Where to Host a Private Thanksgiving Gathering in San Diego

If you’re skipping the big family dinner or just want to celebrate Thanksgiving your way, San Diego offers plenty of intimate, stylish spaces perfect for hosting a private gathering. From elegant dining rooms and cozy rooftops to elevated cannabis lounges, the city has a vibe for every kind of celebration. Whether it’s Friendsgiving, a chill adult dinner party, or a creative holiday event, here are the best spots to host your own private Thanksgiving gathering in San Diego.

🌿 Sessions by the Bay – National City

For a modern, relaxing take on Thanksgiving, Sessions by the Bay in National City is your ultimate destination. This waterfront cannabis lounge and weed restaurant combines sophisticated design with mellow, social energy — perfect for a stylish, stress-free gathering.

Sessions offers private event options ideal for small groups. You can enjoy THC-infused mocktails, gourmet edibles, and curated flower blends, all set against the glow of ambient lighting and bay views. Whether you think of it as a weed bar, weed lounge, or cannabis bar, this venue redefines what a holiday celebration can look like.

✨ Pro tip: Book a sunset session for golden-hour lighting and waterfront photos your guests will love.

🍽️ Herb & Wood – Little Italy

If your group prefers a traditional sit-down dinner with a touch of luxury, Herb & Wood is a go-to. Their private dining spaces are warm, wood-accented, and ideal for family-style meals filled with rich fall flavors and seasonal cocktails.

🌇 The Nolen – Downtown San Diego

For smaller gatherings that love skyline views, The Nolen rooftop offers private fire-pit lounges and group dining packages. Celebrate under the stars with craft drinks, shared plates, and the city’s sparkling skyline as your backdrop.

🎶 The Lafayette Hotel – North Park

Newly reimagined and buzzing with style, The Lafayette Hotel is perfect for Friendsgiving parties and private dinners with personality. The hotel’s chic spaces can be customized for private dining, music, or even a themed event.

🍸 Raised by Wolves – La Jolla

For something intimate and unforgettable, host your Thanksgiving gathering behind the secret fireplace entrance at Raised by Wolves. The moody lighting, intricate design, and artisanal cocktails make this speakeasy one of the city’s most memorable private venues.

🎨 Bread & Salt – Barrio Logan

For creative groups, Bread & Salt offers event options in its art-filled industrial space. Pair your Thanksgiving with a live music set or gallery show for an artsy twist your guests won’t stop talking about.

🌙 Final Hit: Gratitude, San Diego Style

This Thanksgiving, trade crowded tables for something more personal — candlelit rooftops, artful dinners, or a mellow night at Sessions by the Bay, San Diego’s most elevated weed bar and cannabis restaurant. Whether your guests are longtime locals or in from out of town, these unique spaces let you host with heart, style, and a little SoCal magic.