Thanksgiving can feel a little different when you’re spending it away from home. Maybe you’re missing a familiar family meal, or perhaps you’re an international student wondering what the holiday is all about. Either way, there are plenty of ways to make the long weekend feel special.
From sharing a meal with friends to exploring the Niagara region, here are a few ideas to help you enjoy the holiday, make the most of the long weekend, and take a well-deserved break from university work.
What to expect during Thanksgiving weekend
Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October, giving many students a long weekend to relax and recharge. For many Canadians, it’s a time to get together with family or friends, share a meal, and appreciate the people and things they’re grateful for.
If you’re staying in Thorold for the weekend, you may notice that things feel a little quieter than usual as people travel or spend time with family. Some stores, restaurants, and services may also have different hours on Thanksgiving Monday, so it’s worth planning ahead
Ways to celebrate Thanksgiving away from home
Cook a meal with friends
You don’t have to prepare a full turkey dinner to celebrate Thanksgiving. A few favourite dishes and good company can be enough to make the occasion feel special.
Consider having a potluck, where everyone brings a dish, snack, or dessert to share. It’s a simple way to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal together without putting all the work or expense on one person.
Share traditions from home
Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to celebrate the different cultures and backgrounds within your friend group. Whether your friends come from different countries or different parts of Canada, invite everyone to bring a little piece of home to the table.
Everyone could bring a favourite dish, share a tradition they grew up with, or show photos and tell stories. Sharing these customs and memories can be a fun way to learn something new about each other.
Plan a relaxed Thanksgiving get-together
Thanksgiving can be just as enjoyable with a small group of friends. Invite a few friends over for board or card games, snacks, movies, or simply to hang out together.
A shared playlist, comfortable seating, and a few seasonal decorations can create a warm, welcoming atmosphere without requiring a large budget or hours of preparation.
Call family back home
If you’re spending Thanksgiving away from family, a phone or video call can help you feel a little more connected. Set aside some time to catch up, share what you’ve been doing, or simply enjoy a familiar conversation.
Even if your family doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, you can still use the long weekend as an opportunity to call home and check in. You could even share a photo of your meal or tell them about the new Thanksgiving traditions you’re experiencing in Canada.
Explore Thorold and the Niagara region
A long weekend is a great opportunity to explore your surroundings without worrying about your usual class schedule. Take a walk around Thorold, visit a local park, or plan a short trip with friends to see more of the Niagara region.
Fall is an especially nice time to get outside, with cooler temperatures and changing leaves. Just remember to check holiday hours and transportation schedules before heading out.
Thanksgiving foods you might want to try
If this is your first Canadian Thanksgiving, here are some of the foods you might see at a traditional Thanksgiving meal:
- Roast turkey: Often the centrepiece of the meal and typically served with gravy.
- Stuffing: A savoury side dish commonly made with bread, herbs, and seasonings.
- Mashed potatoes: A classic Thanksgiving side, often served with gravy.
- Cranberry sauce: A sweet and slightly tart addition that pairs well with savoury dishes.
- Roasted vegetables: Seasonal vegetables add plenty of colour and variety to the table.
- Pumpkin pie: A popular autumn dessert and a Thanksgiving favourite.
Enjoy Thanksgiving at your own pace
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to look a certain way to be meaningful. Whether you cook a meal with friends, explore the Niagara region, call family back home, or simply use the long weekend to rest, you can celebrate in whatever way feels right for you.
A comfortable place to call home can make the holiday even better. If you’re looking for off-campus housing in Thorold, Foundry Lofts offers fully furnished apartments with modern amenities. With space to cook, relax, and spend time with friends, Foundry Lofts makes it easy to enjoy Thanksgiving at your own pace.
Frequently asked questions
When is Thanksgiving celebrated in Canada?
Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October. The holiday creates a long weekend that many people use to spend time with family and friends, enjoy seasonal food, and reflect on what they are thankful for.
How can you celebrate Thanksgiving with friends?
Invite a few friends over for a shared meal or casual get-together. Everyone can contribute a dish, snack, or activity, making the celebration easier to organize and more affordable.
What should you buy before the Thanksgiving long weekend?
Plan your meals and make a grocery list before the long weekend begins. Buying ingredients, snacks, and other essentials early can help you avoid last-minute shopping, especially since some businesses may have adjusted holiday hours.
How can you stay connected with family during Thanksgiving?
Set aside time for a video call, phone call, or virtual meal with family. Sharing photos from your celebration can also help them feel included, even if you’re celebrating from afar.
Can traditions from home be included in Thanksgiving celebrations?
Absolutely. You can prepare a familiar dish, share a family tradition, or introduce your friends to a meaningful custom from home. Blending different traditions can make your Thanksgiving celebration feel more personal and welcoming.
