Thanksgiving isn’t just about eating your body weight in turkey and pretending you like Aunt Linda’s mystery casserole. It’s also the perfect excuse to laugh, joke around, and test each other’s random knowledge. That’s where Thanksgiving Trivia Questions come in. You don’t need fancy game boards or scorekeepers—just people, food, and maybe a pen if you’re feeling official.
The fun part is, nobody ever knows all the answers. Someone will absolutely mix up yams with sweet potatoes, someone else will argue way too hard about football facts, and before you know it, you’ve got everyone laughing. So loosen the belt, grab a slice of pie, and dive into these 50 trivia questions that work just as well at the office as they do around the family table.
Classic Thanksgiving History
When people think about Thanksgiving, the first images that come to mind are usually giant turkeys, family tables loaded with food, and maybe a football game playing in the background. But before all of that, there’s a fascinating backstory filled with pilgrims, Native American allies, and presidents making big national decisions. It’s a mix of fact, myth, and tradition that has shaped the holiday into what we know today. Digging into those moments gives a whole new appreciation for why we gather every November.
That’s why history questions are always a crowd favorite. They’re not just about memorizing dates; they spark conversations, invite a little friendly debate, and sometimes even surprise the person who thought they “knew it all.” In fact, some of the best Thanksgiving Trivia Questions come from this historical category, because the answers often challenge what we assume about the first feast, the role of early leaders, and the presidents who turned a local custom into a nationwide celebration.
1. In what year was the first Thanksgiving celebrated?
1621, back when Wi-Fi wasn’t even a dream.
2. Which Native American tribe celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims?
The Wampanoag tribe, true MVPs of the feast.
3. Who was the Governor of Plymouth Colony during the first Thanksgiving?
William Bradford—basically the head organizer.
4. Which U.S. President made Thanksgiving a national holiday?
Abraham Lincoln, 1863. Thanks, Abe.
5. How long did the first Thanksgiving feast last?
Three days. Imagine leftovers for that long.
6. What was the main meat served at the first Thanksgiving?
Venison (deer). Sorry, turkey, you weren’t the star yet.
7. Which Founding Father wanted the turkey to be the national bird?
Benjamin Franklin. Bald eagle said “not today.”
8. Which President declared Thanksgiving should be celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November?
Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941.
Food & Feast Fun
Thanksgiving without food? Yeah, that’s basically illegal. The holiday table is the stage, and the turkey is Beyoncé—everything else is just backup dancers. The smell of mashed potatoes, the sound of someone dropping a spoon in the gravy boat, and that one relative who insists on bringing kale salad no one touches—it’s all part of the vibe.
And food trivia? That’s where people suddenly become experts. Uncle Joe who can’t cook pasta will fight to the death over cranberry facts. Someone will claim they know the exact calorie count of a full plate (spoiler: they don’t). That’s why Thanksgiving Trivia Questions about food are the real showstoppers.
9. Which U.S. state raises the most turkeys?
Minnesota. Gobble central.
10. What pie is most associated with Thanksgiving?
Pumpkin pie. No arguments accepted.
11. How many calories does the average American eat on Thanksgiving Day?
About 4,500. And no one regrets it.
12. Which state produces the most cranberries?
Wisconsin—cranberry kings.
13. What root veggie is always mistaken for yams?
Sweet potatoes. Poor things have an identity crisis.
14. Which state grows the most pumpkins?
Illinois. Pumpkin spice HQ.
15. How many pumpkin pies are eaten each Thanksgiving in the U.S.?
Roughly 50 million. That’s a lot of whipped cream.
16. What side dish ranks just under stuffing in popularity?
Mashed potatoes. Comfort food royalty.
Traditions & Customs
Traditions are what glue this holiday together—and sometimes that glue is really weird. Some families can’t start eating until everyone says what they’re thankful for, while others skip that part and head straight for pie. Then there’s the Macy’s Parade, backyard football, or just arguing about who sits where at the table.
Trivia about traditions hits different because people realize, “Wait, not everyone pardons the turkey at home?” Nope—that’s a presidential thing. And suddenly everyone’s giggling about how one of the strangest customs involves a bird getting a free pass. Honestly, Thanksgiving Trivia Questions about traditions remind us that every family is both normal and completely bizarre.
17. Which city hosts the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
New York City, baby.
18. When was the first Macy’s Parade held?
1924, back when floats were still figuring things out.
19. What do Presidents traditionally do with a turkey each year?
They pardon it. The turkey walks free, the irony is strong.
20. Which President made the first official turkey pardon?
George H. W. Bush in 1989.
21. What day of the week is Thanksgiving always on?
Thursday. Always has, always will.
22. What’s the busiest travel day in the U.S.?
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Airports = chaos.
23. Which state was the first to officially adopt Thanksgiving?
New York in 1817.
24. Which state eats the most turkey?
California. Big appetites, big turkeys.
Sports & Pop Culture
Let’s be real: after the feast, half the room is passed out on the couch pretending to “watch the game.” Football and Thanksgiving go together like gravy and… well, more gravy. But it’s not just sports—TV shows have practically built an empire on chaotic Thanksgiving episodes. Friends with the turkey-on-head moment? Legendary.
That’s why sports and pop culture trivia are crowd-pleasers. The die-hard football fan and the Netflix binge-watcher can actually play the same game. And nothing beats someone proudly answering a football question and then immediately failing at a sitcom one. It’s this mashup that makes Thanksgiving Trivia Questions feel like you’re flipping through channels on a holiday afternoon.
