10 of the Cheapest Places to Travel for Thanksgiving This Year

Seattle, Washington

Average combined flight and hotel cost: $519

A Thanksgiving trip to the Emerald City means panoramic skyline views framed by snow-capped peaks, cozy cafes nestled along cobblestone streets, and, of course, plenty of Pacific Northwest flavor. The season officially begins the Saturday after Thanksgiving (November 29), when Pike Place Market organizes its annual Magic in the market celebration, complete with the lighting of the market’s towering Christmas tree, festive decorations, photos with Santa, and vendors offering seasonal foods and handmade gifts.

Swap the turkey for fresh seafood in The crab pot, Elliott’s Oyster Houseeither Local tide; Alternatively, warm up with a latte in Elm Coffee Roasters either Analog Coffee and spend a rainy afternoon in the Seattle Art Museum.

Denver, Colorado

Average combined flight and hotel cost: $543

In Denver, fun and free. thanksgiving festivities abound, from the Mile High Drone Showwhere 400 drones light up the sky, up to 110 feet high mile high tree. Nearby, Cherry Creek North Winter Wonderland shines with almost a million lights, festive bars and a Christmas market with more than 40 local artisans. Don’t miss beloved local Christmas classics like the Denver Botanic Garden Light Flowers or the Denver Zoo Zoo Lightscovering 80 acres with over three million twinkling light bulbs.

Outside of town, hiking trails like Red Rocks Trail and Lair o’ the Bear Park Trail are wonderfully uncrowded this time of year, and ski season begins just an hour away at resorts like Breckenridge and Keystone.

Atlanta, Georgia

Average combined flight and hotel cost: $570

It’s virtually impossible to get bored in Atlanta, especially during the busy holiday season. On Turkey Day, sweat in the Thanksgiving Half Marathon and 5Kor cheer from the sidelines with a coffee in hand. Many of Atlanta’s top attractions remain open, including the world-famous Georgia AquariumHome to whale sharks, manta rays and beluga whales, and hundreds of other marine animals. You can also start the season a little earlier in Christmas on Stone Mountainwhere millions of lights, holiday light shows and a scenic train ride create a festive escape. For dinner, avoid cooking and reserve a table in the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckheadwhere guests dine in the elegant Astor Ballroom and enjoy wine pairings alongside traditional Christmas dishes. Afterwards, walk through the Garden lights, holiday nights exhibition in the Atlanta Botanical Gardenwhere dazzling installations illuminate the night.

San Francisco, California

Average combined flight and hotel cost: $571

A trip to San Francisco is always a good idea, especially around Thanksgiving, when travelers can explore the city at a more relaxed pace. Many top attractions remain open, including Bay Aquariumthe colorful San Francisco Botanical Gardenand the beloved California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. Of course, a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge is a must, as is a day trip to Muir Woods National Monument to stand under towering century-old redwoods. When hunger calls, head to Tommy Joynt—a longtime San Francisco institution offering steaks, turkey and gravy in its classic diner atmosphere.

Boston, Massachusetts

Average combined flight and hotel cost: $585

For history lovers, there is no better place to spend Thanksgiving than Boston. Not only is this city steeped in American history, but it’s also just a short drive from Plymouth, where festivities date back to the 17th century. In Boston, spend the long weekend walking around freedom traila 2.5 mile route that passes through emblematic places such as the Old North Churchhe Paul Revere Houseand Faneuil Hallbefore embarking on a day trip south to see Plymouth Rockhe Mayflower II, and the Museums Plimoth Patuxetthat bring to life the early history of New England. Back in Boston, put on your skates on the Frog Pond on Boston Common or search for local suppliers in snow portthe Seaport District Holiday Market filled with artisanal goods, rooftop igloos, outdoor games and more.

chicago, illinois

Average combined flight and hotel cost: $593

New York City may get all the hype when it comes to Thanksgiving parades, but chicago itselfDating back to 1934, it brings plenty of Christmas cheer as balloons, bands and local performers march down State Street. But the fun doesn’t end here. Slide on the ice in millennium parklook for handmade gifts in the Christkindl Marketor enjoy stunning skyline views from 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck. Are you sick of turkey? Head to one of Chicago’s most beloved deep dish spots, featuring big-name brands like Giordano’s and Lou Malnati’s or local favorites like Pequod’s either Bartoli’s.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Average combined flight and hotel cost: $597

In Las Vegas, the party never ends, not even on Thanksgiving Day. In fact, some of the best restaurants in the city, including José Andrés Bazaar Meatslaunches elevated festive menus for the occasion. Walk through it Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden‘ seasonal exhibition, try your luck at one of the city’s always-open casinos or catch a show – many resident productions, such as “O” of the Cirque du Soleil and michael jackson oneoffers Thanksgiving shows. You can also get a head start on holiday shopping at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, or The Shops at Crystals, all decked out in festive décor. Before the night ends, stop by Bellagio Fountains to watch the iconic water show dance to Christmas music under the city’s sparkling skyline.

Mexico City, Mexico

Average combined flight and hotel cost: $599

Mexico City is the only international destination to make this list and serves as the perfect escape for travelers looking to swap turkey and stuffing for tacos and mezcal. The metropolis is a food lover’s paradise and boasts a wide variety of Michelin-starred restaurants, including Pujoloften ranked among the best in the world, and Quintonylrecognized for its contemporary version of Mexican cuisine. Between meals, stroll through leafy neighborhoods like Roma, Polanco and Condesa, relax in the vast Chapultepec Park—one of the largest urban green spaces in the Western Hemisphere—or float along the colorful canals of Xochimilco, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Art lovers can spend an afternoon at Frida Kahlo Museum either Jumex Museumboth essential stops to enjoy a dose of local culture.