Spain does not celebrate Thanksgiving as an official holiday, so it is a normal work and school day and shops stay open as usual.

Official holiday status

• Thanksgiving is not a national holiday or traditional festivity in Spain, and there are no nationwide parades or closures for it.

• The Spanish public holiday calendar instead focuses on Catholic and local festivals such as Christmas, Epiphany, and various regional saints’ days.

Who does celebrate it

• Many American and other international expats in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Málaga organize Thanksgiving dinners at home with friends and family.

• These gatherings often mix Americans, Spaniards, and other foreigners, turning it into a cultural exchange rather than a traditional Spanish custom.

Restaurants and events

• In larger cities, some American-style restaurants, pubs, and international venues offer special Thanksgiving menus with turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

• Bars, hostels, and expat groups sometimes host themed Thanksgiving events or parties advertised through social media and local event sites.

What to expect if you visit

• If you are in Spain on Thanksgiving, you can plan normal sightseeing because museums, monuments, shops, and public transport operate on regular schedules.

• You can still find a “Thanksgiving atmosphere” by booking a special dinner, joining expat events, or hosting your own meal while also enjoying Spanish food and early Christmas lights.