News General

How to celebrate Thanksgiving in Rome

By: Wanted in Rome

Date:

15 Nov, 2017

Thanksgiving is not a holiday widely celebrated in Rome but there are some places offering traditional food and festivities on Thursday 23 November.

The American Episcopal Church of Rome, St Paul’s Within the Walls, celebrates Thanksgiving with a Supper the evening before the holiday, at 19.00 on 22 November.

On the day itself, America’s Catholic Church in Rome, St Patrick's, hosts a special Thanksgiving Day Mass at 10.30 at its new home on Via Boncompagni 31. This is followed by the community's traditional Blueberry and Cranberry Muffin reception.

The American International Club hosts its annual Thanksgiving Dinner, complete with pumpkin pie and live music, for members and guests, at Palazzo Montemartini. Reservations required.

Hard Rock Cafe, the American-style bar and grill on Via Veneto 62, hosts a special all-night-long turkey menu, with live music by the 7 Hills Gospel Choir, booking required. Mama’s at Via Bellagio 2, offers traditional Thanksgiving favourites, as does Vivi Bistrot at two of its locations in Villa Pamphilj and Piazza Navona.

Thanksgiving is also celebrated at the Abbey Theatre on Via del Governo Vecchio 51/53; the award-winning Scholars Lounge on Via del Plebiscito 101; and the Highlander on Vicolo di S. Biagio 9.

If you fancy an extra-special Thanksgiving treat, there is a sumptuous lunch and dinner menu at Il Giardino Ristorante & Bar at Hotel Eden, recently voted Best Hotel in Europe, or you could try Imàgo, the restaurant at the exclusive Hotel Hassler at the top of the Spanish Steps.

For those who would prefer to cook at home, the Castroni chain of shops stock many of the ingredients needed for a Thanksgiving dinner. Meanwhile those who wish to buy a turkey are advised to order it from the butcher about a week in advance, specifying the size required.

Please note that the US embassy in Rome is closed to the public on Thanksgiving Day.