Celebrating Thanksgiving in Vienna: Your Guide to a festive Holiday Abroad
Thanksgiving might feel far from home when you’re living abroad, but Vienna offers a surprising number of ways to celebrate this cherished American holiday. From customary dinners to homemade pies, you can create a Thanksgiving experience that feels both familiar and uniquely Viennese. Here’s your complete guide to enjoying Thanksgiving in Austria’s capital.
Traditional Thanksgiving Dinners
Several venues throughout Vienna are hosting Thanksgiving feasts, offering a comforting taste of home.
* Democrats Abroad Thanksgiving Dinner: Join Democrats Abroad on November 27th for their annual Thanksgiving dinner at the Zoku hotel‘s rooftop restaurant. Enjoy stunning views of the Prater while savoring a traditional meal prepared by fellow Americans – chef Liz and Restaurant Manager Jared, both hailing from California. Tickets are €57 per adult and €22 per child, with a requested donation of $5 per adult and $1 per child to reserve your spot and receive raffle tickets.
* Hard rock Cafe Vienna: Experience a Thanksgiving meal with a rock ‘n’ roll twist at the Hard Rock Cafe on Rotenturmstraße. They’re serving up holiday classics, but reservations are highly recommended, as spots are filling up quickly. You can secure your table through OpenTable.
* A familiar Feast: For a taste of Thanksgiving at home, consider ordering from Vienna-based pop-up “A Familiar Feast,” founded by American chef Chelsea Frischknecht. They offer a delicious menu of roast turkey, gravy, cornbread, pecan pie, and more, available for pre-order and pick-up on November 26th. Find the order form on their Instagram page or website.
Sweet Treats & Homemade Touches
Don’t forget dessert! Several options exist for satisfying your pumpkin pie cravings.
* Chez Fritz: this vegan patisserie in Vienna’s 9th district offers a delectable pumpkin pie.
* Local Bakeries: Keep an eye out at local Bäckereien (bakeries). Austrians are eager about Kürbis (pumpkin) during the fall season, so you might find a seasonal pumpkin treat.
Connecting with the American Community
Feeling homesick or simply wanting to share the holiday with others?
* Americans in Vienna Facebook Group: Join the “Americans in Vienna” Facebook group to discover additional events, share tips, and connect with fellow expats celebrating Thanksgiving. This is a great resource for finding community and making the holiday feel more special.
Planning Your Thanksgiving in Vienna
Remember to book your dinner reservations and place your orders for takeaway items well in advance, as these events and services are popular. Embrace the chance to experience Thanksgiving in a new and exciting way, and enjoy the unique charm of Vienna during this festive season.
Living abroad doesn’t mean you have to forgo your traditions. With a little planning, you can create a memorable Thanksgiving party in Vienna that blends the best of American hospitality with Austrian flair.
