Thanksgiving in Vermont feels like stepping into a postcard, with snow-dusted hills, crackling fireplaces, and the smell of roasted turkey filling cozy dining rooms.
Instead of spending the holiday in your kitchen, why not let someone else handle the cooking while you enjoy the warmth of Vermont hospitality?
From historic inns tucked in quiet villages to elegant resorts with mountain views, the Green Mountain State offers unforgettable spots to gather around the table and give thanks.
1. The Grafton Inn – Grafton, VT
Grafton feels frozen in time, and The Grafton Inn captures that magic perfectly. On November 27, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:30 PM, this historic spot welcomes guests for a Thanksgiving feast that honors tradition. The dining room glows with warmth, thanks to crackling fireplaces and soft lighting that makes everyone feel right at home.
Your plate arrives loaded with roasted turkey, maple sausage stuffing that tastes like Vermont in every bite, and velvety butternut squash bisque. Each dish celebrates local flavors and seasonal ingredients. The inn’s colonial charm wraps around you like a favorite blanket, making it easy to relax and enjoy the moment.
Reservations are required, so plan ahead to secure your spot. The staff treats every guest like family, ensuring your holiday meal feels special from start to finish. Grafton Inn turns Thanksgiving into a memory you will cherish for years to come.
2. The Dorset Inn – Dorset, VT
Step into The Dorset Inn and you will feel history all around you. This colonial gem has been serving travelers since 1796, making it one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the country. For Thanksgiving, you can choose between dining at the Dorset Tavern or Barrows House, both offering seasonal favorites that warm the soul.
The menu showcases classic holiday dishes prepared with care and attention to detail. If you prefer celebrating at home, their Thanksgiving To-Go option lets you bring the feast to your own table. The colonial-style setting adds character to every meal, with exposed beams and vintage touches creating an atmosphere that feels genuinely authentic.
Reservations are recommended to guarantee your spot at this beloved establishment. The friendly staff makes sure everyone feels welcome, whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning guest. The Dorset Inn proves that some traditions never go out of style, especially when it comes to Thanksgiving.
3. The Essex Resort & Spa – Essex, VT
Variety makes The Essex Resort & Spa stand out this Thanksgiving. Choose from a prix-fixe dinner at Junction, a lavish buffet in The Atrium, or take everything home with their Thanksgiving To-Go option. Each choice delivers exceptional quality and attention to detail that makes your holiday stress-free and delicious.
Locally sourced ingredients shine in every dish, from perfectly roasted turkey to creative sides that surprise and delight. Vegan options ensure everyone at your table finds something to love. The resort even offers thoughtful pairings to complement your meal, though non-alcoholic options are equally impressive.
Reservations are required for all dining experiences, so book early to avoid disappointment. The culinary team at The Essex takes pride in creating memorable meals that honor both tradition and innovation.
The elegant surroundings and impeccable service make this more than just dinner; it becomes an experience worth celebrating year after year.
4. Simon Pearce Restaurant – Quechee, VT
Watching the Ottauquechee River rush past while you enjoy Thanksgiving dinner creates pure magic. Simon Pearce Restaurant in Quechee combines stunning scenery with creative American cuisine that celebrates Vermont ingredients.
The restaurant sits right above a working glassblowing studio, adding artistic flair to your entire experience.
Dinner service on Thanksgiving features dishes crafted with imagination and skill. Fresh, seasonal ingredients transform into plates that taste as beautiful as they look. The riverside location provides a peaceful backdrop that helps you slow down and savor every moment with loved ones.
Reservations are recommended to secure a table with the best views. The restaurant’s handblown glassware adds an elegant touch to your meal, reminding you that craftsmanship matters. Simon Pearce proves that Thanksgiving can be both sophisticated and welcoming, offering a dining experience that feels special without being stuffy or pretentious.
5. Woodstock Inn & Resort – Woodstock, VT
Picture a Thanksgiving buffet that stretches on forever, filled with every traditional dish you crave. The Woodstock Inn & Resort makes that dream real on November 27, 2025, from noon until 7:00 PM. This extended serving time means you can celebrate on your schedule, whether you prefer an early afternoon feast or evening gathering.
The full buffet includes everything from golden roasted turkey to classic sides and tempting desserts. Each station overflows with carefully prepared dishes that honor holiday traditions while showcasing local ingredients. The resort’s elegant atmosphere makes you feel pampered without being overly formal, striking the perfect balance for family celebrations.
