanksgiving tickets are up 31% before you search, and see our best places to visit in November for more ideas.

People also ask

When is Thanksgiving 2026?
Thanksgiving 2026 falls on Thursday, November 26. Many Americans travel the weekend and Tuesday before, but the Wednesday before is typically among the busiest and most expensive days to fly, so shifting by a day can save money and stress.

What is the cheapest day to fly for Thanksgiving?
Going recommends Sunday through Tuesday before the holiday, or Thanksgiving Day itself, early morning or late evening. Avoid the Wednesday before and the Sunday after, which are the heaviest travel days. Check several departure airports for the lowest fare.

Where is warm for Thanksgiving?
San Antonio and Orlando sit in the 70s°F, according to booking guides, and Mexico City is dry with highs near 72°F. Costa Rica is another warm option, noted by WeRoad as greener and less crowded than winter.

Is it cheaper to travel abroad for Thanksgiving?
Sometimes. International destinations in low season such as Lisbon or Mexico City can offer good value, but airfares are elevated this year. Compare total costs including hotels, and book early because fares typically rise at 21, 14 and 7 days out.

How early should I book a Thanksgiving trip?
Going suggests booking international flights two to eight months ahead and domestic flights one to three months ahead. Expedia suggests six to eight weeks for hotels, so with the holiday under two months away, book now rather than waiting.

Facts checked against current sources as of October 1, 2026; prices, events and strike plans can change, so confirm details before booking and traveling.