What To Do For Your First American Thanksgiving Holiday

Last Updated on February 5, 2021 by Estrella

If this is your first Autumn in the U.S., you’ll be observing one of the most important holidays to Americans–Thanksgiving.   Airports are busy with those flying home to celebrate with their families.  Lines in supermarkets are extra long to prepare for the big dinner.  If you are spending Thanksgiving in the U.S. for the first time, here are some things you can do for your first American Thanksgiving.

Things to do for your first American Thanksgiving

If you like to try out new restaurants on Thanksgiving, Kristin Kendle shared a wide selection in Trip Savvy.

Some people volunteer this time of year to serve meals to the homeless.   If you want to do this, reserve your spot in advance.   Keep in mind that this is a popular activity, it is possible that your service may not be needed.  But you can always volunteer other days of the year.

If you are not into restaurants or volunteering, there is plenty to do over Thanksgiving that’s free.   Here’s just a few:

1. Christmas tree lighting
2. Festival of Christmas Trees at Fairmont Hotel
3. Gingerbread Village at Sheraton Hotel.
4. If you haven’t been to Leavenworth, it’s listed as one of the cities with the most Christmas atmosphere in the U.S.
5. The Argosy Christmas ship makes several stops along the shore.   There’s bonfire to warm you up while you wait for the carolers to arrive.  The atmosphere is just wonderful.   Dress warm even with the bonfire.
6. There’s reindeer at Swanson’s Nursery.   Yes, live reindeer but not from the North Pole. 🙂   Children flock to this part of the nursery.   Adults too.
7. And there’s a parade in downtown Bellevue.

You can see the rest of the free activities Carole Cancler wrote about here.

In addition to these free activities, there are Christmas markets in different neighborhoods.   You can just enjoy the atmosphere or do your Christmas shopping there.

Another activity is visiting the Bellevue Botanical Garden this time of year.   Garden d’Lights Festival runs from November 24 to December 30 from 4:30 to 9 pm.  Tickets are $5 per person.   Children 10 years old and under do not need to pay.   There are free evenings for everyone on November 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 & 29, 2018.

If you’d like more ideas of what to do for Thanksgiving and the rest of the month, here is a calendar.

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