Thanksgiving in Spain: How Expats Celebrate, Where to Find Festivities, and Blending Traditions

By
Bruno Bianchi
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Thanksgiving in Spain: How Expats Celebrate, Where to Find Festivities, and Blending Traditions

Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday for millions of Americans and Canadians, centering on gratitude, family, and a festive meal. But what happens when you move to Spain, a country where Thanksgiving isn’t part of local tradition? While Spaniards themselves do not celebrate Thanksgiving as a public holiday, expats, international communities, and American-style venues across Spain have found creative ways to keep the spirit alive.

Is Thanksgiving Celebrated Officially in Spain?

Thanksgiving Day is not a national holiday in Spain. Offices, schools, shops, and museums all operate as usual, so don’t expect parades or public festivities like in North America. However, this lack of local celebration opens up opportunities for expats to mark the occasion in their own unique ways or even add Spanish twists to their traditions.

How Expats Celebrate: Community, Restaurants, and Private Gatherings

  • Expat Groups and Clubs: American clubs in major cities, such as Madrid and the Costa del Sol, regularly organize Thanksgiving dinners and events, sometimes adjusting the date to the nearest weekend for convenience. These gatherings feature classic turkey, stuffing, and pie, often paired with Spanish Cava or local wines. The American Club of Madrid hosted a sold-out feast this year, while groups like Internations or Americans in Spain Facebook group set up their own parties for members.
  • Restaurants with Special Menus: American-style and international restaurants, steakhouses, and Irish pubs often offer complete Thanksgiving dinners. Locations like Roll Madrid, Jacks Smokehouse (Benalmádena, Puerto Banús), and CocoVail Beer Hall in Barcelona serve traditional turkey and sides, sometimes broadcasting iconic events like the Macy’s Parade or NFL games for added tradition. Booking ahead is wise, as seats for these special meals fill up fast.
  • Private Gatherings: Many expats host Thanksgiving at home, inviting friends of multiple nationalities. It’s common to mix classic dishes with Spanish favorites. A feast may feature true American pie and mashed potatoes, but also Spanish specialties such as roast lamb, paella, dates stuffed with cheese, or platters of Iberico ham and local olives. Sharing gratitude and stories remains central, regardless of menu.

Do Americans Celebrate Thanksgiving in Spain? [Poll Results]

To get a pulse on how American expats are feeling about Thanksgiving while living abroad, we ran a quick poll in our American Expats in Spain Facebook group. The question: “Celebrating Thanksgiving in Spain this year?”

Here’s how the community responded (102 votes):

  • Yes – 52%
  • No – 42%
  • Attempting to try! – 6% (this option was added by a group member)

Blending Traditions: Spanish Flavor on Thanksgiving

One of the joys of celebrating Thanksgiving abroad is combining cultures. Expats often find themselves swapping turkey for Spanish alternatives like roasted lamb or suckling pig, using local ingredients for their sides, and pairing meals with Rioja wine or regional cheeses. Desserts can include churros with chocolate or natillas alongside pumpkin pie. Museums and monuments remain open, so some families spend Thanksgiving day exploring Spanish culture before dining together in the evening.sazonthefolkcook+1​

How to Find Thanksgiving Events in Spain

  • Social Media and Expat Groups: Platforms such as Facebook and Meetup host pages for Americans in Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, and other cities, with event announcements and group activities.
  • Event Websites: Search local listings for “Thanksgiving party” or “Cena de Acción de Gracias.”
  • Restaurants and Bars: Check American franchises, Irish pubs, and hostels popular with travelers for Thanksgiving offerings—many advertise on chalkboards or online.
  • Word of Mouth: Networking with other expats is often the best way to discover both organized events and informal get-togethers.ahspain+3​

What Thanksgiving Means to Expats in Spain

For many Americans, Thanksgiving is a time to reconnect with their roots and share traditions with friends—both expats and Spaniards unfamiliar with the holiday. It’s an opportunity for cultural exchange, where tales of the first Thanksgiving accompany contemporary celebrations rich with food, laughter, and thanks. Hosting Thanksgiving abroad encourages creativity, flexibility, and a deeper appreciation for both home and host country customs.ahspain+1​

Conclusion

While Spain does not celebrate Thanksgiving officially, the holiday thrives among its expat community. Whether in lively restaurants, clubs, or cozy homes, the essence of Thanksgiving—gratitude, togetherness, and great food—can be found across the country, often with a delightful Spanish twist.

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