How to Enjoy a Thanksgiving-Style Feast in the UK

We said we would and here it is! A simple guide for Brits who want to celebrate American Thanksgiving at home.

Thanksgiving may be an American holiday, but there’s no reason we can’t enjoy a cosy, delicious version of it here in the UK. 

Whether you’re honouring American friends or family, embracing a new tradition, or simply fancying a hearty feast before December begins, recreating Thanksgiving at home is easier than you might think.

Here’s how to put together a warm and welcoming Thanksgiving celebration using ingredients, swaps, and ideas easily available across the UK.

Start with the Essentials: What You Actually Need

A British take on Thanksgiving doesn’t require a huge house, a massive turkey, or a cupboard full of hard-to-find American ingredients. You just need:

A roast-style main

A few comforting sides

Something sweet and autumnal

A sense of togetherness

Think of it as a “preview Christmas dinner” with an American twist.

Choosing Your Thanksgiving Main

Turkey

You can get whole turkeys in late November, though they’re not as common. Larger supermarkets sometimes stock them, and turkey crowns are often available year-round.

Chicken

A great, budget-friendly alternative if you’re feeding a smaller group.

Ham

In many American households, glazed ham joins the turkey. A honey-roast joint works perfectly.

Vegetarian/Vegan Options

A mushroom Wellington, nut roast, or plant-based roast makes an excellent centrepiece.

Classic Sides – with Simple UK-Friendly Swaps

Mashed Potatoes

No changes needed – just make a big fluffy bowl and serve with plenty of gravy.

Stuffing

American families often use cornbread stuffing. In the UK, sage-and-onion stuffing works beautifully.

Sweet Potato Dish

If you want to go full American, bake them with brown sugar and marshmallows.

If that feels too sweet, roasted sweet potatoes with paprika or cinnamon give a more British balance.

Green Bean Casserole

This dish is traditionally made with cream-of-mushroom soup and crispy fried onions.

You can recreate it easily with:

Tinned mushroom soup

Frozen green beans

Crispy onions from the salad aisle

Cranberry Sauce

We already embrace this at Christmas, so a jar from the supermarket works perfectly.

Mac and Cheese

A Southern Thanksgiving staple and easy to make ahead. It also pairs surprisingly well with roast turkey.

Desserts Made for British Kitchens

Pumpkin Pie

Canned pumpkin purée is widely available in UK supermarkets from October to December.

Alternatively, sweet potato pie offers nearly the same flavour and is simpler to make using fresh British-grown potatoes.

Pecan Pie

Rich, sticky, and ideal if you want a showstopper. Pecans are readily available in the baking aisle.

Apple Pie

If all else fails, a classic British apple pie fits right in.

Make It Feel Like Thanksgiving – Without Overthinking It

1. Share Things You're Grateful For

This is the heart of the holiday. Go round the table and let everyone say something positive from the past year.

2. Watch an American Film or Show

Plenty of programmes have iconic Thanksgiving episodes:

Friends

How I Met Your Mother

Modern Family

3. Put on the Parade in the Background

NBC broadcasts the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which is often available on streaming services or YouTube afterwards.

4. Use It as the Moment You “Kick Off Christmas”

Many Americans start decorating for Christmas right after Thanksgiving – a perfect excuse to bring out the fairy lights.

Easy UK Shopping List for a Thanksgiving Meal

Here’s a quick guide to items you can easily source locally:

Supermarkets:

Turkey crown/chicken/ham

Mashed potato ingredients

Stuffing

Cranberry sauce

Sweet potatoes

Frozen green beans

Tinned mushroom soup

Crispy onions

Macaroni and cheese ingredients

Pumpkin purée (seasonal)

Pecans

Ready-made apple or pecan pie

Speciality/American shops (optional):

Marshmallows for sweet potato topping

Cornbread mix

American-style gravy mixes

Pumpkin pie spice

A Lovely New Tradition for British Homes

Bringing Thanksgiving into a British household doesn’t require authenticity – just warmth, good food, and a moment to pause before the Christmas rush begins. 

Whether you recreate the full American feast or simply make a toasted pumpkin pie to enjoy with a cup of tea, a British Thanksgiving can be a charming addition to your festive calendar.

