Discover the Top Family Destinations for Thanksgiving in Europe
There’s something magical about spending the holidays away from our typical family traditions. What’s most rewarding is how being in a completely different environment naturally brings our family closer, free from the usual distractions and expectations of home. Thanksgiving in Europe just hits different.
The end of November coincides beautifully with Europe’s transition from harvest festivals to Christmas market season, meaning you’ll find yourself immersed in a continent already celebrating abundance and community.
With school schedules aligned, off-season pricing, and the magic of European autumn at your doorstep, spending Thanksgiving across the pond isn’t just possible, it might become your family’s new favorite tradition.
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Best Places to Spend Thanksgiving in Europe for Families
1. Lisbon and Porto
Where to stay: Martinhal Chiado in Lisbon (or one of these family-friendly Lisbon hotels) and Torel Avantgarde
Late November average temperatures: Lisbon 64°F (18°C) and Porto 62°F (17°C)
Lisbon and Porto make for an easy, family-friendly itinerary. High-speed trains connect them in just over two hours. Both cities are walkable, with reliable public transport and great hotel deals before the December crowds.
In Lisbon, chestnuts still linger in food markets if there was a successful harvest from the early November São Martinho harvest feast.
In Porto, ride the vintage tram to Foz or bundle up and take a boat ride on the River Douro. The city’s charming atmosphere and historic architecture make for perfect family exploration.
2. London
Where to stay: One Aldwych Hotel or one of these family-friendly London hotels
Late November average temperatures: 55°F (13°C)
There’s historical significance to visiting London in late November. Families can explore the rich maritime history at The Mayflower Pub on the South Bank, where kids are welcome and everyone will enjoy the fascinating historical displays.
At the end of the month, Black Friday sales sweep Oxford Street. Department stores like John Lewis, Hamleys, and Selfridges offer discounts across fashion, toys, and tech. Families can map out a fun shopping spree before finishing the day at the West End.
Experience an English tradition by booking tickets to a pantomime. These family-friendly musical plays are a festive staple with lots of audience participation and laughs. Check out the programs at the Hackney Empire and King’s Head Theatre.
3. Barcelona
Where to stay: Hotel 1898 or one of these Barcelona hotels for families
Late November average temperatures: 61°F (16°C)
Mild sea breezes and thinner crowds make Thanksgiving a perfect time for families to visit Barcelona. Kids breeze through shorter lines at Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and harbor‑view cable cars. During this time, hotel rates dip before December’s rush, stretching holiday budgets without skimping on comfort.
Castanyada, a Catalan harvest festival in early November, stocks local markets with chestnuts, panellets, and sweet potatoes. The Barcelona Jazz Festival takes place in late November, adding live music and family performances.
Food tours in La Boqueria teach families how to make paella and other treats they can recreate at home.
4. Rome
Where to stay: The Pantheon Iconic or one of these family hotels in Rome
Late November average temperatures: 59°F (15°C)
Rome offers a warm and culturally rich escape for families. Many churches begin Advent concerts and nativity displays, tying beautifully to Rome’s deep-rooted Christian traditions. St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls are great options for a nativity display or church service.
During the day, families can explore landmarks like the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica without the summer crowds. Cooler weather makes this one of the most comfortable times to visit the Eternal City.
5. Germany Christmas Markets
Where to stay: The Charles Hotel
Late November average temperatures: Hamburg/Munich 45°F (7°C)
Christmas Markets are an essential part of Germany’s cultural heritage. Since the first market (Striezelmarkt in Dresden) was held in 1434, these festivals have expanded across German-speaking countries and beyond.
Thanksgiving is a great time to visit this fun part of European history. Munich, Stuttgart, Dresden, and Nuremberg markets are usually open by Thanksgiving week.
Munich’s Christkindlmarkt features a 3,000‑light tree, delicious Lebkuchen hearts, and the Himmelswerkstatt craft workshop. Parents can sip glühwein or German beer while children design angel costumes. Fast, affordable trains link all cities with ease, so you can collect souvenir mugs at each stop before flying home.
Read more about how to plan a trip to Germany’s Christmas Markets.
