Not to scare you, but the year is winding down and the holiday season is fast approaching. If you plan on hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, we got you covered. Use these 100 Thanksgiving trivia questions to add some entertainment to your Thanksgiving dinner.

Hosting can be very draining and demanding. This is especially true if you are in charge of everything from welcoming guests, to preparing food, to cleaning up and more. If you have all these responsibilities and also have to worry about entertaining, as well, we are here for you. Whip out these Thanksgiving trivia questions when you want to bring everyone together for a fun activity.

For added participation, make a game out of it with different prices for different sections. Perhaps a few gift cards and even a special, ultimate prize will motivate your guests to get into the festivities and trivia questions.

And even though Thanksgiving is the time for being thankful, it can also be a hard time when all of the family is together. With that being said, these questions can also be something lighthearted to bring up with family and friends to keep the celebration as peaceful as possible.

Here are 100 Thanksgiving trivia questions to help you balance all your hosting duties while also keeping your guests entertained.

20 Thanksgiving Trivia Questions About Its History in America

Test your guest’s history chops with these Thanksgiving trivia questions that will get them thinking.

1. When was the first Thanksgiving celebrated in America? (1621)
2. Who were the Native American tribes that interacted with the Pilgrims during the first Thanksgiving? (Wampanoag)
3. Which Plymouth Colony governor is often associated with the first Thanksgiving? (William Bradford)
4. Which state was the first to adopt an annual Thanksgiving holiday, predating the national holiday declaration? (New York)
5. What foods were likely served at the first Thanksgiving feast? (Turkey, deer, fish, corn, beans, squash, and other local ingredients)
6. How long did the first Thanksgiving celebration last? (Three days)
7. What was the purpose of the first Thanksgiving? (To give thanks for a successful harvest)
8. Who is often credited with the idea of making Thanksgiving a national holiday? (Sarah Josepha Hale)
9. In what year did Thanksgiving become an official holiday in the United States? (1863)
10. Which president officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday? (Abraham Lincoln)
11. What was the original date chosen for Thanksgiving before it was standardized to the fourth Thursday in November? (Last Thursday in November)
12. How did Sarah Josepha Hale contribute to the establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday? (She wrote numerous letters advocating for its national recognition)
13. Which Native American leader is known for his contributions to the early Pilgrim settlements? (Squanto)
14. How did the Civil War influence the Thanksgiving holiday in America? (Lincoln’s proclamation aimed to promote unity and thanksgiving during a time of national division)
15. Who wrote the famous poem “Over the River and Through the Wood,” which is associated with Thanksgiving? (Lydia Maria Child)
16. In the early days of Thanksgiving, which religious group influenced the Pilgrims and their observance of the holiday? (Puritans)
17. How did Thanksgiving celebrations evolve during the 19th century? (They became more widespread and incorporated various regional traditions)
18. What are some common Thanksgiving traditions and customs in America? (Turkey dinner, parades, football, expressing gratitude, and volunteering)
19. When was the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade first held? (1924)
20. What is the significance of the presidential turkey pardon? (It’s a modern tradition where the president spares a turkey from Thanksgiving dinner, symbolizing mercy and goodwill.)

20 Thanksgiving Trivia Questions About Traditions

While every family has their own Thanksgiving traditions, these will see how well they’re paying attention to them. Want to make this round extra fun? Ask them questions about Thanksgivings in your own family’s history.

1. Which city hosts the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the United States? (Philadelphia)
2. What is the name of the ship that transported the Pilgrims to America in 1620? (Mayflower)
3. What is the significance of the wishbone tradition on Thanksgiving? (It’s believed to bring good luck; two people pull the turkey’s wishbone, and the one with the larger piece makes a wish.)
4. Which famous department store is known for its annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City? (Macy’s)
5. What dish is traditionally served as the main course for Thanksgiving dinner? (Roast turkey)
6. What sauce is typically served with turkey on Thanksgiving? (Cranberry sauce)
7. In which American state is the town of Plymouth, where the first Thanksgiving is believed to have taken place? (Massachusetts)
8. Which president was the first to officially pardon a Thanksgiving turkey? (Harry S. Truman)
9. What is the term for the decorative centerpiece often found on Thanksgiving tables, made from vegetables, fruits, and other foods? (Cornucopia)
10. What is the primary ingredient in stuffing or dressing for the Thanksgiving turkey? (Bread)
11. What popular dish is made from leftover Thanksgiving turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing, all rolled into a tortilla or flatbread? (Turkey wrap or turkey sandwich)
12. What is the name of the NFL team that traditionally hosts a football game on Thanksgiving Day? (Detroit Lions)
13. What is the activity held in various cities on Thanksgiving morning to promote physical activity and community participation called? (Turkey Trot)
14. What alcoholic beverage is often served as a traditional Thanksgiving cocktail? (Mulled wine or spiced cider)
15. What type of pie is commonly enjoyed as dessert on Thanksgiving Day? (Pumpkin pie)
16. Which classic Thanksgiving dish consists of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions? (Green bean casserole)
17. What is the day after Thanksgiving, known for its shopping deals and unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, called? (Black Friday)
18. What famous song is usually sung before the Thanksgiving meal, expressing gratitude for the harvest? (“We Gather Together”)
19. In what year did the first official Thanksgiving football game take place? (1876)
20. What do people traditionally do on Thanksgiving to show their gratitude? (Express thanks, share a meal with loved ones, and often volunteer to help those in need)

20 Statistical Questions for Thanksgiving Trivia

Get down to the numbers with these Thanksgiving trivia questions that will have them throwing out estimates and figures left and right.

