Thanksgiving trivia is a fun way to entertain guests and learn surprising facts about the holiday. Here’s what you’ll find in this guide:
- Thanksgiving History: The holiday evolved from a 1621 harvest festival to a national celebration declared by President Lincoln in 1863.
- Food Facts: Americans eat 46 million turkeys and 50 million pumpkin pies each Thanksgiving. The average dinner contains 2,100–4,500 calories.
- Pop Culture Moments: From Friends to Bob’s Burgers, Thanksgiving has inspired iconic TV episodes and movies like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.
- Quirky Trivia: Did you know Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey as America’s national bird? Or that the first Turkey Trot was held in 1896?
Want to host a trivia event? Use themed trivia packs with pre-made questions, slides, and tips to make your gathering engaging and memorable. Thanksgiving trivia bridges generations, sparks conversations, and adds a fun twist to the holiday.
Thanksgiving Trivia Quiz | 30 General Knowledge Questions
Thanksgiving History and Fun Facts
Thanksgiving, as we know it today, has undergone a fascinating transformation over the centuries. What we now call the "First Thanksgiving" wasn’t an annual tradition nor was it originally referred to by that name. Instead, it was a simple harvest festival, and much of its current narrative has been shaped and adapted over time.
By separating historical facts from common myths, we can better understand Thanksgiving's true origins and how it has evolved.
The First Thanksgiving: Origins and Myths
The 1621 celebration in Plymouth was a harvest festival - not yet called "Thanksgiving." Over time, retellings of this event have added layers of embellishment and myth. Historical accounts reveal that 90 Wampanoag people joined 52 English settlers for a three-day feast to celebrate the harvest.
Edward Winslow, a Plymouth colonist, documented the gathering:
"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some 90 men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted."
The menu at this gathering would look very different from what we expect today. Instead of turkey, the feast likely featured venison, wildfowl like duck or goose, seafood such as lobster and mussels, and locally grown produce. Staples like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce were absent.
The survival of the settlers was closely tied to the help of the Native Americans. Squanto taught the Pilgrims essential farming techniques, such as how to grow corn, and the Wampanoag formed an alliance with the settlers, partly for mutual protection against rival tribes. Interestingly, some historians argue that a Thanksgiving-like celebration may have taken place as early as 1565 in Florida, challenging the traditional New England-centric narrative.
The story of Thanksgiving, however, doesn’t stop with this early feast. It took centuries for it to become the national holiday we recognize today.
Thanksgiving Becomes a National Holiday
The journey from a local harvest celebration to a national holiday was a slow process, shaped by persistent advocacy and key political decisions. One of the most influential figures in this effort was Sarah Josepha Hale, the editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book. Throughout the 19th century, she campaigned tirelessly for a national Thanksgiving Day.
A major milestone came during the Civil War. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared a national Thanksgiving Day to be observed on the last Thursday of November. His proclamation aimed to promote unity during a time of deep division:
"The year that is drawing towards its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies... I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States... to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens."
In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving to the second-to-last Thursday in November to lengthen the Christmas shopping season. The decision sparked controversy, but the holiday's date was finally solidified in 1941 when Roosevelt signed a bill making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November.
These pivotal moments helped shape Thanksgiving into the national tradition it is today.
Modern Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving has grown from a modest harvest festival into a lively celebration centered around family, food, and entertainment. Today, it’s as much about modern traditions as it is about honoring history.
Thanksgiving football, for example, has been a staple since 1876, when Yale and Princeton played the first college game on the holiday. Another iconic tradition is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which fills the holiday morning with giant balloons, colorful floats, and live performances. Even corporate ingenuity has played a role - Swanson’s creation of TV dinners in 1953 was inspired by a surplus of 260 tons of frozen turkeys.
Thanksgiving also marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. Black Friday and Cyber Monday have turned the weekend into a major economic event, adding a commercial dimension to the holiday.
From its historical roots to its modern-day traditions, Thanksgiving continues to be a time for gathering, gratitude, and celebration. Each year, it reminds us of its rich history while embracing the ways it has grown and changed.
Trivia Questions and Answers About Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving trivia is a perfect way to entertain and challenge your guests with fun and unexpected facts about the holiday. From historical tidbits to modern-day traditions and pop culture references, there's plenty to explore about what makes Thanksgiving so special.
Food and Drink Trivia
Thanksgiving meals are full of surprises, and these food trivia questions dig into the details behind the dishes we love:
Q: What do Americans eat more of than turkey on Thanksgiving?
A: Pie! Believe it or not, Americans eat more pie than turkey on Thanksgiving, with around 50 million pumpkin pies consumed on the day alone.
Q: How many calories does an average Thanksgiving dinner contain?
A: Between 2,100 and 4,500 calories - almost double the recommended daily intake.
Q: What percentage of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving?
A: A whopping 88% of Americans enjoy turkey as part of their Thanksgiving meal.
