Contents

• Why is Thanksgiving celebrated?
• What countries celebrate Thanksgiving?
• 5 travel-related facts about Thanksgiving
• Popular Thanksgiving activities in the United States
• Get ready for the holiday season travel rush with RateHawk

Why is Thanksgiving celebrated?

The first Thanksgiving occurred in 1621 when the “Pilgrims,” Europeans who had settled in America, invited Native Americans to join them for a feast in recognition of their help after teaching the pilgrims how to grow crops. This holiday has continued ever since, offering families and friends an opportunity to gather together and reflect on the previous year.

“Friendsgiving” has become a popular subculture with friends coming together to celebrate.
Photo by Pressmaster on Shutterstock

Although the holiday continues, it has evolved with time. “Friendsgiving” has become a popular subculture with friends coming together to celebrate, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, who are unable to travel home for the holiday or who want to celebrate with their friends instead. 

What countries celebrate Thanksgiving?

The United States isn’t the only country with a Thanksgiving celebration. Other countries have similar holidays, and while the American version may be the best known, these days offer a similar chance to reflect and be thankful. Canada’s Thanksgiving can be traced to 1578, making it older than its U.S. counterpart, and is celebrated annually on the second Monday of October. 

Both these traditions can be traced back even further to Europe, including the Harvest Festival in the UK.
Photo by Katarzyna Pracuch on Unsplash

Both these traditions can be traced back even further to Europe, including the Harvest Festival in the UK and the Dutch “Dankdag” celebration, both of which involved giving thanks for a bountiful harvest. Although other countries have their versions of Thanksgiving, the holiday you’ll find in the United States is by far the most widely celebrated. 

5 travel-related facts about Thanksgiving

As a travel agent, you can expect Thanksgiving to be one of your busiest times of the year. Families often plan to visit each other across the country, and the public holiday is the perfect opportunity for a unique family vacation in the USA. We’re sharing 5 facts you should know to understand the travel industry during this holiday season:

Popular Thanksgiving activities in the United States

Although families often have their own traditions, like making cookies and playing games, most Thanksgiving activities are the same in every household. Similar to other holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Day, the day focuses on a family meal and bringing people together to express gratitude and give thanks. We’re sharing 7 of the most popular things for people to do during the holiday.

1. Kickstart the day with the Turkey Trot

Just like Christmas and New Year’s, there are many unofficial traditions, like the annual “Turkey Trots.” Runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts will often kickstart the day by going outside, whether it’s taking part in a community 10k run or going on a hike with family while the meal is being finished at home. Many of these events are held to support local charities and organizations. 

Just like Christmas and New Year’s, there are many unofficial traditions, like the annual “Turkey Trots.”
Photo by Aaron of L.A. Photography on Shutterstock

2. Eat a meal with friends and family

The focal point of the day is often a meal shared with friends and family, just like the original Thanksgiving over 400 years ago. Food is usually served family-style and hosted in one home, often with guests bringing their own dish to contribute to the meal. A typical Thanksgiving dinner includes a mixture of sweet and savoury dishes, such as turkey, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.

The focal point of the day is often a meal shared with friends and family.
Photo by Pixel-Shot on Shutterstock

3. Share a slice of pie

Most people focus on turkey for their meal, but it turns out pie is just as important for the occasion. The American Pie Council states that apple pie is the most popular for Thanksgiving; however, other flavors, including pumpkin and pecan, often appear on the dinner table. Their research also found that pie first appeared at the Thanksgiving table in 1623, during the second annual celebration.

The American Pie Council states that apple pie is the most popular for Thanksgiving.
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

4. Bring good luck with a wishbone

The Y-shaped bone in a turkey is known as the “wishbone,” which has long been the source of superstition. After the meal is over, two guests will usually break the bone, each making a wish. Whoever pulls the longer part of the bone is believed to have their wish granted in the coming year.

After the meal is over, two guests will usually break the bone, each making a wish.
Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

5. Watch Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade

With most businesses closed, many people find themselves in front of their TV screens, usually tuning in to watch the annual parade in New York, hosted by Macy’s. First hosted in 1924, it’s the second-oldest parade in the U.S. to commemorate the holiday and includes floats, entertainers, and giant balloons, promoting everything from TV networks to American businesses and Broadway shows. 

It’s the second-oldest parade in the U.S. to commemorate the holiday and includes floats, entertainers, and giant balloons.
Photo by Aleksandr Dyskin on Shutterstock

6. Cheer on an NFL football team

One industry that doesn’t stop for the holiday season is football. Since it originally started in 1920, there have always been games held on Thanksgiving Day, continuing the tradition started by college football. Three games are held throughout the day, with two slotted for prime time evening viewing, making it the perfect post-dinner activity.

There have always been games held on Thanksgiving Day, continuing the tradition started by college football.
Photo by Myron Mott on Unsplash

7. Shop at midnight for Black Friday

Everything is an opportunity to shop. While Thursday is the main event, the day after has become known as “Black Friday,” marking the official start of holiday shopping and a time when retailers offer some of their biggest discounts of the year. Some stores may open at midnight with people often queuing for hours – online or in-store – to get the best deals. 

“Black Friday” marking the official start of holiday shopping.
Photo by Jeppe Gustafsson on Shutterstock

Get ready for the holiday season travel rush with RateHawk

Thanksgiving weekend marks the start of the holiday season and one of the busiest times of year for any travel agent. Unlock the potential of your travel agency by registering for RateHawk today and get instant access to over 2.9 million accommodation options worldwide and 330+ suppliers for air tickets, transfers, car rentals, and other travel services to help your clients plan their holiday getaway. 

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Cover image: Photo by Aesthetes ID on Unsplash