Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving in The UK 2024

As an important traditional festival, Thanksgiving is celebrated uniquely in different countries and regions. Whether the classic turkey dinner in the United States, family reunions in Canada, or creative celebrations in other countries, they all reflect the core spirit of gratitude.

Traditionally, the UK does not have the custom of celebrating Thanksgiving. However, with the development of globalisation and the deepening of cultural exchanges, the British may not formally celebrate Thanksgiving, but there are many ways to integrate into the festive atmosphere.   

This guide will explain everything about Thanksgiving in the UK. There are many ways to celebrate Thanksgiving, indoors or outdoors. As for outdoor celebrations, such as backyard parties, picnics, etc., we highly recommend Jackery Portable Power Station - a portable, stable power supply to charge your electronics and devices anywhere without electricity.   

What Is Thanksgiving? 

Thanksgiving originated in the United States. It is an ancient festival created by the American people. In addition, Thanksgiving, a traditional festival originating from the United States, has gradually gained attention and popularity in the UK in recent years. So, what is the origin of Thanksgiving?

The Origin of Thanksgiving

The origin of Thanksgiving can be traced back to the early colonial period of the United States. In 1620, a group of British Puritans arrived in the New World. The first year's winter was harsh, and many died due to food shortages. The local Native Americans helped them through the difficulties.

In 1621, the Puritans held a harvest celebration to thank God and the local Native Americans for their help and support. This celebration is the origin of the first Thanksgiving in the United States. Although the origin of this festival has a particular historical connection with the United Kingdom, the British do not have a tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving.

The Connotation of Thanksgiving

The core of Thanksgiving is "gratitude," which reminds people to cherish the people and things around them and be grateful for every beautiful moment in life. On Thanksgiving, traditional foods such as turkey and pumpkin pie are on the table to symbolise harvest and satisfaction. In addition, we should be grateful for food, family, society, and life. In modern society, the connotation of Thanksgiving is also expanding. It is no longer just gratitude to God or nature but a reflection of the attitude towards life.

Do People Celebrate Thanksgiving in The UK? 

As a traditional American holiday, Thanksgiving celebrates the harvest and expresses gratitude to God and others for their help. Although Americans living in the UK often invite British friends and family to join the celebration, Thanksgiving is not diffusely celebrated in the UK.

Reasons Why Thanksgiving Is Not Celebrated in The UK

In short, although Thanksgiving has a specific historical origin in the UK, most modern British people do not celebrate it.

Differences in Historical Background: Although the UK is part of the origin of the Thanksgiving tradition, the UK has yet to experience similar historical events that would prompt it to form or celebrate such a holiday.

Stick to Traditional Culture: The British have unique festivals and cultural customs, such as Christmas and Easter. In addition, the British attach great importance to their traditional festivals and culture. Therefore, they are more inclined to celebrate their country's festivals, such as Christmas and Easter, rather than foreign festivals.

Is Thanksgiving Becoming More and More Popular in The UK?

Thanksgiving is famous in North America, but its popularity in the UK differs. Although Thanksgiving has a deep historical and cultural significance, people in the UK need a solid sense to celebrate this holiday. Strictly speaking, there is no tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving in the UK.

Nevertheless, with the influence of globalisation, some British people have begun to take an interest in cultural festivals in other countries. In addition, some restaurants and businesses may take the opportunity to launch Thanksgiving-themed promotions to attract customers to spend.

In short, the popularity of Thanksgiving in the UK is still limited. It has not become a traditional festival in the UK, nor does it have a deep cultural heritage and vast social influence like in the United States.

However, more and more British people are beginning to understand and accept this holiday, which is full of warmth and gratitude. Especially among young people and urban residents, Thanksgiving has gradually become a fashionable celebration. They like to imitate the American tradition on this day, get together with friends, enjoy a hearty dinner, and share each other's gratitude.