Q: How much turkey does the average American consume on Thanksgiving?
A: About 16 pounds per person.
Q: What's the heaviest pumpkin pie ever made?
A: It weighed an incredible 3,699 pounds.
Q: Which Connecticut town once postponed Thanksgiving due to missing ingredients?
A: Colchester, Connecticut, delayed Thanksgiving in 1705 because bad weather stopped their molasses shipment, which was needed for pumpkin pie.
Q: How did Swanson come up with the idea for TV dinners?
A: In 1953, Swanson had 260 tons of leftover turkey after Thanksgiving and created TV dinners to avoid waste.
Pop Culture and Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving has left a lasting mark on pop culture, with iconic moments in TV shows and movies that we still talk about today:
Q: In the Friends episode "The One Where Underdog Gets Away", how many types of potatoes does Monica make?
A: Three: mashed potatoes with lumps for Ross, mashed potatoes with peas and onions for Phoebe, and tater tots for Joey.
Q: What does Doug Heffernan bring to his first Thanksgiving dinner with Carrie in "King of Queens"?
A: Cooper's famous buffalo wings, as seen in the episode "Dark Meet".
Q: How does Bob Belcher prepare his turkey in the Bob's Burgers episode "Thanks-hoarding"?
A: He spatchcocks the turkey.
Q: In the Modern Family episode "Three Turkeys", which celebrity voice guides Phil through cooking dinner?
A: Nigella Lawson, via a cooking app.
Q: What vegetarian dish does Marie Barone serve in the Everybody Loves Raymond episode "No Fat"?
A: A tofu turkey.
Q: In The Big Bang Theory episode "The Thanksgiving Decoupling", what does Raj make for Thanksgiving?
A: Gravy, which he describes as "as thick as the plot".
Q: Which classic Thanksgiving movie stars Steve Martin and John Candy?
A: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.
Q: What 18-minute song has become a Thanksgiving classic?
A: Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant Massacree".
Joey Tribbiani from Friends summed up the holiday's food obsession perfectly:
"You can't have Thanksgiving without turkey. That's like the Fourth of July without apple pie or Friday with no two pizzas".
And Elaine from Seinfeld offered her own quirky take:
"My father was a stern man. He forbade us to participate in any activities that he thought were associated with the common man.... The Thanksgiving Day Parade was first on the list".
Unusual Thanksgiving Facts
Thanksgiving is full of quirky traditions and surprising history. Here are some fun and unusual facts:
Q: What did Benjamin Franklin want to be America's national bird?
A: The turkey! Franklin believed the turkey was a more respectable bird than the bald eagle.
Q: What popular Christmas song was originally written for Thanksgiving?
A: "Jingle Bells" was initially a Thanksgiving tune.
Q: What unusual pet did President Calvin Coolidge keep after receiving it as a Thanksgiving gift?
A: A live raccoon, which was originally meant to be served for dinner.
Q: What is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving often called?
A: "Drinksgiving" – one of the busiest drinking days of the year.
Q: What nickname do plumbers have for the day after Thanksgiving?
A: "Brown Friday", thanks to the post-Thanksgiving surge in plumbing issues.
Q: How many women attended the first Thanksgiving?
A: Only five women were present at the three-day celebration.
Q: What happened to pardoned turkeys from 2005 to 2009?
A: They were sent to Disneyland and Disney World to serve as honorary grand marshals of the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Q: How many U.S. towns are named "Turkey"?
A: Four towns: in Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, and North Carolina.
Q: When was the first Turkey Trot held?
A: In 1896, in Buffalo, New York, with just six runners.
Q: What used to happen to Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons at the end of the parade?
A: They were released into the sky.
Q: Which president granted the first turkey pardon, and when?
A: Abraham Lincoln, though it was for a Christmas turkey, not Thanksgiving.
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Hosting a Thanksgiving Trivia Event with Cheap Trivia
Planning a Thanksgiving trivia event doesn’t have to be stressful when you’ve got the right tools. Whether you’re running a bar, managing a restaurant, or hosting a private gathering, well-crafted trivia content can turn any event into an engaging and memorable experience.
What’s Inside Cheap Trivia’s Themed Packs
Cheap Trivia offers a Thanksgiving Trivia Night Theme Pack that’s perfect for hosting a fun and interactive event. This pack includes over 40 Thanksgiving-themed trivia questions divided into four rounds, one of which is a picture round. These questions are designed to entertain and educate with fascinating facts and historical tidbits about the holiday.
As Cheap Trivia puts it:
"Looking to boost engagement at your bar or restaurant on one of the biggest family holidays? Our Thanksgiving Trivia Night Theme Pack is designed to create an unforgettable trivia experience, drawing in customers eager to test their knowledge of Thanksgiving history, traditions, and fun facts."
