50 Fascinating Thanksgiving Trivia Questions and Answers for Your Holiday Gathering
Uncover surprising holiday stories that will spark laughter and conversation.

Image: ShutterStock
50 Thanksgiving Trivia Questions and Answers
Thanksgiving is more than just turkey, football, and gathering around the dinner table—it’s a holiday rich with history, tradition, and quirky facts. Whether you’re looking to stump your guests or simply want to learn something new about the holiday, these 50 Thanksgiving trivia questions and answers will put your knowledge to the test and may even spark some fun conversation at your next feast.
How the Trivia Works
Below, you’ll find 50 engaging trivia questions about Thanksgiving, followed by their answers. Questions cover the holiday’s origins, food traditions, famous celebrations, and fun facts from America and beyond.
Thanksgiving Trivia Questions
- 1. When was the first Thanksgiving celebrated in America?
- 2. Which Native American tribe celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims?
- 3. What year did Thanksgiving become a national holiday?
- 4. Who was the U.S. president that made Thanksgiving a national holiday?
- 5. In what month was the first Thanksgiving held?
- 6. How long did the first Thanksgiving celebration last?
- 7. What meat was served at the first Thanksgiving?
- 8. Which seafood was most likely served at the first Thanksgiving?
- 9. Which game did Pilgrims play during the first Thanksgiving?
- 10. What utensil was missing from the first Thanksgiving table?
- 11. Which U.S. state produces the most turkeys annually?
- 12. How many turkeys are prepared for Thanksgiving each year in the United States?
- 13. What is the most common alternative to turkey on Thanksgiving?
- 14. What is the average weight of an adult Thanksgiving turkey?
- 15. According to Guinness World Records, how much did the heaviest turkey ever weigh?
- 16. In which month does Canada celebrate Thanksgiving?
- 17. Who was the Native American who helped the Pilgrims survive their first winter?
- 18. What was the name of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to North America?
- 19. In what town was the first American Thanksgiving celebrated?
- 20. What is a traditional dessert staple at Thanksgiving tables?
- 21. Which brand is known for selling most canned cranberries in America?
- 22. What year were canned cranberries first introduced?
- 23. What state consumes the most turkey during Thanksgiving?
- 24. Which U.S. president began the tradition of pardoning a turkey?
- 25. In what year did the tradition of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade begin?
- 26. How many blocks does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade cover?
- 27. When did balloons first appear in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
- 28. Which character was the first balloon in the Macy’s Parade?
- 29. On average, how many people attend the Macy’s Parade in New York?
- 30. How many people participate in the Macy’s Parade?
- 31. What is the day after Thanksgiving called in the U.S.?
- 32. What other holiday is observed on the day after Thanksgiving?
- 33. What classic song is actually titled “The New England Boy’s Song About Thanksgiving Day”?
- 34. When did football games on Thanksgiving start?
- 35. Which NFL team has played the most Thanksgiving games?
- 36. How many calories does the average Thanksgiving meal contain?
- 37. What is Americans’ favorite Thanksgiving side dish?
- 38. What ingredient is essential for making pumpkin pie?
- 39. Which president moved Thanksgiving one week earlier in 1939?
- 40. How many women were at the first Thanksgiving?
- 41. Which U.S. city is known for its oldest Thanksgiving Day parade?
- 42. What year did the first NFL Thanksgiving game occur?
- 43. What is the Native American name for corn?
- 44. What vegetable did Pilgrims likely not eat on Thanksgiving due to its rarity?
- 45. Who wrote Mary Had a Little Lamb and campaigned for Thanksgiving to be a national holiday?
- 46. Which company makes most canned pumpkin?
- 47. What vegetable did Benjamin Franklin wish to make the Thanksgiving symbol?
- 48. When do retailers refer to as the “Turkey Five”?
- 49. Which pie do most Americans prefer on Thanksgiving?
- 50. What state was the site of the first U.S. Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving Trivia Answers
- 1. 1621
- 2. The Wampanoag tribe
- 3. 1863
- 4. Abraham Lincoln
- 5. November
- 6. Three days
- 7. Venison (deer meat)
- 8. Shellfish, including lobster, clams, and mussels
- 9. Board games; also, competitive activities like target shooting and running races
- 10. Forks
- 11. Minnesota
- 12. Approximately 46 million
- 13. Ham
- 14. Around 15 pounds
- 15. 86 pounds
- 16. October
- 17. Squanto
- 18. Mayflower
- 19. Plymouth, Massachusetts
- 20. Pumpkin pie
- 21. Ocean Spray
- 22. 1912
- 23. California
- 24. John F. Kennedy, but it became an official tradition under George H.W. Bush
- 25. 1924
- 26. 2.5 miles (about 40 blocks)
- 27. 1927
- 28. Felix the Cat
- 29. Over 3 million
- 30. Over 8,000 participants
- 31. Black Friday
- 32. Native American Heritage Day
- 33. “Over the River and Through the Woods”
- 34. 1876
- 35. The Detroit Lions
- 36. About 4,500 calories
- 37. Mashed potatoes
- 38. Canned pumpkin
- 39. Franklin D. Roosevelt
- 40. Four
- 41. Philadelphia
- 42. 1920
- 43. Maize
- 44. Potatoes
- 45. Sarah Josepha Hale
- 46. Libby’s
- 47. Wild turkey (although Franklin preferred it over the bald eagle as the national bird, not as a Thanksgiving symbol)
- 48. Thanksgiving week (Wednesday through Sunday—including Black Friday and Cyber Monday)
- 49. Pumpkin pie
- 50. Massachusetts
Fun Thanksgiving Facts
- The Original Feast: The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was a three-day affair attended by 53 Pilgrims and about 90 Native Americans. While turkey was likely present, venison and a variety of seafood were more prominent.
