The month of November in the United States is marked by two important dates: the Thanksgiving (Thanksgiving Day) and the Black Friday. While Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude and family togetherness, Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season, generating billions of dollars in sales. In Florida, one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, these dates have a significant cultural and economic impact, attracting millions of visitors.

Today we're going to talk about the historical origins of Thanksgiving and Black Friday, how they are celebrated in the United States, and how Florida stands out as a unique destination to experience these traditions. We'll also discuss the economic impact of these dates on tourism and the real estate marketespecially for vacation home investors.

Contents

Hide

Origin of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving dates back to 1621when the English pilgrims, after facing a harsh winter, celebrated their first successful harvest in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The indigenous Wampanoag were fundamental to the settlers' survival, teaching them farming and fishing techniques. As a form of gratitudeThe pilgrims organized a banquet that brought together around 90 natives and settlers.

Evolution of Tradition

For centuries, Thanksgiving was celebrated locally in different regions of the USA, until, in 1863, the president Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday, with the aim of uniting the country in the midst of the Civil War. Since then, it has been celebrated in fourth Thursday in November.

Modern Thanksgiving

Today, Thanksgiving is one of the most important holidays in the United States. Families gather to share a traditional dinner that includes:

  • Roast turkey, the main dish and symbol of the holiday.
  • Stuffing (stuffing), mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.
  • Pumpkin piea classic among desserts.

In addition to supper, the day is marked by parades such as the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and American soccer matches.

How Thanksgiving is celebrated in Florida

In Florida, Thanksgiving takes on unique characteristics. With its mild climate, many families opt for outdoor celebrations, dinners in restaurants or community events. Tourist towns such as Orlando and Miami, offer unforgettable experiences, including:

  • Special dinners in resorts and themed restaurants.
  • Charity eventsSuch as themed races and the distribution of meals.

Thanksgiving at the Theme Parks

Florida's theme parks are famous for offering unique experiences during the holiday season. Thanksgiving. As well as being ideal destinations for family fun, they adapt their attractions and services to celebrate the spirit of the holiday. Here is a detailed description of how Disney, o Universal Orlando Resort, o SeaWorld and Busch Gardens create unforgettable moments this season.

Disney: Themed menus, Christmas decorations and unique experiences

1. Restaurants with themed menus in Walt Disney World: Many restaurants offer special Thanksgiving menus, creating a dining experience that combines the magic of Disney with the traditions of the holiday. Some highlights include:

  • Liberty Tree Tavern (Magic Kingdom): This colonial-style restaurant transports visitors to the spirit of the 1621 era. Served family-style, the menu includes:
    • Roast turkey with gravy.
    • Classic stuffing and mashed potatoes.
    • Homemade cranberry sauce.
    • Pumpkin pie for dessert.
  • The Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom): As well as a special Thanksgiving buffet, it offers the chance to interact with characters like Pooh and his friends.
  • Hollywood & Vine (Disney's Hollywood Studios): Themed decor and dishes that include traditional options and contemporary variations, all in a fun atmosphere.

2. Christmas shows and decorations Thanksgiving also marks the start of the Christmas season at the Disney parks. During this time:

  • The streets of the Magic Kingdom are decorated with lights, garlands and Christmas trees.
  • The attraction Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is already in full swing, with nightly parades and themed fireworks.
  • At Epcot, the World Showcase pavilions are beginning to present end-of-year celebrations from different cultures, in line with the spirit of gratitude.

3. Exclusive activities

  • Disney Springs: Offers shopping experiences with Black Friday and Thanksgiving promotionsThere are also themed restaurants with exclusive holiday menus.
  • Disney HotelsEach resort has its own program, including special Thanksgiving meals and activities for children.

Universal Orlando Resort: CityWalk festivities and exclusive offers

 

1. Festivities at CityWalk: CityWalk, Universal Orlando Resort's entertainment center, is the heart of the complex's Thanksgiving celebrations. Here, visitors will find:

  • Themed restaurants with exclusive menus: The Hard Rock Café and NBC Sports Grill & Brew create special dishes for the holiday, such as the classic Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie.
  • Live musicLocal bands and DJs ensure a lively and festive atmosphere for visitors who want to relax after a day in the parks.
  • Evening events: Nightlife at CityWalk gets a special touch with themed cocktails and celebratory decorations.

