Thanksgiving is one of those holidays when people go and visit their family and friends and have at-home dinner together. Maybe it would be a good idea to change things up and have a Thanksgiving weekend getaway. Many cities offer Thanksgiving events, such as festivals, parades, and a variety of festive activities.

Chicago is known for its McDonald’s Thanksgiving parade. It is an annual event that is broadcast live where you can see marching bands, balloons, performances, and celebrity guests. It makes a great event for the whole family. Also, downtown shops make a great place for Black Friday shopping. Here is more information.

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Another city that throws a grand parade is New York. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade also has marching bands, clowns, balloons. Many TV, music, and stage personalities perform, such as Cirque du Soleil, Mariah Carey, and of course there is plenty for shopping and dining.

Flickr Creative Commons: Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar

Grapevine,Texas is known as the “Christmas Capital of Texas”. Thanksgiving starts off holiday celebrations. Here you can see the Light Show Spectacular and the North Pole Express. There are many other things to explore and enjoy in Grapevine. Here is more information on different events and places to go to.

Plymouth, Massachusetts is where America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade happens every year.  Various events and activities happen on Thanksgiving, from concerts, performances and historical reenactors to the new England Food Festival. Also, Plimoth Plantation is a great place to experience history and learn about early colonists. Here you can have Thanksgiving buffet or dinner. For tickets and more information click here.

Flickr Creative Commons: Scott Robinson

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