Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November every year in the United States. It began as an autumnal harvest feast and today centers on cooking and enjoying a beautiful meal with family and friends (And maybe some football, a dog show, or a parade depending on the family). Gather your nearest and dearest for a new Thanksgiving tradition aboard a City Cruises luxury yacht in Norfolk and make this holiday truly special.

Fall in Love with Norfolk for Thanksgiving 2024

Autumn in Norfolk means one thing. Weather that’s just about perfect with sunny days and brisk, cozy evenings. Arguably it’s one of the best times of the year to visit the city. The leaves are turning with fall foliage, and it is nothing short of magical with a slew of events and activities, plus eats and drinks, festivals, and parades to kick off the holidays in and around town. Before the snow covers the ground, you can experience the incredible scenery that awaits you with all things fall – so grab a jacket, grab your family and friends, and get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving in a unique and relaxing way that may just become your new family tradition with a Norfolk Thanksgiving Day Lunch Cruise.

Count Your Blessings Aboard City Cruises Norfolk

Since Norfolk’s temperature is absolutely perfect in the fall, it makes for a fantastic time to take advantage of the beautiful waterfront and experience the magnificent Norfolk skyline along the Elizabeth River. Thanksgiving is all about spending time with the people in your life who matter most. Who wants to cook, clean, and worry about shopping amongst the crowds, especially when you inevitably forget that one ingredient? Why not let City Cruises do the work for you so you can spend time relaxing and enjoying Thanksgiving without all the hassles that come with hosting?

Treat your family and the ones you love to a truly special experience that will be unlike any other. You and your guests will enjoy a celebratory lunch buffet with all the holiday trimmings freshly prepared by a chef. You will love the attentive hospitality from the crew as they take care of all the details for you. While onboard, enjoy incredible views of the Navy’s Atlantic fleet, full bar service, and festive décor. Our team will treat you like royalty leaving you to enjoy the holidays with your friends and family. How often do you get to experience live DJ entertainment on Thanksgiving? You can get up and move after enjoying scrumptious cuisine and leave the dishes to someone else. Want to walk around a little and get some fresh air? Yep, you can do that too. Get everyone together for a photo with the most beautiful backdrop you can imagine. Want to have your dessert warm and cozy inside? We can do that too. No matter what the weather is like outside, we have climate-controlled interiors to get comfortable while mingling with everyone.

Let’s Talk Turkey

The first Thanksgiving meal dates back to November 1621, when Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans, gathered at Plymouth for an autumn harvest feast. Did you ever wonder what was on the menu at the first feast? Interestingly, no exact record exists of the fare, but it was noted that the colony’s governor, William Bradford, sent four men on a “fowling” mission in preparation for the three-day event. It’s also likely that the colonists feasted upon local vegetables with help from their Native American neighbors such as onions, beans, lettuce, spinach, cabbage, carrots, and peas. Although mashed and sweet potatoes are popular today, they were not served at this meal.

Most Americans look forward to their pumpkin pie after Thanksgiving dinner, but in 1621, settlers still had not constructed an oven for baking, so they settled for hollowing out pumpkins and filling the shells with milk, honey, and spices to make custard.  At the first Thanksgiving, colonists were probably outnumbered by Native Americans in attendance, and in fact, the indigenous people would have been familiar with the tradition of “thanksgiving” since it was central to their spiritual practices to give thanks for natural bounty.

Start Your New Family Tradition for Thanksgiving

All of us have hectic lives and have so many responsibilities. Thanksgiving is a time of year to take a breath, reflect, and celebrate the people in our lives for whom we are thankful. It’s time to take stock of what is important and express gratitude for the good things in life. Getting away from the hustle and bustle and gathering your crew to embark on a Thanksgiving lunch cruise will provide you with an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company and create fabulous memories for years to come. This year take some time to enjoy one another and let City Cruises Norfolk take care of the preparing and cleaning for you and soak in the skyline views while feasting on freshly prepared entrees by someone other than you. Let our talented and local chefs take all the worry out of the holiday and let our attentive crew pamper you so that you can sit back, relax, and start a new tradition that may be completely unexpected. Ready to celebrate? Contact City Cruises Norfolk today to plan a meaningful Thanksgiving.

FAQ’s: Things to do in Norfolk Thanksgiving (2024)

What are the popular Thanksgiving dining options in Norfolk?

Norfolk offers a variety of dining experiences for Thanksgiving, ranging from traditional feasts at local restaurants to special holiday buffets at hotels. Many places provide both dine-in and takeout options, with some restaurants offering unique coastal twists on classic Thanksgiving dishes. Reservations are highly recommended due to the holiday rush.

Are there any Thanksgiving events or parades in Norfolk?

Yes, Norfolk hosts several events around Thanksgiving. One of the highlights is the annual Grand Illumination Parade, which typically takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving and kicks off the holiday season with festive floats, marching bands, and entertainment. Additionally, many families participate in the Turkey Trot, a fun run that often includes a 5K or 10K race.

What is the weather like in Norfolk during Thanksgiving?

The weather in Norfolk around Thanksgiving is generally cool, with daytime temperatures averaging in the 50s°F (10-15°C) and cooler evenings in the 40s°F (4-9°C). It’s advisable to dress in layers if you’re planning to attend outdoor events or explore the city during the holiday. Rain is possible, so checking the forecast closer to the date is recommended.

Original Post Date: September 28, 2023