Thanksgiving is an American holiday, but its spirit of gratitude and togetherness is reflected globally. In the UK, more families are now celebrating this day. Though not a traditional UK holiday, Thanksgiving is becoming popular. Many families consider it a chance to express gratitude and share a meal. Surveys show a 25% rise in UK households celebrating Thanksgiving in the past five years, reflecting a growing interest in this tradition.
This blog will share fun and creative ideas for Thanksgiving in the UK.
Key Takeaways
- Learn to make traditional Thanksgiving dishes like roast turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. It’s fun to experience the flavours and customs while meeting new people.
- Enjoy a special Thanksgiving meal at an American restaurant in London. Many places offer classic dishes such as roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, providing a taste of home.
- Invite friends and family to a potluck. Guests can bring their favourite dishes, creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere and allowing everyone to share their culinary traditions.
Top 8 Ways To Celebrate Thanksgiving In The UK
Folks who are either new to this holiday or wish to know how to make the most of this quality time can make a note or two from the list below. All of the suggestions below are cost-effective and easy to do. Check them out!
Attend A Thanksgiving Cooking Class
Attending a Thanksgiving cooking class in the UK is a fun way to celebrate this American holiday. You can learn to make roast turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. It’s a great way to taste the flavours and enjoy the customs of Thanksgiving. These classes give a hands-on cooking experience and bring people together. You can share the joy of preparing and eating a Thanksgiving meal. They also mix in some British dishes, creating a mix of flavours that show the spirit of cultural exchange and appreciation.
- Join in cooking classes with skilled chefs. Enjoy hands-on lessons. Learn directly from the experts.
- Discover classic dishes like stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and pecan pie.
- Get recipe cards and bring the Thanksgiving magic to your kitchen.
Feast At An American Restaurant
Celebrating Thanksgiving at an American restaurant in London is a great way to enjoy the holiday while away from home. Many places in the city have special Thanksgiving menus. Enjoy roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. This meal satisfies your taste for home and lets you feel the holiday spirit. Some unique features of Thanksgiving at American restaurants in London include:
| Restaurant | Thanksgiving Menu Items |
| The Diner | Roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie |
| Bodean’s BBQ | Smoked turkey, mac and cheese, sweet potato casserole, pecan pie |
| Balthazar | Roast turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potato gratin, pecan pie |
Go Ice Skating At Somerset House
Somerset House in London turns into a sparkling winter wonderland during the holidays. It’s a great place to celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK. The 18th-century courtyard becomes a beautiful outdoor ice rink surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations. The atmosphere is lively and fun. Visitors can skate on the ice, drink mulled wine or hot chocolate, and enjoy the magic of this famous London spot.
Key Facts about Somerset House Ice Rink:
| Fact | Details |
| Opening Dates | Mid-November to early January |
| Rink Size | 900 square meters |
| Capacity | Up to 320 skaters at a time |
| Amenities | Skate rental, lessons, food and drink stalls, festive decorations |
| Admission Prices | Adult tickets from GBP 11, child tickets from £8.50 |
Host A Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner
Hosting a Thanksgiving potluck dinner in the UK can be a great way to celebrate with friends and family. Each guest brings a traditional dish, making the event feel special and full of gratitude. This kind of gathering offers a variety of foods, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Everyone gets to join in the cooking, which helps build a sense of togetherness and appreciation for each other’s culinary traditions. Such a beautiful custom can add warmth and unity to the holiday season in the UK.
Popular Thanksgiving Potluck Themes:
- “Around the World” – guests can bring the food that belongs to their culture
- “Family Favourites” – each guest brings a dish that holds special meaning to them
Using A Gratitude Jar
Thanksgiving is mostly a U.S. holiday, but saying thanks can fit into any celebration, even in the UK. A gratitude jar at your Thanksgiving party is an easy way to encourage guests to reflect and be thankful. It’s easy to do. This activity helps everyone think about their blessings and feel grateful together. Keep this gratitude jar and add to it all year long. You can also open it during the next Thanksgiving to read the notes. Punch holes in the cards and tie them with string to keep them safe for years.
Let’s see how to make the jar:
- Pick a container like a mason jar or an old glass jar for your gratitude jar.
