How to celebrate Thanksgiving in Spain and enjoy your vacation while keeping the traditions alive

You’ve decided to spend your Thanksgiving vacation in Spain, and now the key question is: how do you celebrate such a deeply home-rooted holiday in a country where it’s just a normal day?

Maybe you’re worried about feeling out of place, or that the absence of turkey and football will take away the heart of the celebration.

The good news is you don’t have to choose between your tradition and your adventure.

Because it’s not about finding a substitute for what you left behind, but about creating a unique experience that blends the best of both cultures.

To help you do just that, we’ve put together a complete guide to not only help you find a place to eat turkey but also plan a trip that honors the spirit of gratitude in a truly unforgettable way.

Read on to discover all the options that will help you create a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Is Thanksgiving a holiday in Spain?

No, Thanksgiving Day is not a national holiday or cultural tradition in Spain.

Unlike other countries where everything stops so families can gather, here it’s a regular weekday. Businesses, offices, and schools operate as usual.

So if you’re planning your trip for late November, don’t expect to see parades or stores closing for the holiday.

But you can still enjoy the opportunity to experience the local culture while also finding a way to celebrate in your own style.

4 Ways to celebrate Thanksgiving while in Spain

Even though it’s not a traditional holiday here, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a corner where it feels like home.

Thanks to globalization, this holiday has crossed borders, and today, you have several options for celebrating.

1. Restaurants with special menus

If you’re in Spain and want to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, your best bet is to look for restaurants offering special menus.

It’s not unusual to find American-style restaurants, steakhouses, or even Irish pubs hosting themed dinners for the occasion.

These menus are often very complete and aim to replicate the traditional experience with dishes like:

• Roast turkey
• Mashed potatoes
• Cranberry sauce
• Stuffing
• Pumpkin pie

That said, we recommend doing some research in advance, as these special menus usually require a reservation.

Food websites, restaurant social media, or expat blogs are excellent sources to find these events.

2. Themed events

If you’re not in the mood for a formal dinner at a restaurant, another great option is to join themed events organized in major Spanish cities.

Bars, especially American-style ones and hostels with an international vibe often host parties and special events for Thanksgiving.

These gatherings are a great way to meet new people, enjoy a festive atmosphere, and share stories with other travelers and expats.

How to find these events:

• Social media: Platforms like Facebook or Meetup are perfect for finding expat groups or “Americans in Madrid/Barcelona” where such events are posted.
• Event websites: Check local event listings or leisure websites. Search for terms like “Thanksgiving party,” “cena de Acción de Gracias,” or “expat event.”
• Hostels and bars: Many hostels and bars popular with travelers advertise their events on signs or chalkboards at the entrance. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff
• they usually know what’s happening around town.

Attending one of these events lets you enjoy the festive spirit in a more relaxed and social way perfect for solo travelers or groups who want to feel part of a community.

3. Host your own Spanish-Style Thanksgiving dinner

If you prefer a more intimate and personal celebration, a great idea is to host your own Thanksgiving dinner with a Spanish twist.

Rather than sticking strictly to traditional American ingredients and dishes, adapt your menu using local, seasonal products.

Here are some ideas for inspiration:

• Main dish: Swap the turkey for a Spanish classic. Roasted lamb, suckling pig, or even paella are spectacular options that reflect Spain’s rich culinary tradition and are great for sharing.
• Sides: Instead of mashed potatoes and stuffing, try “patatas a lo pobre,” “pimientos de Padrón,” or a seasonal salad with fresh local produce.
• Wine: Pair your meal with a good regional wine. Spain offers an incredible variety, from bold reds from La Rioja to fresh whites from Rías Baixas.
• Dessert: Replace pumpkin pie with a local sweet. Churros with chocolate, natillas, or a platter of Spanish cheeses and sweets make for the perfect ending to your feast.

This option not only allows you to celebrate the holiday in your own way but also invites you to explore and enjoy Spanish gastronomy creating a new tradition that’s entirely yours.

4. Enjoy local culture

Since Thanksgiving isn’t a holiday in Spain, it’s the perfect opportunity to fully immerse yourself in local life and enjoy the charm of the cities without the crowds typical of national holidays.

While others are gathered at home, you can explore at your own pace.

• Visit museums and monuments: Take advantage of normal opening hours at top museums (like the Prado in Madrid or MACBA in Barcelona) and landmarks (the Alhambra in Granada or the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona). With fewer tourists than on holidays, you can take it all in more calmly.
• Stroll through the historic center: The city centers, full of life and local shops, will be buzzing but without the chaos of a shopping holiday. It’s the perfect time to wander down alleyways, discover hidden corners, and relax on a terrace.
• Experience early Christmas traditions: Although it’s not Christmas yet, many cities are already getting ready. You can see Christmas lights being installed, the first holiday markets opening, or even enjoy the festive window displays in local shops.

This day offers a unique and authentic perspective on life in Spain showing that the best way to give thanks is to enjoy the moment and the culture that surrounds you.

A unique experience awaits

Now that you know how to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast in Spain why not do it in the most authentic way possible?

At Sazón, we invite you to go beyond the restaurant and connect with the heart of our cuisine: the local cooks who, with love and wisdom passed down from their grandmothers and mothers, open the doors of their homes to you.

It’s not just about trying a dish it’s about having an unparalleled experience.

It’s your chance to sit at the table of a Spanish family, share laughs and conversations, live like a local for a few hours, and truly connect with our culture no filters.

We encourage you, on this day of giving thanks, to join one of our experiences.

Discover the real flavor of Spain with Sazón The Folk Cook and create a memory that will last a lifetime.

Are you ready for this culinary adventure?