Workshops for Retirement

Thanksgiving Trivia - Fun Facts and Games for Your Holiday Gathering

Looking to add some excitement to your Thanksgiving celebration this year? Trivia games are the perfect way to entertain your guests while also learning fun facts about this beloved holiday. Thanksgiving trivia can be a great icebreaker for parties, a bonding activity for families, or even a classroom game to engage students in learning about history.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone who loves Thanksgiving traditions, our trivia ideas and facts will keep everyone entertained.

Thanksgiving Fun

Fun Thanksgiving Facts 🦃🍁

  • The First Thanksgiving: The original feast in 1621 lasted three days and included the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans. However, turkey wasn’t the centerpiece of the meal.
  • Turkey’s Role in Thanksgiving: It’s estimated that over 46 million turkeys are eaten each Thanksgiving in the U.S.
  • Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: The first Macy’s parade took place in 1924, complete with animals from the Central Park Zoo.
  • NFL Thanksgiving Tradition: Football on Thanksgiving began in 1934 with a game between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears.
  • Pumpkin Pie Love: Pumpkin pie became a Thanksgiving staple in the late 18th century and remains a favorite dessert today.

Thanksgiving Trivia Questions 🎉🦃

Easy Questions:

  1. Which President declared Thanksgiving a national holiday?
    • Answer: Abraham Lincoln.
  2. What year did the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade take place?
    • Answer: 1924.
  3. Which state produces the most turkeys in the U.S.?
    • Answer: Minnesota.
  4. How many feathers does a mature turkey have?
    • Answer: Approximately 3,500.
  5. What is the wobbly red piece of flesh on top of a turkey’s beak called?
    • Answer: A snood.

Challenging Questions:

  1. Which President attempted to move Thanksgiving earlier to boost holiday shopping?
    • Answer: Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939.
  2. What Native American tribe was present at the first Thanksgiving?
    • Answer: The Wampanoag.
  3. How many pounds of cranberries are consumed during Thanksgiving week?
    • Answer: About 80 million pounds.
  4. What NFL team has played every Thanksgiving since 1966?
    • Answer: The Dallas Cowboys.
  5. What day of the year is the busiest for U.S. plumbers?
    • Answer: The day after Thanksgiving, due to kitchen clogs (known as “Brown Friday”).

How to Host a Thanksgiving Trivia Game 🍁🎲

Step 1: Prepare Your Questions

Create a list of trivia questions, categorized by difficulty. Include a mix of historical, culinary, and pop culture themes to keep things engaging.

Step 2: Organize Teams

Split your group into teams or let people play individually. Teams can brainstorm answers together for a more collaborative experience.

Step 3: Use Fun Prizes

Offer small, festive prizes like a pumpkin pie, a box of Thanksgiving-themed cookies, or even just bragging rights.

Step 4: Add Some Challenges

Incorporate fun challenges like a bonus round where players have to guess the most popular Thanksgiving dishes or traditions.

Step 5: Share Fun Facts

Between questions, sprinkle in interesting facts about Thanksgiving to keep everyone intrigued and learning.

FAQs About Thanksgiving Trivia

What is the origin of Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving originated in 1621 as a harvest celebration shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans. The tradition has since evolved into an annual holiday celebrated across the United States.

What are some fun Thanksgiving trivia questions?

Examples include: “Which President declared Thanksgiving a national holiday?” (Abraham Lincoln), “What year did the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade take place?” (1924), and “Which state produces the most turkeys in the U.S.?” (Minnesota).

Popular traditions include enjoying a turkey dinner, watching football, attending or viewing parades, and expressing gratitude with loved ones.

How can I host a Thanksgiving trivia game?

To host a trivia game, prepare a mix of easy and challenging Thanksgiving-themed questions. Split your guests into teams, offer small prizes for winners, and incorporate fun facts to keep the game engaging.

What are some surprising facts about Thanksgiving?

Some fun facts: The first Thanksgiving likely lasted three days, Thanksgiving was not a national holiday until 1863, and turkey wasn’t the main dish at the original feast.