While Thanksgiving Day has traditionally been an American holiday, globalisation and pop culture have ensured that people from countries all over the world seize the opportunity to gather their friends and family around a big home-cooked meal.
For Americans lost in the European capital, curious Belgians or anyone who does not feel like cooking on this fourth Thursday of November, there are several options for celebrating in Brussels.
Fancy dinner
For those in search of a fancy dinner, the American Club are hosting a traditional Thanksgiving evening – including a big roast turkey with all the trimmings, followed by an assortment of real American pies – at the Brussels Marriott Hôtel Grand Place.
"Whole turkeys are carved and served family style at tables for ten. It's just like home, only better, because someone else does the cooking!"
For ACB members and partner clubs, the evening will cost €85. For non-members, the price is €90. More information can be found on the club's website.
Weekend-long celebrations
Those looking to extend the celebrations to "a four-day culinary journey" should head to the Cinquantenaire Social Club, which is organising a dinner on tonight, a party tomorrow, a quiz on Saturday and another all-out dinner on Sunday.
People who do not want to miss the traditional experience of watching the NFL (National Football League) game while getting through a food coma, can even watch the football on the venue's big screens.
Admission is free but you should make a reservation in advance. More info here.
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Lunch as well as dinner?
Brussels residents who do not mind going a little bit further for their turkey dinner, can go to Dooley's American Smoke House in the municipality of Etterbeek for a Thanksgiving meal, which will be served in a buffet style full of smoked meats, soul food sides as well as home-made lemonades and southern desserts.
Due to the large interest in Dooley's dinner, the organisation also organised a Thanksgiving lunch starting from 13:00, with continued service until evening. Those who want to enjoy the sould food from the comforts of their own homes can also opt for the Take Away meals.
The buffet costs €35 per person over 13 years old, €15 for children between 6-12 and free for children 0-5. More information here.
A rocking Thanksgiving
Families looking for a Thanksgiving dinner that is more on the fun than the fancy side can go to Brussels Hard Rock Café to celebrate "the best of American traditions" with live music in the evening and a special two course dinner.
From a slow-roasted turkey breast with roasted fresh vegetables and a home-style classic stuffing to creamy sweet potato mash and cranberry sauce finished with a traditional turkey gravy – it is all there.
The Thanksgiving menu costs €32.65 for adults and €16.50 for children. More info and reservations can be found here.
And lastly, for those who want to stay in and cook their own Thanksgiving meal while still keeping the Belgian twist (or British): Brussels sprouts go great with turkey.
