Thanksgiving can be one of the toughest holidays for expats and digital nomads from the United States living abroad, especially in a place like Medellín where it’s not recognized. Unlike Christmas or Halloween, which are celebrated widely in Colombia, Thanksgiving is unique to North America, making it easy to feel isolated from family and friends back home. Seeing Thanksgiving gatherings on social media can amplify those feelings of homesickness, especially if it’s your first Thanksgiving away.

However, Medellín’s expat community has grown in recent years, and many Americans and other foreigners have come together to keep the Thanksgiving spirit alive. You’ll find several ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Medellín and connect with others who share the tradition. Many restaurants and social groups organize special Thanksgiving dinners featuring traditional foods like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. These events can be a great way to meet new people, share stories, and create a sense of family with fellow expats.

For sports fans, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without watching some football. Several expat-friendly bars and restaurants in Medellín go the extra mile to show NFL games on Thanksgiving Day, bringing a taste of home to the city. It’s a chance to watch your favorite teams, cheer on with friends, and enjoy the holiday just like you would in the U.S. Some restaurants that cater to sports fans, like El Parche or Hooters, are known to air these games, and you’re likely to find other fans there as well.

Whether you’re organizing a potluck with friends, joining a community dinner, or just heading out to watch football, Thanksgiving in Medellín can be meaningful and memorable. The day is all about gratitude and connection, so don’t hesitate to reach out, celebrate, and make new friends in your expat community.

Thanksgiving Falls on Nov 28th in 2024

Do Colombians celebrate Thanksgiving? The answer is, No, they don’t. To Colombians, it’s another Jueves. 

Football Games playing on Thanksgiving Day

• Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions — 12:30 p.m. ET on CBS
• New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys — 4:30 p.m ET on FOX
• Miami Dolphins vs. Green Bay Packers — 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC

Where Can You Have Thanksgiving in Medellin

We compiled the best places to have Thanksgiving in Medellin. Below you will find different Restaurants, Ideas, Places you can have Thanksgiving, even if it’s in your own home with friends.

Restaurants Service Thanksgiving Dinners in Medellin

The restaurants we compiled are offering Thanksgiving Buffet or Dinner plates at a specific price. Below we found the best restaurant to go have Thanksgiving at based on quality, popularity, service, and price. Please keep in Mind Most Restaurants REQUIRE Reservation. So, Please plan accordingly.  

Hausy Cafe & Music Lounge Restaurant

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Hausy’s Café and Music Lounge! This November, experience a unique American tradition in the heart of El Poblado. Owner Kurt Gabriel Hausy brings his Florida roots and European flair to this special holiday feast.

Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in our charming 1920s-inspired setting, where Old-World elegance meets modern comfort. The evening will feature live music alongside a carefully crafted holiday menu, signature cocktails, and our renowned hospitality.

Price: TBA
Instagram: @hausyscafe
Reservation Whatsapp: +57 (321) 759-8421
Address: Calle 10 #32-115, El Poblado (Directions)
When: November 28th, 2024
Hours: TBA

Skybox Rooftop Bar – Laureles

Get together with friends for Thanksgiving celebration at Skybox Sports Bar, Laureles premiere rooftop dining experience. While far from home, our American-style Thanksgiving feast will make you feel right at home. Enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, served alongside our famous BBQ specialties – perfect for those wanting both classic and unique holiday flavors.

With Large TVs strategically placed through out the Rooftop, watch the big game while savoring your holiday meal from our spectacular rooftop location in Laureles. Our special Thanksgiving menu includes roasted turkey, classic stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and homemade pumpkin pie.

Instagram: @skyboxmedellin
Address: 74-46 Avenida 390 – Laureles (Directions)
When: November 28rd, 2023
Reservation Whatsapp: +1 301 467 3039
Hours: 12pm – 9pm

Big Boy Food & Bar

Big boys food and Bar is well known for its large portions, down home food and a taste of the South in Medellin. This Thanksgiving they will be serving a traditional turkey dinner with their traditional sweet potatoes and delicious gravy. For the cost of $340.000 for four people you will also receive a bottle of wine

Price: 340.000 COP (4 Person Dinner)
Location: Carrera 45 #67sur – 05, Sabaneta (Directions)
Instagram: @bigboyfoodcolombia
Whatsapp: +57 304 350 7581
When: November 28th, 2024
Hours: 1pm – 9pm (Reserve your Time Slot)

Abbiocco at Marquee Hotel

This Thanksgiving, Abbiocco, the sophisticated Italian restaurant nestled in Poblado’s Marquee Hotel, is putting an elegant spin on the traditional American holiday. On Thursday, November 28th, guests can enjoy a special three-course menu complemented by a welcome cocktail. The celebration runs from noon until 11 PM, offering flexible dining hours for both lunch and dinner service.

