Spending Thanksgiving in Rome this year? Then you are in for a special holiday. Italy does not celebrate Thanksgiving, but the Eternal City offers everything that makes this day meaningful: good food, long tables and time with the people you love.
In this guide, we share how to celebrate Thanksgiving in Rome, what to expect in late November and how to make the day unforgettable, the Italian way.
Is Thanksgiving Celebrated in Rome?
Thanksgiving is an American holiday, so in Italy it is a normal working day. In 2026, it falls on Thursday, November 26. Shops, museums and restaurants follow their usual hours, and Romans go about their daily lives.
However, this is good news for travelers. You can visit the main sights as usual, and in the evening you can create your own celebration. In fact, many visitors say that a Thanksgiving abroad becomes one of their favorite memories.
What Rome Is Like in Late November
Late November is a calm and beautiful time to visit. The summer crowds are gone, and the Christmas rush has not started yet. As a result, lines are shorter and the city feels more relaxed.
The weather is usually mild, with cool mornings and pleasant afternoons. Bring a warm jacket and an umbrella, because rain is common in this season.
It is also a delicious season. Roasted chestnuts appear on street corners, and the new olive oil of the year arrives in shops and restaurants. Towards the end of the month, the first Christmas lights start to shine in the city center.
How to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Rome
Cook a Thanksgiving Meal with an Italian Chef
Thanksgiving is all about the kitchen, so why not spend it in one? A cooking class is the perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving in Rome with family or friends.
At Eat and Walk Italy, you cook inside a real Roman restaurant near Piazza Navona. A local chef guides you while you make fresh pasta by hand and prepare a classic tiramisù. Then everyone sits down together to enjoy the meal with a glass of Italian wine. Instead of turkey, you will share a table full of homemade Italian food, and the spirit of the day stays the same.
Our most popular choice is the Fettuccine, Ravioli and Tiramisù 3 in 1 Cooking Class. If your group prefers pizza, the Pizza Making Class is another great option.
Take an Evening Food Tour
If you prefer to explore, a food tour turns dinner into an adventure. Our Trastevere Evening Food Tour lets you taste traditional Roman dishes while you walk through one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city.
Give Thanks with a Walk Through the City
Before dinner, take a slow walk through the historic center. Start at the Pantheon, continue to Piazza Navona and end at the Tiber at sunset. It is a simple way to pause and enjoy the moment together.
Italian Food to Try During Your Thanksgiving in Rome
Even without turkey, Roman cuisine has plenty of comfort food for a festive meal. These are our favorites:
- Carbonara and cacio e pepe: rich, creamy and perfect for a cool evening.
- Fresh fettuccine: the homemade pasta of Italian families.
- Seasonal vegetables and roasted chestnuts: perfect side dishes for a shared table.
- Tiramisù: the Italian answer to pumpkin pie, and just as loved.
For more ideas, read our guide on what to eat in Rome.
Tips for Thanksgiving in Rome
- Book in advance: classes and restaurants can fill up, especially with groups.
- Plan for a normal working day: traffic and public transport follow weekday rhythms.
- Stay for Black Friday: many shops in Rome now join the sales on the following day.
- Extend your stay: early December brings Christmas markets and festive lights. Discover more in our guide to Rome in winter.
Celebrate Thanksgiving in Rome with Eat and Walk Italy
In the end, Thanksgiving is about sharing a meal and feeling grateful. And there are few better places to do it than at a long table in the heart of Rome.
So gather your family and friends and book your cooking class in Rome. We will be happy to welcome you to our kitchen this Thanksgiving.
Related post
