Like many other American students, this year marks my first Thanksgiving away from home. Celebrating a beloved holiday in a new place can feel strange, but it doesn’t have to be isolating! Instead, being abroad can provide you with opportunities to find new and memorable ways to celebrate. Here are some suggestions for how to make the most of a Thanksgiving in London.

1. Friendsgiving

London can be an expensive city, so a potluck-style meal can provide a delicious and affordable way to celebrate Thanksgiving. Celebrating with friends can be a great way to share the dishes you’ve grown up eating or to try something completely new. My favourite part of a Friendsgiving is the ability to customise your dinner according to your preferences, so if you don’t feel like cooking a turkey or want to add some new foods to the spread, you can easily do so! Personally, I’m excited to skip the hassle of preparing several foods at once this year and instead choose my favourite Thanksgiving dish to share with friends.

If you’re not into cooking or don’t have access to a proper kitchen, some grocery stores will have pre-made dishes you can pick up and bring to dinner for everyone to enjoy. A pumpkin pie is always a good option! 

2. Thanksgiving events in London

Many Americans call London home, meaning it’s not hard to find places in the city that are ready to celebrate the holiday. If American football is your thing, many pubs and sports bars will be showing the Thanksgiving day game, including the Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square. In London, kick-off will be at 5:30pm this year. 

Many restaurants and pubs also offer meals specifically for Thanksgiving. Some of these can get expensive, but there are some cheaper options at Hard Rock Cafe and Bodean’s BBQ. Many of these dinners require you to reserve a table, so if you’re interested, make sure to secure your spot! 

These opportunities not only offer a way to celebrate the holiday, but can also provide a space to meet other Americans living in London! 

3. Sunday roast

If you are craving a cosy, home-cooked meal without the hassle of preparing food yourself and are prepared to celebrate Thanksgiving a few days later, a Sunday roast might be for you! The components of a Sunday roast are similar to many Thanksgiving staples, often including roasted meats, potatoes and gravy. Many of the pubs around campus serve Sunday roasts all year long, so you’re bound to find something that catches your eye. Plus, at this time of year, pubs are often decked out in holiday cheer and are an especially cosy place to go during the colder weather. 

4. Zoom Thanksgiving

If you’re missing the festivities at home, arrange for your family to include you in their celebration via Zoom. Make one of your favourite dishes or grab food from one of the places suggested above, find a cosy spot, and catch up with family and friends back home.

No matter what you decide to do, make sure you are kind to yourself when celebrating a beloved holiday away from home. Share your traditions with others, or take the time to make your favourite Thanksgiving food for yourself. Most importantly, make sure you take some time to express gratitude for the people in your life, both in London and back at home. 

Happy Thanksgiving!