Adult pricing includes two options: COP 249,000 with drink pairings or COP 169,000 without, while children’s meals are priced at COP 120,000. Known for their fusion of Italian cuisine with local Colombian ingredients, Abbiocco’s Thanksgiving dinner promises to be a unique celebration that blends traditional holiday warmth with their signature culinary excellence. Reservations are recommended for this special event.

Price: Starting at $169.000 COP
Location: Carrera 38 #9A 13, El Poblado – Parque Lleras (Directions)
Instagram: @abbioccomedellin
Reservation Whatsapp: +57 3233594562
When: November 28rd, 2024
Hours: 12pm – 11pm

Carryout / Home Delivery Thanksgiving

The Smokin’ Pit

If you’ve spent any time in Medellin and are a BBQ lover, you have at least heard of the Smokin Pit. They don’t have a physical restaurant, but don’t let that deter you from their food. When it comes to Thanksgiving, Smokin’ Pit has you covered. They have established themselves as one of the premier delivery restaurants in the Medellin metro area, offering meal prep as well as ready to eat options. This Thanksgiving, they are offering you a complete meal kit delivered to your door.

The Kit includes the following:

• Brined Herb Roasted Turkey Boneless White & Dark Meat
• Italian Sausage Stuffing
• Real Turkey Gravy
• Two Dinner Rolls
• Butter Creamed Mashed Potatoes
• Cranberry Sauce
• Jar of Cheesecake (Pumpkin or Red Berries)
• Roasted Green Beans & Garlic

Price: $110.000 COP per Complete Meal
Instagram: @thesmokinpit
Website: c8ke.com/thesmokinpit
Whatsapp: +57 (350) 753 5001

Verve Sano

Verve Sano is has earned its reputation as a healthy food prep service, that not only serves the Medellin metro area, but also delivers directly to your doorstep in Rionegro, Llanogrande and Santa Elena. 

They are offering a Thanksgiving special in these areas this year. They are more geared to a family meal, so if you are living alone or a couple, this may be too much for you alone, but hey, the leftovers are the best part, no? 

They are asking that all orders are placed on their website, and no later than Monday, Nov 25th. They have a finite number of orders they will make. Their menu is as follows:

• Kilo Carved Herb-Roasted Turkey (250g per person) with 16 oz pan gravy
• Homestyle Stuffing – sourdough bread, turkey broth, herbs (32 oz)
• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy Confit-Garlic Butter & Sour Cream (32 oz)
• Organic Mixed Greens (300g) with Balsamic Dressing, Sauerkraut, Cranberries & Almonds
• Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Puree with Thyme Infused Olive Oil (32 oz)
• “Noo Your Grandma’s” Cranberry-Ginger Sauce (8 oz)
• Panela Glazed Roasted Carrots (16 oz)

To place your order, you need to order online
https://www.vervesano.com/product-page/thanksgiving-dinner
Cutoff Date: November 25th
Delivery Date: November 28th by 3pm

Special VIP Private Dinner Events

VIP Private Events for those that don’t want to be around large groups or restaurants. The VIP Dinner events are smaller groups, with a speak easy environment mostly no more than 10-15 members. 

Gitana Private Chef Services

Experience an intimate Thanksgiving celebration with Gitana, Medellín’s premier private chef service. Founders Ana Maria and Maria Antonia are hosting an exclusive VIP dinner event that reimagines the traditional holiday feast. Skip the typical buffet lines and enjoy a carefully curated Thanksgiving dinner in an elegant setting among friends, both old and new.

The menu features classic favorites prepared with Gitana’s signature flair: succulent roast turkey, perfectly seasoned green beans, creamy mashed potatoes, and traditional stuffing. Drawing from their international culinary backgrounds—spanning Michelin-starred restaurants in Spain to traditional Italian kitchens—these accomplished chefs bring sophisticated expertise to every dish.

This close-reservation event offers a unique opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving with exceptional food in distinguished company.

