Looking for ideas of where to go or where to stay this coming Thanksgiving holiday? Here are our 2017 Thanksgiving picks to get away in vacation rentals.

1. New York City, NY

New York with its famous Thanksgiving Day Parade, attracting thousands of participants and over three million spectators each year, it the place to do it up right! The annual parade is made up of massive balloons, floats, cheerleaders, marching bands, clowns, Broadway shows and loads of celebrities. Of course, we are not all into big crowds. There are always great vacation rentals by owner along the parade route where you can watch the festivities from the comfort of your rental. Then there is Black Friday. New York is a shopper dream. Why not take in some of the best shops and retailers known to man along with their holiday sales. Imagine taking in Black Friday from the Parade namesake Macy’s right there in New York! Know this is not an original idea for a Thanksgiving get away so you will be joined by thousands of other travelers. While they will all need to make dinner reservations you can cook and enjoy your meal right there in your vacation rental.

2. Plymouth, MA

About a 45-minute drive south of Boston you can celebrate Thanksgiving where the first historic gathering happened by heading to Plymouth, Massachusetts. Truly experience history brought to life. You can even enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner complete with Pilgrim role players and Native interpreters. At Plimouth Plantation, explore outdoor living exhibits, including a 17^th-century English village, the Mayflower II, the Wampanoag Homsesite and the Plimoth Grist Mill to capture even more of the holidays history.

Festivities takes place every year, with Pilgrims, soldiers, patriots and Native Americans all climbing out the pages of history books and onto the streets. The Town of Plymouth is truly a traditional and exciting place to take in Thanksgiving with the family. Events range from illumination ceremonies to free concerts, and a historic parade. Couple all this with a cozy vacation rental for your whole family to enjoy the holiday this is a can’t miss opportunity.

3. Orlando, FL

We all know where this one is going! Straight to the theme parks. Granted you will be joined by families from all over taking advantage of the kids having time off so expect longer lines and crowds. However, many parks like Disney has extended hours and programs to make it a bit easier to take it all in. Another great benefit to the area is the complete abundance of accommodation options for vacation rentals. It’s a hot spot for families so naturally there are a ton of rentals available. The best part of that is great pricing as owner have to complete and win your business. It’s a great place to get a deal even for the holiday weekend so you can spend more of your hard-earned money on those $8 coca-colas in the theme parks!

4. New Orleans, LA

New Orleans renowned Mardi Gras celebration and reputation for all around good time, it comes at no surprise that it’s a good place to be for Thanksgiving. New Orleans gave birth to a modern Thanksgiving tradition, the turducken. This triple-poultry dish is a chicken stuffed into a duck, stuffed into a turkey! Sounds like a giant smile to us! It can be savored at a number of local eateries. You like your turkey deep-fried? That is commonly served here too. The Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade is one must attend attraction while in town. It usually kicks off at around3:30 pm.

When renting a home here keep in mind they have to be properly licensed so make sure you ask the right questions when booking. Some of the homes available put you right in the action with all the comforts of home so you can go from a home cooked meal to having a photo taken with Santa at the parade. The day after Thanksgiving, walk off all that food by attending the opening of Celebration in the Oaks at City Park. Here you will find trees are draped with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, with a train that traverses for two miles through 25 acres of brilliant displays.

5. Santa Fe, NM

Looking for a different take on Thanksgiving? How about diving into Native American culture in Santa Fe. Its full of world-renowned museums and art galleries. There is a three-day Winter Indian Market, held Friday, Saturday and Sunday on Thanksgiving weekend each year. It’s a great way to get immersed in the culture. Spectate the native dance groups and music as well as nearly 200 artists on display. Santa Fe is also does a great job following Thanksgiving to keep the holiday spirit moving with the Christmas tree lighting at their historic plaza.

It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when in Santa Fe, but if you’re up for it, how about a day on the slopes.  Ski Santa Fe often opens on Thanksgiving Day weather permitting. This gives families options to enjoy the festivities or a mountainside ski vacation for Thanksgiving.

