Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and, of course, delicious food! But why should the fun stop once the last bite of pumpkin pie is gone? Incorporating games into your Thanksgiving celebration can keep the laughter rolling and create cherished memories that last long after the holiday. Imagine gathering your loved ones for a delightful evening filled with laughter, friendly competition, and the joy of connecting with one another.
Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or an intimate get-together, these 23 Thanksgiving games will add excitement to your festivities. They cater to both kids and adults, ensuring that everyone can join in on the fun. So, let’s dive into these engaging activities that will elevate your Thanksgiving celebration and keep spirits high.
1. Turkey Trot Trivia
Ready to test your Thanksgiving knowledge? Turkey Trot Trivia is a fantastic way to engage your guests with a fun quiz on Thanksgiving history and facts. Think about interesting categories like “Thanksgiving Foods” or “Turkey Tidbits.” You can even surprise everyone with quirky trivia they’ve never heard before!
Gather everyone into teams, hand out answer sheets, and let the quiz begin. With a prize for the winning team, you’ll stir up some friendly competition and laughter as everyone shares their thoughts and guesses. This interactive game sparks curiosity and brings a sense of camaraderie, making it a perfect icebreaker.
2. Thanksgiving Charades
Who doesn’t love a good game of charades? Thanksgiving Charades takes the classic game and adds a holiday twist! Prepare a stack of slips with Thanksgiving-themed phrases such as “basting the turkey” or “gobble gobble.” Each team takes turns acting out the phrases without speaking, and the others guess what they are.
Laughter is guaranteed as players channel their inner thespians, making the funniest faces and gestures to convey their phrases. This game is not only entertaining but also a great way to bring everyone together in a lively atmosphere, ensuring your gathering starts off with joy and humor.
3. Thanksgiving Pictionary
If you have a group that enjoys creativity, Thanksgiving Pictionary will be a hit! All you need is a whiteboard or some large sheets of paper and markers. Teams can take turns drawing Thanksgiving-related items, like “pilgrim hat” or “pumpkin pie,” while their teammates guess what they are.
The time limit adds an exciting challenge, pushing players to think fast and unleash their artistic skills, or lack thereof! Watching your relatives draw hilariously imperfect renditions of turkey or cornucopia will surely bring on the giggles and provide memorable moments of joy.
4. Thanksgiving Bingo
Looking for a simple yet entertaining game? Thanksgiving Bingo is perfect for all ages! Create bingo cards featuring Thanksgiving icons like turkeys, corn, and cranberry sauce. Distributing cards and markers allows players to mark off items as they are called out, making it easy to join in the fun.
As guests wait for dinner or take a break, this casual game can keep spirits high and excitement bubbling. The first player to shout “Gobble Gobble!” when they complete a line adds an element of fun, sparking cheers and laughter all around.
5. Turkey Hunt
Are you up for an adventure? A Turkey Hunt is an engaging scavenger hunt that will get everyone moving! Hide small turkey-themed items around your home or yard, and create clues leading to each hidden treasure. Divide your guests into teams and watch the excitement unfold as they race to find all the turkeys.
This energetic game adds an active element to your celebration, allowing everyone to burn off some calories before the big meal. Plus, the thrill of searching for hidden treasures encourages teamwork and brings a sense of adventure to the gathering!
6. Turkey Waddle Relay
Get ready for some giggles with the Turkey Waddle Relay! This hilarious twist on a classic relay race requires players to hold a balloon between their knees and waddle to the finish line. Sounds easy? Just wait until you try it!
Split your guests into teams and see who can race without dropping their balloon. The result is a delightful mix of laughter and silliness, creating memorable moments as everyone attempts to navigate the course while keeping their balloons in place.
7. Thanksgiving Would You Rather?
Want to spark interesting conversations? Thanksgiving Would You Rather? is a light-hearted game that encourages discussions and laughter. Pose funny questions like, “Would you rather eat pumpkin pie for every meal or turkey for an entire week?” The responses can lead to some playful debates!
As everyone shares their answers and reasoning, this game helps break the ice and makes for delightful storytelling moments. Plus, you might discover some surprising preferences among your loved ones, adding depth to your holiday gathering.
8. Thanksgiving Scattergories
If you’re looking for a fast-paced game, Thanksgiving Scattergories will keep your guests on their toes! Players brainstorm Thanksgiving-related words for each letter of the alphabet, racing against a timer. For example, “T” might stand for “turkey,” while “P” could represent “pie.”
This game challenges everyone’s creativity and quick thinking while filling the air with laughter as they scramble to come up with unique words. It’s an energetic way to keep the atmosphere lively and enjoyable for everyone involved.
9. Thanksgiving Cornhole
Let’s get competitive with Thanksgiving Cornhole! This classic outdoor game is easy to set up, and you can add a festive touch by decorating your cornhole board in fall colors. Players take turns tossing bean bags, trying to land them in the hole.
The friendly competition will have everyone cheering and encouraging one another, creating a fun-filled environment. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while bonding with family and friends over some lighthearted gameplay.
10. Pumpkin Bowling
Looking for a unique twist on bowling? Pumpkin Bowling is a fun activity that brings a festive spirit to the game! Set up plastic pins and use small pumpkins as your bowling balls. This playful setup adds a seasonal touch, ensuring lots of laughs as players attempt to knock down pins with their pumpkins.
The challenge of balancing a pumpkin and aiming for the pins provides plenty of entertainment, and you’ll love cheering each other on. It’s a great way to incorporate some friendly competition into your Thanksgiving celebration.
