9 Festive Towns That Take Thanksgiving to the Next Level With Over-the-top Parades, Lavish Feasts, and Theme Parks

"Some towns, like Salem, Massachusetts, go all out for Halloween. Others, such as Leavenworth, Washington, are known for their twinkly lights and Christmas festivities. And then there are those towns and cities around the U.S. with special (and often unique) Thanksgiving celebrations-from world-renowned parades to football games and charming festivals. New York City, for example, has a deep connection to the federal holiday, thanks to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, now on its 99th celebration."

"So if you're looking for a different way to ring in the fourth Thursday in November this year-rather than gathering around the turkey-and-stuffing-topped table at home-you might consider booking a trip to one of the below destinations that go all out for Thanksgiving. We even included some tips and insights from local experts about what you can expect on the big day."

Some towns such as Salem, Massachusetts, stage elaborate Halloween events while others like Leavenworth, Washington, focus on twinkly lights and Christmas festivities. Numerous towns and cities across the U.S. offer special and often unique Thanksgiving celebrations, including world-renowned parades, football games and charming festivals. New York City maintains a particularly strong link to Thanksgiving through the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, now approaching its 99th celebration. Travelers seeking an alternative to a home-based Thanksgiving can visit destinations that go all out for the holiday. Local experts provide practical tips and insights about what visitors can expect on the big day.

Read at Travel + Leisure