8 Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisper, it's that time of the year again when turkeys start to feel a little nervous. No, we're not talking about a pre-Christmas panic. We're delving into the uniquely British twist on the quintessential American holiday – Thanksgiving in the UK!

But first, let's clear the gravy, er, air. Thanksgiving, for those unacquainted with the tradition, is an American holiday with roots stretching back to the early 17th century. In 1621, after a challenging winter and a successful harvest, the Pilgrims of Plymouth joined the local Wampanoag tribe in a three-day feast to celebrate cooperation and gratitude, laying the foundation for what we now know as Thanksgiving. This gathering marked the beginning of a tradition that has grown into an enduring American holiday focused on gratitude, harvest, and a table filled with hearty fare.

Although it’s synonymous with the United States, Thanksgiving is also celebrated in other countries, albeit with regional twists. Canada observes Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October, marking a similar theme of gratitude for the fall harvest. Nations like Liberia and some Caribbean islands also host Thanksgiving celebrations, each with unique customs that honour this spirit of thankfulness. In the US, it's a national holiday celebrated with turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. But Thanksgiving in UK isn't on the holiday calendar. While the Brits might not officially partake in Thanksgiving, there are plenty of ways to get into the spirit of the holiday.

Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK

In the UK, the turkey might be a tad more posh, and the accents a bit more 'cheerio,' but the spirit of gratitude shines just as brightly. Here are some of the best ways to carve out a unique Thanksgiving in the UK:

1. Attend A Thanksgiving Cooking Class

Attending a Thanksgiving cooking class in the UK is the ultimate culinary adventure. Whether you're a rookie cook or a seasoned chef, these classes have you covered for Thanksgiving in the UK. From perfecting the art of roast turkey to crafting the flakiest pie crusts for pumpkin pies that'd make the Pilgrims jealous, it's a crash course in holiday deliciousness. And the best part? You can choose between donning an apron at in-person classes or joining a virtual culinary voyage online. 

2. Host Your Thanksgiving Dinner

Hosting a dinner for Thanksgiving in the UK is a delightful way to gather friends and family, even in the UK. Start with a classic menu: roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Add a cosy, autumn-themed touch with candles, small pumpkins, and warm-toned table settings. Encourage guests to share something they’re thankful for—it’s a beautiful way to capture the holiday’s spirit. Serve seasonal drinks like apple cider or mulled wine, and consider a fun activity, like trivia or a game, to keep the evening lively. Focus on gratitude and togetherness, and your Thanksgiving in the UK dinner will be memorable.

3. Get The Thanksgiving Recipe Right

To recreate an authentic feast for your Thanksgiving in the UK, start with the centrepiece: a roast turkey, seasoned with herbs and roasted to golden perfection, often accompanied by a rich, savoury gravy made from pan drippings are the usual Thanksgiving dinner options. A classic stuffing, made with bread cubes, onions, celery, and herbs, complements the turkey beautifully and can be cooked inside the bird or as a separate side. Creamy mashed potatoes are a must during Thanksgiving in the UK, typically topped with a drizzle of gravy, while cranberry sauce adds a sweet-tart contrast that balances the richness of the meal. Typical Thanksgiving sides like green bean casserole, with its creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions, and sweet potatoes—sometimes baked, mashed, or topped with marshmallows or pecans—round out the flavours. For dessert during your Thanksgiving dinner, pumpkin pie with its spiced filling and flaky crust is the quintessential Thanksgiving treat, often topped with whipped cream. Other sides, like corn pudding, cornbread, and dinner rolls, complete the spread, adding variety and texture to a comforting, traditional Thanksgiving food meal.

4. Host A Friendsgiving Celebration

Hosting a Friendsgiving with your fellow expats or friends in the UK is like adding a dash of pumpkin spice to your holiday season. It is also one of the most-loved Thanksgiving traditions. You've got the invite list sorted faster than you can say 'cranberry sauce,' and the menu is a delightful potluck of flavours from around the world. Pumpkin pie, meet samosas! And let's not forget the decor – with pumpkins, leaves, and candles, your place will look so festive, even the Queen's Guard might drop by for a slice of pie. Add in some Thanksgiving-themed games and a gratitude-sharing session, and you've got the recipe for a Friendsgiving that's as sweet as pecan pie! So, grab your camera to capture the moments, and let the laughter and gratitude flow. Who knows, your Friendsgiving could be the next hot ticket on the London holiday scene!

5. Give Back To The Community

Feeling the urge to spread some holiday cheer? Volunteering at a local charity or food bank is like sprinkling kindness all over your community like fairy dust. Forget about the reindeer – it's your time and skills that are in high demand. From sorting food donations to playing Santa by distributing Thanksgiving meals, this is one of the best Thanksgiving traditions that will make you the unsung hero of the holiday season. But don't worry, you won't be sent into the field unprepared – these organisations offer training to ensure you're a volunteer virtuoso. Plus, the best part? You'll leave with a heart full of warmth, a bunch of new friends, and maybe even a few new talents up your festive sleeves. So, put on your do-gooder cape and help make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time during your Thanksgiving in the UK celebrations!

6. Watch The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Grab your virtual front-row seat to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade – the world's most epic confetti-fest and one of the many Thanksgiving traditions! No need to book a flight or wrestle with inflatable turkey costumes; you can watch this grand spectacle right from your couch. Tune in to NBC or hop onto the Peacock streaming platform for an extravaganza of giant balloons, dazzling floats, and more celebrities than you can shake a wishbone at. The parade is the perfect warm-up act for your own Thanksgiving festivities, and you won't even need to dig out the extra-wide stretchy pants. So, whether you're in New York or Newcastle, join the party and kick off the holiday season with a bang!

7. Decorate Your Home With UK Thanksgiving Decor

Decking out your home with Thanksgiving decor is like giving your house a cosy, autumnal hug. It's the sartorial equivalent of a pumpkin spice latte for your living room. From DIY table settings that make you feel like a crafting genius to front porch decor that says, "Welcome, fall, we've been waiting for you," these ideas will help you turn your home into a wonderland to make your English Thanksgiving memorable.

8. Express Your Gratitude

No traditional Thanksgiving is complete without a heartfelt round of gratitude shared around the dinner table. In American households, it’s customary for each guest to take a moment to express what they’re most thankful for, creating a warm and reflective atmosphere that brings everyone closer. This simple tradition adds depth to the celebration, making it more than just a feast. Whether it’s gratitude for family, friends, health, or life’s little joys, sharing thanks is a meaningful way to embrace the holiday’s true spirit—even if celebrated outside the US.

As we've discovered, the Brits may not have the grand Macy's parade or the towering mountains of mashed potatoes, but they've got their own special brand of English Thanksgiving charm. From the humble harvest festivals to the cheeky expressions of gratitude, it's clear that the UK knows how to give thanks with a wink and a nod. So, whether you're feasting on a delicious roast dinner, pulling a cracker, or simply sipping a cup of tea while pondering the things you're thankful for, Thanksgiving in the UK is all about celebrating the simple joys of life.