Thanksgiving offers a rare moment to step away from the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. This year, trade the stress of cooking and hosting for a luxurious escape where every detail is flawlessly curated. Across the United States, world-class resorts and destinations are reimagining the holiday, offering indulgent feasts, unforgettable activities, and settings that embody gratitude in the most refined way. Here are eight exceptional destinations for an unforgettable Thanksgiving vacation.

1. Aspen, Colorado – A Mountain Retreat with a Touch of Glamour

Few places capture the magic of Thanksgiving like Aspen, where snowy peaks and a cozy alpine atmosphere create the ultimate mountain escape. For a luxury holiday vacation, stay at The Little Nell, Aspen’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond ski-in/ski-out resort, where guests enjoy elegant suites with fireplaces, private wine cellar tours, and exclusive access to the slopes.

Thanksgiving weekend here blends tradition with adventure. Start with a holiday feast at Element 47, where chefs prepare locally inspired dishes alongside the classics, then head out for snowshoeing or a sleigh ride under the stars. Early-season skiing often begins in November, making this a perfect blend of holiday warmth and winter excitement. Aspen’s boutiques and designer shops invite guests to enjoy a more stylish version of Black Friday, while its galleries and art scene offer cultural flair. Private guides can also arrange backcountry snow adventures or helicopter tours for those seeking a truly elevated holiday.

2. Charleston, South Carolina – Southern Charm Meets Gilded Elegance

With its cobblestone streets, pastel-hued homes, and centuries of history, Charleston is a picture-perfect backdrop for Thanksgiving and a perfect luxury family vacation. Stay at Hotel Bennett, a luxurious property perched on Marion Square, offering lavish suites with Juliet balconies, marble bathrooms, and a rooftop pool overlooking the historic city.

Thanksgiving in Charleston comes alive with flavors of the Lowcountry. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Gabrielle, offers a refined spin on holiday classics—think roasted turkey paired with oysters from nearby waters, or pumpkin pie with a bourbon glaze. Beyond the feast, guests can enjoy private carriage rides through the historic district, sunset sails in Charleston Harbor, or curated shopping tours through King Street’s upscale boutiques. For history enthusiasts, private tours of antebellum mansions or a behind-the-scenes culinary experience with a local chef can add unforgettable depth to the trip. Charleston perfectly combines Southern hospitality with cosmopolitan elegance, making it an ideal choice for a holiday gathering.

3. Napa Valley, California – Wine Country Indulgence

There’s something uniquely fitting about celebrating gratitude in Napa Valley, where vineyards stretch endlessly and every moment feels abundant. Nestle into Auberge du Soleil, an intimate, Mediterranean-inspired resort surrounded by olive groves and vines. Rooms and suites offer private terraces with sweeping views, fireplaces, and soaking tubs designed for relaxation.

Thanksgiving dinner here is a celebration of California’s finest ingredients, paired with exceptional wines from Napa’s most coveted producers. Luxury Napa Valley travel means spending the long weekend exploring private wine tastings at boutique estates, embarking on sunrise hot-air balloon rides over the vineyards, or enjoying spa treatments infused with vineyard botanicals. The holiday weekend also coincides with “Cabernet Season” in Napa, meaning quieter crowds and richer wine experiences. For families or groups, a private villa with chef-prepared meals offers a convivial, luxurious way to spend the holiday together.

4. Palm Beach, Florida – Thanksgiving by the Sea

Trade autumn leaves for palm trees with a sun-soaked Thanksgiving in Palm Beach. Stay at The Breakers Palm Beach, a legendary resort known for its Italian Renaissance architecture, private beach, and world-class service. Suites here exude elegance, while the resort’s lavish holiday décor transforms the property into a festive escape.

Thanksgiving celebrations at The Breakers are a grand affair, with elaborate buffets showcasing both traditional favorites and fresh local seafood. Beyond the feast, guests can indulge in beachfront yoga, world-class spa treatments, and rounds of golf on championship courses. Those on a luxury family vacation will love the resort’s holiday activities, from sandcastle building competitions to seasonal crafts for children. Black Friday shopping here is an experience in itself, with Worth Avenue’s luxury boutiques just minutes away. Whether savoring champagne on the terrace or enjoying a sunset cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, Palm Beach delivers a Thanksgiving that feels indulgent and effortlessly glamorous.