How Should a Brit Celebrate Thanksgiving? A Festive Guide for Curious UK Households

Discover how Brits can celebrate Thanksgiving with UK-friendly dishes, clever ingredient swaps, and cosy seasonal touches in this festive guide from That’s Christmas 365.

Thanksgiving may not be a traditional British celebration, but plenty of us enjoy the idea of a cosy autumn feast, a moment to pause before the Christmas rush, and a chance to borrow a little of that warm, familial American tradition. 

Whether you’re hosting your first UK-based Thanksgiving or simply fancy an excuse for a hearty meal, here’s how you can recreate the spirit of the holiday – with a few clever British twists.

What Thanksgiving Means – and How Brits Can Join In

At its heart, Thanksgiving is about gathering with loved ones, enjoying seasonal food, and taking a moment to reflect on the good things in life. You don’t need to adopt the full American calendar to enjoy that. Think of it as an autumnal pre-Christmas warm-up: comfort food, candles glowing, and a grateful toast across the table.

You can keep the day relaxed and festive. Invite friends or family round, light a few seasonal-scented candles, and enjoy the slower pace before December becomes all mince pies, mulled wine, and frantic shopping.

What Foods Should Brits Serve for Thanksgiving?

Americans centre their feast around a few classic dishes. Many translate perfectly to UK kitchens; others need a little adapting.

1. The Main Event: Turkey (or Alternatives)

A traditional roast turkey is standard, but you don’t need to replicate an American-sized bird. A crown works well for a smaller gathering.

If you’d rather skip turkey altogether (especially if you’re keeping it for Christmas), try roasted chicken, slow-cooked beef brisket, or a veggie alternative like mushroom Wellington.

2. Mashed Potatoes – No Swap Needed

Brits make superb mash. Add a generous amount of butter, a splash of milk or cream, and a bit of nutmeg for a slightly richer, holiday feel.

3. Stuffing

American stuffing often includes cornbread – not something that always pops up on UK shelves.

Swap: Use a good quality sage and onion stuffing, or make your own with sourdough, herbs, butter, and onions.

Add cranberries or chopped apples for that classic sweet-savory style.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole

An American favourite, topped with marshmallows (yes, really). Sweet potatoes are easy to get here, and the rest is simple.

If marshmallows feel a bit too… much…

Swap: Use a pecan crumble topping rather than marshmallows. It’s elegant, crunchy, and far more British-friendly.

5. Green Bean Casserole

A staple dish in the USA, but cream of mushroom soup (the key ingredient) differs slightly here.

Swap: Use any standard condensed mushroom soup or make a simple creamy mushroom sauce from scratch.

Fried onions for the topping can be replaced with crispy shallots or even French’s style onions if you can find them online.

6. Cranberry Sauce

Easily found in UK supermarkets this time of year.

To make it feel more “harvest feast” than “Christmas dinner,” add orange zest and a dash of cinnamon.

7. Pumpkin Pie

The defining Thanksgiving dessert, though tinned pumpkin isn’t always easy to find in smaller UK shops.

Swap:

Use roasted butternut squash purée (it tastes almost identical once spiced).

A spiced apple pie or pecan pie also fits the theme perfectly if you want a simpler option.

Other American Dishes You Can Easily Recreate

Biscuits (American scones): UK scones minus the sugar work nicely. Serve with gravy.

Mac and cheese: Creamy, indulgent, and widely loved on both sides of the Atlantic.

Cornbread: Can be made from scratch with polenta if you can’t find boxed mixes.

Drinks to Serve

Thanksgiving drinks tend to be warming and autumnal:

Spiced apple cider (our version is non-alcoholic; add rum if you like)

Mulled apple juice

Brown ales or amber ales

A nice bottle of red for the table

Pumpkin spice lattes for fun

Decorations and Atmosphere

Because Thanksgiving sits so close to Christmas, you can keep things simple:

Warm autumn colours (gold, amber, deep red)

Pumpkins or gourds if you still have any leftover from October

Candles or fairy lights

A table set with rustic linens and seasonal foliage

It’s cosy, relaxed, and not nearly as formal as a Christmas dinner.