 

2. Exclusive offers at the complex's hotels Universal's hotels offer personalized packages for the holiday, such as:

  • Thanksgiving meals at Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Hard Rock HotelLuxurious buffets combining traditional dishes with exotic options, including seafood and themed desserts.
  • Special discounts for guestsMany packages include reduced-price park tickets or additional free nights.

 

3. Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure parks Although Universal doesn't have a program exclusively focused on Thanksgiving, the holiday marks the beginning of the transformation of the parks for Christmas. Visitors can:

  • Enjoy the Holiday Parade featuring Macy'sa smaller, more magical version of the famous New York parade.
  • Explore the Wizarding World of Harry PotterChristmas decorations and themed shows in the castles.

SeaWorld and Busch Gardens: Educational activities and themed dinners

 

1. Both SeaWorld Orlando how much Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are taking advantage of the Thanksgiving holiday to raise awareness about environmental preservation, connecting the spirit of gratitude with caring for nature:

  • SeaWorld: Organizes educational presentations on marine life, focusing on how gratitude can be expressed through the preservation of the oceans. During the holiday, visitors can take part in special interactions with dolphins and otters.
  • Busch GardensIn addition to the regular attractions, the park promotes activities that teach about the conservation of natural habitats, with exhibitions of rescued animals.

 

2. Themed dinners: Thanksgiving dinners at these parks are experiences that combine entertainment and gastronomy:

  • SeaWorld:
    • Restaurants such as the Sharks Underwater Grill serve special menus while visitors enjoy the view of a gigantic aquarium.
    • Outdoor buffets include traditional dishes such as turkey, stuffing and pies, accompanied by live music.
  • Busch Gardens:
    • The Serengeti Overlook Restaurant offers sophisticated dining overlooking the plains where the animals live. The menu includes classic holiday options and dishes inspired by African cuisine.

 

3. Decoration and Entertainment

  • SeaWorldDuring Thanksgiving, the park already presents its Christmas decorations, with millions of sparkling lights and themed water shows.
  • Busch GardensIn addition to dinners and decorations, the park offers special presentations such as Christmas TownThe Christmas Market, which starts the week of Thanksgiving, includes live shows, light displays and Christmas markets.

 

Florida's theme parks turn Thanksgiving into a magical and memorable experience. With themed menus, exclusive activities and breathtaking decorations, Disney, Universal, SeaWorld e Busch Gardens offer something for everyone. If you're looking for a mix of tradition, fun and unique moments, Florida is the perfect destination to celebrate the holiday in style.

A Black Friday has an interesting history that began in the 1960in the city of PhiladelphiaUnited States. Originally, the term didn't have the positive connotation we associate today with promotions and big discounts.

Post-Thanksgiving chaos

At the time, the Friday after the Thanksgiving was marked by intense movement in the streets. Residents and tourists filled the city center to take advantage of the sales and prepare for the Christmas season. This increase in the flow of people and vehicles caused congestion and disorder. Local police officers, overwhelmed with the task of controlling traffic and dealing with crowds, began to use the expression "Black Friday" to describe this chaotic day.

The Financial Connotation

In the following years, retailers began to recognize the economic potential of this day. With the increase in sales volume post-Thanksgiving, shopkeepers saw the opportunity to reverse losses accumulated throughout the year and, literally, "get out of the red" (in English, "red", which in financial statements indicates loss) into the "black" (which symbolizes profit). The term was adopted by commerce, gaining a positive financial connotation.

National Adoption

In the 1980s, Black Friday began to be promoted nationally as a day of unmissable discounts. Shopkeepers invested in advertising campaigns that turned the date into a commercial event. From then on, it was consolidated as the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season.

Developments in Trade

Physical stores in the 1980s and 1990s

During the 1980s and 1990s, Black Friday was focused almost exclusively on physical stores. It was common for consumers to stand in huge queues to secure the best discounts on electronics, clothes and toys. Promotions were limited and often advertised in newspapers or on television, increasing the sense of urgency.