The pack is available in both PDF and PowerPoint formats, making it easy to adapt for any setup. It comes with professional presentation slides and printable answer sheets to keep everything running smoothly. Plus, Cheap Trivia includes Trivia Marketing Resources - complete with promotional templates and tips - to help you spread the word and attract participants.
Pricing and Subscription Options
You can purchase the Thanksgiving Trivia Night Theme Pack for a one-time fee of $14.99. For those looking to host trivia events more regularly, a Weekly Trivia Subscription is available for $59.99 per month, or you can opt for the Fall & Winter Holiday Bundle at the same price. As a bonus, the first month of the subscription is offered for just 99¢. All materials are delivered immediately via email, so you can start planning right away.
Each pack is licensed for use at a single venue, and payment is processed instantly to ensure quick access to the content.
Tips for Hosting a Successful Trivia Night
A great Thanksgiving trivia night isn’t just about the questions - it’s about creating an experience your guests will love. Here are some tips to make your event stand out:
- Pick the right date: Hosting the event the night before Thanksgiving can be a smart move, as it’s a popular time for social gatherings.
- Use visuals: Incorporate the picture round on a large screen to keep the energy up and encourage lively discussions.
- Offer themed prizes: Think holiday-appropriate rewards like gift cards, kitchen gadgets, or even Thanksgiving-themed treats.
- Encourage creativity: Ask teams to come up with festive names to add a playful and communal vibe.
- Mix up the questions: Combine historical trivia with pop culture and food-related questions to keep everyone engaged.
Don’t forget the logistics! Have plenty of printable answer sheets and pens on hand for unexpected crowds. With the resources provided by Cheap Trivia, including their easy-to-use materials, you’ll be well-equipped to handle a packed house.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Why Trivia Makes Thanksgiving Gatherings Better
Thanksgiving trivia has a way of turning any gathering into a standout event. It brings a spark of excitement to the table and naturally encourages conversations, making it a perfect fit for family dinners or even bar gatherings.
One of its greatest strengths is how it bridges the generational gap. Older family members get to share their knowledge, while younger ones pick up fun facts they might not have known before. This dynamic adds depth to the holiday experience. And for businesses, trivia events have proven to boost sales and customer engagement, as reported by local venues.
What’s great about trivia is its flexibility. You can kick off the evening with trivia to build excitement before the meal, or save it for after dinner to keep the good vibes going. Either way, it’s a fun way to add an extra layer of enjoyment to the celebration.
How Cheap Trivia Makes Hosting Easy
If you’re thinking about hosting a trivia event, Cheap Trivia makes the process straightforward and stress-free. They provide everything you need - pre-made questions, polished slides, and even marketing materials - to help you pull off a successful event.
Their pricing is designed to be accessible. You can start with free resources or go for themed trivia packs. For those who want to host regularly, subscriptions start at just $0.99 for the first month, making it an affordable option for anyone.
As a minority-owned business, Cheap Trivia focuses on helping bars and restaurants succeed. Their materials are crafted with hands-on experience, ensuring that even first-time hosts can run a polished and engaging trivia event.
Whether you’re diving into history or just having fun with quirky questions, trivia brings something special to Thanksgiving. It’s a mix of learning and entertainment that leaves everyone with great memories.
FAQs
How did Thanksgiving become a national holiday in the United States?
Thanksgiving became a national holiday largely due to the tireless efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale. As a writer and editor, she dedicated years to campaigning for its recognition, even petitioning several U.S. presidents. Her persistence paid off in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln, in the midst of the Civil War, officially proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday. Lincoln envisioned it as a way to unite the country and encourage gratitude during a time of immense struggle.
While the origins of Thanksgiving trace back to the Pilgrims' harvest feast in 1621, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that the holiday was celebrated annually and consistently throughout the United States.
What are some surprising Thanksgiving traditions or little-known facts?
Thanksgiving comes with a mix of quirky traditions and little-known facts that add charm to the holiday. For instance, some families kick off the festivities with a "Snoopy Thanksgiving" the night before. Inspired by the Peanuts cartoon, this tradition involves serving snacks like jelly beans and pretzels. Others bring regional flair to their table with dishes like Coke Salad, oyster casserole, or stuffed celery.
Historically, the first Thanksgiving in 1621 didn’t feature turkey. Instead, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag shared a three-day feast with venison, seafood, and seasonal vegetables. These unique traditions and historical tidbits highlight the variety and depth of how Americans honor Thanksgiving today.
How can a Thanksgiving trivia event make the holiday more enjoyable for families and businesses?
Hosting a Thanksgiving trivia event is a great way to bring people together and add some fun to the holiday. For families, it offers an engaging activity that strengthens connections and fills the room with laughter, making Thanksgiving gatherings even more unforgettable. For businesses, trivia events can lift employee spirits, promote teamwork, and provide a relaxed way to connect with colleagues or clients during the holiday season.
With a mix of friendly competition and Thanksgiving-themed questions, these events create a sense of togetherness and celebration, making the holiday feel extra meaningful for everyone participating.