Traditionally the Thanksgiving holiday is celebrated in Canada, the United States, select Caribbean islands, and for some reason Liberia. However, it’s best known as a major celebration for the USA and because of this other cities around the globe have stepped up to offer American expats and travelers a taste of home on the fourth Thursday in November. Taipei and Taiwan is no different, and while there isn’t some grand Macy’s-esque parade along Zhongcheng Road there is certainly enough to give celebrators something to enjoy. Let’s review.
3 Ways to Celebrate the US Thanksgiving Holiday in Taipei and Around Taiwan
Chow Down on Some American Thanksgiving “Comfort Food”
There are no shortage of eateries to accommodate the tastes of those in search of American style cuisine. Many of these restaurants and diners are offering Thanksgiving dinner. Below is a list of Taipei pubs and eateries (with links to their Facebook Pages for holiday updates) who are well known for making festive additions to their menus:
- Baba Kevin’s American BBQ Co. (Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan)
- Carnegies Bar & Restaurant (Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan)
- Bald Fatty Bistro (Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, Taiwan)
- Texas Roadhouse (Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan)
- Jake’s Country Kitchen (Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan)
Once you’ve had your fill of turkey we also recommend checking out one of the top brewery tap rooms in Taiwan to carry on the festivities.
Watch the NFL Thanksgiving Day Schedule
What’s American Thanksgiving without NFL football? There’s no need to search for the right channel in your hotel room or vacation rental because there are Amercian-styled sports bars in Taipei that will be running the entire NFL Thanksgiving Day schedule (including on replay, given the time difference) including the following hot spots:
- The Brass Monkey (Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan)
- On Tap (Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan)
- Hooters Taipei (Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan)
Go Black Friday Shopping for Bargains
Thanksgiving and Black Friday have become synonymous, with revelers wolfing down turkey dinner then heading straight to the mall to get in line for door busters at the break of dawn. While there are no trampling crowds or Walmart maulings in Taiwan, there are a ton of bargains for those who celebrate the season with Black Friday shopping. Here are the top malls to check out, all of which have stores who will recognize Black Friday with some amazing deals:
- Taipei 101 Shopping Mall (directions from Taipei city center)
- Breeze Center Mall (directions)
- Miramar Entertainment Park and Shopping Center (directions)
- Dream Mall (directions)
Of course, you should also consider hitting Taipei’s famous night markets, as they offer year-round deals that make ever day seem like Black Friday IF you learn who to strike a bargain with the vendors.
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous to recognize the Thanksgiving holiday season in Taipei or anywhere in Taiwan, how about creating your own custom tour? With the help a Loci Amica local tour guide you will have a Thanksgiving to remember forever. Simply book the tour to get started.
