Data Reveals the 10 Best U.S. Cities for Thanksgiving in 2025
A new analysis of 100 major cities ranks where travelers get the best mix of affordable dinners, safer travel, and real holiday spirit.
Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that manages to be cozy and chaotic at the same time. There’s family, travel stress, way too much food, and a whole lot of spending packed into one long weekend.
To figure out where travelers get the best overall Thanksgiving experience in 2025, WalletHub analyzed 100 of the largest U.S. cities across 18 different metrics. The team looked at everything from the cost of Thanksgiving dinner and hotel rates to crime, flight delays, traffic, volunteer opportunities, charitable giving, pumpkin patches, holiday decoration shops, and even how often locals search online for Thanksgiving-related terms.
Those data points were grouped into five main categories:
- Thanksgiving Celebrations & Traditions
- Affordability
- Safety & Accessibility
- Giving Thanks
- Thanksgiving Weather Forecast
And according to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, the cities that rank highest tend to stand out in key areas. “The best cities for celebrating Thanksgiving all have an abundance of high-quality restaurants and places to buy festive decorations, and their residents get very excited for the holiday based on their Google search history,” he explains.
After scoring each city on a 100-point scale and averaging the results, WalletHub came up with a ranking of the best U.S. cities to spend Thanksgiving in 2025. Here’s how the top 10 shake out.
10. Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake scores especially well for safety and ease of getting around, ranking second in the nation in that category. It’s a calm, practical choice for anyone traveling with kids or older relatives. Late November weather is mild enough for parks and waterfront walks without layers of winter gear.
The city is also budget-friendly, with solid restaurant options and nearby attractions in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. You can stay in Chesapeake and still have access to bigger events and coastal scenery without paying heavier holiday-weekend prices.
9. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas ranks high for celebrations and traditions thanks to its enormous dining scene and endless entertainment options. Holiday menus, buffets, and special events are everywhere, which is appealing for travelers who’d rather skip cooking completely.
Flight delays are more manageable here than in many other major hubs, and the late-November weather is ideal for outdoor day trips to places like Red Rock Canyon. If your Thanksgiving plans lean toward warm weather, good food, and plenty to do, Vegas fits that style well.
8. Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville earns its spot with strong scores in celebrations and traditions. The restaurant scene is excellent, and the city has a cozy, festive atmosphere over the holiday weekend. Museums, bourbon tastings, and scenic riverfront areas give visitors a lot to build a trip around.
Affordability is a major strength. Hotels, meals, and activities come in at more approachable prices compared to many larger cities. If you want a full Thanksgiving weekend without a bruised budget, Louisville is a solid pick.
7. Plano, Texas
Plano ranks well for affordability and safety, which makes it popular among families looking for a calmer, lower-stress Thanksgiving. You still get access to great restaurants and shopping, but without the crowding and congestion of bigger surrounding metros.
The city also performs strongly in charitable giving and community engagement. It’s a place where residents show up for the “giving thanks” side of the holiday, not just the meal.
6. Irving, Texas
Irving comes in strong thanks to its combination of affordability, mild weather, and convenience. Restaurants and Thanksgiving dinners tend to be reasonably priced, and hotel rates are often better than in neighboring Dallas.
The weather usually stays dry and pleasant at this time of year, which makes the holiday easier to enjoy. Irving works well as a practical home base, especially if you want easy access to Dallas without paying Dallas prices.
5. Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale ranks first in the country for WalletHub’s “giving thanks” category, which measures things like volunteer hours, charitable organizations, and income donated. It’s a city with a clear sense of community going into the holiday season.
The warm, sunny weather is a big draw for travelers hoping to avoid the cold. Outdoor dining, hiking, and resort time are all in play during Thanksgiving week. The city also has plenty of highly rated restaurants offering holiday meals.
4. Dallas, Texas
Dallas ranks second in the nation for celebrations and traditions, and the city really leans into the holiday. Parades, events, football energy, and restaurant specials fill the long weekend. If you want a bigger, livelier Thanksgiving destination, Dallas delivers.
Despite being a major metro, Dallas still offers a wide range of hotel and dining options across different budgets. Late-November weather is comfortable enough for sightseeing, shopping, and outdoor activities during the long weekend.
3. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is one of the most affordable destinations on the entire list. WalletHub found a remarkably low starting price for a three-star hotel room over Thanksgiving, signaling a very budget-friendly lodging market overall.
The city also earns high marks for safety, volunteerism, and charitable giving. There are plenty of well-rated restaurants, and the coastal setting makes for a relaxed, easy holiday. It’s an appealing option if you want Thanksgiving at a slower pace and softer price point.
2. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta ranks first for celebrations and traditions, and it shows. Residents search heavily for Thanksgiving-related activities, and the city offers a huge mix of events, dining, and holiday shopping. It’s a great pick if you want a lively, festive atmosphere.
It also has one of the most reliable track records for on-time flights around Thanksgiving, which makes traveling here much less stressful. Community engagement is strong as well, with high volunteer participation and notable charitable giving.
1. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is WalletHub’s top U.S. city for Thanksgiving in 2025. It excels in affordability, festive offerings, and weather. Thanksgiving dinners are among the least expensive in the country, and the city is filled with well-rated restaurants.
The holiday atmosphere is strong, with plenty of pumpkin patches, decoration shops, and local interest in Thanksgiving events. The chance of rain is low, and the weather is comfortable for outdoor time. If you want an easy, good-value Thanksgiving getaway with a lot to do, San Antonio rises to the top!
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