How Americans Celebrate Thanksgiving Coast to Coast
Thanksgiving brings unique traditions to every corner of the U.S. Across states, families have created ways to make the holiday their own, keeping the day about gratitude, togetherness, and sometimes lending a hand to others.
And while these traditions remain at the heart of the holiday, Thanksgiving 2025 also reflects how food culture across the U.S. continues to evolve. From regional twists on classic dishes to restaurant-prepared holiday meals and modern culinary trends, each part of the country brings something unique to the Thanksgiving table. Here's a closer look at what Americans are cooking, eating, and enjoying this year - region by region.
New England: Classic with a Modern Twist
New England is the birthplace of Thanksgiving, where historic traditions provide a strong foundation for contemporary dining. This region often starts the holiday with traditional school football games. While families universally honor classic staples, local culinary scenes now bring subtle updates, focusing on high-quality, artisan twists to centuries-old regional recipes.
What to Eat (2025 Trends):
Glazed maple turkey
Clam Chowder - popular in local restaurants and holiday tasting tours
Cider Butter Rolls - trending in artisan bakeries
Cranberry sauce with orange zest
Activities & Restaurant Highlights:
Morning school football games
Farm and winery visits through “holiday tasting tours”
Restaurants like Legal Sea Foods offer ready-to-go Clam Chowder and seafood for holiday meals
Photo Credit: sportingnews.com
The South: Hospitality, Smoke, and Large Families
Southern Thanksgiving is defined by its hospitality and flavorful cuisine. The holiday is traditionally a large family gathering where the air is often thick with the aroma of hickory smoke and bold Cajun spices. The community focus remains strong, with charity events such as Turkey Drives and lively backyard games designed to bring multiple generations together.
What to Eat (2025 Trends):
Hickory-smoked or cherry-smoked turkey
Cajun-style ham
Pimento mac & cheese
Bourbon Pecan Pie
Activities & Restaurant Highlights:
Community Turkey Drives in towns and churches
Backyard games: cornhole, touch football, BBQ
BBQ chains like Dickey’s BBQ Pit offer ready-to-go smoked turkeys and classic sides
Photo Credit: ceoptions.com
Midwest: Comfort, Coziness, and Big Tables
In the Midwest, Thanksgiving emphasizes comforting food that provides warmth during chilly November days. The celebration is built around hearty recipes where casseroles (hotdish) and soft, homemade bread are mandatory additions. Community engagement is key to the holiday, often starting with mass participation in Turkey Trots and culminating in generous potlucks where everyone contributes a family classic.
What to Eat (2025 Trends):
Potato hotdish
Green Bean Casserole
Buttery rolls
Pumpkin bars as an alternative to classic pie
Activities & Restaurant Highlights:
Turkey Trots in Illinois and Michigan
Potluck gatherings where everyone brings a dish
Grocery chains like Kroger and Hy-Vee offer complete holiday meal kits
Culver’s and Panera Bread provide classic Midwest sides and baked goods for easy Thanksgiving meals
Photo Credit: rehab2perform.com
Photo Credit: bereafbc.org
Southwest: Tex-Mex Thanksgiving
From Texas to New Mexico, Thanksgiving reflects a unique cultural blend, resulting in a warm and spicy celebration. Local traditions dictate that the main meal goes far beyond the typical American staples, featuring bold flavors from local green chiles and Mexican-inspired preparations. Taking advantage of the mild weather, families often choose outdoor activities like desert hikes and local festivals before the main feast.
What to Eat (2025 Trends):
Turkey Tamales
Green chile stuffing
Turkey al pastor (spiced)
Pumpkin Tres Leches
Activities & Restaurant Highlights:
Desert hikes or pre-dinner picnics
Local parades and festivals
Tamale Houses offer ready-to-go Tamales and adobo sauces
Photo Credit: houstonchronicle.com
Photo Credit: pelorustravel.com
West Coast: Eco-Style and Creative Menus
California, Oregon, and Washington lead the way in modern American Thanksgiving, placing a strong emphasis on organic, fresh, and sustainable ingredients. The celebration reflects a health-conscious lifestyle, inspiring chefs and home cooks to favor seasonal produce and lighter cooking methods. The relaxed coastal climate supports outdoor elements of the holiday, such as post-meal hikes and beach walks.
What to Eat (2025 Trends):
Lentil roast (vegan “turkey”)
Sous-vide turkey
Citrus and beet salads
Shiitake mushroom rice casseroles
Activities & Restaurant Highlights:
Post-dinner hiking and beach walks
Sunset bonfires in coastal towns
Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s offer organic, gluten-free, and vegan holiday meal kits
Local spots like Erewhon, Tender Greens, and Café Gratitude provide seasonal and plant-based Thanksgiving dishes
Photo Credit: themandagies.com
No matter where you celebrate, Thanksgiving in 2025 continues to blend long-standing traditions with fresh culinary ideas. From classic comfort foods to bold regional flavors and modern restaurant-prepared holiday meals, each corner of the U.S. adds its own personality to the table. Whether you’re hosting at home, picking up a ready-to-go feast, or discovering a new favorite spot in your city, Thanksgiving remains a time to savor great food - and even better company.
