Tips for celebrating Thanksgiving in the UK

As a US citizen who has recently made the UK your home, you might be missing the familiar traditions of Thanksgiving - the turkey, the family gatherings and the sense of warmth and love that comes with the American holiday. While Thanksgiving is not widely celebrated here in the UK, you can still make the most of this special occasion. From hosting your own feast to enjoying Thanksgiving events across London and other major UK cities, here's how you can bring the American tradition to the UK. 

Host your own Thanksgiving feast

One of the easiest ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK is by hosting your own dinner. While turkey might not be as popular here, it's easy to find in larger supermarkets or on online grocery shops. You can still enjoy all the classic dishes, such as mashed potato, cranberry sauce, stuffing and even pumpkin pie!

Tips for hosting your Thanksgiving dinner in the UK: 

• Order ahead. For the special ingredients, look for U.S import shops or order from retailers, which offer American staple foods.
• Set the atmosphere. Bring the cozy Thanksgiving vibe to your new home with autumn-themed decorations, pumpkins and candles.
• Add a British twist. You could always incorporate some British dishes, like Yorkshire puddings and roasted parsnips, into your feat for an American and British flavour fusion.
• Invite your new friends and neighbours. Thanksgiving is a great time to connect with those around you. Invite your new friends and neighbours to join in the celebration and share your festive meal. It's a good way to build relationships and an excuse to have lots of fun, while introducing them to your traditions from back home. 

Attend Thanksgiving events across major UK cities

While Thanksgiving is not a public holiday in the UK, many major cities across the country host special events to help you celebrate. Whether you're in London or elsewhere, there are plenty of Thanksgiving themed occasions to enjoy.

London

In the heart of the city, you can find numerous Thanksgiving dinners at top restaurants like The Game Bird at The Stafford Hotel or Duck & Waffle, where they offer special Thanksgiving menus with turkey and all the amazing trimmings. The American Society in London also hosts a Thanksgiving dinner, where you are guaranteed to be joined by other US expats.  

Manchester

Restaurants like Hard Rock Cafe, Zouk Tea Bar and Drake & Morgan, often feature Thanksgiving-inspired meals, and you'll find other American-style events happening throughout the city for expats looking to celebrate. 

Birmingham

Check out places like Isaac's Restaurant, in The Grand Hotel, which typically offers a Thanksgiving menu. Birmingham also has a number of US expat groups who will host private dinners and get-togethers. 

Newcastle

Enjoy Thanksgiving at The Red House or Fat Hippo, which often feature festive, American-style meals. Expats living in Newcastle will also organise their own Thanksgiving dinners for those who are looking for a slice of home. 

Leeds & York

Leeds offer various Thanksgiving events at places like Angelica Crafthouse, which will serve traditional Thanksgiving feasts. In York, you can visit local pubs or American-themed eateries that cater to expats, making it easy to enjoy your Thanksgiving meal. 

Experience Thanksgiving in your new home

If you prefer a quieter celebration, consider a more intimate Thanksgiving dinner at home. Gather your friends and loved ones for a cozy dinner featuring classic American dishes, or even a fusion of British and American comfort foods.

For many US expats, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a cherished part of the holiday. The good news is that you can still enjoy this event in the UK by streaming it online or watching it on your TV. 

• Where to watch: The parade will be broadcast on NBC and can also be streamed via platforms like Peacock. Check if your streaming service supports NBC access in the UK or use a VPN for viewing. 
• What time will it air in the UK: The parade starts at 08:30 AM Eastern Time in the USA, which is 01:30 PM GMT here in the UK. It runs for about three hours, so you can enjoy the full experience of the floats, performances and holiday magic in the afternoon of your celebrations. 

You can also embrace the UK's autumnal scenery with a peaceful walk in a local park or along the coast. It's a great way to reflect on what you're grateful for while enjoying the natural beauty of your new home. 

Volunteer and give back

Thanksgiving is time to give thanks, and many UK-based charities offer opportunities to volunteer or donate. Consider using this time to give back to your new community by volunteering or participating in a Thanksgiving charity event. 

You could:

• Volunteer at a local food bank: Many UK cities have food banks that accept donations of non-perishable goods and some may even host Thanksgiving events to feed those in need. 
• Charity Thanksgiving meals: Look for local groups in your area that host Thanksgiving dinners for those who are less fortunate. Many expat groups organise meals or events that provide a taste of home to those who are away from their families.

Shop for Thanksgiving supplies

You can also get into the Thanksgiving spirit by shopping for American food products, making sure to stock up on all the classic ingredients you need to create a traditional feast. In cities like London, Manchester and Birmingham, there will be shops that specialise in US food imports, where you can pick up items like canned pumpkin, cranberry sauce and marshmallows for your sweet potato casserole.

Look out for places which offer American food products and other Thanksgiving essentials.

Watch Thanksgiving movies and TV specials

Thanksgiving is also the spending time with loved ones and enjoying some entertainment. If you're feeling homesick or simply want to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, take time to watch your favourite Thanksgiving movies or TV shows. Shows like Friends, The Simpsons, and movies like Planes, Trains and Automobiles and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving are perfect for getting into the festive mood.

While Thanksgiving may not be widely celebrated holiday in the UK, there are plenty of ways to bring the spirit of the season to your new home. Whether you host a dinner, attend an event, volunteer, or simply enjoy a cozy day with loves ones, you can make this Thanksgiving feel special even if you are away from home.