Celebrating Thanksgiving Across the Atlantic
Thanksgiving is a time-honoured American holiday rooted in the early 17th-century New England tradition of giving thanks for the harvest and for blessings received. Over time, it has evolved into a broader celebration of gratitude, family, and community, typically marked by a feast featuring roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie. The story commonly told centres on a 1621 harvest meal shared between English settlers from the Mayflower and members of the Wampanoag Nation in present-day Massachusetts.
In popular imagination, this gathering symbolises cooperation and friendship, but the historical reality is more complex. While there were moments of exchange and mutual aid, they were soon followed by decades of disease, conflict, and the displacement of Indigenous peoples as European colonisation expanded. The myth of the 鈥淔irst Thanksgiving鈥� has therefore come under increasing scrutiny for romanticising these encounters. In recent years, many Americans have begun to observe the holiday with a more reflective awareness鈥攂alancing gratitude for togetherness with an understanding of the difficult histories that underlie it.
Hamburg, with its global outlook and long history of transatlantic ties, embraces this American tradition in its own distinct way. As a major port city with deep historical connections to the United States and a diverse international community, the Hanseatic city offers several venues where those far from home鈥攐r simply curious about American customs鈥攃an join in Thanksgiving-style gatherings. This year, three standout events provide a chance to mark the occasion in true Hamburg fashion.
Thanksgiving Events in Hamburg:
Date & Time: Thursday, 27 November 2025, 19:00鈥�23:00聽
Venue: Hobenk枚枚k Restaurant, Stockmeyerstra脽e 43, 20457 Hamburg
The American Club of Hamburg hosts its annual Thanksgiving Dinner at Hobenk枚枚k, prepared by owner and TV chef Thomas Sampl. The buffet features roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, cornbread, cranberries, autumn vegetables, and pumpkin pie, with vegetarian-friendly options available. Wine and non-alcoholic drinks are included, and this year鈥檚 tickets are heavily subsidised: Members 鈧�50 early bird / 鈧�60 regular; Non-Members 鈧�70 early bird / 鈧�80 regular; Children (7鈥�14) 鈧�20; under 7 free. Parking and e-charging are available on site. Reservations via
Date & Time: Thursday, 27 November 2025, 19:00鈥�22:00聽
Venue: Cast Iron Grill, Hamburg Marriott Hotel, ABC-Strasse 52, 20354 Hamburg
The Cast Iron Grill invites guests to enjoy a traditional American Thanksgiving buffet in an elegant yet relaxed setting. The evening begins with a choice of appetisers, followed by a whole turkey carved live at the buffet and served with all the classic sides. The warm, festive atmosphere makes it ideal for both families and groups of friends looking to celebrate with a touch of American flair.
Date & Time: Thursday, 27 November 2025, from 18:30聽
Venue: BallinStadt Hamburg 鈥� Auswanderermuseum (Restaurant 鈥淣ach Amerika鈥�), Veddeler Bogen 2, 20539 Hamburg
At BallinStadt, Thanksgiving takes on a special resonance. The museum鈥攄edicated to the millions who once emigrated via Hamburg to the United States鈥攈osts a traditional dinner featuring turkey, sweet-potato pur茅e and apple pie in its restaurant 鈥淣ach Amerika鈥�. Guests can also visit the permanent exhibition Welt in Bewegung earlier in the day for a reduced entry price of 鈧�8 until 18:30. Drinks during dinner are charged separately. Advance booking for the dinner is recommended.聽