The day became famous for images of crowds invading stores as soon as the doors opened, in search of "limited stock" offers. The often aggressive discounts created an atmosphere of competition between consumers.

Growth with e-commerce

With the popularization of the internet In the 2000s, the format of Black Friday changed radically. The emergence of e-commerce made it possible for consumers to take advantage of discounts without having to leave their homes. This led to the birth of Cyber MondayBlack Friday is an extension of Black Friday dedicated exclusively to online shopping.

The combination of Black Friday and Cyber Monday has turned the Thanksgiving weekend into one of the most lucrative periods for retailers. Big platforms like Amazon, Walmart e Best Buy became the market leader, offering lightning promotions and discounts in various categories.

The internationalization of Black Friday

Over the last two decades, Black Friday has spread to other countries. Countries like Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada have adapted the American tradition to their consumer cultures. Despite this, the United States remains the main market, with sales exceeding US$ 9 billion in e-commerce alone during the date.

Black Friday Today

Nowadays, Black Friday is no longer limited to a single day. Most stores start offering promotions weeks in advance, creating what many call a "Black November. Among the main modern trends are:

  • Personalized Offers: Companies use consumer behavior data to offer specific discounts.
  • Sustainability: Some brands promote conscious alternatives, such as "Green Friday", to attract consumers concerned about environmental impact.
  • Global Promotions: Websites and stores cater to consumers in different countries, increasing the reach of the date.

Black Friday generates billions of dollars in sales every year and is considered the biggest global consumer event. More than just a day of discounts, it reflects changes in consumer behavior and the evolution of commerce, consolidating itself as a milestone in modern retail.

Why is Florida a top destination?

Florida is one of the most popular states for shopping during Black Friday, thanks to:

  • Renowned shopping centerssuch as Sawgrass Mills (Miami) and Orlando International Premium Outlets.
  • Proximity to Latin Americaattracting Brazilian, Argentinian and Colombian tourists.
  • Favorable weather, which allows you to combine shopping with sightseeing.

Best Places to Take Advantage of the Offers

  1. Orlando:
    • The Mall at Millenia: Luxury products with exclusive discounts.
    • Disney SpringsTheme stores and family events.
  2. Miami:
    • Sawgrass Mills: The largest outlet in the USA, with hundreds of stores.
    • Aventura Mall: A mix of sophistication and attractive offers.

Black Friday in the Parks

Theme parks are taking advantage of Black Friday to offer:

  • Discounts on tickets and annual passes.
  • Promotions on themed products and exclusive merchandise.
  • Promotional packages for accommodation and tickets.

The combination of the Thanksgiving and the promotions of Black Friday makes November one of the most lucrative periods for Florida's economy. The state, famous for its hospitality, mild climate and tourist attractions, attracts millions of visitors during these dates, generating a significant impact on tourism and trade.

Economic Growth

The influx of tourists and consumers in November makes Florida one of the busiest states in the United States. The figures prove the economic importance of these dates:

  1. Tourism in Figures
    • More than 6 million tourists visit Florida during the month of Novemberaccording to industry data. These visitors include local families, travelers from other American states and international tourists, especially from Latin America and Europe.
    • Cities such as Orlando, Miami e Tampa top the list of favorite destinations, due to the combination of shopping malls, outlets and tourist attractions.
  2. Revenue Generation
    • During Thanksgiving and Black Friday, Florida's tourism sector generates billions of dollars in revenue. This includes spending on accommodation, restaurants, transportation, shopping and tickets to attractions.
    • The outlets and malls in Florida have seen record sales, with aggressive promotions that attract crowds. In 2022, for example, Sawgrass Mills (in Miami) and Orlando International Premium Outlets saw an increase of 25% in customer flow compared to the rest of the year.
  3. Impact on the local economy
    • The increase in consumption during this period benefits both large chains and small local businesses. Restaurants, cabs, private transportation services and hotels in areas close to shopping malls see a significant increase in turnover.
    • Many seasonal jobs are created to meet the growing demand in stores, hotels and tourist attractions.