6. Iceland
Where to stay: Iceland Parliament Hotel
Late November average temperatures: Reykjavik 35°F (2°C)
Iceland offers families a cozy, festive way to spend the holidays far from home. The end of November brings the Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival, with light installations, concerts, and family events. The Yule Town Christmas Market at Hafnarfjörður is nearby and perfect for browsing crafts and seasonal treats.
Families can explore geothermal pools like Laugardalslaug or take guided tours of the Golden Circle Route, offering geysers and waterfalls with fewer crowds. Reykjavik’s compact size and warm cafés make it a perfect way to enjoy winter with kids.
7. Christmas Markets in Budapest/Prague/Vienna
Where to stay: Aria Hotel in Budapest, The Mozart in Prague, and Hotel Indigo in Vienna
Late November average temperatures: Budapest 45°F (7°C), Prague 43°F (6°C), and Vienna 45°F (7°C)
Budapest, Prague, and Vienna form a magical train route through Central Europe’s Imperial cities. Each city showcases unique local customs and festive markets filled with crafts, seasonal treats, and music.
Budapest’s Christmas markets light up Vörösmarty Square, with handcrafted gifts and traditional chimney cakes. Nearby, the Buda Castle offers panoramic views. Széchenyi Thermal Baths offer a blissful relaxation experience for families with older children.
In Prague, the Old Town Square hosts a bustling market around a giant Christmas tree. Vienna’s elegant Rathausplatz features one of Europe’s largest markets, boasting an ice rink and outdoor concerts highlighting Austria’s musical culture.
Trains between these European countries run frequently, making it easy for families to enjoy diverse holiday celebrations on a seamless Thanksgiving adventure.
8. Dublin and County Cork
Where to stay: The Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin and Hayfield Manor Hotel in Cork
Late November average temperatures: Dublin 51°F (11°C) and Cork 50°F (10°C)
Ireland is always a favorite holiday and vacation destination, and late November is no different. In Dublin, families can explore the historic Trinity College and see the famous Book of Kells, or take a stroll through St. Stephen’s Green. The city’s museums, including the National Museum of Ireland and Dublin Castle, offer perfect rainy-day activities for families.
The charming harbor town of Cobh in County Cork is a great place to stroll along the colorful harbor. Escape the rain and learn about historical events at the Titanic Experience Cobh. Kinsale, just along the coast, is known worldwide for its culinary delights.
Families can cozy up and enjoy traditional Irish sessions at The Crane Lane in Cork or The Cobblestone in Dublin. Both are welcoming and family-friendly. Just don’t forget to pack raincoats!
9. Paris
Where to stay: Hôtel Léopold or one of these best places to stay in Paris with kids
Late November average temperatures: Paris 50°F (10°C)
Paris during fall break feels festive without the full December crowds. Enjoy spending time with your kids at the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market. Lots of twinkling lights and decorated wooden stalls are magical in the evenings.
The Jardin des Plantes Festival of Lights also begins this week, featuring giant glowing animal sculptures that families can explore after dark.
Kids can skate and ride vintage carousels at the Tuileries Garden. They can snack on roasted chestnuts while parents warm up with mulled wine. With so much to see and do, Paris keeps the whole family entertained during a long Thanksgiving weekend.
10. Dubrovnik
Where to stay: Hotel Dubrovnik Palace
Late November average temperatures: Dubrovnik 60°F (16°C)
Dubrovnik offers American families a peaceful, culture-rich escape. Local restaurants serve hearty Croatian stews and seafood, relying on seasonal ingredients.
You’ll arrive just in time to catch the beginning of the Dubrovnik Winter Festival. The city’s version of a Christmas Market usually opens the last weekend of November. Wander underneath the weaving festive lights of the historic Stradun street in Old Town. Listen to festive live music in Luža Square.
For an easy day trip, take a short ferry to Lokrum Island. Enjoy nature walks and coastal scenery on one of the few boats still operating off-season. It’s also a great time to enjoy Dubrovnik’s best activities, like taking the cable car up Mount Srđ for sunset views, without the crowds.