6. Hawaii

Those looking to escape their cooler climates as temperatures drop heading into winter Hawaii is the ideal choice for Thanksgiving. Keep in mind it does tend to be a rainier month. However, there are locations that tend to have more ideal weather this time of year.  One big plus is that November tends to be less over run with tourists. Take some time to relax in a vacation rental and head down to the much calmer beaches to spread out with the family for a day of fun. Waikiki offers up a parade, held annually the Friday after Thanksgiving. The parade commemorates Pearl Harbor by honoring survivors and veterans in memory of the attacks. The event features local Hawaiian bands, marching bands from the mainland and more. All in all, Hawaii and its islands make for an ideal getaway for the holiday.

7. Gatlinburg, TN

Thanksgiving in the Great Smoky Mountain region? We say Yes! A popular destination for families all year long, but with the fall colors and amazing views it turns up a notch for the holiday. There is a wide range of vacation rentals, from cozy cabins to mountain chalets as well as numerous activities and events. The Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show is scheduled November 24 through November 29, 2015, offering a perfect place to pick up unique holiday gifts. Winter sports enthusiasts will want to drive to the top of Mount Harrison, or take the aerial tramway that departs every 20 minutes from downtown to Ober Gatlinburg. Here you’ll find an ice skating rink, nine ski trails and a snow tubing lane, as well as gear available to rent.

After all of that activity you’re sure to work up a bit appetite for a Thanksgiving meal, and both The Old Mill Restaurant and Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant serve up a spectacular feast. Then there is the whole cook at home in a cozy mountain rental with the family after a long day of activities. The holiday is all about family and Gatlinburg is a home run for family activities and great family rentals.

8. Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara is a beautiful vacation destination in every season, no doubt. Nestled between the dramatic Santa Ynez Mountains and the glistening blue expanse of the Pacific, it’s been dubbed the “American Riviera.” You will find some amazing vacation rentals in the area to host an amazing family thanksgiving dinner. Most important is the ability to pair them with outstanding local wines. Vino enthusiast? The Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country is an especially ideal destination for vinos. Home to a diverse array of vineyards, you can take a short scenic drive to Los Olivos to visit more than a dozen wine tasting rooms There are even more options in places like Solvang and Buellton for the wine enthusiasts looking to get the most of the area. It’s really an area for mom and dad that want to take in some great wines and prepare an amazing meal in their rental with a view.

9. Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale offers up some of the most lush rentals you will find with some of the most ideal weather to match for the Thanksgiving holiday. The city and surrounding area has a lot to offer ranging from high end shopping to challenging hikes to beautiful day trips. There is certainly no shortage of things to do when the weather is this good. One surprising thing you will find in the area is the tallest Christmas trees in the nation found up in the Outlets at Anthem. After taking a few pictures with the nations tallest tree, it’s time to check some of those items off the Christmas list at the discount outlets. If you don’t feel like cooking at your rental there are some amazing restaurants in Scottsdale from high-end fine dining like City Hall to more local eateries like Bootleggers.

10. Vail, CO

Colorado is world-famous for its perfect, powdery slopes and abundance of sunshine that makes for some of the best skiing on the planet. Thanksgiving typically marks the start of the ski season. The area is chalked full of condos and luxury homes to enjoy for the holiday. Just about all of them come with a spectacular view of the mountain surrounding or ski slope. Vail’s ski resort is among the best there is when it comes to array of terrain and difficulty levels. Whether you looking for ultra-challenging runs or looking to just cruise the slopes Vail has the perfect run. Thanksgiving in the snow gets the family ready for the holidays to come.

11. Williamsburg, VA

One of America’s historic towns, you can watch history come alive. In Colonial Williamsburg, costumed characters act out the details of life in the early years of America, and for the holiday it offers a host of spectacular events. You can enjoy the annual tradition of bountiful feasts which features southern delicacies and a bounty of family favorites in a unique garden-to-table feast. Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center features a special three-day Thanksgiving event in which visitors can learn more about 17^th and 18^th century cuisine during “Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia.

