Thanksgiving, a harvest celebration rooted in a 1621 feast shared by Pilgrims and Wampanoag people, is primarily a North American holiday. While best experienced in the US, Paris offers its own charm for the occasion. Though it's just another Thursday in the City of Lights, expats and visitors can still embrace the spirit of gratitude.
Some Parisians host their own Thanksgiving dinners, sourcing ingredients from local markets or specialty stores like The Real McCoy. From traditional feasts to unique Parisian experiences, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate.
This year, Thanksgiving falls on November 28, 2024. Whether you're craving a classic turkey dinner or looking to infuse French flair into your celebration, we've curated 7 fantastic ways to spend Thanksgiving in Paris.
Thanksgiving in Paris 2024
France does not celebrate Thanksgiving. In fact, the majority have no idea what it is or how significant a holiday it is for their Western neighbours. The only depiction of Thanksgiving that the French have is from American movies or comedies, where they can see the conventional Hollywood portrayal of the holiday. They are frequently startled to learn that Thanksgiving in the United States is a two-day national holiday that is more important in many households than Christmas.
While Thanksgiving is not traditionally celebrated in Paris, there is still a lot one can do in the city of lights to feel more like home during the holiday. More on that in the next section.
Best Ways To Spend Thanksgiving in Paris
Much like Bastille day in France, Thanksgiving is all about celebrating with friends and family!
If you happen to be in Paris on the 4th Thursday of November, and you’re an American looking for a taste of home, here are some of our recommendations on the best ways to spend Thanksgiving in Paris.
Host your own thanksgiving party at home
Want to give your Parisian friends a taste of the classic American Thanksgiving experience? You can host your own Thanksgiving party at home. You’ll feel great about putting in the work and experiencing the holiday like it’s supposed to be celebrated and your local friends will finally understand what all the fuss is about. A full-fledged Thanksgiving party is incomplete without a turkey and you can book yours in advance from Le Coq Saint Honoré, an iconic butcher's shop in Paris. You can find all the other ingredients for your party at The Real McCoy.
Head to an American sports bar to watch the NFL Football Game
Savor a taste of home in Paris on Thanksgiving by heading to an American sports bar. Amid the city's charm, immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere, complete with big screens broadcasting the NFL football game. Enjoy classic American fare, cheer for your team, and share the spirit of Thanksgiving with fellow fans. Bars like The Long Hop, and The Great Canadian have a perfect American sports bar setting.
Visit the ever-glorious Eiffel Tower
A visit to the magnificent Eiffel Tower can definitely cheer you up if you’re feeling homesick during Thanksgiving. Visit during the evening: spend some time admiring the remarkable landmark, and then head over to the Eiffel Tower Restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner. Make your way to either Madame Brassire on the first floor for a refined three-course meal with champagne, or Le Jules Verne for a hearty dinner and a glass of wine on the 2nd floor.
Christmas illuminations at Champs-Elysees
Get into the holiday spirit by strolling around the streets of Champs-Elysees. The Avenue des Champs-Élysées, dubbed the world's most beautiful avenue, is a must-see in Paris. From November onward till the beginning of January, 2024, the Champs-Elysées will be lit up with Christmas lights! The first version will begin at 5pm on November 17, 2024, and the avenue will be car-free. Head over to Champs-Elysees on Thanksgiving and bask in the warmth and joy radiating from the lit up avenue.
Stumble into a pocket of America: Real McCoy
Want to enjoy classic American fare at home to celebrate Thanksgiving? Make your way to the Real McCoy, the biggest American grocery store in the heart of Paris, and shop all your American favorites for Thanksgiving. The store is located on rue Grenelle in the 7th arrondissement. It provides the city's largest selection of American goods. If you can't be bothered to make your own from scratch, they also sell stuffing, corn muffin mix, and pumpkin in a can. The best part? The Real McCoy also delivers! Binge on your favourite snacks and chocolates or buy ingredients for a traditional Thanksgiving feast, the store has everything you need.
Skip the hassle of cooking and GO OUT!
Thanksgiving isn't complete without the typical carb-laden feast. You don't have to skip out on your fall feast if you're in Paris over the holidays. Instead of slaying away in the kitchen, preparing a meal for 30, go out! Fill up on turkey, stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie for dessert at one of Paris’ many fabulous restaurants. Oh, and don’t forget the wine because, after all, you're in Paris! Hop on to the next section to discover the best places to have a Thanksgiving meal in Paris.
Best places to have a Thanksgiving Meal in Paris
Of course, this American tradition cannot be complete without a roasted turkey dinner. Here is our selection of the best restaurants for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in Paris:
Breakfast In America
Breakfast In America is a hit in Paris, despite the fact that you wouldn't expect an American diner to be so popular. They have two seating times for Thanksgiving at 6 pm and 8:30 pm at both their outlets, each of which includes a typical Thanksgiving plate and your choice of pie. It's worth noting that this menu is only available in the 5th arrondissement.
Hotel Vernet
The Thanksgiving dinner at Hotel Vernet is another highly recommended alternative if you're seeking for a truly unique and luxurious Thanksgiving experience. Hotel Vernet is a luxury boutique hotel located near the Louvre in the 1st arrondissement.
Cali Sisters
Celebrate Thanksgiving at Cali Sisters in Paris, where California-inspired cuisine meets traditional holiday flavors. Savor a fusion of tastes while enjoying a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
ChoCho
If you're looking to sample American cuisine through some of its iconic dishes, consider attending Thanksgiving in Paris at the ChoCho restaurant. This year's event is bound to be huge and full of deliciousness thanks to head chef Thomas Chisholm.
Hard Rock Cafe, Paris
The Hard Rock Cafe in Paris is a fantastic place to spend Thanksgiving. A scrumptious roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing and mashed potatoes will be served, followed by a delectable pumpkin pie with whipped cream. This is as classic as it gets!
Tips on spending Thanksgiving in Paris
1. Start by choosing the kind of experience you wish to have. A quiet meal at home watching your favourite American sitcom, dinner at the Eiffel Tower, or something in between? The choices are truly endless!
2. Consult other Americans you know in Paris to learn more about the best ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Paris. They might know of some hidden gem that’ll allow you to experience some classic Thanksgiving fun.
3. It gets pretty chilly at night around the time of Thanksgiving. If you’re planning on walking around the city at night, wear warm clothes and cover up as much as possible.
4. Planning to visit a restaurant for a fancy Thanksgiving dinner? Make your reservations in advance since walk-ins are very rarely accepted, especially on Thanksgiving day.