A Thanksgiving the British Way

There’s no right or wrong way to celebrate Thanksgiving as a Brit. Think of it as a chance to enjoy great food, good company, and a welcome moment of calm before December begins in earnest.

You can follow American recipes closely, or add your own British touches. Serve a full turkey feast, or simply host an autumn supper with gratitude at its core. The whole charm of celebrating Thanksgiving in the UK is that you can make the holiday your own.

I am truly blessed that my "day job" employer is based in the USA and invites all employees to enjoy Thanksgiving by having a day off in honour of the occasion. 

The Best UK-Made Stocking Fillers You Can Buy Now – Celebrate British Craftsmanship

When it comes to Christmas gifting, there’s something truly special about choosing presents made right here in the UK. 

From traditional craftsmanship to small-batch creativity, British makers pour heart and heritage into every product. 

If you’re looking to fill those stockings with thoughtful treasures that support local artisans and businesses, here are some of the best UK-made stocking fillers you can buy right now.

1. Hand-Poured Candles from the Cotswolds

Cosy winter scents like cinnamon, clove, and cedarwood make handmade candles a perfect seasonal gift. Try Cotswold Candle Co. or The Little Candle Co. – both craft small-batch soy candles with recyclable packaging and naturally sourced fragrances.

Perfect for: Creating that warm, festive glow on Christmas morning.

2. Artisan Chocolate Treats from Cornwall to Cumbria

Who doesn’t love chocolate in their stocking? Brands like Chococo (Dorset) and Cocoa Wonderland (Sheffield) offer beautifully packaged British-made chocolates that are as ethical as they are indulgent. Look for seasonal flavours like spiced orange truffles or sea-salt caramels.

Perfect for: Sweet-toothed loved ones who appreciate quality and sustainability.

3. Luxury Soap Bars from British Makers

A beautifully wrapped bar of soap feels like a classic Christmas gift — especially when it’s handmade with British botanicals. The English Soap Company, Scottish Fine Soaps, and The Soap Dairy create luxurious soaps with scents inspired by the countryside.

Perfect for: Adding a touch of elegance to any bathroom.

4. Woollen Gloves and Scarves from Yorkshire Mills

Wrap up warm with beautifully made British knitwear. Bronte by Moon and Glencroft produce timeless wool accessories in Yorkshire and the Dales using traditional looms and sustainable materials.

Perfect for: A practical yet stylish stocking filler that keeps the chill away.

5. Mini Spirits from Independent UK Distilleries

For grown-up stockings, small-batch British spirits are a real treat. Look for mini bottles from The Lakes Distillery, Chase Distillery, or Sipsmith. Whether it’s gin, whisky, or rum, these pocket-sized bottles are ideal for sampling British excellence.

Perfect for: The discerning drinker who enjoys a festive tipple.

6. Handmade Stationery & Notebooks

From Smythson’s heritage notebooks to eco-friendly recycled paper pads by Vent for Change, UK stationery brands offer beautifully crafted pieces that make writing feel special again.

Perfect for: Writers, dreamers, and list-makers.

7. Beeswax Wraps & Eco Goodies

Sustainable doesn’t mean dull. Beeswax food wraps, reusable produce bags, and bamboo toothbrushes from UK eco-brands like BeeBee Wraps or The Cheeky Panda make thoughtful and environmentally friendly additions to any stocking.

Perfect for: Eco-conscious friends who love a greener Christmas.

8. Handmade Wooden Toys

For children’s stockings, wooden toys from Hawthorn Handmade or Heritage Wooden Toys bring old-fashioned charm and durability. Think spinning tops, puzzles, and animal figurines made from sustainably sourced wood.

Perfect for: Little ones who love imaginative play.

Why Buy British?

Choosing UK-made stocking fillers not only supports local artisans and family businesses but also reduces your carbon footprint. Each handmade item carries a story — one of craftsmanship, community, and care.

So this Christmas, let your stockings tell a story of British creativity and tradition. You’ll be gifting more than just a product — you’ll be sharing a piece of homegrown magic.

Discover More:

Browse UK-made festive finds on sites like Not On The High Street, Etsy UK, and independent makers’ markets across Britain.