Increase in Tourist Flow

A Black FridayIn particular, it is an event that attracts not only local consumers, but also visitors from outside the country. The impact on tourism is visible on several fronts:

  1. Promotions Attract International Tourists
    • Florida is one of the most popular destinations for tourists from Latin America, such as Brazilians, Argentinians and Colombians, who travel to the state specifically to take advantage of Black Friday promotions. For many, this is the opportunity to combine shopping at reduced prices with tours and cultural experiences.
    • By 2023, it is estimated that foreign tourists spent more than US$ 1 billion in purchases during the period, further boosting the local economy.
  2. Renting vacation homesThe rental of vacation homes in Florida is an increasingly popular choice during the Thanksgiving and Black Fridayoffering comfort, privacy and practicality for families and groups visiting the state. Unlike hotels, these properties provide more space, with multiple bedrooms, equipped kitchens and living areas, ideal for those who want to prepare their own Thanksgiving dinner or simply relax after a day of shopping. Sawgrass Mills and Orlando International Premium OutletsThis makes them especially attractive to tourists focused on taking advantage of Black Friday promotions. In addition, many properties are located close to theme parks, allowing guests to combine shopping with fun.During Thanksgiving, some homes are decorated with seasonal themes, offering an even more welcoming experience. It is common for owners to prepare welcome baskets or provide exclusive tips on the best promotions in the area, helping guests to make the most of their stay. The high demand for vacation homes during this period reflects the preference of many international visitors, who are looking for longer stays to enjoy both the holiday and the shopping. These properties offer a strategic location and amenities that perfectly meet the needs of tourists, making them one of the most practical and desirable options in Florida during November.

The Shopping Experience in Florida

Florida is considered a shopping paradiseespecially during Black Friday. Malls and outlets offer promotions that compete directly with online prices, creating a unique experience for consumers. Among the busiest places are:

  • Orlando International Premium OutletsOne of the largest outlets in the USA, with promotions on popular brands such as Nike, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein.
  • Sawgrass MillsLocated in Miami, it is the largest outlet in the United States, attracting tourists from all over the world with aggressive discounts and luxury stores.
  • The Mall at Millenia: A high-end shopping center in Orlando, with stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Apple.

Tourism and Shopping: A Strategic Combination

The interaction between tourism and commerce in Florida during Thanksgiving and Black Friday creates a positive cycle for the economy:

  • Tourists spend more on shopping than local residents, especially in luxury goods and electronics.
  • Many visitors combine their trips with extended stays, boosting hotel occupancy and increasing profits for restaurants, car rental companies and tourist attractions.
  • The period also strengthens the short-term rental market, benefiting vacation home owners who welcome tourists attracted to Florida as a shopping destination.

The impact of Thanksgiving and Black Friday on Florida's tourism and economy is undeniable. With a constant flow of international tourists, aggressive promotions and exclusive attractions, the state continues to be one of the most popular destinations to experience these American traditions. The synergy between commerce and tourism makes November an essential month for local economic growth, benefiting everything from large retail chains to small businesses and investors in vacation rental properties.

    Fill in the form and get started today your dream of living or investing in Florida

    Why Invest in Vacation Homes in Florida?

    The high demand for accommodation during the Thanksgiving and Black Friday period makes this a strategic time for investors. Benefits include:

    • Guaranteed occupancy: Many tourists opt for vacation homes to save money on long stays.
    • Premium prices: Rental rates increase at this time of year.
    • Real estate appreciation: Well-located properties, especially in Orlando, maintain a high appreciation over the years.

    Strategies to Maximize Profits

    • Offer discounts for long stays.
    • Create promotional packages that include shopping tips and transportation to outlets.
    • Personalize the guest experience with themed decorations and welcome baskets.

    Thanksgiving and Black Friday are more than just holidays in the United States; they are events that unite tradition, the economy and tourism. In Florida, these dates take on a special meaning, making the state an ideal destination for those seeking cultural experiences, shopping opportunities and lucrative investments.

    Whether you're a tourist interested in exploring Florida or an investor looking to maximize your income from vacation homes, the The Florida Lounge is ready to help. Contact us and find out how to enjoy the best of the Sunshine State during these iconic dates.

    Did you like the article? Keep an eye on our blog! Looking to live or invest in real estate in Florida? Check out the list of houses for sale in Florida that we've selected for you!