Thanksgiving trivia is a fun way to learn about the holiday’s history, traditions, and unique customs. From the first feast in 1621 to modern-day turkey pardons, here’s a quick overview of what you’ll discover:
- First Thanksgiving (1621): A three-day feast with the Wampanoag tribe, featuring venison and wildfowl.
- Lincoln’s Proclamation (1863): Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday during the Civil War.
- Macy’s Parade (1924): Started as a way to celebrate the holiday season, now an iconic event.
- Top Turkey Producer: Minnesota leads the U.S., raising 33.5 million turkeys annually.
- Surprising Side Dish: Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows originated from early 20th-century marketing.
- Presidential Turkey Pardon: Officially began in 1989 with President George H.W. Bush.
- Calorie Count: Americans consume 3,000–4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day.
Whether you’re hosting trivia at home, in a classroom, or at a bar, these facts can spark conversations and bring people together. Dive into the full article for more details and ideas to make your Thanksgiving trivia unforgettable.
Thanksgiving Trivia Quiz | 30 General Knowledge Questions
1. When was the first Thanksgiving celebrated?
Answer: 1621
The most well-known Thanksgiving celebration took place in 1621, when the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag people gathered for a three-day harvest feast in what is now Massachusetts.
Historical accounts suggest this celebration happened in the fall of 1621, possibly around Michaelmas (September 29). The event brought together the Plymouth settlers and at least 90 members of the Wampanoag community, sharing food and fellowship over three days.
While there are records of earlier thanksgiving events - such as one in Spanish Florida in 1565 and another in Newfoundland in 1578 - 1621 is the date most commonly associated with the Thanksgiving tradition.
Interestingly, the Plymouth colonists later referred to a 1623 event as their first formal thanksgiving. However, the 1621 gathering is remembered as a harvest celebration filled with gratitude, unity, and plenty of food.
Next, let’s look at how Thanksgiving became a formalized holiday through presidential influence.
2. Which president made Thanksgiving a national holiday?
Answer: Abraham Lincoln
It was President Abraham Lincoln who officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday on October 3, 1863. He designated the last Thursday in November as a day for the nation to come together in observance.
This decision came during the turmoil of the Civil War, just months after the Battle of Gettysburg. Lincoln aimed to bring unity to a deeply divided nation. However, this proclamation wasn’t solely his idea. Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor, had spent 36 years advocating for a national Thanksgiving holiday. She believed such a celebration could help heal divisions and foster unity across the country. Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation ultimately turned her vision into reality.
In his declaration, Lincoln called for Americans to embrace unity and gratitude, even amidst the challenges of war.
Next, we’ll explore how Thanksgiving evolved into the formal holiday we know today, shaped by presidential influence.
3. What meat did they eat at the first Thanksgiving?
Answer: Venison and wildfowl (not turkey as the main dish)
Turkey wasn’t the centerpiece of the 1621 feast. Instead, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag shared a meal featuring locally hunted venison and a variety of wildfowl. This focus on local game shaped the menu for the gathering.
Wildfowl on the table included ducks, geese, swans, quail, and pigeons. The Wampanoag also contributed five deer, making venison the highlight for the 53 Pilgrims and approximately 90 Wampanoag guests.
Pilgrim leader Edward Winslow noted that they "killed as much fowl as...served the company almost a week". While turkey may have been present, it wasn’t the main attraction.
Seafood from the nearby coast likely made an appearance as well, but venison and wildfowl were the dominant choices for this historic meal.
4. What ship brought the Pilgrims to America?
Answer: The Mayflower
The Mayflower was the ship that carried the Pilgrims across the Atlantic to America in 1620. Originally designed for trade, the ship wasn’t exactly suited for passengers, making the journey especially tough for the 102 passengers and 30 crew members. This voyage became a defining moment in early American history.
The ship itself was about 90 feet long on deck, 110 feet overall, and weighed roughly 180 tons. Its four decks offered only cramped and uncomfortable living spaces for those aboard.
