Thanksgiving Eve: The Biggest Party Night Of The Year

Thanksgiving Eve, the night before Thanksgiving, has earned its reputation as one of the biggest party nights of the year in the United States. Traditionally, it’s a time when people travel home for the holiday, reconnecting with old friends and family members, and heading out for a night of celebration before the big feast on Thursday.

According to data from the National Restaurant Association, Thanksgiving Eve consistently ranks among the top five busiest drinking nights of the year. In 2023, bars and restaurants saw a 20 to 30 percent increase in business compared to a typical Wednesday night. In cities across the country, crowds flock to local pubs, clubs, and music venues to socialize and unwind, many of them taking advantage of the long weekend ahead.

A significant factor in the popularity of Thanksgiving Eve is the mix of college students returning home for the holiday and people looking to take a break before the family-centric day. In fact, a survey by the travel app Hopper found that 30 percent of travelers leave the day before Thanksgiving, making it a prime time for people to reunite with friends from high school and college, many of whom might not have seen each other in months.

Public safety data from the American Automobile Association shows that Thanksgiving Eve is also one of the most dangerous nights on the road due to increased alcohol consumption. As a result, many cities have ramped up efforts to encourage safe driving, with ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft seeing a surge in demand. In 2022, Lyft reported a 10 percent increase in rides on Thanksgiving Eve compared to other weekdays.

Whether it’s dancing the night away or catching up with old friends, Thanksgiving Eve is now a staple of the holiday season for many Americans, blending tradition with revelry as the unofficial kickoff to the Thanksgiving weekend.