Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday, a time to express gratitude, share a bountiful meal, and create lasting memories with loved ones. While all the fine, delicious food you’ve worked hard to make is the star of the show, the party around it can be just as important. To make your next Thanksgiving party unforgettable, you can incorporate fun activities that bring everyone together, from traditional games to creative crafts. Here’s a selection of ideas to keep your guests entertained and in the spirit of the holiday.
1. Turkey Bingo
Bingo is a classic party game, and giving it a Thanksgiving twist can make it even more fun. Create Bingo cards with Thanksgiving-themed images or phrases, such as “turkey,” “pumpkin pie,” or “fall leaves.” You can easily find templates online or make your own cards. The first person to fill their card wins a small prize—perhaps a Thanksgiving treat like a piece of homemade fudge or a decorative autumn candle. Turkey Bingo is simple enough for all ages to enjoy, making it a perfect activity to kick off your gathering.
2. Pumpkin Bowling
Bring a bit of outdoor fun indoors (or take it outside if weather permits) with a game of pumpkin bowling. For this activity, you’ll need a small pumpkin and some empty water bottles. Line the bottles up like bowling pins, and let your guests take turns rolling the pumpkin to see who can knock down the most pins. To make it more festive, you can decorate the bottles with Thanksgiving-themed stickers or paint them to look like miniature turkeys. Kids and adults alike will love this fun twist on bowling.
3. Thankful Tree Craft
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and creating a “Thankful Tree” is a meaningful way for guests to reflect on what they’re thankful for. Set up a small tree branch in a vase, and provide guests with paper leaves in various autumn colours. Ask each person to write something they’re thankful for on a leaf and hang it on the tree. By the end of the evening, the tree will be filled with heartfelt notes of gratitude. This activity not only serves as a thoughtful reflection but also creates a beautiful decoration for your Thanksgiving celebration.
4. Apple Cider Tasting
One thing that always goes well with any event where food is served is offering something else to please the palate. To go with the Thanksgiving dinner you’re serving your guests, consider hosting an apple cider tasting. Collect several varieties of apple cider, ranging from sweet to tart, and set up a tasting station for your guests to sample and enjoy. Provide tasting cards where participants can note their preferences, rating each cider on taste, aroma, and texture. If you’d like, you can also offer warm spiced cider and sparkling cider to add variety. Pair the cider with autumn-themed snacks like cinnamon doughnuts, caramel apples, or spiced nuts for the ultimate tasting experience.
5. Thanksgiving Trivia
Test your guests’ knowledge with a round of Thanksgiving trivia. You can create your own questions based on the history of the holiday, traditional Thanksgiving foods, or even fun facts about autumn. Divide your guests into teams and see who can answer the most questions correctly. You could even add a few funny or quirky questions, such as “How many kilograms does the average turkey weigh?” or “What vegetable is typically used to make pie?” Trivia is a great way to get everyone laughing and engaged in some light-hearted competition.
6. Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Instead of carving pumpkins, try a pumpkin decorating contest. Provide small pumpkins and an array of craft supplies, such as paint, glitter, markers, and stickers. Let guests decorate their pumpkins however they like, whether it’s turning them into turkeys, adding goofy faces, or covering them in autumn leaves. After everyone has finished decorating, have a panel of judges (or let everyone vote) to determine the winners in categories like “Most Creative” or “Funniest Pumpkin.” This activity is a great way for everyone to show off their creativity and take home a festive decoration.
7. Cornhole Tournament
Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss, is a fun and easy game that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages. If you have a backyard or enough space indoors, set up a cornhole board and divide your guests into teams. The goal is simple: toss the bean bags onto the board and aim for the hole. You can even customize the game by painting the boards with a Thanksgiving theme or using autumn-coloured bean bags. A cornhole tournament is a fantastic way to encourage friendly competition and get everyone moving after a big meal.
8. DIY Centrepiece Workshop
For those who enjoy crafting, a DIY centrepiece workshop can be a relaxing and creative way to spend time together. Set up a crafting station with supplies like small pumpkins, pinecones, acorns, candles, and floral arrangements. Encourage guests to create their own Thanksgiving centrepieces that they can either take home or leave on the table as part of the evening’s décor. This activity allows guests to express their artistic side while contributing to the festive atmosphere of the celebration.
9. Photo Booth with Props
Capture the memories of your Thanksgiving party with a fun photo booth. Set up a backdrop with autumn leaves, pumpkins, or Thanksgiving-themed decorations. Provide a basket of props, such as pilgrim hats, turkey masks, and funny signs with Thanksgiving phrases. Guests can take turns posing for photos with family and friends, creating lasting memories and plenty of laughs. A photo booth adds an interactive element to your party and gives everyone a fun way to remember the day.
10. Turkey Tag
If you’re hosting your Thanksgiving party outdoors or have a spacious yard, Turkey Tag is a lively game that will get everyone running around and having a blast. This game is a variation of freeze tag, where one person is the “hunter” and the others are “turkeys.” When the hunter tags a turkey, the turkey must freeze in place. The other turkeys can “unfreeze” them by gobbling three times. The game continues until all the turkeys have been caught, or you can set a timer to keep the game short and sweet. It’s a great way to burn off some energy, especially for kids.
11. Guess the Gratitude
In this heartfelt activity, ask each guest to write down something they’re thankful for on a small slip of paper, without revealing their name. Collect all the slips in a jar, then take turns reading them aloud. The goal is for everyone to guess who wrote each note of gratitude. This game not only sparks meaningful conversations but also helps guests get to know each other on a deeper level. It’s a thoughtful way to centre the party around gratitude while keeping things light-hearted.
12. Make Your Own Trail Mix Bar
It’s always a good idea to keep abreast of some of the most common seasonal foods to suit your events at any time of year. However, you can also put your own spin on your party to give your guests something to remember. As a fun and tasty snack activity, set up a “make your own trail mix” bar. Provide an assortment of ingredients like dried cranberries, roasted nuts, pretzels, chocolate chips, and pumpkin seeds. Let guests create their own custom trail mix blends, perfect for munching on throughout the party or taking home as a sweet treat. You can even provide small decorative bags or containers for guests to fill and label with their names. This DIY snack activity is easy to set up and adds a personalized touch to your Thanksgiving celebration.
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, sharing gratitude, and creating wonderful memories with family and friends. By incorporating these fun activities into your next Thanksgiving party, you can ensure that everyone stays entertained and engaged, making the holiday celebration even more special. From games that spark laughter to crafts that encourage creativity, there’s something here for every guest to enjoy. So, as you prepare your Thanksgiving feast, don’t forget to plan some activities that will leave your guests talking about the fun they had long after the last slice of pumpkin pie has been served.
When you need a helping hand planning your next Thanksgiving event, give Elle Cuisine a call. We provide professional catering and event management services to help you make your events a smashing success. We have over 10 years’ experience working with clients just like you, and we’re only too happy to put ourselves at your service to ensure your events are ones to remember. Call us now at (647) 430-3553 and get the help you need for a memorable Thanksgiving party.