11. Athens and Crete
Where to stay: COCO-MAT Hotel in Athens, and Phāea Cretan Malia in Crete
Late November average temperatures: Athens 61°F (16°C) and Crete 65°F (18°C)
Thanksgiving week in Greece allows families to enjoy late-fall sunshine. Pair the city sights of Athens with Crete’s bountiful harvest celebrations. It’s easy to catch a quick 50-minute flight between these popular destinations out of the peak summer season.
Thanksgiving break is a great time of year to visit the Acropolis ruins as a family without the heat! Late November in Crete means witnessing local traditions like olive-pressing in villages like Gavalochori. In Chania, family-friendly food tours offer tastings of olive oil, cheese, and honey while exploring the town’s Venetian harbor.
12. Piedmont, Italy
Where to stay: NH Collection Piazza Carlina in Turin
Late November average temperatures: 48°F (9°C)
The Italian region of Piedmont tempts families with its food-focused fall traditions. Bagna Cauda Day in Asti transforms 150 trattorias and wineries into communal tables serving the fragrant garlic‑anchovy dip with crispy cardoons and barbera wine.
Chestnut and olive harvests take place, and first‑press olive oil tastings happen at farms throughout the region. Nearby Alba’s truffle fair celebrates the fungus in a variety of forms and dishes.
Visiting at this time means thinner crowds, lower hotel rates, and cool vineyard walks colored red and gold. Why not join a local truffle hunt from Alba? Don’t forget to spend a day or two in the region’s capital, Turin. Warm up from the rain with a glass of Bicerin, a creamy local hot chocolate.
13. Tenerife, Canary Islands
Where to stay: Iberostar Selection Anthelia in Santa Cruz
Late November average temperatures: Tenerife 75°F (24°C)
Tenerife’s sunshine offers families a warm Thanksgiving alternative. Beach days at Playa de Las Teresitas or Playa La Pinta are possible! Warm seas also allow whale‑watching catamarans to sail from Los Cristianos.
Santa Cruz’s festive lights are switched on around November 21st, meaning they’ll be lit during your visit. There are also nightly concerts here. Families can ride a decorated tram or hop the Holiday Lights Train looping Plaza de la Candelaria.
Direct flights from Madrid and London year-round make it an easy spot to reach outside of the summer season.
14. Malta
Where to stay: The Capital Boutique Hotel in Valletta
Late November average temperatures: Malta 67°F (19°C)
Malta makes a wonderful destination for families seeking warm hospitality and warm weather. Kids will enjoy exploring the city’s ancient forts like St. Elmo and narrow, cobbled streets with stunning views of the Grand Harbour.
The Mdina Christmas Market opens at the end of November. Take a day trip to check out the artisan stalls, festive crafts, and seasonal Maltese treats like honey cakes and roasted chestnuts. Families can stroll through the city’s peaceful lanes.
Visit nearby Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village with a vibrant Sunday market. This island nation can get windy, so bring a jacket as well as sunglasses!
15. Amsterdam and Bruges
Where to stay: Hotel Estheréa in Amsterdam, and Hotel Dukes’ Palace in Bruges
Late November average temperatures: Amsterdam 48°F (9°C) and Bruges 41°F (5°C)
Pair vibrant Amsterdam with storybook Bruges for a Thanksgiving getaway. It’s easy to hop between different countries by train in under three hours. Dutch people take pride in their cities’ beauty and efficiency, making travel with kids surprisingly smooth.
In Amsterdam, the Amsterdam Light Festival launches towards the end of the month, illuminating canals with floating art. Ice Village at Museumplein offers skating and festive snacks. Stalls sell festive, local cuisine like stroopwafels and Gouda cheese.
In Bruges, Winter Glow markets fill Markt and Simon Stevinplein with Belgian waffles, chocolate, and a riverside skating rink. Families can ride horse‑drawn carriages or climb Belfort Tower for sweeping city views.
Book a European Thanksgiving Getaway This Year
Spending Thanksgiving in Europe will give your family the chance to make new memories while discovering old-world traditions. Whether you’re soaking up winter sun, buying gifts at a Christmas Market, or tasting local cuisine at a harvest celebration. It will be a Thanksgiving celebration you’ll never forget.
