2023’s Best Places to Go for Thanksgiving

San Francisco is the best place to go for Thanksgiving

With consumers spending hundreds of dollars on Thanksgiving travel and celebrations each year, WalletHub released its report on the Best Places to Go for Thanksgiving in 2023.

San Francisco is the best place to go for Thanksgiving, followed by San Jose, CA, San Diego, CA, Scottsdale, AZ, and Raleigh, NC, according to a new report by WalletHub. The report compared the 100 largest U.S. cities across five key dimensions: Thanksgiving celebrations and traditions, affordability, safety and accessibility, giving thanks through charitable donations and volunteering, and the Thanksgiving weather forecast.

“Surprisingly, San Francisco is the place to be if you’re looking for highly-rated yet affordable restaurants for celebrating Thanksgiving this year,” said Cassandra Happe, WalletHub Analyst. “The city also has pretty good weather this time of year and offers lots of opportunities for sightseeing and other outdoor fun that won’t require spending a ton of money.”

Top 20 Cities to go for Thanksgiving

San Francisco, CA
San Jose, CA
San Diego, CA
Scottsdale, AZ
Raleigh, NC
Atlanta, GA
Phoenix, AZ
Las Vegas, NV
Greensboro, NC
Virginia Beach, VA
Mesa, AZ
Gilbert, AZ
Los Angeles, CA
San Antonio, TX
Orlando, FL
Chesapeake, VA
Dallas, TX
Louisville, KY
Charlotte, NC
Tucson, AZ

“The average person spends a few hundred dollars over the long Thanksgiving weekend, between food for family feasts and the mad dash to score Black Friday deals,” said Cassandra Happe, WalletHub Analyst. “It is important for consumers to keep an eye on their bank accounts throughout the holiday shopping season to ensure that spreading holiday cheer doesn’t spread them too thin as they head into the new year.”

Tips for Saving on Your Thanksgiving Celebration

Set a Budget: Determine how much you will spend on your Thanksgiving celebration, including food, decorations, and other expenses. Keep this budget in mind as you plan out your menu and track your spending to ensure you stay within your spending limits.
Plan Your Menu Wisely: Focus on the key Thanksgiving dishes your guests love and opt for budget-friendly ingredients. Consider making a potluck-style dinner instead of handling the meal alone – ask your guests to bring a dish to share, which will expand your menu without hurting your bank account.
Take Advantage of Coupons and Sales: Take advantage of discounts and special offers at grocery stores. Look for coupons, loyalty programs, and online deals. Buy non-perishable items when they are on sale before the holiday.
Buy Generic and in Bulk: Consider purchasing store-brand or generic products, which are often more affordable than name brands but still of good quality. Purchase items like flour, sugar, and canned goods in bulk, saving you money in the long run. Make sure to store bulk items properly to prevent spoilage.
Compare Prices: Check prices at different stores for the best deals on specific items. Remember to compare prices online as well, especially for non-perishable goods.
Avoid Last-Minute Shopping: Start shopping for ingredients early to avoid rush purchases, which are often more expensive.
Reduce Waste: Plan your menu and portion sizes carefully to avoid food waste. Use leftovers creatively to make the most of your ingredients.