Ways To Celebrate Thanksgiving in The UK

Thanksgiving has developed into a long-lasting American holiday focusing on gratitude, harvest, and a table full of rich food. In the United States, people celebrate Thanksgiving with turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

Although Thanksgiving originated in the United States, people in the United Kingdom have gradually begun to celebrate this holiday with gratitude in various ways. Here are some common ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK:

Dinner

Like Americans, the British also hold dinner parties on Thanksgiving. Hosting a Thanksgiving dinner in the United Kingdom is a pleasant way to get together with family and friends. The highlight of Thanksgiving is the hearty Thanksgiving dinner.

People usually prepare foods symbolising a good harvest and gratitude, such as turkey, chicken, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, etc. In addition, candles, small pumpkins, and warm-coloured table settings add a warm autumn theme.

Before the Thanksgiving dinner, people usually sit together and pray for Thanksgiving. It is a way to express gratitude and prayer to God for all the good things in life.

Giving Thanksgiving Gifts

Giving gifts to each other is a traditional custom of Thanksgiving and a way to convey emotions. Choosing the right gift and expressing gratitude with your heart can make Thanksgiving full of warmth and touching.

For example, sending greeting cards or thank-you letters to relatives and friends on Thanksgiving is a beautiful way to celebrate. The following can be given as Thanksgiving gifts:

• Home decorations
• Food gift baskets
• DIY gifts
• Electronic products
• Outdoor products

In short, giving Thanksgiving gifts according to personal needs and preferences is always right.

Watching Sports Games

Watching football games is also a critical Thanksgiving celebration in the United States. Usually, football games attract countless families to watch in front of the TV, adding more joy to the holiday.

Although football games are a critical Thanksgiving event in the United States, people may watch football games or other sports events to celebrate this holiday in the UK. Watch sports games with family and friends on Thanksgiving and enjoy the passion and joy brought by sports.

Charity Activities

In addition to family celebrations, Thanksgiving is a holiday to care about others. Many communities organise Thanksgiving-themed activities, such as charity sales, volunteer services, etc. Some communities also hold Thanksgiving-themed performances and concerts to add a festive atmosphere to the holiday.

Through these activities, people not only express their gratitude to society but also convey the spirit of gratitude so that more people can feel the warmth of the holiday.

Church Prayer

Some churches hold special Thanksgiving services on Thanksgiving. Therefore, some British people go to church to pray on Thanksgiving Day to thank God for his grace. People gather to express their gratitude to God through prayer and singing and reflect on the gains and growth of the past year.

Shopping

Unlike the United States, the UK does not carry out large-scale "Black Friday" shopping activities after Thanksgiving. However, like in the United States, "Black Friday" in the UK is also one of the year's biggest shopping days. Many merchants will offer significant discounts and promotions on Thanksgiving to attract customers to come shopping. Most British people will scramble for discounted goods on Thanksgiving and enjoy the fun of shopping.

What Food Do People Eat During Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving, a traditional festival shared by the United States and Canada, is a time for family reunions and a food feast.

As in the United States, the most direct way to celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK is to share a big meal with roast turkey as the main dish, and various pies, fresh vegetables, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie are also on the table. Here are the foods that people usually enjoy during Thanksgiving:

Turkey

In the UK, to recreate the authentic Thanksgiving feast, turkey is undoubtedly the most dazzling protagonist on the Thanksgiving table. Usually, the turkey is stuffed with various ingredients and then roasted until golden brown. The classic stuffing made of bread cubes, onions, celery and herbs complements the turkey and can be cooked inside the turkey or as a separate side dish.

Cranberry Jam

Cranberry sauce is a traditional ingredient for the main turkey dish at American Thanksgiving. Science has proven that eating cranberries can have many benefits because they contain many antioxidants. Cranberry jam still appears on every household's Thanksgiving table.

Mashed Potatoes

In the UK, mashed potatoes are a good appetiser or side dish for Thanksgiving. Potatoes are an essential staple food for the British after flour. The British usually pour some gravy or cranberry sauce on the mashed potatoes.

