Across the UK and Europe, restaurants, expat communities and even entire neighborhoods are embracing Thanksgiving with surprising enthusiasm. And if you’re traveling from the U.S., good news: you can absolutely recreate the holiday — with a European twist.
Here’s how to make Thanksgiving abroad feel meaningful, delicious and connected.
What Is Thanksgiving (for the Non-Americans Around You)?
Thanksgiving is a U.S. harvest holiday centered around gratitude, family gatherings and — let’s be honest — eating until you need stretchy pants. Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, it typically includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pies and hours of sports or parades in the background.
While Europe doesn’t celebrate the holiday officially, the idea of sharing a warm autumn meal and reflecting on the year resonates with many. That’s why Thanksgiving events, menus and “Friendsgiving” gatherings are popping up across major cities.
Celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK
If there’s a place outside the U.S. where Thanksgiving fits naturally, it’s the UK — a country that loves comfort food and atmospheric autumn evenings.
London — The Most Thanksgiving-Friendly City in Europe
London goes all-out with restaurants offering special menus:
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Christopher’s (Covent Garden): A classic American steakhouse serving smoked duck tacos, roast turkey, and pumpkin pie.
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Rails St Pancras: Cornbread stuffing, pecan pie and themed cocktails.
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Oblix at The Shard: A special Thanksgiving evening with panoramic city views.
There are also NFL watch parties, expat gatherings and American diners that feel like home.
Edinburgh — Thanksgiving with a Scottish Accent
Hard Rock Café offers a full Thanksgiving menu, while places like Duck & Waffle create limited-edition turkey dinners for the city’s large American community. For something casual, The City Café provides classic comfort food in a nostalgic diner setting.
Manchester, Birmingham & Beyond
Across the Midlands and Northern England, bars and restaurants serve seasonal menus or bourbon tastings. It’s not a public holiday — but the spirit is alive.
🇫🇷🇮🇹🇳🇱 Thanksgiving Across Europe
If you’re traveling across Europe, these cities also make Thanksgiving surprisingly easy to enjoy:
Paris
Brasseries, American bakeries and expat communities organize turkey dinners and Friendsgiving brunches. Some cafés even stream American football.
Rome
Restaurants offer roast turkey with Italian touches — like chestnut stuffing or tiramisu instead of pie.
Amsterdam
A massive expat population means plenty of Friendsgiving events, potlucks and bars showing NFL games.
Dublin
Steakhouses, diners and pubs create seasonal menus, and grocery stores stock ingredients for home cooking.
Wherever you go, you’ll find a mix of American authenticity and local European charm.
Hosting a Friendsgiving Abroad
If you don’t want to navigate reservations or set menus, hosting a Friendsgiving can be even better:
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Invite your friends or fellow travelers
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Make it potluck-style (everyone brings a dish)
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Keep recipes simple: mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted veggies
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Buy a ready-made pie if needed
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Add some candles, autumn colors and a Spotify playlist
Friendsgiving is low-pressure, fun and perfect for travelers who want a warm holiday without too much planning.
What to Buy in Europe
Even outside the U.S., you can find:
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Whole turkey or turkey crown
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Cranberries or sauce
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Pumpkin or apple pie ingredients
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Sweet potatoes (sometimes labeled “yams”)
Specialty American stores in cities like London, Paris and Amsterdam even sell canned pumpkin, mac & cheese, marshmallows and other nostalgic ingredients.
Authentic Thanksgiving Activities to Do Abroad
Watch NFL Games
Most sports bars in major European cities stream Thanksgiving games.
If you prefer staying in, you can watch on Sky Sports, DAZN or local streaming services depending on the country.
Go for a “Gratitude Walk”
European cities in November are perfect for a cozy autumn stroll. Grab a coffee, walk through parks and take a moment to appreciate where you are.
Volunteer
Thanksgiving is about community. Many UK and EU charities welcome volunteers during November — food banks, shelters and community kitchens often need help.
Visit a Christmas Market
A uniquely European twist. Many markets open in late November, and nothing says “holiday spirit” like mulled wine and lights.
Travel Tips for Americans Spending Thanksgiving Abroad
1. Book restaurants early
Thanksgiving menus sell out surprisingly fast, especially in London.
2. Don’t expect a public holiday
People still work in the UK and Europe on Thanksgiving, so bars and restaurants get busier after 6 PM.
3. Mind the early sunset
By late November, many European cities get dark by 4–4:30 PM. Plan your activities accordingly.
4. Plan your internet ahead of time
Airport WiFi is unreliable, and U.S. roaming rates in Europe can be extremely expensive.
Stay Connected: The Smartest Way to Use Your Phone Abroad
Whether you’re sharing your Friendsgiving table, navigating a new city or streaming NFL games, you’ll want reliable mobile data.
Why travelers prefer eSIMs on Thanksgiving trips:
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No need to find a store or buy a local SIM
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Avoid expensive U.S. roaming charges
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Activate before you fly
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Works instantly when you land
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Stay connected during long layovers, train rides or city-hopping
Roafly offers affordable eSIMs for:
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USA (for your return trip)
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Canada eSIM
You can also use the Roafly Data Usage Calculator to estimate how much data you’ll need for a long weekend abroad — especially useful if you plan to stream games or share lots of photos.
Final Thoughts: Why Thanksgiving Abroad Is Worth It
Celebrating Thanksgiving outside the U.S. can feel unconventional — and that’s exactly why it’s memorable.
You’re blending nostalgia with exploration.
Tradition with adventure.
Pumpkin pie with European charm.
Whether you’re enjoying a turkey dinner in London, hosting Friendsgiving in an Airbnb in Paris or checking NFL scores while wandering through a Christmas market, Thanksgiving abroad can be as meaningful as any celebration back home.
Just don’t forget: good food, good company and a reliable eSIM are all you really need.