The journey lasted 66 days, marked by rough seas and severe storms. At one point, passenger John Howland was thrown overboard during a storm but managed to survive by grabbing onto a rope. Professional sailor Conrad Humphreys described the conditions vividly:
"The boat would have been rolling like a pig. The smell and stench of illness and sickness down below, and the freezing cold on deck in the elements, it would have been pretty miserable."
Despite these challenges, the voyage saw only one crew member die, while one baby was born during the trip.
5. Which Native American tribe joined the Pilgrims for the first Thanksgiving?
Answer: The Wampanoag tribe
The Wampanoag tribe, led by their chief Ousamequin (known to the settlers as Massasoit), joined the Pilgrims in 1621 for a harvest celebration that would later be remembered as the First Thanksgiving. Around 90 Wampanoag tribesmen took part in this three-day gathering in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts. Their participation not only shaped the event but also left a lasting and complex legacy.
The Wampanoag, with a history stretching back over 10,000 years, had a deep understanding of the land that became essential for the Pilgrims’ survival. They contributed to the feast by bringing local game, showcasing their generosity and resourcefulness. As Anita Peters, a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, described:
"If you're getting ready to eat, we will bring food for you. That's who we are as people".
The relationship between the Wampanoag and the Pilgrims was layered. By 1619, European diseases had ravaged the Wampanoag population, leaving them vulnerable. Aligning with the settlers was seen as a strategic move to strengthen their position against rival tribes. Their knowledge of hunting, fishing, and farming played a key role in helping the Pilgrims establish themselves, and Tisquantum (commonly known as Squanto) served as an interpreter and guide.
However, the initial cooperation did not last. The treaty of peace established during Massasoit's leadership eventually dissolved, leading to future conflicts. Reflecting on this historical alliance, Wamsutta (Frank) James, a Wampanoag descendant, once remarked:
"This action by Massasoit was perhaps our biggest mistake. We, the Wampanoag, welcomed you, the white man, with open arms, little knowing that it was the beginning of the end".
6. When did the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade start?
Answer: November 27, 1924
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade made its debut on November 27, 1924. Back then, it was known as the "Macy's Christmas Parade" and was created to mark the start of the holiday season while drawing attention to Macy's newly expanded Herald Square store, which was the largest department store in the world at the time. This first parade laid the foundation for what would become a cherished American tradition.
The event reflected the melting pot of cultures that defined the era. Many Macy's employees, who were first-generation European immigrants, played a key role in organizing the parade. They saw it as a way to merge their European parade customs with the uniquely American tradition of Thanksgiving. Valerie Paley, senior vice president at the New-York Historical Society, noted:
"The parade was started by employees of the store, many of whom were first-generation immigrants...Most of them were European immigrants who wanted to celebrate American Thanksgiving with a European parade tradition".
The original parade route stretched six miles, beginning at 145th Street in Harlem and ending at Macy's Herald Square. It featured an eclectic mix of costumes, floats, bands, and live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo. The grand finale introduced Santa Claus, who was crowned "King of the Kiddies" upon his arrival at Herald Square.
As the years went by, the parade grew in both size and popularity. The first event drew a crowd of over 250,000 spectators, and by 1933, that number had soared past one million. In 1927, the introduction of giant character balloons, starting with Felix the Cat, added a new layer of excitement. By 1948, the parade was being broadcast on television, turning it into the nationwide spectacle we know today.
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7. Which state raises the most turkeys each year?
Answer: Minnesota
Since 1959, Minnesota has held the title as America's top turkey-producing state. In 2024 alone, the state raised an impressive 33.5 million turkeys, making up 16% of the nation's total turkey production. This achievement underscores Minnesota's crucial role in supplying turkeys for Thanksgiving and beyond.