Green Bean Casserole

Typical Thanksgiving side dishes include green bean casserole, creamy mushroom sauce, crispy fried onions, and sweet potatoes (baked or mashed). To enhance the taste, marshmallows or pecans can be served with green bean casserole.

Cornbread

Cornbread is also an indispensable food for Thanksgiving. It is more like a whole-grain cake. In the southern United States, it is a staple food with soups and dishes, and the taste is light and straightforward. It is a pastry with different ingredients in the northern United States, more like a snack.

Pumpkin Pie

As a dessert for Thanksgiving dinner, pumpkin pie is a typical Thanksgiving delicacy. Pumpkin pie has a sweet taste and is deeply loved by people. Its spice filling and crispy crust are usually served with whipped cream. Usually, pumpkin pie can be eaten with cornbread.

Except for the traditional foods mentioned above, there are some other foods on Thanksgiving, such as sweet potatoes, apples, chestnuts, walnuts, grapes, mince pies and homemade bread.

Tips for Celebrating Thanksgiving in The UK

When celebrating Thanksgiving in the UK, you can learn from American traditional customs, combine local characteristics, and create your own way of celebration. However, by paying attention to the following aspects, you can better celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK and experience the warmth and happiness brought by this holiday.

Tip 1: Understand the origin and significance of Thanksgiving.

In the UK, Thanksgiving has a deep religious background and was initially established to thank God for his gifts. Therefore, it is essential to respect its religious significance when celebrating. In addition, when interacting with people of different faiths, respect their religious customs and beliefs and avoid violating other people's religious taboos during celebrations.

Tip 2: Host a Thanksgiving dinner.

The Thanksgiving dinner is an integral part of the Thanksgiving celebration. You can try to prepare traditional Thanksgiving foods such as roast turkey, pumpkin pie, cornbread, cranberry jam, etc. In addition, Thanksgiving is a time for family reunions. Therefore, arrange to spend this day with your family, share a hearty dinner, and enhance the emotional connection between family members.

Tip 3: Express gratitude.

Please take this unique opportunity to express gratitude to your family and friends. You can also send Thanksgiving greetings to them through text messages, emails, or social media.

Tip 4: Create a festive atmosphere.

You can decorate your home with Thanksgiving decorations such as pumpkins and corn stalks. In addition, you can participate in traditional Thanksgiving activities such as pumpkin races and turkey wishbone games.

Find or choose a portable power station, like Jackery Portable Power Station, to charge appliances and electronics, such as your lights, portable speakers, projectors, and more, especially for outdoor parties.

Tip 5: Enjoy outdoor activities.

During Thanksgiving, the weather is usually calm and pleasant. If there are Thanksgiving parades and performances nearby, you can watch them and feel the festive atmosphere. In addition, you can go on picnics, hikes or other outdoor activities with your family and friends to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Or you can go to a picnic in the park or on the beach that day for a few hours. Reading your favourite book, playing games or listening to music can make your day lovely. Here, we introduce Jackery Portable Power Station, a portable power supply to charge your electronics outdoors.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Thanksgiving

There are many ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK, unlike traditions, to embrace the beauty of this world. For example, you can have a backyard party for family and friends or just picnic alone at the beach to hear the sound of the sea waves and read your favourite book. No matter how you celebrate this day, you will use electricity to some degree.

As we all know, Jackery is a well-known solar product brand that always bears sustainability in mind and contributes to producing items with higher quality and lower carbon footprint. To charge your portable speakers, phones, projectors, or even cameras, we recommend Jackery Portable Power Station, the portable power supply for meeting your power needs wherever you are.

It is simple to recharge the power station; you can use wall outlets, carports, or our Jackery Solar Panels. Due to the sufficient sunlight in Australia, it is possible to combine Jackery Solar Panels with Portable Power Station (Jackery Solar Generator) to use solar energy fully. Here, we recommend Jackery Explorer 500 and 300 Plus for charging essential appliances in Thanksgiving gatherings.