11. Thanksgiving Word Search
If you’re in the mood for a quieter activity, Thanksgiving Word Search is a perfect option. You can find or create themed word search puzzles filled with Thanksgiving-related words. Guests can enjoy working at their own pace, making it a relaxing way to spend time together.
This game allows everyone to engage their minds while still enjoying the festive atmosphere. Plus, it’s a nice breather from the high-energy games, perfect for those who prefer a more laid-back experience.
12. Turkey Card Draw
Want to spice up your card game? Turkey Card Draw puts a Thanksgiving twist on traditional card games. Assign fun meanings to each suit, such as sharing a memorable Thanksgiving moment for hearts or naming a favorite dish for spades.
As players take turns drawing cards and completing the assigned actions, the game encourages storytelling and laughter. This interactive game helps strengthen connections among guests, making it a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving celebration.
13. Pass the Stuffing
Get ready for some giggles with Pass the Stuffing! This hilarious relay game requires players to pass a small stuffed item—like a beanbag or plush turkey—using only their chins. Teams line up and attempt to pass the item down the line without dropping it.
This game is perfect for larger gatherings, as it invites everyone to join in on the fun. The laughter and friendly competition will surely keep the energy high, making it a memorable experience for all.
14. Thanksgiving Left-Right Story Game
Looking for a fun twist on storytelling? The Left-Right Story Game is perfect for engaging guests in a unique way. As everyone sits in a circle, read a Thanksgiving-themed story and have participants pass a small item left or right whenever they hear those words.
This simple yet entertaining game keeps everyone on their toes as they try to anticipate the passing of the item. The excitement builds as the story progresses, leading to laughter and surprises when the final person holds the item!
15. Thanksgiving Taste Test
How well do your guests know their Thanksgiving dishes? The Thanksgiving Taste Test is a delightful way to celebrate traditional foods. Set up a blind taste test with favorites like cranberry sauce, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
Players will don blindfolds and try to guess what they are tasting, creating a fun and challenging experience. This game not only adds excitement but also brings everyone together through their love of food, making it a deliciously enjoyable activity!
16. Guess the Gratitude
Let’s reflect on what Thanksgiving is all about with Guess the Gratitude! Each player writes down something they’re thankful for, and then the others try to guess who wrote each note. This game encourages meaningful conversations and connections among your loved ones.
As you share your gratitude, it fosters an atmosphere of appreciation and warmth. You’ll be surprised by the insights you gain about each other, creating heartfelt moments that make Thanksgiving even more special.
17. Thanksgiving Trivia Bingo
Ready for a twist on traditional Bingo? Thanksgiving Trivia Bingo combines trivia questions with the classic game! Create Bingo cards filled with trivia answers, and as each question is answered correctly, players mark the corresponding spot on their card.
This unique blend of games challenges everyone while keeping the familiar fun of Bingo alive. It’s a great way to engage everyone and spark lively conversations, ensuring that your gathering is filled with excitement.
18. Pie Eating Contest
Bring out the competitive spirit with a pie-eating contest! Using mini pies, set a time limit for players to devour their treats. Watching friends and family race to finish their pies is sure to create a fun and messy atmosphere!
This game brings lots of laughter and friendly rivalry as everyone cheers on the competitors. Plus, it’s a tasty way to celebrate Thanksgiving traditions, making it a deliciously enjoyable experience for all.
19. Name That Thanksgiving Tune
Put a modern twist on storytelling with Thanksgiving Emoji Story! Each guest creates a short story using only emojis to represent Thanksgiving-related concepts. Then, everyone shares their stories, and others guess the meanings behind them.
This fun and creative game sparks laughter and imagination, as you try to decipher each other’s emoji combinations. It’s a delightful way to explore storytelling while having a great time together.
20. Thanksgiving Memory Game
Let’s bring out the competitive side with Thanksgiving Family Feud! Create a survey beforehand asking guests their opinions on Thanksgiving-related questions (e.g., favorite side dish). Teams compete to guess the most popular answers!
This game encourages playful rivalry while allowing everyone to share their thoughts and opinions. The fun banter that ensues during the game is sure to keep spirits high, making it a lively addition to your Thanksgiving celebration.
21. Thanksgiving Bingo with a Twist
Capture the fun of the day with a Thanksgiving Photo Booth! Set up a backdrop with festive decorations and props for guests to pose with. Encourage everyone to take silly pictures to commemorate the day.
This activity allows guests to let loose and show off their personalities while creating lasting memories. Plus, you can compile the photos into a fun album after the holiday, giving everyone something to cherish long after Thanksgiving has passed.
22. Thanksgiving Jeopardy
Get ready for a messy, hilarious time with Thanksgiving Saran Wrap Ball! Wrap small prizes and treats in layers of plastic wrap to create a giant ball. Players take turns unwrapping the ball while others roll dice.
Whenever a player rolls doubles, they get to continue unwrapping until someone else rolls doubles. The anticipation and excitement of revealing hidden goodies will keep everyone entertained, ensuring plenty of laughter along the way.
23. Gratitude Circle
Let the music flow with Thanksgiving Karaoke! Create a playlist of popular songs and Thanksgiving-themed tunes for everyone to enjoy. Let guests take the stage and sing their hearts out!
Karaoke is a wonderful way to encourage participation and get everyone laughing and singing along. This fun activity fosters a sense of togetherness, making it a perfect way to end your Thanksgiving celebration on a high note.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is all about togetherness, gratitude, and joy, and these 23 games are designed to keep the spirit of the holiday alive long after the feast is over. From friendly competitions to creative storytelling, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So gather your loved ones, embrace the fun, and make this Thanksgiving a celebration filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories that will last a lifetime!