- Changing Dates: Franklin D. Roosevelt attempted to move Thanksgiving one week earlier in 1939 to extend the holiday shopping season. The plan was controversial, and after some confusion, Congress made Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November in 1941.
- The Parade: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924 and featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo before switching to giant balloons in 1927.
- Turkey Trot: Football and Thanksgiving have been paired since the late 1800s, with the Detroit Lions hosting a game every year since 1934 (except during WWII).
- Turkey Economy: Minnesota is the top turkey producer, while California eats the most turkey at Thanksgiving.
- Heaviest Turkey: The Guinness World Record for the heaviest turkey is 86 pounds.
Thanksgiving by the Numbers
Statistic | Value |
---|---|
Turkeys cooked each year (U.S.) | 46 million |
Average weight of a Thanksgiving turkey | 15 pounds |
Calories in a typical meal | 4,500 |
Average cost of a Thanksgiving meal per person | $5.33 |
People attending Macy’s parade (in-person) | 3 million+ |
Macy’s parade participants | 8,000+ |
Popular Thanksgiving Foods
- Turkey: The centerpiece of the meal, roasting a turkey for Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition.
- Mashed Potatoes: Consistently ranked as America’s favorite Thanksgiving side dish.
- Pumpkin Pie: The most popular Thanksgiving dessert, made with canned pumpkin and a blend of spices.
- Cranberry Sauce: Canned or homemade, it’s an essential sweet-tart side.
- Stuffing and Dressing: Savory bread stuffing or dressing often features herbs, vegetables, and sausage.
- Sweet Potatoes: Served mashed or as a casserole, sometimes topped with marshmallows.
Thanksgiving Traditions and Customs
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Watched by millions on television, featuring giant character balloons and performances.
- Pardoning the Turkey: Each year the President spares a turkey—an official White House tradition since 1989.
- Football Games: The NFL hosts three games on Thanksgiving Day, with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys playing each year.
- Sharing Gratitude: Many families take turns stating what they’re thankful for before the meal.
- Leftovers: Turkey sandwiches and creative casseroles appear in the days following the meal.
History and Evolution of Thanksgiving
The story of Thanksgiving begins with Pilgrims who journeyed to America aboard the Mayflower in 1620. After a devastating first winter, help from the Wampanoag tribe, including Squanto who taught them vital agricultural skills, led to a bountiful harvest. The resulting three-day feast in Plymouth is remembered as the first American Thanksgiving.
Over the centuries, Thanksgiving evolved from regional fall harvest celebrations to the national holiday we enjoy today. Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, inspired by the writing of Sarah Josepha Hale. Roosevelt’s calendar change in 1939 led to official legislation in 1941, solidifying the date as the fourth Thursday of November.
Thanksgiving Around the World
Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October, with similar traditions but different roots. Other countries, such as Liberia, Germany, and Japan, have their own harvest festivals or days of gratitude. In America, however, Thanksgiving is specifically tied to Pilgrim history and the fall bounty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What food was served at the first Thanksgiving?
The original meal included venison, fowl (possibly wild turkey), seafood, nuts, corn, and vegetables native to the region. Potatoes and pies were not present due to ingredient shortages.
Why do Americans eat turkey at Thanksgiving?
Turkey became popular because it’s large enough to serve whole families and was widely available in colonial America. Its popularity grew as it became linked to the story of the Pilgrims.
Who started the tradition of pardoning the turkey?
John F. Kennedy informally spared a turkey in 1963, but the official annual White House turkey pardon began with George H.W. Bush in 1989.
What is Americans’ favorite Thanksgiving side dish?
Mashed potatoes are statistically the most popular side dish, closely followed by stuffing and sweet potatoes.
How many people participate in the Macy’s Parade?
Over 8,000 people—including balloon handlers, performers, and volunteers—participate each year.
What is “Black Friday” and why is it important?
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, marks the start of the holiday shopping season with massive retail sales.
Thanksgiving Quotes to Share
- “Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness and gratitude.”
- “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”
- “Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot.”
- “There is always something to be thankful for.”
- “Thanksgiving is the memory of the heart.”
Tips for Hosting a Thanksgiving Trivia Game
- Divide guests into teams and assign a scorekeeper for extra fun.
- Read each question to all guests or distribute answer sheets for independent play.
- Award small prizes to winners: leftovers, festive treats, or bragging rights!
- Mix easy and challenging questions to keep everyone engaged.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, good food, and the sharing of stories. With these 50 trivia questions and answers, you can add extra fun to your holiday gathering and discover new insights about America’s quintessential celebration.
References

Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our vibrant community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with like-minded individuals.
Read full bio of Medha Deb