Jackery Explorer 500

The Jackery Explorer 500 is a portable power station with a capacity of 518Wh, utilising lithium technology. It is among the most lightweight and portable rechargeable lithium battery generators available. The Jackery Explorer 500 has a 518Wh (24Ah, 21.6V) lithium-ion battery pack and a pure sine wave inverter.

• Portable Power Solution for Electronics: The Jackery Explorer 500 is one of the lightest and most portable rechargeable lithium battery generators available today. It includes a PURE SINE WAVE 500-wattAC outlet that delivers stable power to various AC-dependent devices, such as portable fans, projectors, coolers, and lights.  
• Safe & Strong for Multiple Uses: The Explorer 500 features an emissions-free energy source and a dependable battery management system, ensuring its safety for indoor use. Constructed from robust material, the solar system exhibits resistance to high temperatures. The Explorer 500 power station operates within a temperature range of 14-104℉ (-10-40℃), while the SolarSaga 100 functions between 14-149℉ (-10-65℃).
• Versatile Charging Outputs: This versatile portable power station has three USB ports, a 12V car output, and an AC outlet, ensuring reliable power for your appliances. The power station can be charged through three distinct methods: solar panels, a car outlet, and an AC adapter.

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus portable power station is a lightweight and efficient power source that fulfils energy requirements for diverse scenarios, including fishing, hiking, picnicking, Thanksgiving parties, and more, which is best for Thanksgiving gatherings.    

• Charge 4 Devices at The Same Time: The Explorer 300 Plus is a portable power station featuring a 300WAC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (600W Surge Peak) and a capacity 288Wh. It can charge up to four devices concurrently, facilitated by one AC, USB-A, and USB-C output, enabling swift and effortless charging of numerous devices.
• Superior Safety Tech: This power station features a distinctive Battery Management System (BMS). The gadget incorporates 52safety measures and 12 BMS algorithms that collaboratively provide the utmost safety for both the device and any connected appliances. It includes four types of physical security to guarantee the safety of all individuals.
• SMART App Control: This model is distinguished by its sophisticated app control feature, enabling users to manage the battery efficiently via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This renders it more contemporary and user-friendly. Weighing merely 8.27 pounds, it is an exceptional option for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving in The UK FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about Thanksgiving in the UK in 2024:

1. What is Thanksgiving, and why is it celebrated?

Thanksgiving is a festival celebrated on various dates in October and November in the United States, Canada, Saint Lucia, Liberia, and informally in Brazil, Germany, and the Philippines. It is also celebrated in the Dutch town of Leiden and Norfolk Island, Australia.

The history of Thanksgiving dates back to the lush autumn days of 1621 when the Pilgrims and Wampanoag gathered for a three-day festival to celebrate its bountiful harvest. Today, harvest holidays with similar names are celebrated worldwide in the fall.

2. Is Thanksgiving celebrated in the UK?

Thanksgiving is not widely celebrated in the UK, although Americans living in the UK often invite British friends and family to join in the celebrations.

Thanksgiving may not be an old tradition in British history, but more and more families are embracing this autumnal holiday. Today, Thanksgiving-style celebrations are gradually being held in the UK. Because Thanksgiving gives families a chance to spend time together, share gratitude, and enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal.

3. What is the UK's equivalent of Thanksgiving?

The British are more inclined to follow their cultural traditions and celebrate national holidays.

In the UK, a festival similar to Thanksgiving called the Harvest Festival is usually celebrated in the fall of each year.

The UK Harvest Festival does not have an official date, but it is traditionally held on or around the Sunday of the Harvest Moon near the Autumnal Equinox. This festival celebrates the year's harvest, and families and communities will come together to share food and joy.

Final Thoughts

Whether in family gatherings or charity events, Thanksgiving brings warmth and joy to people, making this cold season full of warmth and hope.

Although there is no official Thanksgiving holiday in the UK, nor are there days of celebrations like in the United States, many British people still celebrate this holiday in various forms to express their gratitude and spend quality time with family and friends.