With the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner, we’re all looking forward to filling up on holiday favorites like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. But we do that every year, am I right? If you’re looking to shake up your Thanksgiving, we’ve got some tips for you.

Try visiting people in another country during their Thanksgiving. Believe it or not, there are numerous other countries around the world that also celebrate Thanksgiving, or have their own version of it. Plan your visit around this super fun holiday, and you’ll get to plop yourself right in the middle of another culture—and right in the middle of some of its best food!

Germany

Jane Rix / Shutterstock

Jane Rix / Shutterstock

First stop on our world Thanksgiving food tour, Germany! Erntedank or Erntedankfest is Germany’s Thanksgiving festival, and it usually takes place in early October. The date of  Erntedankfest changes year to year, so double check the calendar before you plan your trip!

The Germans celebrate with live music, parades, fireworks — and, of course, food! The traditional meat served during this time is goose, but turkey is also gaining in popularity. Stroll through the local churches and town squares, and you’ll find tables full of food, wine-tasting booths along the streets, and food stands serving traditional German dishes like Weiner schnitzel. Erntedankfest is a bit more boisterous and not quite as family-oriented as American Thanksgiving, so get ready for a party atmosphere and tons of raucous fun!

Canada

Elena M. Tarasova / Shutterstock

Elena M. Tarasova / Shutterstock

If you’re craving pie and a bit of spice this Thanksgiving season, you might want to head to Canada! The U.S.’s northern cousin has its own Thanksgiving tradition. The main difference? A heavy helping of maple syrup! (Don’t even pretend you’re surprised.)  Maple-roasted carrots and maple-bacon glazed turkey feature prominently in the meal, alongside wild rice and spicy pumpkin pie. Canadian Thanksgiving is the second Monday every October, so make sure to plan your trip before all the poutine is gone! Mmmm.

Brazil

Diogoppr / Shutterstock

Diogoppr / Shutterstock

Feliz Dia de Ação de Graças means Happy Thanksgiving in Portuguese, and it’s one of the few phrases you’ll need to learn if you’re headed to Brazil for the holiday! Held on the fourth Thursday of November, Thanksgiving in Brazil has a lot of similarities with the U.S. holiday, but with a few exotic twists. Although peru, or turkey, in Brazil is part of the main meal, cranberries are not. (Gasp! We know!) But don’t worry, Brazilians prepare a local dish that’s arguably even better called feijoada. The feijoada fruit is very similar to the cranberry, but can be locally sourced.

China

Silatip / Shutterstock

Silatip / Shutterstock

Even though it’s already passed, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning China’s August Moon Festival, which takes place on August 15th every year. This festival is one of the most celebrated and family-oriented holidays in China, making it very similar to Thanksgiving in the U.S. and Canada. During this time, families gather for dinner and enjoy mooncakes instead of pumpkin pie. Traditionally, neighbors send moon cakes to each other as a way of giving thanks for a plentiful harvest. Additionally, lovers are encouraged to come out and admire the moon at its brightest. Roasted duck can be found on many dinner tables, served with delicacies like river snails, hairy crab, and more!

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United States

Hurst Photo / Shutterstock

Hurst Photo / Shutterstock

Headed to the U.S. for Thanksgiving? You’re in for a treat! Thanksgiving in the U.S. is all about family, food, and football—but mainly the food. Get excited for roast turkey (or ham with pineapple for some), cranberry sauce, stuffing, sweet potato, cornbread, and more! The United States is a melting pot of all different ethnicities, so your Thanksgiving meal may vary. But the memories you’ll make and that feeling of “Phew! I can’t eat another bite!” won’t disappoint.

Do you have any favorite holiday foods? Let us know in the comments!

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About The Author

Chenea Gordon is the newest addition to our travel writer team! She’s fun, enthusiastic, and has (surprise!) a deep love for travel. The Bronx native has several years of experience working in the travel industry. She’s passionate about understanding travelers’ needs and interests, as well as creating lasting memories.