When you’re hosting Thanksgiving, it’s easy for the day to slip into a routine of eating and small talk, but adding creative games can transform your gathering.
You’ll find options that spark laughter, encourage conversation, and even get everyone moving.
Whether you prefer classic games with a holiday twist or something a bit more unexpected, there’s a way to engage every guest.
Thanksgiving Charades
A classic party game gets a festive twist with Thanksgiving Charades.
You’ll act out holiday-themed phrases—think “carving the turkey” or “falling leaves”—while your group guesses.
Spice things up with charades variations, like using only one hand or making animal sounds.
Acting props, such as mini pumpkins or pilgrim hats, add extra fun and challenge.
Keep rounds quick to maintain energy and laughter.
Turkey Day Trivia
How well do you really know Thanksgiving?
Test your knowledge with turkey day trivia.
Delve into trivia origins by crafting questions about the holiday’s history, traditions, and quirky facts.
Spark lively fact debates as players challenge each other’s answers and defend their knowledge.
This game brings out everyone’s competitive spirit and guarantees laughter and learning, making your celebration both educational and entertaining.
Pumpkin Bowling
Pumpkins transform into playful bowling balls in this festive Thanksgiving game.
You’ll set up a creative pin arrangement using empty bottles or cans—get inventive with the layout to increase the challenge.
Make essential safety modifications by clearing obstacles and using lightweight pumpkins to prevent injuries.
Compete in teams or individually, keeping score for extra excitement.
It’s a memorable way to spark laughter and friendly rivalry.
Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
Gratitude takes center stage in this interactive scavenger hunt, where participants race to find items or share stories that represent what they’re thankful for.
You'll spark meaningful conversations and laughter while reaping scavenger benefits like team bonding and mindfulness.
Try these prompts:
- Find something that makes you smile every day.
- Share a story about a supportive friend.
- Discover an item with sentimental value.
Thanksgiving Pictionary
Laughter fills the room when you break out Thanksgiving Pictionary—a fast-paced drawing game that puts everyone’s artistic skills (or lack thereof) to the test.
Start by preparing a stack of Thanksgiving-themed prompt cards; great prompt selection guarantees variety and challenge.
As you sketch, use clever art strategies to help your team guess quickly.
It’s about thinking on your feet, making memories, and celebrating creativity together.
Minute to Win It: Cranberry Challenge
How quickly can you wrangle a handful of cranberries under pressure?
In the Minute to Win It: cranberry challenge, you’ll rely on sharp reflexes and clever minute strategies.
Try these cranberry variations to keep the excitement going:
- Stack as many cranberries as possible in one minute.
- Transfer cranberries using chopsticks.
- Sort cranberries by size or color—no hands allowed!
Turkey Feather Relay
Shake up your Thanksgiving gathering with the Turkey Feather Relay, a game that’s sure to spark friendly competition and plenty of laughs.
Divide into teams and race to carry a feather—using only your breath or a spoon—across the finish line.
Explore relay variations, such as hopping or balancing, to keep things interesting.
Share a quick feather history for extra fun, tying tradition to your playful festivities.
Thanksgiving Bingo
Whether you want to break the ice or inject some lighthearted competition into your Thanksgiving gathering, Thanksgiving bingo offers a simple yet engaging activity for adults of all ages.
Try these ideas to elevate your game:
- Explore unique Bingo Variations, such as “Turkey Talk” or “Gratitude Squares.”
- Customize Card Designs with seasonal images or family jokes.
- Offer festive prizes for winners, boosting enthusiasm.
Name That Pie
After the laughter and friendly competition of Thanksgiving Bingo, bring everyone to the table for “Name That Pie,” a deliciously fun guessing game that puts your dessert knowledge to the test.
You’ll sample mystery slices, guess flavors, and learn fascinating pie history tidbits.
Spice up the challenge by suggesting creative dessert pairings.
This engaging game encourages conversation and guarantees everyone leaves the table with a newfound appreciation for pie.
Who Am I? Thanksgiving Edition
How well do you know your Thanksgiving icons?
“Who Am I? Thanksgiving Edition” challenges your knowledge of Pilgrim Histories and Feast Traditions.
Each player wears a card on their forehead with a Thanksgiving-related figure or tradition.
You’ll ask yes-or-no questions to guess your identity.
Try clues like:
- Am I related to Pilgrim Histories?
- Am I a Feast Tradition?
- Was I at the first Thanksgiving?
Pilgrim Hat Ring Toss
Bring some lighthearted competition to your Thanksgiving gathering with Pilgrim hat ring toss, a game that’s easy to set up and fun for all skill levels.
Experiment with toss techniques, like underhand spins or overhand lobs, to find your winning strategy.
Score points for each successful ring and crown your champion!
Leftover Food Taste Test
Curious about who can identify the most Thanksgiving leftovers by taste alone?
Transform your gathering into a flavorful challenge!
Blindfold participants and serve small bites, asking them to guess the dish and describe flavor notes.
Make it memorable by sharing storage tips for each leftover after the reveal.
- Prepare bite-sized samples in advance.
- Use unique flavor notes as clues.
- Award points for correct guesses.
Pass the Pumpkin
After everyone’s taste buds have been tested, it’s time to get everyone moving with a lively round of pass the pumpkin.
Sit in a circle, play music, and pass a small pumpkin around.
When the music stops, whoever holds the pumpkin must share a fun pumpkin myth or a fact about its cultural significance.