25. What sport screams Thanksgiving?
Football. Like, duh.
26. Which two NFL teams always play on Thanksgiving?
The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. Tradition!
27. When was the first Thanksgiving football game?
1876. That’s ancient football.
28. When did the Lions host their first Thanksgiving game?
1934. And they’ve kept it going.
29. Which TV show had the “Turkeys Away” episode?
WKRP in Cincinnati. Absolute chaos.
30. Which sitcom had Joey with a turkey on his head?
Friends. Iconic scene.
31. Which animated show has constant Thanksgiving disasters at the Belchers’?
Bob’s Burgers. And we love every messy minute.
32. Which Peanuts special is a Thanksgiving classic?
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Pass the popcorn and toast.
Random & Fun Facts
This is the land of the weird. Random stats, record-breaking pies, and things you’d never think about—like how many millions of people watch giant balloons float through NYC streets. It’s the trivia equivalent of the “fun facts” kid in class who always raised their hand at the weirdest time.
Random trivia is where people’s jaws drop and someone yells, “No way, that can’t be true!” But it is. That’s what makes these nuggets of knowledge so addictive. You don’t need to remember them for work or school, but they’re perfect for flexing at the dinner table. These are the Thanksgiving Trivia Questions that turn into mini arguments and inside jokes.
33. What was the first character balloon in the Macy’s Parade?
Felix the Cat, 1927.
34. How many turkeys get roasted each Thanksgiving in the U.S.?
Around 46 million.
35. What percentage of Americans eat turkey?
About 88%. Veggie crowd, you’re the brave 12%.
36. Which state grows the most sweet potatoes?
North Carolina. Sweet potato heaven.
37. Which President tried moving Thanksgiving to the third Thursday?
Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939. People weren’t thrilled.
38. How many people watch the Macy’s Parade on TV?
About 50 million.
39. Which country besides the U.S. celebrates Thanksgiving?
Canada, in October.
40. What veggie do Canadians swap in for sweet potatoes with marshmallows?
Mashed turnips. Bold move.
Quirky & Surprising
Thanksgiving has some skeletons in the closet, and some of them are hilarious. Like the fact that forks weren’t really used at the first feast—imagine stabbing turkey with just a knife or your hands. Or that presidents once flat-out refused to celebrate Thanksgiving. Talk about drama.
This section is where trivia goes off the rails—in the best way. People laugh, roll their eyes, and sometimes even fact-check on their phones because it sounds too wild to be true. That’s the charm of it. These quirky little gems prove that Thanksgiving Trivia Questions aren’t just about history—they’re about discovering how strange and wonderful this holiday really is.
41. What utensil was missing at the first Thanksgiving?
Forks. They weren’t a thing yet.
42. Which state’s governor sends a giant sweet potato to the White House?
North Carolina, keeping it weird.
43. Which President wasn’t into Thanksgiving at all?
Thomas Jefferson. Party pooper.
44. What’s the record for the biggest pumpkin pie ever baked?
Over 3,600 pounds. Hope they had enough Cool Whip.
45. How many passengers were on the Mayflower?
102 brave souls.
46. Where’s the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation held?
Washington, D.C. Turkeys get the spotlight.
47. What meat wasn’t actually served at the first Thanksgiving?
Turkey. Plot twist.
48. How many feathers does a turkey have?
Roughly 3,500. Fluffy birds.
49. What’s the go-to veggie main dish for vegetarians?
Tofurkey or stuffed squash. Respect.
50. What’s the busiest day of the year for plumbers?
The day after Thanksgiving. Yep, they call it “Brown Friday.”
How to Turn Thanksgiving into a Day to Remember
Want to take this Thanksgiving up a notch? Here are some fresh ways to make the day feel extra special and full of memories:
1. Create Your Own Thanksgiving Lamp at Mosaic Art Studio:
Instead of just gathering around the table, why not gather around creativity? At Mosaic Art Studio you and your loved ones can design your own glowing Turkish mosaic lamp together. It’s hands-on, calming, and a perfect mix of fun and artistry. Plus, everyone goes home with a lamp they made themselves—a keepsake that literally shines with the memory of the day. Book a workshop now and add a sparkling twist to your Thanksgiving.
2. Host a Trivia Game:
Put your guests’ knowledge to the test with a round of Thanksgiving trivia. From history to quirky traditions, it’s a playful way to bond (and discover who secretly Googles answers under the table).
3. Add a Modern Twist to the Menu:
Traditional dishes are classics, but tossing in a couple of new recipes keeps the meal exciting. Think pumpkin spice fusion or a creative vegetarian option that surprises everyone.
4. Share Memories and Traditions:
Take a little time for everyone to share their favorite Thanksgiving stories. It turns dinner into a warm, laughter-filled trip down memory lane.
5. Screen Some Classics:
Pop on a nostalgic movie or TV special—whether it’s “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” or a cozy comedy, it makes the holiday feel cinematic.
6. Reflect on Gratitude:
Finally, pause and let everyone share what they’re grateful for. It’s simple, powerful, and the heart of the holiday.
Summary
So there you go—50 chances to prove you’re either the Thanksgiving genius of the group or just really good at making confident guesses. Either way, these Thanksgiving Trivia Questions will get your coworkers, family, or friends laughing (and probably arguing over whether yams and sweet potatoes are the same thing). Give it a try this year—you’ll end up with memories that last longer than the leftovers. 🦃
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