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From truck stop feasts to easy-to-pack holiday favorites, find the best ways to celebrate the holiday on the highway
Even if you’re spending Thanksgiving on the road, the open highway can still bring the comforts of the holiday to you. Across the country, truck stops and diners serve up hearty, holiday-style meals that capture the spirit of the season. So, if you’re rolling this Thanksgiving, here are some options that to find a celebration, wherever you are.
1. Holiday meals at major truck stops
When your route takes you through larger travel centers, you can still enjoy a Thanksgiving meal without slowing down deliveries. At these stops, you can not only fuel your truck but also enjoy some hearty holiday fare.
Pro tip: Download your favorite travel stop apps and filter for “holiday meal” or “Thanksgiving” offers to see participating locations and hours. These meals are more than convenient stops – they’re part of the support network that keeps professional drivers fueled, focused and delivering on time.
2. Local diners for a home-style holiday plate
One of the unexpected benefits of life on the road is discovering hometown touches in smaller towns. Diners often serve Thanksgiving meals straight from family recipes, giving truck drivers a memorable experience while supporting timely deliveries.
Finding a diner that can accommodate your truck safely can turn a short stop into a memorable break – connecting professional truck drivers to the communities they serve while fueling them for the miles ahead.
3. Grab-and-go grocery meals
For truck drivers who prefer eating in the cab, grocery stores make it simple to assemble a holiday meal without slowing down the route.
Even on a tight schedule, a warm, familiar meal can recharge energy, support alertness and keep professional truck drivers on track for safe, reliable deliveries.
4. Community holiday meals
Some truck stops and local groups host Thanksgiving meals specifically for drivers. These events provide an opportunity to enjoy a full plate, pause safely and connect with fellow professionals on the road.
These gatherings demonstrate the strength of the driving community – a network of professionals committed to delivering promises safely and responsibly.
5. Bring a taste of home with you
Even on the road, a few thoughtful touches can make a Thanksgiving meal feel familiar and satisfying.
Have a happy holiday!
Whether you’re stopping at a major travel center, finding a small-town diner or bringing your favorite side dish from home, Thanksgiving on the road doesn’t mean missing the spirit of the season. These moments fuel more than just your body – they remind us why professional drivers are essential to keeping America moving.
Even if you’re spending Thanksgiving on the road, the open highway can still bring the comforts of the holiday to you. Across the country, truck stops and diners serve up hearty, holiday-style meals that capture the spirit of the season. So, if you’re rolling this Thanksgiving, here are some options that to find a celebration, wherever you are.
1. Holiday meals at major truck stops
When your route takes you through larger travel centers, you can still enjoy a Thanksgiving meal without slowing down deliveries. At these stops, you can not only fuel your truck but also enjoy some hearty holiday fare.
- TA, Petro and Iron Skillet restaurants have historically offered bountiful all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving spreads – turkey, stuffing, sides and pie – at select locations.
- Pilot Flying J continues to run driver perks through its app, including free drinks, snack deals and occasional holiday meal discounts.
- Love’s Travel Stops and other chains offer driver-focused promotions like mobile deals or bonus rewards points, sometimes tied to special holiday meals.
Pro tip: Download your favorite travel stop apps and filter for “holiday meal” or “Thanksgiving” offers to see participating locations and hours. These meals are more than convenient stops – they’re part of the support network that keeps professional drivers fueled, focused and delivering on time.
2. Local diners for a home-style holiday plate
One of the unexpected benefits of life on the road is discovering hometown touches in smaller towns. Diners often serve Thanksgiving meals straight from family recipes, giving truck drivers a memorable experience while supporting timely deliveries.
- Use Yelp or Google Maps to locate diners with strong reviews and large parking lots or nearby truck stops.
- Call ahead or check satellite view to confirm there’s safe parking or an easy turn radius for your rig.
- Ask locals or store clerks for their favorite spots – they’ll often know which ones welcome big trucks and serve the best comfort food.
- Look for familiar holiday favorites like turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sides and pie.
Finding a diner that can accommodate your truck safely can turn a short stop into a memorable break – connecting professional truck drivers to the communities they serve while fueling them for the miles ahead.
3. Grab-and-go grocery meals
For truck drivers who prefer eating in the cab, grocery stores make it simple to assemble a holiday meal without slowing down the route.
- Pre-cooked turkey, sides and desserts are widely available at stores like Walmart, Kroger and Publix.
- These meals warm quickly wherever you’re parked.
- Single-serve portions make it easy to enjoy a meal without extra prep.
Even on a tight schedule, a warm, familiar meal can recharge energy, support alertness and keep professional truck drivers on track for safe, reliable deliveries.
4. Community holiday meals
Some truck stops and local groups host Thanksgiving meals specifically for drivers. These events provide an opportunity to enjoy a full plate, pause safely and connect with fellow professionals on the road.
- Check bulletin boards or fuel desk stations for announcements.
- Meals are often free or low-cost, making them simple to fit into a busy schedule.
- Joining a community meal lets drivers refuel, relax and experience the holiday in a shared, supportive environment.
These gatherings demonstrate the strength of the driving community – a network of professionals committed to delivering promises safely and responsibly.
5. Bring a taste of home with you
Even on the road, a few thoughtful touches can make a Thanksgiving meal feel familiar and satisfying.
- Pack favorite sides, snacks or holiday treats before your run.
- Take a quick video call to connect with family while you eat.
- Snap a photo or send a message to share the moment with loved ones or fellow drivers.
Have a happy holiday!
Whether you’re stopping at a major travel center, finding a small-town diner or bringing your favorite side dish from home, Thanksgiving on the road doesn’t mean missing the spirit of the season. These moments fuel more than just your body – they remind us why professional drivers are essential to keeping America moving.
- November 3, 2025