Are you looking to do something different this Thanksgiving? While this holiday is celebrated in many different ways, usually with food as a focus, there are many places around the U.S. where you can commemorate the holiday in a special way. 

Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends, a time to give thanks for what you are grateful for. Make it a day to remember by visiting one of these places around the country.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
New York City, New York

Whether you live in New York or just want to travel there, make a turkey-day trip to the world famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The family-oriented event includes larger-than-life floats with popular characters, singing sensations, marching bands, dancers and more.

Spend the day walking around as the holiday shopping season begins. Take the time to enjoy your family as you are entrenched in the magic of the season.

McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade
Chicago, Illinois

If you’re not close to New York for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or you rather try something different, grab the family and hit the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago. Celebrate the holiday with giant balloons and huge floats of popular characters. This parade features award-winning marching bands, performance groups, celebrities and trained horse entertainment. Gather up the family and enjoy each other’s’ company.

Plimoth Plantation
Plymouth, Massachusetts

This is where it is said it all began. Gather up the family and go back in time for Thanksgiving by visiting Plimoth Plantation. Check out the replica of the Mayflower as individuals reenact the life and times of the Pilgrims.

Plymouth is believed to be the origin of Thanksgiving and what’s more appropriate than celebrating the holiday at the location of its genesis. Learn the history of Thanksgiving by watching the real-life museum in action.

St. Augustine, Florida

If you aren’t one to believe that Thanksgiving started in Plymouth, Massachusetts, then St. Augustine, Florida may be the place for you. Some say that because St. Augustine was settled decades before Plymouth, the original Thanksgiving tradition belongs to Florida. Travel with your family to the roots of the holiday and celebrate with water, sand and sun.

Thanks-Giving Square
Dallas, Texas

Celebrate Thanksgiving in the manner in which it was created: giving thanks. Visit Thanks-Giving Square in Dallas and surround yourself in gratitude. With places like The Glory Window and the Hall of Thanksgiving, you and your family can immerse yourselves in deep tradition.

Count your blessings as you gaze up at the stained-glass window set in the Chapel of Thanksgiving and wander over to the Hall of Thanksgiving to learn the history of the holiday. Walk around the park and enjoy spending time with your family.

Disney World
Orlando, Florida

Children and adults alike love Disney World. Visit the theme park during Thanksgiving for something a little different. You may not learn the history of the holiday but you will be surrounded by holiday décor. Disney World in itself lends to family time and Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for all you have.

The theme park has extended hours and parades to celebrate the traditional holiday. Enjoy Thanksgiving-themed meals with loveable Disney characters and even begin your Christmas shopping.

Whatever you choose to do on Thanksgiving, remember that is not about the food or fancy celebrations; it is about giving thanks for what you have and what God has done for you. It is a time to dedicate to family and friends, to enjoy being with them and just having fun.