Vacation rentals are popular in the area with some very charming old world homes to choose from. You even have the option of renting at the Powhatan Plantation. Why not get some historic charm while enjoying the family thanksgiving! Williamsburg really has it all for the holiday.

12. Lake Tahoe

Here is another great ski destination that tends to kick off the season mid-November. Lake Tahoe is a magnificent destination it offers another outstanding place on which to hit the slopes over Thanksgiving weekend. After enjoying more than 100 inches of snow, you can take a break from this breathtaking winter wonderland to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at one of many different spots. In fact, many resorts offer special holiday packages that include accommodations and dinner like Granlibakken, an upscale lodge occupying a historic location on Tahoe’s northwest shore. It includes tableside turkey carving with all of the trimmings, as well as vegetarian options and a variety of desserts.

13. Las Vegas, NV

If you looking to escape the more traditional family-friendly destinations, head to Sin City to get away from it all.  Thanksgiving in Vegas may be a bit different approach to the holiday but just think of the buffets. Just about all the major hotels have specials to bring in travelers for the big eating holiday. We all think of the hotels when we think Vegas but there are also some great private resident towers on and near the strip that rent as vacation rentals. These accommodations give you a bit of a break from the chaos of the major hotels but in keeping with most of the amenities travelers want. Who knows you may just leave Vegas with a little extra to be thankful for in the way of some big winnings at the tables.

14. Chicago, IL

Chicago offers all sorts of free holiday activities and attractions that make it a great place to be on Thanksgiving weekend. The festivities begin on Wednesday night, when the mayor lights up the official Christmas tree. The next morning, the three-hour long annual Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off. One of the largest in the country, you’ll need to arrive early for a good spot as it starts at 8 a.m. on State Street, working its way to Congress Parkway and Randolph Street, with a spectacle of giant helium balloons, award-winning marching bands, performance groups, equestrian units, dance troupes, local and national celebrities, rhythmic drum lines and more. Over at Millennium Park, visitors can enjoy free ice skating to get into the holiday spirit.

Many resident buildings here offer some amazing views and lush spaces at a cost competitive to the local hotels. In addition, they come with that home like feel so you are not eating every meal out or having to face with cold winds on your walk to the restaurant. Chicago is a city live with culture and plenty of options for accommodations and things to do for the holiday.

15. San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is certainly a culture filled city. Explore the city and you will find just about every culture represented in different neighborhoods with local foods and shops native to respective culture. Thanksgiving seems like an obvious choice with so many options when it comes to the types of food at your fingertips. Then there are the fun things to do with the family like take a ride on the trolley cars, Americas only national monument that moves! There are great local events and celebrations for the thanksgiving holiday and let’s not forget world class shopping!

16. Dallas, TX

Thanksgiving for many of us means great food and football! So why not rent a home near the stadium and take in Americas team the Dallas Cowboys. Traditionally the Cowboys play every year on thanksgiving and this year is no exception. They will be playing the now LA Charges on Thanksgiving Day!  For thos less interested in the game there will be local events like the Christmas Tree lighting in Sundance Square and the XTO Energy Parade of Lights, and even the Live Reindeer Park and Festival. There is a little something for the whole family as well as vacation rentals at some very affordable rates.

17. Seattle, WA

We already talked about the undeniable tradition of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York, but did you know Seattle has their very own Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade as well? Head downtown the day after Thanksgiving to watch floats, marching bands and drill teams, and more fill the streets of Seattle with holiday fun. After the parade, the Christmas season kicks off in front of downtown Macy’s. The parade starts at 7th Avenue and Pine, goes two blocks to 5th Avenue and makes a left, continues on 5th Avenue from Pine to University, makes a right onto University and continues for one block, makes a right onto 4th Avenue and continues to Westlake Center where the parade finishes. The Seattle Macy’s Holiday Parade includes inflatable floats, but rather than the massive floats for which the NYC parade is known, most of Seattle’s floats stay closer to the ground. After the parade is just as much fun! Once dark falls, Macy’s also lights up the star on the front of its store—yet another Seattle holiday tradition that has continued for more than 50 years. Assuming no rain which, well let’s be honest its Seattle, the night will cap off with a firework display.