Thanksgiving in Italy: Why Skipping the Turkey Back Home Might Be the Best Idea You’ve Ever Had

Skip the cooking, skip the drama — Discover how to turn Thanksgiving into an unforgettable Italian getaway

If the thought of cooking for 20, dodging passive-aggressive in-laws, or tackling Black Friday crowds makes you want to book the first flight out… good news: you actually can. Spending Thanksgiving in Italy is not only possible—it might just become your favorite holiday tradition.

Italy in late November is quieter, cozier, and even more delicious than usual. Whether you’re dreaming of a Tuscan villa with a private chef or a cozy trattoria Thanksgiving in Rome, celebrating abroad turns the holiday into what it should be: time with the people you love… and zero drama.

Why Spend Thanksgiving in Italy?

Real Quality Time (a.k.a. Family Bonding Without the Chaos) - No one’s rushing around the kitchen, no one is arguing over stuffing vs. dressing. You’re sipping wine in a vineyard instead. Enough said.

Avoid the In-Law Olympics - No assigned seating, no unwanted political debates at the dinner table. You control the guest list.

Shoulder Season = Better Prices & Fewer Tourists - November is off-season in Italy, which means cheaper flights, discounted hotels, and no elbow-to-elbow crowds at the Colosseum.

Weather That Feels Like Fall, Not Winter - Think crisp mornings, warm afternoons, and the perfect excuse for sweater-and-espresso strolls.

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Italy

Eat Thanksgiving Dinner at an Italian Restaurant

Believe it or not, many restaurants—especially in big cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice—offer special Thanksgiving menus. While in some restaurants you will find the classic American traditional menu, in some other places you might get an Italian twists on U.S. classics like pumpkin ravioli, roast turkey with rosemary and olive oil, chestnut stuffing.

Cook Your Own Feast in an Airbnb

Rent an apartment, hit a local market, and make a Tuscan-style Thanksgiving. Pro tip: Italian ovens are smaller, order the turkey in advance — plan accordingly

Go Big: Rent a Villa in Tuscany or Umbria

If your family holiday already feels like a sitcom, turn it into a movie. Villas often come with a full kitchen, a fireplace, and optional private chefs who can do a farm-to-table Thanksgiving better than you ever could.

Best Places to Spend Thanksgiving in Italy

Tuscany countryside - Cozy stone villas, vineyard views, fall food like truffles and porcini mushrooms, autumn colors, and a slower pace that fits the holiday.

Rome - Big city energy, history everywhere, and plenty of expat-friendly restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner.

Florence - Walkable, full of art and architecture, easy access to nearby countryside, and lots of seasonal menus for the local American community.

Venice - Quieter in November, cooler weather, romantic canals, and relaxed restaurants without summer crowds.

What to Avoid

Expecting a U.S.-style Black Friday (It’s barely a thing here)
Assuming every market has turkey (order in advance if you want one)
Over-planning every minute (Italy rewards slow travel)
Packing only summer clothes (November gets cold, especially at night)

Tips for a Smooth Italian Thanksgiving

Plan ahead: if you want turkey, make sure to reserve it some days in advance — Italian butchers don’t stock them like U.S. supermarkets
Thanksgiving is not a holiday in Italy - It’s a regular Thursday. Everything is open, kids go to school and adults go to work
Book flights early—While transatlantic flights will be less in demand around the holiday you may need a domestic connection that could have low availability
Keep in mind the time difference: the Macy’s Parade will be in the evening in Italy and NFL games don’t start until late at night. Plan a midnight football watch party if you want to keep the tradition alive.
There's more than turkey: try some delicious Italian fall food like porcini mushrooms, chestnuts, truffles, new olive oil, Vin Santo, fresh pasta everywhere

Final Thought

In Italy, meals last for hours, conversations matter more than schedules, and nobody asks if the cranberry sauce is homemade. Celebrating Thanksgiving here isn’t just a getaway—it’s a reminder of what the holiday was meant to be: good food, good wine, and good people.

This year, skip the stress and swap your gravy boat for a glass of Chianti. You may never go back.

FAQs About Thanksgiving in Italy

Is Thanksgiving a holiday in Italy?
No. It is a normal Thursday. Schools, offices, shops, and restaurants operate as usual.

Can I get a traditional American Thanksgiving meal in Italy?
Yes, but only in certain restaurants, mostly in large cities. Outside major cities, you will likely need to cook your own or book a private chef.

Can I buy turkey in Italy?
Yes, but you must request it in advance from a butcher (macellaio). Whole turkeys are not a common everyday purchase.

What time will the parade and football be on in Italy?
The Macy’s parade will air in the evening. NFL games start late at night and may run past midnight due to the time difference.

How do you say Thanksgiving in Italian?
The literal translation is "Giorno del Ringraziamento," but Italians almost never use it because the holiday is not celebrated locally

Is November a good month to visit Italy overall?
Absolutely yes! Fewer crowds, lower prices, and fall food season make it one of the most underrated times to travel.