Your guide to celebrating Friendsgiving this Thanksgiving

As more people build lives away from their hometowns, holiday celebrations are evolving to match our changing world. Enter Friendsgiving: a heartwarming blend of traditional Thanksgiving warmth and modern flexibility that celebrates our chosen families. 

Whether you're planning an intimate gathering in your apartment or dreaming up a destination celebration that brings far-flung friends together, this guide will give you some Friendsgiving ideas to help plan a memorable day that could become your favorite holiday tradition.

Celebrating Friendsgiving away from home creates a neutral setting where everyone can relax – no one has to play host or worry about cleaning their house. Destination celebrations naturally combine dining with entertainment, from hiking to sightseeing, allowing for extended quality time and shared experiences that strengthen friendship bonds. There are plenty of benefits of celebrating away from home, but it’ll require more advance planning.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is perfect for food-loving friends with its thriving culinary scene and cozy mountain backdrop. The city's craft breweries and artistic vibe create an ideal setting for a creative Friendsgiving celebration.

Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

Offering both high-end and rustic options for groups, Lake Tahoe boasts stunning lake views and early ski season possibilities. Spacious vacation homes can accommodate large groups, with fully equipped kitchens for collaborative cooking.

Austin, Texas

Austin is ideal for friends who want to combine Friendsgiving with live music and outdoor activities. The mild November weather makes it perfect for outdoor dining and festivities.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine provides a quintessential New England fall experience with fresh seafood options and charming coastal views. Historic vacation homes offer character and comfort for group gatherings.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is perfect for groups seeking a unique desert Friendsgiving experience. The stunning Red Rock backdrop and typically warm, sunny November weather create opportunities for outdoor dining. High-end vacation homes often feature panoramic views and resort-style amenities, while the area's strong wellness culture offers a refreshing pre-or post-feast hiking and spa experience.

After determining where you'll be hosting your Friendsgiving, it's time to decide what the day will look like. You could take your Friendsgiving celebration in so many different directions, but here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Global potluck challenge: Put a twist on traditional Thanksgiving dishes by asking each friend to bring a dish inspired by their heritage or travels. This celebrates diversity while creating an unforgettable menu.

2. Gratitude time capsule: Create a group time capsule where everyone contributes notes of gratitude, photos, and small mementos. Open it at next year's celebration to reflect on your friendship journey.

3. Cooking competition: Turn meal prep into an entertaining event by organizing a friendly competition for different categories like "Most Creative Side Dish" or "Best Thanksgiving Fusion".

4. Friendsgiving brunch: Break tradition with a daytime celebration featuring breakfast versions of Thanksgiving favorites, like stuffing waffles and cranberry mimosas

5. Throwback theme: Choose a specific decade and encourage everyone to dress up, play music, and bring dishes popular from that era.

6. Giving back together: Start the day with group volunteer work at a local food bank or community center before gathering for your celebration.

7. Recipe exchange party: Everyone brings copies of their dish's recipe to share, creating a collective Friendsgiving cookbook.

8. Game day fusion: Combine Thanksgiving foods with tailgating traditions for a casual, sports-themed celebration.

9. DIY bar stations: Set up interactive food and drink stations where guests can customize their experience, like a mashed potato bar or hot chocolate station.

10. Outdoor adventure feast: Plan a group hike or activity followed by a picnic-style Friendsgiving using portable versions of traditional dishes.

11. Cultural fusion festival: Encourage everyone to create dishes that blend Thanksgiving classics with their favorite cultural cuisines.

12. Virtual connection hour: Include friends who can't attend in person by scheduling a virtual toast or group video call during the celebration.

• Plan ahead: create a shared digital document for menu planning to avoid duplicate dishes
• Consider dietary restrictions: label dishes and ensure options for different dietary needs
• Keep it casual: focus on connection over perfection
• Document memories: designate a photographer or create a shared photo album
• Have backup plans: especially for outdoor or travel celebrations
• Make it annual: set tentative dates for next year while everyone's together

Consider setting up interactive food stations, like a mashed potato bar with gourmet toppings or a build-your-own dessert station, to encourage mingling and conversation throughout the meal.

Creative main dishes

Traditional turkey doesn't have to be boring. Try smoking the bird for extra flavor, or prepare it in creative portions like turkey roulades or turkey breast medallions. For smaller gatherings, consider turkey alternatives like Cornish hens, duck breast, or a show-stopping vegetarian centerpiece. The key is choosing options that can be partially prepared in advance to reduce day-of stress.

Reimagined side dishes

Take classic sides to the next level with unexpected ingredients. Transform standard mashed potatoes with roasted garlic and caramelized onions, or give green bean casserole an upgrade with fresh mushrooms and crispy shallots. Create grain-based sides using farro or wild rice for more texture. Remember that sides are perfect for incorporating diverse cultural influences – like adding miso to roasted vegetables or using curry spices in butternut squash soup.

Beverage station success

Create a seasonal drink menu featuring both cocktails and mocktails that incorporate fall flavors like apple, cranberry, and warming spices. Set up a hot beverage station with spiced cider, mulled wine, and a coffee bar with flavored syrups and whipped cream options. Consider signature batch cocktails prepared in advance, like fall sangria or spiced punch, alongside a selection of local craft beers and wines.

Easy dishes to make ahead

Reduce day-of stress by preparing dishes that improve with time. Grain salads, marinated vegetables, and many desserts can be made a day or two ahead. Consider breakfast casseroles for weekend gatherings, and plan dishes that taste great at room temperature to ease serving logistics. Prepare components like sauces, dressings, and toppings in advance to streamline assembly on the day.

Smart serving strategies

Set up your food stations to encourage flow and conversation. Place appetizers in multiple locations to prevent crowding, and consider separate stations for drinks, mains, sides, and desserts. Have serving utensils and plates at each station. Keep warm foods warm with slow cookers or chafing dishes, and cold foods chilled with ice baths or small coolers.

Success comes down to a well-organized timeline. Start early by setting the date, creating the guest list, and choosing the location. As you get closer, turn your attention to the details: finalizing dietary requirements, creating an inclusive menu plan, and delegating responsibilities across the group. 

Two weeks before, confirm all RSVPs, finalize your shopping lists, and create a cooking timeline. The week of the celebration is all about preparation: clean the space, shop for non-perishables, and start on make-ahead dishes.

So, there you have it, Friendsgiving offers a great opportunity to celebrate your most beloved friendships. Whether you’re partying at home or on vacation, these tips are sure to make your day unforgettable. It’s time to celebrate Friendship – your way.

What is Friendsgiving?

Friendsgiving is a fresh take on Thanksgiving that puts friendship at the center of the celebration. It's less about formal traditions and more about creating meaningful connections with the people who make up your chosen family. Think potluck-style feasts, creative twists on classic dishes, and gatherings where quality time is at the center of the celebrations.

Where does Friendsgiving come from?

While the exact origins are hard to pin down, Friendsgiving gained momentum in the late 2000s as young professionals began celebrating Thanksgiving away from their hometowns. The trend accelerated as social media made it easier to coordinate gatherings and share celebrations. What started as a necessity for those who couldn't make it home for the holidays has evolved into a cherished tradition that many people look forward to as much as traditional Thanksgiving.

When is Friendsgiving 2025?

Unlike traditional Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving is flexible. Most people celebrate it the weekend before or after Thanksgiving (November 27, 2025), allowing everyone to enjoy both celebrations. Some friend groups even turn it into a month-long celebration, hosting multiple smaller gatherings throughout November to accommodate different schedules.