Gitana Services: Profile Page
Instagram: @gitanaymilla
Location: Poblado, Loma del Tesoro (Directions)
When: Nov 28th 2024 Limited Seats
Reservation: +57 312 780 1868

Thanksgiving in Your Home

If you’re looking to have Thanksgiving at your home, or special location but don’t want to deal with the responsibility of cooking and hosting your event. We have a list of recommended Private Chef you can reserve for the Thanksgiving Holiday event.

Ricardo Private Chef Services (Thanksgiving Edition)

Celebrate Thanksgiving in Medellín with a stress-free, gourmet experience by Ricardo Private Chef. This year, let Ricardo transform your home into an intimate restaurant, crafting a traditional Thanksgiving feast with his signature culinary expertise. From the perfectly roasted turkey to classic sides with a potential Colombian twist, every dish is prepared fresh in your kitchen.

Available for bookings across Poblado, Laureles, Centro, and Belen, Ricardo brings the complete holiday dining experience to you. Whether hosting family, friends, or fellow expats, enjoy the warmth of Thanksgiving without the hassle of cooking.

Reserve Ricardo @ +57 (313) 520-5252
Location: Your Home
When: You Let Him Know.

Don’t Forget The Dessert

Dolly’s Bakery is offering a range of the traditional Thanksgiving desserts we all miss and love from back home. Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie, Eggnog, etc… Check out their Holiday Menu on their website at https://dollysbakeryco.com/ 

Whatsapp: +57 (304) 463-0246
Website: http://www.dollysbakeryco.com

Cooking your own Thanksgiving

If you love to cook, making your Thanksgiving dinner here is not only possible, but can be a rewarding experience. While there are many items you will have trouble finding in the local grocery stores, there are some places you can get your hands on some of the best ingredients Colombia has to offer for making a Thanksgiving feast.

Jumbo / Exito / Carulla

In the large chain stores here in Colombia, you will find the basic ingredients that you will need to have a nice turkey dinner. There are a few considerations which you will need to keep in mind when buying your ingredients at these stores.

This is not the United States – Seems simple, but there are many things you will not have available in these stores that you may be accustomed to in the US. The main thing is the turkey itself. Yes, you can buy turkey here, however it’s rare to find the whole turkey as you will find in the US. The second part and the biggest pain point is stuffing. Buying boxed stuffing is not a thing here, but you can make your own if you are cooking a turkey. The catch 22 is that if you are buying turkey cutlets or a side of turkey this is not an option. The other hard to find item is cranberry sauce, it’s not something that Colombians are accustomed to, so it’s hard to find here. 

You will find most everything you need at these chain stores, just temper your expectations.

Pricesmart

Let’s call it what it is; Costco. This is not “The Colombian version of Costco”, it is Costco, plain and simple. It’s the international branch of Costco. Thus, you will have a good mix of Colombian items and US items at these stores. If you are planning on cooking Thanksgiving dinner, this is where you will be able to get everything you need to put on an incredible meal.

As of November 2nd, Pricesmart has started stocking frozen turkeys. The turkeys available are Butterball brand, but will only last until sold out. This is not something that is like in the US where you can get a turkey up to the day before Thanksgiving, plan ahead. 

In addition to this, it is time to rejoice fellow Estadounidenses, the Poblado and Belen Pricesmarts will have one palette each of Stove Top stuffing arriving on November 15/16. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. I spoke with the managers of both locations and they will not be holding or reserving any, it’s first come first served. As a natural maverick who flys by the seat of his pants, this is difficult because I want stuffing, but I need to make sure I get there in time to make one of those boxes mine.

They also let me know that they have a SKU for canned Heinz Turkey Gravy, but they are not certain about this one. If you are planning on having a feast and are not a member, I would recommend getting your membership and going before the limited supply of these items are all gone. 

Most importantly, remember the reason for the season, it’s not just your meal to fuel up to go black friday shopping for a 500,000 TV at Jumbo the next day, It’s to be with family and friends. Be thankful for the blessings you have in life including being able to spend time in this incredible country. 

You can make your own Turkey gravy living in Colombia i learned the making turkey gravy is actually really easy. I use the recipe from the following youtube channel (How To Make Turkey Gravy).

If you have a favorite place you celebrate thanksgiving, and we didn’t list it in our article. Please feel free to reply to the article. We would love to hear from you.