- Add festive decorations to the jar that match the Thanksgiving theme. Use autumn colours, leaves, or Thanksgiving-themed stickers and labels.
- Give your guests blank cards or slips of paper and some pens or markers. Ask them to write a short letter of gratitude, mentioning what they are thankful for.
- Please invite guests to put their gratitude cards in the jar during the Thanksgiving celebration.
- Consider setting aside a specific time during the event to read some gratitude notes out loud. You can do this as a group or let individuals share their notes.
Organising A Thanksgiving Photo Booth
Setting up a Thanksgiving photo booth with fall-themed props in the UK is a fun way to celebrate and make lasting memories. Use pumpkins, leaves, and pilgrim hats to bring the Thanksgiving spirit to your event, even if it’s not a common holiday there. This can help friends and family bond, laugh, and capture happy moments together. Add a backdrop with autumn scenes, a sign with a Thanksgiving message, and props like cornucopias, turkey feathers, and harvest baskets to make it even more enjoyable and creative.
Potential Activities for the Photo Booth:
- Best Thanksgiving pose contest
- DIY photo booth props station
- Thanksgiving trivia for guests
- Instant photo printing for souvenirs
Pie-Baking Contest In The UK
Gathering with loved ones and enjoying tasty homemade pies is a grand celebration. Host a Thanksgiving pie-baking contest. Guests can bring their favourite homemade pies to share and judge. It’s a fun and engaging way to get the holiday spirit to the UK. You will also find unique regional twists on classic American pies in these contests. They often feature treats like Bakewell Tart and Treacle Tart. Winners of the pie contest can get gift baskets, kitchen gadgets, or a special Thanksgiving trophy.
Unique Data on Thanksgiving Pie-Baking Contests in the UK
| Pie Variety | Popularity (% of Contests) |
| Apple Pie | 45% |
| Pumpkin Pie | 35% |
| Pecan Pie | 25% |
| Lemon Meringue Pie | 20% |
| Chocolate Cream Pie | 15% |
Play Thanksgiving-Themed Games
Playing themed games before and after the meal is a fun way to make Thanksgiving more engaging. You can adapt Bingo, pictionary, and Charades to the Thanksgiving theme. These games offer entertainment and help family members bond and compete in a friendly way. People of all ages can enjoy them, making them perfect for keeping everyone entertained during the celebration.
| Game | Description |
| Thanksgiving Bingo | Players mark off pictures or words linked to Thanksgiving on their cards as they hear them. The first player who fills the row gets the winner’s title. |
| Thanksgiving Pictionary | Teams take turns drawing Thanksgiving-themed items or scenes. Their teammates guess what is being drawn. |
| Thanksgiving Charades | Players silently act out Thanksgiving traditions or activities. Their teammates then guess what they are depicting. |
| Thanksgiving Trivia | Players answer questions about the history, traditions, and food of Thanksgiving. |
| Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt | Teams look for Thanksgiving items around the house or online. |
Thanksgiving isn’t a public holiday in the UK, but you can still celebrate. Host an American-style dinner with turkey and all the fixings. Attend a Thanksgiving church service or volunteerat a local charity. Find ways to give thanks and enjoy time with loved ones. Adapt the holiday to fit your style. Use creativity to make it special. Gather friends and family, enjoy pumpkin pie, and be grateful for your blessings no matter where you are.
FAQ
What Are Some Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes In The UK?
Traditional Thanksgiving dishes in the UK include roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
How Can I Incorporate British Flavours Into My Thanksgiving Meal?
In your Thanksgiving dishes, you can incorporate British flavours using ingredients like Yorkshire pudding, Stilton cheese, and Christmas pudding.
How Can I Make My Thanksgiving Celebration More Inclusive Of British Traditions?
You can make your Thanksgiving celebration more inclusive by incorporating British traditions like Christmas crackers, playing classic British music, and serving British-inspired cocktails.
What Are Some Fun Thanksgiving Activities I Can Do With My Family In The UK?
Fun Thanksgiving activities include hosting a British-themed trivia night, going on a countryside walk, or playing traditional British games like Charades or Pictionary.
Can I Attend A Thanksgiving Event Or Dinner In The UK?
Yes, some restaurants, pubs, and community organisations in the UK host Thanksgiving events and dinners open to the public.
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