Reservations are required to guarantee your spot at this popular event. The staff moves smoothly through the dining room, ensuring everyone has what they need without hovering. Woodstock Inn transforms Thanksgiving into an effortless celebration where you can focus entirely on gratitude and good company.
6. Trapp Family Lodge – Stowe, VT
The von Trapp family brought a piece of Austria to Vermont, and their lodge continues that legacy beautifully. On November 27, 2025, from noon to 7:30 PM, Trapp Family Lodge hosts a Thanksgiving buffet in their European-style setting. The mountain views alone make the trip worthwhile, but the food seals the deal.
Classic holiday fare fills the buffet tables, prepared with the same attention to quality the lodge is known for. The alpine atmosphere creates a unique backdrop for your Thanksgiving celebration, blending American tradition with European charm.
Large windows frame the stunning Vermont landscape, reminding you why this state feels so special during autumn.
Reservations are required to join this mountain celebration. The lodge’s warm hospitality makes every guest feel like part of the family, whether you are staying overnight or just visiting for dinner. Trapp Family Lodge offers a Thanksgiving experience that feels both familiar and wonderfully different.
7. Mountain Top Resort – Chittenden, VT
Imagine waking up to mountain views, spending the day exploring, and then settling in for a chef-prepared Thanksgiving buffet. Mountain Top Resort in Chittenden makes that possible with their special Thanksgiving package. The two-night stay includes the holiday buffet, giving you time to truly unwind and enjoy Vermont’s natural beauty.
The buffet showcases the chef’s skills with dishes that balance tradition and creativity. The scenic mountain setting adds something extra to your meal, turning dinner into an experience that engages all your senses. Large windows bring the outdoors in, while the cozy interior keeps you comfortable and relaxed.
Reservations are required for package guests, so plan your getaway early. The resort’s location offers plenty of activities to fill your days, from hiking trails to simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Mountain Top turns Thanksgiving into a mini vacation that refreshes your spirit and creates lasting memories.
8. Hotel Vermont – Burlington, VT
Burlington’s Hotel Vermont brings urban sophistication to your Thanksgiving celebration. At Juniper restaurant, Thanksgiving dinner costs $75 per adult and $25 per child, making it accessible for families seeking a special meal. The menu starts with ancho pumpkin soup that warms you from the inside out, followed by fresh autumn greens.
The turkey arrives with all the fixings you expect, prepared with care and creativity. Each dish reflects the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. The modern setting feels fresh and inviting, perfect for guests who appreciate contemporary style alongside traditional flavors.
Reservations open first to hotel guests, then to the public, so timing matters if you want a table. The downtown location puts you right in the heart of Burlington, allowing you to explore the city before or after your meal. Hotel Vermont proves that Thanksgiving can be both sophisticated and genuinely welcoming, offering a celebration that feels special without being pretentious.
9. Lake Morey Resort – Fairlee, VT
Lakeside dining adds tranquility to any meal, and Lake Morey Resort captures that peaceful feeling perfectly. The resort stays open for Thanksgiving with seasonal dining that highlights regional ingredients. While you should check directly for specific buffet details, the resort’s commitment to quality remains constant throughout the holiday season.
The dining room overlooks the lake, providing serene views that help you forget everyday stress. Regional ingredients take center stage in dishes that celebrate Vermont’s agricultural heritage. The atmosphere strikes a comfortable balance between casual and refined, making everyone feel at ease regardless of age or dining preferences.
Reservations are recommended to ensure you get a table with the best lake views. The staff understands that Thanksgiving means family time, so they work hard to make your experience smooth and enjoyable. Lake Morey Resort offers a quieter alternative to busier spots, perfect for guests seeking peaceful celebration surrounded by natural beauty.
10. The Reluctant Panther Inn – Manchester, VT
Fine dining meets holiday tradition at The Reluctant Panther Inn in Manchester. This intimate spot offers seasonal menus that change with Vermont’s harvest, so calling ahead for their specific Thanksgiving offerings is smart. The restaurant’s reputation for excellence means you can expect something special, no matter what appears on the holiday menu.
Regular menu items include Vermont cheese boards that showcase local dairy artistry, plus sophisticated entrees like duck breast and tender short ribs. The chef’s attention to detail and commitment to quality ingredients suggest the Thanksgiving menu will be equally impressive.
The upscale atmosphere creates an elegant backdrop for your celebration without feeling stiff or uncomfortable.
Reservations are recommended, especially for holiday dining when demand runs high. The inn’s smaller size means more personalized service and attention to detail. The Reluctant Panther transforms Thanksgiving into a refined experience that still honors the warmth and gratitude at the holiday’s heart.
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