How do I celebrate Thanksgiving in Madrid? It can be one of the most daunting questions faced by many a first-timer on this side of the Atlantic.
Unsurprisingly, Spain does not celebrate Thanksgiving, and this can be something of a tricky holiday hurdle to get over. Especially when November is not an easy time to simply pack your bags and hop back over the pond.
So you’re stuck in España for the holidays. “What do I do?” we hear you exclaim in a hopeless, exasperated gasp. Well dry those tears and save them for the socks you’re getting for Christmas. Madrid may not be part of the Thanksgiving tradition, but it does know how to celebrate.
This fall we’ve found six ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Madrid that suit all tastes and budgets. Gather round pilgrims, this one’s for you:
Thanksgiving at the Ritz
For the one who enjoys the finer things
Fine dining, an exquisite setting, and some of the most gifted culinary talents in the city. It can’t get much better than puttin’ on the Ritz. Treat yourself to a Thanksgiving menu exercised to perfection, set in the opulent surrounds of the renowned Restaurante Goya.
- Pumpkin soup with sweet anisette and fresh cheese
- Traditional stuffed turkey
- Sweet potato purée with bacon sauce
- Apple pie and vanilla ice cream
Price: 75€ (Drinks not included)
Address: Plaza de la Lealtad, 5
Phone: +34 91 701 68 83
Email: restaurantegoya@mohg.com
Thanksgiving in Madrid at Dear Hotel
For the wild romantic
Soft jazz plays to a chorus of softly twinkling lights, as you sit down to your Thanksgiving dinner at Madrid’s most charming rooftop restaurant. This year you may not be home but you can still make this a holiday to remember.
Address: Gran Via, 80
Phone: +34 638 90 85 59
Email: reservas@nicetomeetyoumadrid.com
Thanksgiving at the ACM
For a real American Thanksgiving in Madrid
Logically f you can’t make it home for the holidays, the next best thing is to bring home to you. This year celebrate Thanksgiving with the American Club of Madrid, the official group for US expats, individuals, families and enthusiasts living in the Spanish capital.
This year hostess, ACM board member Lisette Ellis, has recreated her family’s favorite dishes for our enjoyment. Each item has been carefully translated so our chef can offer us authentic American dishes.
- Roasted turkey
- Mashed potatoes
- Gravy
- Cream of pumpkin soup
- Sweet potatoes, cinnamon and raisins
- Sweet potato puree
- Stuffing
- Green beans
- Salad
- Cranberry Sauce
- Onion Marmalade
- Apple pie
- Pumpkin pie
- Whipped cream
When: 20:00 (Welcome cocktail), 20:45 (Dinner)
Price: 60€ (ACM member adult), 70€ (guest adult: 70€), 38€ (ACM member child), 45€ (guest child)*
Address: Hotel Hesperia Madrid, Paseo de la Castellana, 57
Reservations: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/american-club-of-madrid-family-thanksgiving-tickets-28826455705
Remember: attendees to this event must make prior payment here by Friday the 18th of November.
* Child age is 3-11. Under 3s are free.
The Roll
For the shared experience
Thanksgiving being an American holiday, choosing the right place to go can be a tricky ordeal. So what better way to guarantee yourself an authentic experience than to sit down for dinner at one of Madrid’s most loved American restaurants. A newcomer on the scene and yet already a favorite of locals and expats alike, The Roll has put together a Thanksgiving menu that is true to it’s roots.
Starter
- Pumpkin soup
- Appetizer and salad
Entrée
- Oven roast turkey with cranberry sauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Corn chowder
- Sweet potatoes
- Brussels sprouts
- Honey roasted carrots
Desert
- Selection of cakes
Price: Roll: 35€*
*Includes welcome glass of cava and glass of wine. For 10€ more enjoy all you can drink wine and beer for the duration of the meal.
The Toast Tavern
For the pilgrim on the go
Thanksgiving may be a national holiday in the United States, but sadly for those of us here in Europe, it’s very much business as usual. For some of you full time corporate warriors it may not be possible to get the whole day off for 8 hours of nonstop feasting. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. On November 24th at The Toast Tavern, grab yourself a delicious Turkey Toaster, and receive a free dessert to boot! Go on, you deserve it.
Address: Calle de Guzmán el Bueno, 34
Phone: +34 917 64 72 83
A Wild Crawl Thanksgiving
For the party animal
Back in the States it may be a time to stay in, but for some Thanksgiving in Madrid is about celebrating hard. This holiday season kick off with dinner at Irish pub, Dubliners, and then head out for a festive bar crawl around the city. Three bars, entrance to a club, and heaps of drink deals along the way- who said you had to be quiet to be thankful?
Price: 10€
Meeting point: Statue of the Bear and the Tree, Puerta del Sol, 23:00
Phone: +34 69 859 38 60