--Thanksgiving 2009 falls on Thursday November 26th--
Thanksgiving in the US is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, and is a big occasion for family get-togethers: legions of people fly home to be with their families for turkey dinner dinner, or fly to popular places to spend the holiday together.
This weekend also starts the "Holiday Season" that continues to New Year's: Christmas decorations go up, and often Santa makes an appearance at the end of the weekend.
Thanksgiving 2009 Weekend Packages
Photo of giant gingerbread house, courtesy of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa.
At many family resorts, a whole weekend of festivities includes traditional turkey feast, of course; seasonal fun (maybe games, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts); and often a "Light Up" night, where holiday lights go bright and Santa may even be a special guest. Check suggestions in New England, West Virginia, Arizona, more.
New York City: Thanksgiving 2009 Macy's Parade
Annual Macy's Parade, in NYC. Photo courtesy of NYC & Co.
This annual tradition was started in the 1920's by immigrant employees of Macy's department store who wanted a festival. About's Guide for NYC for Visitors tells how to get the best viewing spot for the parade. (For interesting old photos, see NYCTourist.)
New England Ideas - Thanksgiving 2009
Photo courtesy of Wildflower Inn, VT.
Ideas in New England: family resorts, a grand resort that welcomes families, Appalachian Mountain Club weekend packages with many activities... And our About.com New England Travel site covers historic places to visit and more, for Thanksgiving 2009.
NY State: Thanksgiving Weekend at Otesaga Resort Hotel
Photo courtesy of Otesaga Hotel.
This grand lakeside hotel is walking distance from historic Cooperstown. Weekend Package typically for two nights including dinners and breakfasts; tour of Cooperstown and tix to National Baseball Hall of Fame, Fenimore Art Museum and 19th century village at The Farmers’ Museum; live entertainment; and family activities throughout the holiday weekend (such as holiday movies, hay rides, tours of Cooperstown, bingo...) A visit from Santa, too.
PA: Thanksgiving 2009 Ideas - Weekend at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa
Photo courtesy of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.
This well-regarded resort has lodgings from rustic to elegant, kids' programs, equestrian center, sporting clays, climbing wall, rock-climbing (off-site), kayaking, golf, and more. Holiday weekend includes Thanksgiving Day Brunch; Light Up Night Festivities, with hot choc and appearance by Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, and a chorale. Saturday brings Breakfast with Santa.
Florida: Thanksgiving 2009 Weekend Getaway Ideas
ICE! Photo courtesy of Gaylord Palms Resort.
Theme parks and other attractions are decorated... About's Guide for Florida for Visitors lists festivities at resorts, Disney parks, Gaylord Palms Resort ICE! (a family attraction carved from 2M pounds of ice), town festivals, and more.
Thanksgiving 2009 - At Country Inns
Inn at Harbor Hill Marina - photo courtesy of BedandBreakfast.com.
If the idea of a family-friendly country getaway --where someone else cooks the turkey-- appeals, head to Bedandbreakfast.com, click on Search; Special Packages; and select from there. Many choices are in the northeast, but you'll find other destinations too.
