Thanksgiving in the UK might not sound like a thing. But according to recent supermarket data, our interest in this US holiday is growing every year.
Sure, we don't have a national holiday or the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. But if there's a nation that loves an extravagant dinner with some autumnal nostalgia, this is it.
Whether you're a curious Brit, a traveller pining for home or an expat looking for a little slice of tradition, the UK has turkey, gratitude and a lot of good vibes to go around.
Here's how to celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK this year, complete with places to eat, activities and tips to embrace the spirit of the day.
Hold Up - What Is Thanksgiving?
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Before we dive into where to go, let's talk turkey for any non-Americans among us.
Thanksgiving is a day when Americans (and a few enthusiastic Canadians) stop to give thanks, eat until they need stretchy trousers and connect with family and friends.
Brits might not have a public holiday, but there's still a growing buzz around it. After all, who wouldn't love the chance to feast and reflect on all the good things we have?
Thanksgiving is a North American harvest holiday. It's centred around gratitude, food, and togetherness. In the U.S., it’s observed on the fourth Thursday in November; in Canada, it's observed on the second Monday in October. Typical traditions include a shared meal including turkey, stuffing, sides and pie, watching parades and/or football, and expressing thanks alongside family and friends.
Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in the UK
London - The American Dream on a Plate
London pulls out all the stops for Thanksgiving. You'll find plenty of restaurants serving Thanksgiving menus and dinners.
Over in Covent Garden, Christopher's American steakhouse and grill is honouring its culinary roots with a three-course menu on 27 November. It includes smoked duck tacos and pumpkin pie with whipped bourbon chantilly.
Rails St Pancras offers a special menu featuring roast turkey with cornbread stuffing, pecan pie and a special Thanksgiving cocktail.
If you're chasing a high-end experience, head up the Shard to Oblix on 27 November, when an exclusive Thanksgiving evening will be in full swing.
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Edinburgh - Thanksgiving with a Highland Twist
Scotland gets in on the Thanksgiving action, too. In Edinburgh, the very central Duck and Waffle offers an evening of good eating with a special Thanksgiving menu.
Hard Rock Café's Thanksgiving two-course menu serves up traditional turkey and pie to serve the city's 3,500 American residents on 27 November.
For something more impromptu, head to The City Café. This diner-style eatery has been going strong since the 80s and can always be relied on for some nostalgic Americana.
All-American Feasts in the North and Midlands
In Manchester's St Peter's Square, the Anthologist offers a special Thanksgiving feast from 11 - 27 November. Expect traditional classics with a modern twist, paired with limited-edition pie-inspired cocktails.
Go a little further South for a radical twist on Thanksgiving. Birmingham Brew Co is hosting a Thanksgiving Takeover, including a guided whisky tasting featuring four American brands and a turkey or pumpkin pizza.
Host a Friendsgiving at Home
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If you don't fancy heading out, hosting your own Thanksgiving may be even better than someone else cooking for you. Minus the dishes, that is.
Call your people, bookmark some classic recipes and head to the supermarket to pick up some of the following Thanksgiving essentials.
- Turkey: Because no one's roasting a chicken on Thanksgiving.
- Side dishes: Buttery mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and green bean casserole.
- Pie: Pumpkin is the classic, but apple or pecan will also do the trick.
Not a kitchen whiz? Some supermarkets and online providers offer Thanksgiving-inspired meal kits. Perfect for avoiding mid-roast panic.
What's a "Friendsgiving?" Friendsgiving is a casual, potluck-style Thanksgiving with friends instead of, or in addition to, the main family event. Hosts pick any date near late November, invite pals to bring a dish, and keep it low-pressure. Think shared recipes, playlists, board games, and a quick go-round of what everyone’s grateful for.
Thanksgiving With a UK Twist
Want to embrace Thanksgiving à la Britannia? Throw in some UK-centric swaps:
- Replace the pumpkin pie with a sticky toffee pudding.
- Serve bread sauce alongside your turkey.
- Add a cheese course. We Brits love cheese almost as much as tea, so you'll be sure to make new friends with this one.
Classic Thanksgiving Activities
Thanksgiving isn't just about eating. Although, yes, mostly it is. But for an authentic experience, here's what else to add to your UK Thanksgiving itinerary.
Watch American Football
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It's tradition; NFL games stream live on Sky Sports and 5 and 5ACTION, so grab some wings and settle in. Better yet, head to a sports bar like Belushi's in London or The Box in Leeds, where the energy is infectious.
Volunteer this Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a day to give back and UK charities such as The Trussell Trust or Crisis often need volunteers. Not to mention the many local foundations in cities across the country.
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Why Celebrating Thanksgiving in the UK Is Totally Worth It
Thanksgiving in the UK might feel unconventional, but that's what makes it brilliant.
It's like Christmas, but without the pressure of finding gifts. Instead, it's all about eating, sharing stories and reflecting on the good stuff.
Plus, for Brits, it's a golden opportunity to blend tradition with trying something new. Enjoy Thanksgiving, wherever you are. Turkey coma optional.
Don't Forget the Data
Thanksgiving moments deserve to be shared. Whether you're snapping your pie or live-streaming your Friendsgiving toast, you'll need reliable internet.
An Airalo eSIM has your back with affordable data plans for your UK adventures. No roaming fees, no fuss, just seamless connectivity.
Head over to the Airalo store and explore eSIMs for the UK, USA, and Canada here.
FAQs: How to Celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK
1. Do people celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK?
Thanksgiving isn't an official UK holiday, but it's growing in popularity. Many Americans living abroad, and Brits who love the tradition, host dinners, parties, or "Friendsgivings" across the country each November.
2. Where can I have Thanksgiving dinner in the UK?
Plenty of restaurants and pubs offer special Thanksgiving menus. Look for American diners, smokehouses, or hotels in big cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. And book early, as turkey dinners sell out fast.
3. Can I cook a Thanksgiving meal at home in the UK?
Yes, it's easy to recreate Thanksgiving classics with UK ingredients. You'll find turkey, cranberries, and pumpkins in supermarkets, or order US-only treats like canned yams from specialist stores online.
4. How can I celebrate if I don't get the day off?
Switch to a weekend "Friendsgiving" or plan an evening feast. Add cosy touches like autumn décor, gratitude cards, or pumpkin pie, and make it feel festive, even on a regular Thursday.
5. What are some UK-friendly Thanksgiving traditions?
Mix American customs with local flair. Watch the Macy's Parade online, go for a gratitude walk or share what you're thankful for. You can also donate to a food bank; all perfectly British ways to give thanks.
