Celebrating Thanksgiving in the Virgin Islands

Thanksgiving in the Virgin Islands is truly special! As a U.S. territory, the USVIs celebrate the holiday much the same as in the continental U.S. Think turkey, parades, and plenty of good times! Here are a few events, festivals, and ideas to make your Thanksgiving in the Virgin Islands unforgettable:

1. Sail Into the Best VI Thanksgiving Events

Make this holiday season extra special by sailing into all of the best Thanksgiving events the Virgin Islands has to offer! Below we’ll walk you through where to go over the holiday weekend, however, keep in mind that in order to make it to all of these festivities, you’ll want to travel by boat. You can learn more about renting your own bareboat for the holiday weekend here.

2. Enjoy the Best Thanksgiving Meals in the VI

While some of your favorite Virgin Islands restaurants may be closed on Thanksgiving, others go all out for the holidays! There are a variety of restaurants offering traditional Thanksgiving meals on Thanksgiving Day as well as to-go meals options and restaurants offering their regular menus too. You can find a full listing of restaurants that are open for Thanksgiving on St. John and St. Thomas here.

3. Celebrate with St. Croix’s Holiday Jump Up

Celebrate Thanksgiving in the Virgin Islands with traditional VI flare! The Holiday Jump Up in Christiansted combines the fun of a traditional VI street party with plenty of holiday pizzazz. Rivaling the fun of the Macy’s Day Parade, this event offers its famous Moko Jumbie Parade Friday night as well as plenty of great vendors to visit during the day. Don’t forget to grab a freshly grown coconut complete with a shot of rum while you roam the harbor!

4. Head to The Anegada Lobster Festival

Swap the turkey for lobster this year when you celebrate Thanksgiving in the Virgin Islands! The 11th annual Anegada Lobster Festival will run from Friday, November 24th through Sunday, November 26th. This Thanksgiving weekend event in the British Virgin Islands offers attendees $10 lobster dishes from 12 local restaurants. Live music and the addition of family fun days at the Anegada Recreation Grounds make this holiday festival a perfect choice for a weekend full of fun.

5. Attend the Coral Bay Thanksgiving Regatta

Sail your way over to the Salty Mongoose or Surf Club Cantina to get the best views of the Coral Bay Thanksgiving Regatta! This annual classic is an adrenaline rush even for spectators and a can’t miss event for sailing lovers. Learn more about the Regatta on the Coral Bay Yacht Club Facebook page.

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Visiting the VI