You can purchase UK-made Christmas gifts here:- https://amzn.to/47D1zwJ

How to Ensure Your Christmas Presents Are Made in Britain

As the festive season approaches, many of us are searching for the perfect gifts to delight our loved ones. This year, why not make a conscious effort to support British businesses by choosing presents made right here in the UK? 

Not only does this help boost the local economy, but it also reduces the environmental impact of shipping goods from overseas. Here’s how to ensure your Christmas presents are proudly made in Britain.

1. Check the Label

The simplest way to confirm a product’s origin is to check the label. Look for phrases like “Made in Britain” or “Made in the UK.” However, be cautious, as some products may be “assembled” in the UK but not manufactured here. When in doubt, research the brand’s production process to ensure authenticity.

2. Shop from British Brands

Many iconic British brands manufacture their goods domestically. From Barbour jackets to Emma Bridgewater pottery, there’s a wealth of homegrown companies offering high-quality products. A little research can uncover British brands in every category, from fashion and beauty to food and drink.

3. Explore Local Markets

Christmas markets and craft fairs are treasure troves for unique, locally made gifts. Artisans and small businesses often sell handmade items, from jewellery to home décor, and you can usually chat with the makers to learn more about their craft.

4. Use Online Directories

Websites like Make it British or Buy British list UK-based companies and products. These directories are a fantastic resource for discovering brands that prioritise British manufacturing. You can often filter by product type to find exactly what you’re looking for.

5. Prioritise Handmade and Small Businesses

Small businesses and independent makers are more likely to produce their goods locally. Platforms like Etsy UK or Not On The High Street feature a range of handmade items crafted by British artisans. Plus, shopping small often means you’re giving a gift that’s truly one of a kind.

6. Consider Food and Drink Gifts

The UK is home to incredible food and drink producers. From award-winning cheeses and chocolates to locally distilled gins and whiskies, there’s no shortage of delicious options. Look for products with protected status labels, such as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), to ensure their authenticity.

7. Avoid Fast Fashion and Imported Goods

Fast fashion brands often outsource production to cut costs, so their items are unlikely to be made in Britain. Instead, opt for clothing and accessories from British designers who manufacture locally. The same goes for electronics, toys, and other mass-produced items—seek out alternatives made by UK-based companies.

8. Ask Questions

If you’re shopping in-store or online and it’s unclear where a product is made, don’t hesitate to ask. Retailers should be transparent about their supply chains and should be able to tell you if a product is made in Britain.

Why It Matters

Choosing British-made gifts isn’t just about patriotism—it’s about supporting local jobs, reducing carbon footprints, and investing in quality craftsmanship. By buying locally, you’re helping to sustain British industries and ensuring that your gifts come with a story worth telling.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas, take the time to consider where your presents come from. With a little effort, you can find beautiful, meaningful gifts that support British businesses and artisans. Your choices can make a difference—not just for the recipient of the gift, but for the makers and the planet too.

Happy shopping, and here’s to a very British Christmas!

Unusual Ways Christmas is Celebrated in the UK

When we think of Christmas in the UK, traditional images of twinkling lights, mulled wine, and mince pies spring to mind. 

But beyond these classic festivities, the UK boasts a variety of quirky and unusual ways to celebrate the season. 

From centuries-old customs to more modern eccentricities, here are some of the most unusual Christmas traditions found across the UK.

1. The Pudding Race in Covent Garden

London’s Covent Garden hosts the Great Christmas Pudding Race, a charity event that is as chaotic as it is entertaining. Participants don festive fancy dress and navigate an obstacle course while balancing a Christmas pudding on a plate. The event raises money for cancer research and perfectly embodies the British love of mixing charity with humour.

2. Wassailing

An ancient tradition rooted in Anglo-Saxon culture, wassailing is still practised in some rural parts of England, particularly in cider-producing regions like Somerset. Wassailing involves visiting orchards, singing to the apple trees, and toasting them with cider to ensure a good harvest in the coming year. It's a fascinating mix of pagan rituals and festive cheer.

3. Burning the Clocks in Brighton

Brighton’s winter solstice celebration, Burning the Clocks, is a strikingly alternative take on Christmas festivities. Residents create paper and willow lanterns, parade them through the streets, and finally burn them in a spectacular beach bonfire. This unique event symbolises letting go of the year gone by and embracing the new one.