Minnesota's dominance in turkey farming can be traced back to its rich agricultural resources and early adoption of effective farming practices. The state's plentiful supply of corn and soybeans, combined with innovative techniques like Cora Cooke's 1920 advice on "culling" to improve flock performance, set the stage for its success. Even today, Minnesota stays ahead of the competition. In 2024, North Carolina followed with 27.5 million turkeys (13% of U.S. production), and Arkansas came in third with 25.0 million (12%).
| State | 2024 Turkey Production | Percentage of U.S. Total |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 33.5 million | 16% |
| North Carolina | 27.5 million | 13% |
| Arkansas | 25.0 million | 12% |
| Indiana | 20.0 million | 10% |
| Missouri | 15.5 million | 8% |
Minnesota's turkey industry is supported by around 450 growers operating on 600 farms, with major players like Jennie-O Turkey Store and Select Genetics leading the way. Together, they contribute to a billion-dollar industry that not only drives the state's economy but also ensures its lasting place in America's Thanksgiving traditions.
8. Why does the president pardon a turkey each year?
Answer: This annual ceremony spares a turkey from becoming a Thanksgiving meal.
The presidential turkey pardon has become one of the more lighthearted and entertaining Thanksgiving traditions. Each year, the President "pardons" a turkey in a ceremony at the White House, sparing it from ending up on someone's dinner table. While it feels like a ritual steeped in history, the official practice is actually relatively new.
The origins of this tradition are a bit murky. Some stories suggest Abraham Lincoln pardoned a turkey in 1863, but historians believe this is more myth than fact. The gifting of turkeys to presidents, however, dates back to the 1870s. It wasn't until 1947, under President Harry S. Truman, that the modern presentation of turkeys began, thanks to the poultry industry. Interestingly, the Truman Library & Museum notes that Truman never actually "pardoned" any of the birds he received.
The tradition evolved over time, with different presidents adding their own flair. For instance, President Kennedy once famously said, "we'll let this one grow". President Reagan was the first to use the term "pardon" in 1987. Then in 1989, President George H.W. Bush made the ceremony a formal tradition, complete with humor and public engagement.
During that 1989 ceremony, Bush joked:
"But let me assure you, and this fine tom turkey, that he will not end up on anyone's dinner table, not this guy - he's granted a Presidential pardon as of right now - and allow him to live out his days on a children's farm not far from here."
He added with a grin:
"'Reprieve', 'keep him going', or 'pardon': it's all the same for the turkey, as long as he doesn't end up on the president's holiday table."
These days, pardoned turkeys are treated like VIPs. For example, in 2024, President Biden spared two turkeys, Peach and Blossom, who now happily reside on a children's farm in Minnesota. This whimsical tradition serves as a moment of humor and goodwill, offering presidents a chance to connect with the public while promoting a message of mercy and kindness.
9. Which Thanksgiving side dish was made possible by marshmallows?
Answer: Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top.
This classic Thanksgiving favorite owes its origins to early 20th-century advertising campaigns. Back in 1917, the Angelus Marshmallow Company sought to boost marshmallow sales by hiring Janet McKenzie Hill, a noted culinary expert, to create recipes featuring their product. Among her creations was the first documented recipe for sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows, which helped solidify the dish's place on holiday tables.
Rick Rodgers, food historian and author of Thanksgiving 101, sheds light on the broader context of this culinary innovation:
"It's all due to the rise of advertising in the early 1900s, specifically to the female market... That's when you could start buying things like gelatin salad, canned pumpkin, canned cranberry sauce - this was a revelation for home cooks, who saw their job get a lot easier and integrated convenience products right away."
The Angelus Marshmallow Company had already introduced mass-produced marshmallows to the public in 1907, but by 1917, they were looking for creative ways to expand their market. By the following year, even trade publications like Sweet Potatoes and Yams were promoting recipes for candied yams topped with marshmallows.