5. Santa Fe, New Mexico – Artistic Spirit and Desert Serenity

For a Thanksgiving that blends culture, wellness, and breathtaking landscapes, Santa Fe is an extraordinary choice. At Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, guests enjoy luxurious casitas with private terraces overlooking the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, complemented by a spa inspired by indigenous traditions.

Thanksgiving dinner here incorporates the flavors of the Southwest—think roasted turkey with red chile glaze or pumpkin tamales alongside classic dishes. Between meals, explore Santa Fe’s vibrant arts scene, from its countless galleries to the iconic Canyon Road. Guests can also enjoy private guided hikes through dramatic desert landscapes, visit Native American pueblos for cultural immersion, or soak in the natural hot springs nearby. The crisp desert air, glowing adobe architecture, and rich traditions make Santa Fe a destination that feels deeply soulful, offering a holiday of gratitude unlike any other.

6. New York City, New York – A Classic Thanksgiving Spectacle

Thanksgiving in New York City is iconic, thanks to the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the city’s festive energy. Stay at The St. Regis New York, where butler service, sumptuous suites, and old-world elegance elevate every moment. Guests here can even arrange private viewing access for the parade, enjoying the spectacle with champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

The city’s culinary scene shines during Thanksgiving, with Michelin-starred restaurants offering special menus. Beyond the feast, spend the weekend ice skating at Rockefeller Center, attending a Broadway performance, or beginning holiday shopping along Fifth Avenue’s glittering storefronts. A private carriage ride through Central Park adds a romantic touch, while helicopter tours offer breathtaking aerial views of Manhattan’s skyline. New York transforms Thanksgiving into a glamorous, cultural, and festive extravaganza—perfect for travelers seeking both tradition and excitement.

7. Sea Island, Georgia – Coastal Tradition and Private Luxury

Sea Island is one of America’s most exclusive retreats, blending Southern tradition with seaside elegance. At The Cloister, a Forbes Five-Star property, guests are treated to Mediterranean-inspired architecture, opulent accommodations, and service that feels personal and discreet.

Thanksgiving here is a family-friendly yet luxurious affair. The resort’s feast combines traditional dishes with coastal touches like shrimp and grits or roasted oysters. During the long weekend, families can enjoy a full roster of activities: championship golf, falconry experiences, horseback riding on the beach, or guided kayak tours along tidal rivers. In the evenings, the island comes alive with traditions like beachfront bonfires, storytelling under the stars, and live music. With its balance of exclusivity, elegance, and genuine Southern warmth, Sea Island feels like a hidden gem where families and couples alike can gather in gratitude.

8. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada – Alpine Escape with Lakeside Views

Lake Tahoe offers a breathtaking backdrop for a Thanksgiving that combines mountain adventure with lakeside serenity. Stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, a sophisticated mountain resort featuring ski-in/ski-out access, cozy suites with stone fireplaces, and a world-class spa designed for alpine relaxation.

Thanksgiving dinner here is a fireside celebration, with gourmet menus that highlight seasonal, local ingredients. Guests can spend their days skiing on freshly groomed runs, hiking trails with panoramic lake views, or enjoying private boat charters for a serene experience on the water. Families can roast marshmallows at the resort’s fire pit, while couples may opt for a spa day followed by après-ski cocktails overlooking the Sierra Nevada. The blend of crisp mountain air, luxurious amenities, and festive holiday programming makes Tahoe a perfect choice for those who want the best of both adventure and indulgence.

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen—it can be a time to escape, indulge, and reconnect with loved ones in extraordinary settings. Whether you choose the cultural richness of Santa Fe, the glamour of New York, or the coastal elegance of Palm Beach, each of these destinations promises a holiday filled with gratitude, comfort, and unforgettable luxury. However you choose to spend the holiday, Happy Thanksgiving to all!