Thanksgiving in St Andrews
Fly over for the long weekend and gather everyone round a proper table. Our holiday homes have the kitchens, the dining space and the room for your student and their friends, a short walk from halls.
Bring Thanksgiving to them
St Andrews has more American students than any other UK university. Thanksgiving falls in the last week of teaching, just before revision and December exams, so most of them can't fly home for it.
So families bring Thanksgiving to them. A holiday home gives you your own kitchen and dining table, a few minutes from halls, so you can cook the whole meal and invite the friends who can't get home either.
HESA, 2022/23
Thanksgiving, then a Scottish celebration
Thanksgiving weekend runs straight into St Andrew's Day weekend this year, so there's plenty to fill the days between the turkey and the leftovers.
Thanksgiving
Cook the feast in your own kitchen, with your student and their friends round the table.
Explore
Walk West Sands, see the Cathedral and the Old Course, and catch an early sunset over the bay.
The Big Hoolie
Live music, an outdoor ceilidh and fireworks on South Street to start St Andrew's Day weekend. More
Slow Sunday
Brunch in town, a drive along the East Neuk coast, and leftovers for supper.
St Andrew's Day
Scotland's national day, in the town that shares his name.
Space for the whole table
A table for everyone
Our larger homes have dining tables for 8, 10 or more, so nobody ends up on the sofa with a plate on their knee.
Kitchens for the feast
Fully equipped kitchens with everything you need to cook. UK ovens can run smaller, so tell us the size of your bird and we'll suggest a home that fits.
Room for the flatmates
Plenty of students can't get home either. Homes that sleep 8 or more mean you can invite their friends too.
Thanksgiving in Scotland: what to know
- Order your turkey early. Local butchers take orders in the weeks before, and whole birds are easier to find nearer Christmas.
- Plan for American staples. Cranberry sauce is easy to find, but canned pumpkin and some favourites are harder, so order ahead or bring them.
- It's a normal working day here. If you'd rather eat out, book a table well in advance.
- Short days. It's dark by around 4pm, so walk in the morning and feast in the evening.
- Getting here. Edinburgh Airport is about an hour's drive.
Thanksgiving FAQs
When is Thanksgiving 2026?
Thursday 26 November 2026. The Big Hoolie follows on Saturday 28 November, and St Andrew's Day is Monday 30 November.
Will my student have time off?
No. It's a normal teaching week at the university, with revision and exams following in December, so most students stay in town. That's why so many families come to them.
Can we stay on for December graduation?
December graduation ceremonies take place in the week starting 30 November, and homes book up fast. Get in touch early, or see our graduation accommodation page.
Which homes are best for a big dinner?
Our large homes for groups have the biggest tables. Call or email us with your numbers, and the size of your turkey, and we'll match you to the right home.
How far is the airport?
Edinburgh Airport is about an hour's drive. Dundee Airport is closer but has fewer flights.
Find your Thanksgiving home
Book direct for the best rate, or call our local team and we'll help you find the right home for your table.
