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Why spend Thanksgiving at home slaving over the stove and cleaning up the mess afterward when you can get away and have a hassle-free holiday? Vacation with your immediate family or invite the extended clan to meet up for a long weekend of food, family, and fun, away from home. These 8 hotels know how to do the holiday right, from lavish feasts to kid-friendly activities that will make for a memorable holiday.

RELATED: 5 useful Thanksgiving travel tips

Grand Country Waterpark Resort: Branson, MO

Grand Country Resort

Image courtesy Grand Country Waterpark Resort

Talk about a fun family Thanksgiving! Kids will love spending the holiday at the Grand Country Waterpark Resort with its indoor waterpark, go-karts, miniature golf, bowling alley, and arcade. When it comes time for a feast, head to the Grand Country Buffet for traditional holiday favorites, including turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and pumpkin pie.

 

Disneyland Hotel: Anaheim, CA

Disneyland Hotel

Image courtesy of Disneyland Hotel

Disney knows how to make the holidays extra special. At the Disneyland Hotel, get all spiffed up and head to the Grand Ballroom for a feast to remember. Traditional holiday items will be on the menu, as well as roast beef, artisan cheeses, smoked salmon, crepes, and more. Then head over to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park for lots of holiday festivities and decor galore!

 

Rosen Centre Hotel: Orlando

Rosen Centre Hotel

Image courtesy Rosen Centre Hotel

The Rosen Centre Hotel is celebrating Thanksgiving in a big way, including a lavish buffet. In addition to the cornucopia of traditional dishes, you can also dine on international cuisine such as chicken carnitas tacos. The pet-friendly resort is only minutes away from area attractions, such as Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World.

 

The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Image courtesy The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Las Vegas and Thanksgiving have something in common…over indulgence! In the spirit of the season, chefs at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas will put their spin on common Turkey Day menu items. Try vegetarian pumpkin tortellini, roasted butternut squash soup, or a milkshake topped with a piece of pumpkin pie. After stuffing yourself, take a relaxing gondola ride, scale a 40-foot climbing wall (to work of the calories), go for a swim, or shop St. Mark’s Square.

Dollywood’s Dreammore Resort & Spa: Pigeon Forge, TN

Dollywood DreamMore Resort

Image courtesy Dollywood DreamMore Resort

This family-friendly resort includes a theme park! Dollywood’s Dreammore Resort & Spa is home to Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country. For Thanksgiving, the Song & Hearth: A Southern Eatery will serve up family-style classic comfort cuisine—perfect for Thanksgiving.

Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort: Phoenix

Arizona Biltmore

Image courtesy Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

At the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, have an elegant Thanksgiving dinner that even the kids will enjoy. The Gold Room offers a gourmet meal with kids’ favorites and all the trimmings. The exquisite dining hall ambiance will make the holiday one to remember. Spend the weekend relaxing poolside, play a round of golf, or hit the spa, while the kids zoom down the waterslides. Bring the entire extended family for a reunion getaway.

 

JW Marriott Essex House New York: NYC

JW Marriott Essex House New York

Image courtesy JW Marriott Essex House New York

One of the most exciting things about going to New York for Thanksgiving is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. The JW Marriott Essex House New York offers front-row views of the parade. Enjoy the festivities from the comfort of your guest room. Visit the SOUTHGATE Bar & Restaurant for a casual and cozy dinner with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Central Park. During Thanksgiving weekend in New York, all the holiday decorations and activities are in full swing. It’s a great place to kick off the holiday season with the entire family.

Menger Hotel: San Antonio

Menger Hotel

Image courtesy Menger Hotel

The historic Menger Hotel is offering a Thanksgiving feast in its Victorian-era Colonial Room with something for the whole family–including an omelet and waffle station and complimentary glass of champagne. One of the best perks is that kids 5 and under eat free. When making a reservation, families can request connecting rooms or a children’s crib. With its location on Alamo Plaza and adjacent to the River Walk, families will stay plenty busy.

Sharael Kolberg
​Sharael, founder of Family Travel Channel (familytravelchannel.com), has been writing about travel since 1995. Her work has appeared in Sunset magazine, Outside magazine, ForbesTravelGuide.com, MSN.com, and many others. Follow her on Twitter @FamTravChannel, FB and Instagram @FamilyTravelChannel. See more of her work at Sharael.com.
Sharael Kolberg

Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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