Beth Forrest, Ph.D., a food historian, adds:
"Who actually invented the first combination of sweet potatoes with marshmallows might be lost to the annals of history. But with its warming spices alongside the peak of sweet potatoes happening in late fall and winter, it has come to be an indulgent sign of Thanksgiving for more than 100 years".
This dish is a perfect example of how advertising, convenience products, and seasonal flavors came together to shape a tradition that has been delighting Thanksgiving diners for over a century.
10. How many calories does the average American eat on Thanksgiving?
Answer: The average American consumes between 2,092 and 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day.
A 2024 study reveals that the Thanksgiving dinner itself typically accounts for around 2,092 calories. When you factor in everything else eaten throughout the day, total calorie intake can climb to between 3,000 and 4,500 calories. Some reports even suggest that consumption can hit as high as 6,300 calories. And that’s not counting the leftovers.
Speaking of leftovers, they can add another hefty dose of calories over the following days - about 2,270 calories on average. Interestingly, 27% of people anticipate eating over 3,000 calories worth of leftovers, while 9% plan to indulge in more than 5,000 calories from post-holiday meals. Clearly, Thanksgiving isn’t just a single meal - it’s a multi-day feast.
To put this in perspective, government dietary guidelines recommend daily calorie intake for adults over 21 to range between 1,600 and 3,000 calories, depending on factors like age, gender, and activity level. For many, Thanksgiving easily exceeds an entire day’s worth of calories in just one sitting.
Nutrition experts suggest keeping an eye on portion sizes to avoid going overboard. Amy Keating, R.D., from Consumer Reports, advises:
"Be mindful of how much you serve yourself. If you double or triple your portions - which is easy to do - you could consume a sky-high number of calories."
Susan Albers, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, emphasizes the importance of eating with intention:
"Mindful eating is the opposite of what we traditionally think of on Thanksgiving. Consciously choosing what you want to eat, eating it slowly, savoring each bite. It's not about eating as much as you can. Mindful eating teaches you it's perfectly fine to have your favorite slice of pie if you make room for it."
Thanksgiving showcases just how much our eating habits shift during the holiday, making it one of the most calorie-loaded celebrations of the year.
How to Use Thanksgiving Trivia for Events and Gatherings
Thanksgiving trivia can bring people together in all sorts of settings, from cozy family dinners to lively bar or restaurant trivia nights. The trick is to tailor your approach to fit the audience and venue while keeping the festive spirit alive. Here are some ideas to make your Thanksgiving trivia a hit, no matter the occasion.
Family Gatherings and Home Events
Turn your Thanksgiving dinner into a fun, interactive experience by sprinkling trivia throughout the meal. Start with simpler questions during appetizers and gradually up the challenge as the evening goes on. You can hand out trivia cards and organize teams to encourage family members of all ages to join in. This approach blends entertainment with tradition, making the meal even more memorable.
Bar Trivia Nights and Restaurant Events
For bars and restaurants, a more structured setup works wonders. Divide your trivia into rounds, each focusing on different categories like Thanksgiving history, sports, pop culture, or food traditions. To mix things up, you can create teams through random draws (try using a Thanksgiving-themed hat!) or go with themed groups like "Team Turkey" versus "Team Pie" for a touch of friendly rivalry.
Having a lively quizmaster is key. They can keep the energy up, enforce time limits (30–60 seconds per question works well), and ensure everyone follows the no-phone rule.
Adding Creative Bonus Rounds
Keep the energy high by breaking up the usual question-and-answer format with bonus rounds. Try picture rounds featuring historical Thanksgiving scenes, music rounds with harvest-themed songs, or even tasting challenges using traditional Thanksgiving spices. These elements bring variety and keep the game engaging for everyone.
In 2024, KraftStories shared Thanksgiving trivia questions tailored for virtual team events. Categories included Thanksgiving history, movies, and quirky traditions, which helped boost engagement across different departments and time zones. You can draw inspiration from ideas like this to keep your trivia fresh and fun.