You’ll spark laughter, storytelling, and a deeper appreciation for this autumnal icon.
Thanksgiving Word Scramble
A Thanksgiving Word Scramble injects some friendly competition and mental agility into your holiday gathering.
Test your guests’ quick thinking with clever scramble variations and tricky challenges.
Here’s how to spice up the game:
- Mix up classic Thanksgiving-themed words.
- Time each round for added excitement.
- Award prizes for creativity or fastest completion.
It’s a simple, engaging way to spark lively conversation.
Family Feud: Turkey Edition
Once everyone’s brains are warmed up from the word scramble, bring the energy up a notch with Family Feud: Turkey Edition.
Divide into teams and challenge each other with Thanksgiving-themed survey questions.
Use creative survey techniques—gather responses from your guests ahead of time.
Try game modifications like lightning rounds or bonus point questions to keep things interesting and guarantee everyone stays engaged throughout the friendly competition.
Thanksgiving Mad Libs
Why not inject a dose of laughter into your gathering with Thanksgiving Mad Libs?
You’ll create custom stories by asking guests for blank fills—nouns, verbs, adjectives—without revealing the story.
Once you read the completed story aloud, hilarity ensues.
- Write your own custom stories about Thanksgiving mishaps.
- Use printable templates with festive themes.
- Encourage everyone to contribute their funniest blank fills.
Harvest Memory Game
Test your memory and observation skills with the Harvest Memory Game, a festive twist on a classic favorite.
Arrange autumn-themed items—mini pumpkins, corn, acorns—on a tray.
Give everyone a minute to study, then cover the tray.
Can you recall every item?
Use clever memory strategies, like grouping or mnemonic devices, to boost your score.
Pin the Feather on the Turkey
Bring some laughter to your Thanksgiving gathering with pin the feather on the Turkey, a playful party game that’s sure to spark friendly competition.
Try these twists and tips for maximum fun:
- Explore turkey variations—cartoon, classic, or customized designs.
- Set clear pinning rules: blindfolded, one spin, closest feather wins.
- Award a prize for the most accurately placed feather.
Let the feathers—and laughs—fly!
Gobble Gobble Karaoke
After the excitement of feather-pinning, it's time to crank up the volume with Gobble Gobble Karaoke.
Gather everyone, distribute quirky karaoke props—think turkey hats or feather boas—and let the fun begin.
Encourage quick voice warmups so no one squeaks on their favorite tunes.
Pick Thanksgiving-themed songs or classics, then take turns performing.
You'll love the laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories this activity brings to your celebration.
Thanksgiving Would You Rather
Ever wondered how your friends would choose between eating only pumpkin pie or mashed potatoes for the rest of the week?
Thanksgiving "Would You Rather" sparks laughter and reflection as you debate thankful scenarios and tricky holiday choices.
Get everyone involved by asking:
- Would you rather host Thanksgiving or be a guest?
- Would you rather skip turkey or pie?
- Would you rather share a gratitude or a secret?
Cornucopia Toss
Once the laughter settles from your last round of Would You Rather, it’s time to get everyone moving with Cornucopia Toss, a game that mixes friendly competition with a festive twist.
Set up a traditional cornucopia basket, then pick your favorite toss variations: try beanbags, mini pumpkins, or even pinecones.
Share a quick Cornucopia history lesson to add meaning, then start aiming for the win!
Thanksgiving Jeopardy
How well do you know your Thanksgiving trivia?
Thanksgiving Jeopardy spices up your holiday gathering with friendly competition and laughter.
Explore Jeopardy Variations and Themes Discussion to tailor the game to your group.
Try these ideas:
- Create categories like “Turkey Facts” or “Famous Feasts.”
- Add holiday-themed Double Jeopardy rounds.
- Mix in pop culture or historical Thanksgiving questions for a fun twist.
The Great Pumpkin Hunt
After flexing your trivia muscles with Thanksgiving Jeopardy, bring everyone together for an energetic activity: The Great Pumpkin Hunt.
Scatter mini pumpkins or themed tokens around your space and divide into teams.
Plan your hunt strategies—assign roles, scan high and low, and communicate.
Celebrate the winning team’s clever tactics!
Thankful For… Icebreaker
Even before the meal begins, set a warm, engaging tone with the Thankful For… Icebreaker.
Encourage everyone to share a moment of Daily Gratitude or Personal Thanks.
This simple activity fosters connection and appreciation.
Try these prompts:
- Name one person you’re grateful for this year.
- Recall a recent moment that brought you joy.
- Share a lesson learned you appreciate.
Thanksgiving Movie Quote Challenge
Bring out everyone’s competitive spirit with the Thanksgiving Movie Quote Challenge, a lively game that blends nostalgia and quick thinking.
Divide into teams and take turns identifying famous Thanksgiving-themed movie quotes.
Challenge your group with quote analysis, discussing which character said it and how it ties into the movie themes.
Award points for correct answers, and watch as laughter and friendly rivalry fill your Thanksgiving celebration.
Final Thoughts
With these 25 creative Thanksgiving games for adults, you’ll turn your gathering into an unforgettable celebration.
From acting out hilarious charades to testing your knowledge with trivia and relays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Not only do these games bring laughter and energy, but they also spark meaningful conversations and gratitude.
So gather your friends and family, pick a few favorites, and make this Thanksgiving extra special with moments you’ll cherish for years to come.
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