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Thanksgiving in Boston

As the birthplace of Thanksgiving, Boston celebrates its Colonial Era by adding celebrations commemorating the traditions of Pilgrims to its fall events calendar.

History of Thanksgiving in Boston

In 1620, on the day after Christmas, the Pilgrims first landed on the Mayflower near Boston in Plymouth, Massachusetts. With freezing temperatures and no food, half of the 102 passengers died that first winter, and the other half survived due to the graciousness of the peaceful native Wampanoag Native Americans.

The First Massachusetts Thanksgiving was an invitation to dinner as a “thanks” from the Pilgrims to their Native American friends for their first harvest. The Native Americans brought their families, and combined with the Pilgrims, dinner was served to approximately 150.

President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving an official U.S. holiday in 1863, meant to give thanks for “bountiful harvests.”

Experience Colonial Thanksgiving

A Modern Boston Thanksgiving can be as traditional as its colonial beginnings. Annually the weekend before Thanksgiving, visitors travel to Plymouth, just one hour north of Boston, where the Mayflower first landed, to experience the Pilgrim’s Walk, a living museum parade through town and the historic homes. A procession of “modern” Pilgrims revives the original Thanksgiving in an historic walk through town with stops at Plymouth’s historic homes.

America’s Hometown Celebration

Since 1995, a three-day weekend of festivities honors Thanksgiving’s earliest traditions at Plymouth Harbor and Waterfront during America’s Hometown Celebration. From parades to concerts to the annual New England Food Festival, there’s something for everyone. Explore “Plymouth” to experience a Thanksgiving to remember with history-book-characters Pilgrims, Native Americans, Soldiers, Patriots, and Pioneers walking the streets of Plymouth.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Since 1984, the Saturday before Thanksgiving glitters with festivities at the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace with the annual lighting of New England’s largest Christmas Tree. The spirit of the season can be experienced with the sparkling Christmas lights at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Besides some of the best Boston shopping, Faneuil Marketplace also features their famous street performers, concerts, historic taverns, and plenty of Boston restaurants.

Boston Restaurants

Whether you’re traveling or just need to get out of the kitchen, take your Thanksgiving celebration out. Dining in Boston restaurants on Thanksgiving Day is a stress free way to enjoy the holidays. Take the family to Maggiano’s Little Italy for a family-style feast with turkey and all the trimmings near the Freedom Trail. Or, pick up a deep-fried turkey from the famous Summer Shack.

Many Boston hotels serve Thanksgiving dinner. Create a romantic Thanksgiving multi-course feast at Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro and splurge on wine pairings. For a less-intimate meal, head to the Seaport Hotel’s Aura Restaurant. Aura’s buffet ranges from standard brunch options such as Eggs Benedict and waffles to Thanksgiving themed roast turkey breast and stuffed pork loin – and of course, a dessert buffet with pumpkin or pecan pie.

Work It Off

On your marks, get set, go! How about a turkey trot? Thanksgiving morning more than 1,200 runners participate in the annual 5K Boston road race, hosted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Boston Volvo. Located on Beacon Street, Boston Volvo is the start and finish of the race.

The Nutcracker

Your Thanksgiving festivities can extend to the Boston Ballet’s annual holiday classic. Each year, the Nutcracker begins its annual telling of the holiday classic the day after Thanksgiving.

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Thanksgiving in Boston