With consumers spending hundreds of dollars on Thanksgiving travel and celebrations each year, the personal-finance website WalletHub has released its report on the Best Places to Go for Thanksgiving in 2023.
San Francisco is the best place to go for Thanksgiving, followed by San Jose, CA, San Diego, CA, Scottsdale, AZ, and Raleigh, NC, according to the new report by WalletHub. The report compared the 100 largest U.S. cities across five key dimensions: Thanksgiving celebrations and traditions, affordability, safety and accessibility, giving thanks through charitable donations and volunteering, and the Thanksgiving weather forecast.
“Surprisingly, San Francisco is the place to be if you’re looking for highly-rated yet affordable restaurants for celebrating Thanksgiving this year,” said Cassandra Happe, WalletHub Analyst. “The city also has pretty good weather this time of year and offers lots of opportunities for sightseeing and other outdoor fun that won’t require spending a ton of money.”
Sixth on the list was Atlanta, GA followed by Phoenix, AZ; Las Vegas NV; Greensboro, NC; and, rounding out the top 10, Virginia Beach, VA.
Taking the 11th through 20th spots on the list were: Mesa, AZ; Gilbert, AZ; Los Angeles, CA; San Antonio TX; Orlando, FL; Chesapeake, VA; Dallas, TX; Louisville, KY; Charlotte, NC; and Tucson, AZ.
San Francisco was one of three cities in California to rank in the top five for this report, and its neighbors aren’t far behind.
“Spending Thanksgiving in San Jose can help you feel the holiday spirit, as the city is highly ranked when it comes to things like the number of pumpkin patches and decoration stores per capita,” noted Happe. “Thanksgiving in San Diego offers similar perks, with better scenery and the chance to easily spread thanks to the military community.”
No matter where you live, Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, togetherness and delicious food. But with the high cost of inflation, that delicious feast may fill your belly while leaving your wallet relatively empty.
“The average person spends a few hundred dollars over the long Thanksgiving weekend, between food for family feasts and the mad dash to score Black Friday deals,” Happe stated. “It is important for consumers to keep an eye on their bank accounts throughout the holiday shopping season to ensure that spreading holiday cheer doesn’t spread them too thin as they head into the new year.”
For the full report, visit https://wallethub.com/edu/best-places-to-go-for-thanksgiving/67603
Tips for Saving on Your Thanksgiving Celebration
Set a Budget: Determine how much you will spend on your Thanksgiving celebration, including food, decorations, and other expenses. Keep this budget in mind as you plan out your menu and track your spending to ensure you stay within your spending limits.
Plan Your Menu Wisely: Focus on the key Thanksgiving dishes your guests love and opt for budget-friendly ingredients. Consider making a potluck-style dinner instead of handling the meal alone - ask your guests to bring a dish to share, which will expand your menu without hurting your bank account.
Take Advantage of Coupons and Sales: Take advantage of discounts and special offers at grocery stores. Look for coupons, loyalty programs, and online deals. Buy non-perishable items when they are on sale before the holiday.
Buy Generic and in Bulk: Consider purchasing store-brand or generic products, which are often more affordable than name brands but still of good quality. Purchase items like flour, sugar, and canned goods in bulk, saving you money in the long run. Make sure to store bulk items properly to prevent spoilage.
Compare Prices: Check prices at different stores for the best deals on specific items. Remember to compare prices online as well, especially for non-perishable goods.
Avoid Last-Minute Shopping: Start shopping for ingredients early to avoid rush purchases, which are often more expensive.
Reduce Waste: Plan your menu and portion sizes carefully to avoid food waste. Use leftovers creatively to make the most of your ingredients.
Five Thanksgiving Facts for 2023
$325 - Average person’s spending over the five-day Thanksgiving period.
10 Hours - Length of time the average American male would need to spend on the treadmill to burn the 4,500 calories consumed at the average Thanksgiving meal.
$949 Million - Estimated amount Americans spend on Thanksgiving turkeys each year, with 40 million turkeys killed for the holiday.
$26 Million - Amount of property loss caused by residential building fires each Thanksgiving.
77 percent - Share of people celebrating Thanksgiving who try to avoid having to talk politics at the dinner table.