4. Boxing Day Dip

Taking an icy plunge into freezing waters on Boxing Day is a daring tradition observed in coastal towns across the UK. From Tenby in Wales to Exmouth in Devon, brave souls—often in fancy dress—dash into the chilly sea. These dips typically raise funds for local charities and offer a bracing cure for Christmas indulgence.

5. Bizarre Christmas Foods

While the Christmas dinner table is usually adorned with classics like turkey and pigs in blankets, some regions add their own unique twists. In Cornwall, stargazy pie—a fish pie with pilchard heads poking through the crust—is a quirky festive treat linked to local legend. Meanwhile, in Scotland, the dessert table often features clootie dumpling, a boiled pudding spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.

In parts of Wales Goose Blood Tart is considered quite the delicacy. Made in farming communities using all the blood removed from geese that were slaughtered for Christmas. It's a rich, fruity tart. 

6. Christmas Eve Ghost Stories

Telling ghost stories on Christmas Eve is a less-common tradition that harks back to Victorian times, popularised by authors like Charles Dickens (A Christmas Carol being the most famous example). While not widely practised today, some families still gather to share spooky tales by candlelight, adding an eerie twist to the festive season.

7. Pantomime Animals and Chaos

The UK’s love affair with pantomimes reaches its peak at Christmas. These theatrical performances blend slapstick humour, audience participation, and men dressing as dames. But one of the quirkiest aspects is the pantomime horse (or cow)—a costume usually shared by two actors. It's not uncommon for these comedic animals to steal the show with their antics.

8. First-Footing on Christmas Night

In parts of Scotland, the tradition of first-footing—usually associated with Hogmanay—sometimes begins on Christmas night. The first person to cross a home's threshold brings symbolic gifts such as coal, shortbread, or whisky, to ensure good fortune for the year ahead.

9. The Robin Postmen

The tradition of sending Christmas cards was popularised in Victorian Britain, but did you know that the red-uniformed postmen of the era inspired the association of robins with Christmas? Some communities still celebrate this link by decorating with robin-themed ornaments and sending cards featuring the cheerful bird.

10. Christmas Tree Throwing Competitions

In parts of the UK, such as Keele in Staffordshire, post-Christmas festivities include a tree-throwing competition. Competitors test their strength by hurling their used Christmas trees as far as possible, a quirky and environmentally friendly way to dispose of festive foliage.

A Nation of Quirks and Traditions

From wassailing in the orchards to plunging into icy seas, the UK’s Christmas traditions reflect its diverse history, humour, and love of eccentricity. Whether you're a participant or a curious observer, these unusual customs add a unique sparkle to the festive season, proving that there’s no single way to celebrate Christmas in Britain.

So, this year, why not explore one of these quirky traditions? You might just discover a new way to embrace the festive spirit!

Happy Christmas, and may your celebrations be as joyful and unusual as the traditions themselves!

A Taste of Christmas: Regional Specialities from Across the UK and Ireland

The festive season is not just about presents and decorations; it’s also a time to indulge in delicious, traditional foods. 

Across the UK and Ireland, each region brings its own unique flair to Christmas feasting. From hearty pies to sweet treats, here’s a look at some special Christmas foods from across the isles.

1. England: Yorkshire Christmas Pie

Yorkshire has a long-standing tradition of hearty pies, and the Christmas version is no exception. The Yorkshire Christmas Pie is an extravagant affair. This grand pie is packed with multiple layers of meat—traditionally, everything from turkey and goose to game birds. It's an awe-inspiring centrepiece for a Christmas table, often surrounded by rich gravy and seasonal vegetables.

For something a little sweeter, mince pies are a beloved part of Christmas celebrations across England. Filled with dried fruits, spices, and sometimes a dash of brandy, these tiny pies are thought to bring good luck when eaten during the 12 days of Christmas.

2. Scotland: Cloutie Dumpling

In Scotland, Christmas dinner isn't complete without a slice of Cloutie Dumpling. This spiced fruit pudding is boiled in a cloth (the “clout”), giving it a characteristic skin and dense texture. It's a traditional dessert that’s rich with dried fruits, suet, and spices, often soaked in whisky to add warmth to the festive table. Traditionally served with custard or a dram of whisky, it’s a true winter warmer.