Motivating with Prizes
Prizes don’t have to be expensive to be effective. Think Thanksgiving-themed items, gift cards to local restaurants, or experiences like behind-the-scenes tours. Themed gift baskets filled with gourmet treats or subscriptions to music or magazines also work well. And don’t forget consolation prizes! Rewarding things like the funniest wrong answers or the most creative team names keeps the atmosphere lighthearted and fun.
Trivia in Classrooms and Educational Settings
Thanksgiving trivia isn’t just for social events - it’s a great fit for classrooms too. Teachers can tweak the difficulty and format to suit different age groups. Younger kids might enjoy trivia with visual aids and shorter sessions, while older students can dive into more detailed historical questions and longer competitions. Trivia can even connect subjects, like linking history and geography when discussing Native American tribes or using math to calculate cooking measurements or calorie counts.
Setting the Mood
The right atmosphere can make trivia even more enjoyable. Decorate your space with fall colors, pumpkins, and Thanksgiving props to create a festive vibe. Encourage participants to share their thoughts or personal stories related to the questions - it adds a personal touch and keeps everyone engaged. Tossing in little-known Thanksgiving facts or quirky customs can turn a simple trivia game into a memorable experience that people will remember long after the event.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving trivia has a way of transforming gatherings into unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s a small family dinner or a lively trivia night, these questions bring people together, spark laughter, and keep the energy alive long after the turkey is carved.
What makes Thanksgiving trivia so appealing is its flexibility. You can easily adjust the difficulty, form teams, and create an environment where everyone - from grandparents to kids - can participate. It’s not just about getting the answers right; even the wrong guesses can lead to hilarious moments or fascinating discussions. Older family members might share stories tied to historical questions, while younger ones pick up fun facts they never knew. This blend of learning and laughter makes trivia perfect for more than just family dinners - it’s also a hit at work events or community gatherings.
In professional settings, trivia encourages teamwork, sparks friendly competition, and helps colleagues connect in a relaxed, enjoyable way.
And while the ten questions provided are a great starting point, you can take things up a notch by adding themed teams, multimedia elements, or even small prizes. These little touches make the experience even more exciting and memorable.
So, why not add trivia to your Thanksgiving plans? It’s a simple way to spark conversations, bring people closer, and turn your celebration into something truly special.
FAQs
How can I make Thanksgiving trivia a fun activity for my family gathering?
Thanksgiving trivia can be a delightful way to add some extra fun to your family gathering. Put together a mix of questions that touch on the holiday's history, traditions, and some amusing little-known facts. You can organize the game by dividing everyone into teams or letting them compete solo for a friendly challenge. To spice things up, consider offering small prizes for the winners - it’s a simple way to make things even more engaging.
The key is to keep the game easygoing and enjoyable for all ages, so everyone, from the youngest kids to the oldest adults, feels included and has a great time!
What are some unique Thanksgiving traditions to include in a trivia game?
Thanksgiving brings with it a variety of fun and offbeat traditions that can make any trivia game more entertaining! Ever heard of Turkey Bowling? It’s exactly what it sounds like - using frozen turkeys as makeshift bowling balls. Then there’s Friendsgiving, a modern take on the holiday where friends come together to share a festive meal, often filled with laughter and inside jokes. And for those with a sweet tooth, Pull-Apart Bread (Monkey Bread) is a popular dessert alternative, offering a gooey, shareable treat that’s hard to resist.
Beyond the food and fun, many communities take this time to give back by volunteering or serving meals to those in need, perfectly capturing the holiday’s emphasis on gratitude and generosity.
How did the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade grow into the beloved tradition it is today?
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924 as a modest celebration, featuring live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo and employees dressed in festive costumes. Over the decades, it has grown into one of America’s most cherished holiday traditions. Famous for its giant character balloons, intricate floats, and live performances, the parade is now a highly anticipated televised event that signals the start of the holiday season for millions of families across the country.