Seasonal trips · Thanksgiving trips
Where to go in November: Thanksgiving parades, history and early holiday lights
November brings Thanksgiving parades, historic towns tied to the holiday, and mountain towns that switch on their Christmas lights early. It's a great month for family reunions and friend trips over the long weekend.
New York City · Leavenworth · Cleveland · Plymouth · Philadelphia · Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge · Branson · Williamsburg
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
New York City, New York
Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in person is a bucket-list trip. The holiday windows and the start of the Christmas season make it a great long weekend.
Highlights
- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Balloon inflation the night before
- Holiday store windows on Fifth Avenue
- Broadway shows
Where to stay: Midtown is close to the parade route but expensive. Long Island City and Jersey City cost less and are a short train ride away.
Getting there: JFK, LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark (EWR).
Group tip: Arrive on the parade route very early, and pick a meeting spot in case anyone gets separated.
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Christmas season kicks off
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth starts its Christmas season in late November, when the Bavarian village turns on its lights. Thanksgiving week is a quieter time to enjoy the town before December crowds.
Highlights
- Holiday lights starting in late November
- Nutcracker Museum
- Front Street shops and German food
- Snowshoeing and sledding once snow arrives
Where to stay: Book early for Thanksgiving weekend. Cabins work well for family reunions.
Getting there: Seattle (SEA) is about 2.5 hours away. Wenatchee (EAT) is about 35 minutes.
Group tip: Check Stevens Pass road conditions before you drive over the mountains.
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Thanksgiving weekend in the city
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland makes an easy long-weekend trip in November, with football, theater at Playhouse Square, the West Side Market and the start of the holiday season downtown.
Highlights
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- West Side Market
- Playhouse Square shows
- Football and holiday events downtown
Where to stay: Downtown, the Flats and University Circle are good bases for groups.
Getting there: Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) is about 20 minutes from downtown.
Group tip: Many Playhouse Square shows offer group rates. Ask when you buy tickets.
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Where the Thanksgiving story began
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Plymouth is home to Plymouth Rock and Plimoth Patuxet Museums, and holds a Thanksgiving celebration and parade each year.
Highlights
- Plimoth Patuxet Museums
- Mayflower II
- Plymouth Rock and the waterfront
- America's Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration
Where to stay: Hotels in Plymouth fit most groups. Boston is about an hour away if you want city hotels.
Getting there: Boston Logan (BOS) is about an hour away.
Group tip: A strong pick for school groups and family history trips.
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One of America's oldest Thanksgiving parades
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia's Thanksgiving Day Parade has run for more than 100 years. Add Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and holiday markets for a full weekend.
Highlights
- Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell
- Reading Terminal Market
- Holiday markets downtown
Where to stay: Center City is walkable to the parade and historic sites.
Getting there: Philadelphia International (PHL) is about 20–30 minutes from Center City.
Group tip: Great for school groups. Book free timed tickets for Independence Hall ahead.
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Smoky Mountain Christmas starts early
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
The Smoky Mountain towns turn on their holiday lights in November, and Dollywood's Christmas season starts early in the month. It is a popular Thanksgiving week getaway.
Highlights
- Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas
- Winterfest lights
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Dinner shows and attractions
Where to stay: Big cabin rentals are the go-to for families and friend groups. Pigeon Forge has many group-friendly hotels.
Getting there: Knoxville (TYS) is about an hour away.
Group tip: Traffic on the main parkway is heavy on holiday weekends. Stay close to where you'll spend most of your time.
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Ozark Mountain Christmas
Branson, Missouri
Branson starts its Christmas season in November with holiday shows, lights and Silver Dollar City's Christmas festival. It is a favorite for church groups and family reunions.
Highlights
- Silver Dollar City Christmas
- Holiday music and variety shows
- Lights and drive-through displays
- Table Rock Lake
Where to stay: Hotels along the 76 Strip are close to the shows. Condos work well for big families.
Getting there: Springfield-Branson National (SGF) is about an hour away.
Group tip: Many theaters offer group rates for 15 or more people. Ask when you book.
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Colonial history for the holidays
Williamsburg, Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg brings 18th-century history to life. Nearby Jamestown and Yorktown make a full history trip, and the town decorates for the holidays starting in late November.
Highlights
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Jamestown and Yorktown
- Holiday decorations and events
- Busch Gardens Christmas Town (seasonal)
Where to stay: Hotels near the historic area are walkable. There are many group-friendly hotels along Richmond Road.
Getting there: Newport News/Williamsburg (PHF) is about 20 minutes away. Richmond (RIC) is about an hour.
Group tip: Ask about group and school rates for Colonial Williamsburg tickets.
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Event dates change each year, so check the official town or event website before you book. GroupVoy may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.
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