Another festive Scottish treat is the black bun, a fruitcake wrapped in pastry, traditionally eaten on Hogmanay (New Year's Eve) but sometimes seen during the Christmas period too.

3. Wales: Bara Brith

Christmas in Wales wouldn’t be complete without a slice of Bara Brith, a rich fruit loaf steeped in tea and flavoured with mixed spice. Although it’s often enjoyed year-round, it takes on a special place at Christmas, sometimes served alongside other traditional foods like Welsh cakes. The fruity, spiced aroma of Bara Brith feels especially festive when enjoyed with a hot cup of tea on a cold winter’s day.

Additionally, tê bach, a spiced biscuit often served at Christmas parties, makes a delightful sweet snack for Welsh families over the festive season.

4. Northern Ireland: Fifteens

Northern Ireland's Christmas gatherings often feature a no-bake treat called Fifteens. These sweet, moreish bites are named after their simple recipe: 15 digestive biscuits, 15 marshmallows, and 15 glacé cherries mixed with condensed milk and coconut. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, Fifteens are a favourite at festive parties and get-togethers in Northern Ireland.

Another traditional Northern Irish Christmas food is the Christmas spiced beef, often served cold with mustard or chutney. This delicacy is made by marinating a joint of beef in a mixture of spices for up to two weeks before slow-cooking it. It’s a robust, deeply flavoured dish that's perfect for a festive buffet.

5. Ireland: Spiced Beef and Guinness Cake

Across the water in the Republic of Ireland, one of the most famous Christmas dishes is spiced beef. This centuries-old dish, particularly popular in Cork, involves marinating beef in a blend of spices (cloves, allspice, juniper, and brown sugar) for several days before slow-cooking or boiling. The result is a tender, flavour-packed joint often served cold in sandwiches or with potatoes and cabbage on Christmas Day.

For dessert, a slice of Guinness cake rounds off the meal perfectly. The dark, rich stout adds a depth of flavour to this fruit-laden cake, making it a popular alternative to the traditional Christmas pudding.

6. Cornwall: Saffron Cake

Cornwall brings a touch of golden warmth to the festive table with saffron cake. This yeasted sweet bread, spiced with saffron and filled with currants and raisins, is a traditional Cornish treat. Though it's not exclusive to Christmas, it's often made during the festive season and pairs perfectly with a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon.

Cornwall’s long-standing fishing tradition also makes stargazy pie a unique Christmas dish. Originally from the Cornish village of Mousehole, this pie features pilchards poking their heads through the pastry “gazing” skywards. While traditionally associated with the winter festival of Tom Bawcock’s Eve (just before Christmas), it occasionally finds its way onto the Christmas table.

7. The Midlands: Shropshire Fidget Pie

In the Midlands, particularly in Shropshire, you’ll find Fidget Pie making an appearance during the festive period. This traditional pie, made with ham, apples, and onions, wrapped in a flaky pastry, offers a savoury-sweet combination that is both hearty and comforting—perfect for the cold winter months.

Another Midlands speciality is pork pie, often served cold as part of a buffet or Boxing Day spread. Melton Mowbray, in Leicestershire, is famous for producing some of the best pork pies in the country.

8. The Channel Islands: Jersey Wonders

In the Channel Islands, Jersey Wonders are a traditional Christmas treat. These light, fried doughnut-like pastries are twisted into knots and served with tea. Although they’re typically enjoyed throughout the year, they hold a special place in festive gatherings, bringing a sweet, nostalgic touch to Christmas.

Conclusion

Each region across the UK and Ireland adds its own culinary flair to the Christmas season, reflecting its local produce, history, and culture. From hearty pies in Yorkshire to spiced beef in Ireland and sweet treats like Cloutie Dumpling and Bara Brith, these foods help bring families and communities together, celebrating the best of regional flavours. Whether you stick to tradition or explore a new dish from another part of the country, there’s no better way to celebrate the festive season than with a feast filled with history and flavour.

Merry Christmas, and happy feasting!