Thanksgiving 2024 is approaching fast, and countless Americans are contemplating the places where they will experience this cherished holiday.
Whether it’s a short drive to a friend’s home or a flight across the country to gather with family, the turkey will be gracing tables on November 28.
In anticipation of this special occasion, WalletHub has published a report showcasing the city destinations most ideal for Thanksgiving festivities filled with gratitude.
This Miami-based company evaluated 100 of the largest U.S. cities based on several essential criteria: Thanksgiving customs, cost considerations, safety and ease of travel, expressions of gratitude, and the Thanksgiving weather outlook.
Among the varied factors examined were the number of pumpkin patches per capita, the availability of holiday decoration businesses, Thanksgiving dinner costs, crime rates, traffic issues, volunteer opportunities, and more uniquely festive criteria.
According to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, the cities that ranked highest display a fervent joy for the Thanksgiving holiday.
“Great cities for celebrating Thanksgiving showcase a wealth of excellent restaurants and plenty of shops for festive decorations, making them vibrant with excitement as evidenced by local search trends,” he commented in a press release.
Utilizing data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, AmeriCorps, and other reputable sources, WalletHub has announced its top 10 cities for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Top Picks for Thanksgiving 2024
1. San Diego, California
2. Atlanta, Georgia
3. San Francisco, California
4. Dallas, Texas
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
6. San Antonio, Texas
7. Lexington, Kentucky
8. New Orleans, Louisiana
9. Hialeah, Florida
10. Stockton, California
WalletHub has crowned San Diego, California, the premier destination for Thanksgiving festivities this year, and it’s not hard to see why.
The coastal city boasts a remarkable concentration of restaurants rated 4.5 stars and higher, complemented by numerous pumpkin patches and delightful holiday decoration shops.
As the city basks in sunshine, it also projects a mere 1% chance of rain on Thanksgiving Day, creating a serene backdrop for gatherings.
Atlanta, with its efficient airport operations and low percentage of delays, and San Francisco, recognized for the affordability of its hotel accommodations, secured the second and third spots, respectively.
Atlanta shines with a meager 10% of flights delayed last November, which places it third, while San Francisco attracts visitors with its exceptionally priced hotel rooms averaging around $60.
Lupo remarked on the rise of cities like Lexington, Kentucky, and San Antonio, Texas, thanks to a rich tapestry of Thanksgiving events and a focus on budget-friendly options.
At the other end of the spectrum, cities such as Anchorage, Alaska; New Orleans, Louisiana; San Bernardino, California; and Hialeah, Florida, struggled, while Stockton, California, lingered at the bottom.
Lupo explains that Stockton’s challenges stem largely from the high cost of dining and accommodations, a scarcity of festive venues, and few volunteer opportunities.