1. What is the estimated number of turkeys consumed in the United States on Thanksgiving Day each year? (Around 46 million)
2. How many people, on average, travel more than 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving? (Over 50 million)
3. What is the percentage of Americans who prefer to eat their Thanksgiving turkey with white meat? (75%)
4. How many calories are there in the average Thanksgiving dinner, including appetizers and dessert? (Approximately 4,500 to 5,000 calories)
5. What percentage of Americans watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV? (Over 20%)
6. What is the estimated number of pumpkin pies sold in the week leading up to Thanksgiving? (Over 50 million)
7. What is the percentage of Americans who say they are thankful for their family on Thanksgiving? (Over 90%)
8. How many pounds of sweet potatoes are typically consumed during Thanksgiving week in the United States? (Over 100 million pounds)
9. What is the approximate number of football games played on Thanksgiving Day each year in the NFL? (Three)
10. What percentage of Americans prefer homemade cranberry sauce over canned? (Around 74%)
11. How many households in the United States have Thanksgiving leftovers in their fridge the day after the holiday? (Over 75%)
12. What is the estimated amount spent on Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined, immediately following Thanksgiving? (Billions of dollars)
13. What is the percentage of Americans who participate in some form of charitable activity on Thanksgiving? (Around 25%)
14. How many acres of farmland are dedicated to growing the pumpkins used for Thanksgiving pies? (Over 90,000 acres)
15. What percentage of Americans say they are thankful for health on Thanksgiving? (Over 80%)
16. How many pounds of cranberries are typically produced in the United States each year? (Over 700 million pounds)
17. What is the average number of guests at a Thanksgiving dinner in the United States? (Between 10 and 12)
18. How much does the average American spend on Thanksgiving-related expenses, including food and decorations? (Hundreds of dollars)
19. What is the percentage of Americans who say they are thankful for good friends on Thanksgiving? (Over 80%)
20. How many gallons of gravy are consumed on Thanksgiving Day in the United States? (Millions of gallons)

20 Questions Celebrating Native Americans at Thanksgiving

November is National Native American Heritage Month, meant to recognize the culture, traditions, and achievements of people recognized as Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiians. These trivia questions focus on native groups and individuals throughout history.

1. What is the collective term for the indigenous peoples of North America? (Native Americans or American Indians)
2. What was the primary food staple of many Native American tribes that became an important part of Thanksgiving meals? (Maize or corn)
3. Which Native American leader famously said, “I will fight no more forever” during his surrender in 1877? (Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce)
4. What is the name of the Sioux chief known for his leadership at the Battle of Little Bighorn? (Sitting Bull)
5. Which tribe famously used the buffalo as a vital resource for food, clothing, and shelter on the Great Plains? (Lakota Sioux)
6. What is the name of the Native American confederation that included the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca tribes? (Iroquois Confederacy or Haudenosaunee)
7. Which Native American woman, known as “Pocahontas,” played a role in relations between the Powhatan Confederacy and English settlers in Virginia? (Matoaka)
8. What is the traditional dwelling of the Navajo people, often constructed from wooden poles and mud? (Hogan)
9. Which Native American tribe is known for their distinctive totem poles found in the Pacific Northwest? (Haida, Tlingit, and other Northwest Coast tribes)
10. What is the term for the nomadic Plains Indians who relied on the buffalo for their way of life? (Buffalo Hunters or Plains Indians)
11. Which Native American tribe is famous for their creation stories and the emergence of the Hopi people from the underworld? (Hopi)
12. What was the name of the Native American leader who led the Nez Perce during their resistance against forced removal to a reservation? (Chief Joseph)
13. Which Native American tribe is known for their use of longhouses and the “Three Sisters” agricultural system (corn, beans, and squash)? (Iroquois)
14. What is the traditional Native American dance performed in a circle to celebrate events or express spirituality? (Powwow)
15. Which Native American tribe is known for their intricate and colorful beadwork and quillwork? (Ojibwa or Chippewa)
16. What is the term for the indigenous people of the Arctic, known for their skill in hunting marine mammals and living in ice and snow-covered regions? (Inuit)
17. Which Native American leader is known for his role in the resistance against the U.S. government in the 1870s, including the Battle of the Little Bighorn? (Sitting Bull)
18. What is the traditional Pueblo dwelling, often built into the sides of cliffs or hills? (Kiva)
19. Which Native American tribe is famous for their intricate basket weaving and is native to California? (Miwok)
20. What is the largest Native American reservation in the United States, located primarily in Arizona and New Mexico? (Navajo Nation)

20 Turkey-ific Questions About That Bird

The turkey is usually the star of the Thanksgiving table – see how much your family knows about the bird itself.

1. What is the scientific name for the domestic turkey commonly raised for Thanksgiving dinners? (Meleagris gallopavo)
2. How fast can a wild turkey run on the ground? (Up to 20-25 miles per hour)
3. What is the flap of skin that hangs down from a turkey’s neck called? (Wattle)
4. What is the fleshy growth on top of a turkey’s beak called? (Snood)
5. What is the term for a group of turkeys? (A flock)
6. What is the name of the male turkey known for its colorful feathers and fan-like tail display during courtship? (Tom or gobbler)
7. How many feathers does the average wild turkey have? (Over 5,000)
8. What is the primary sound made by a male turkey to attract females? (Gobble)
9. How many toes does a turkey have on each foot? (Four, including a dewclaw)
10. What is the part of the turkey often used for making turkey stock or gravy? (Giblets)
11. What is the term for a turkey that has been specially bred for its large size and meat production? (Broad-breasted White)
12. What is the approximate lifespan of a wild turkey in the wild? (3 to 5 years)
13. What is the maximum recorded weight of a domestic turkey raised for meat? (Over 80 pounds)
14. How long does it typically take to roast a 20-pound turkey at 325°F (163°C)? (About 4-5 hours)
15. What is the process of soaking a turkey in a seasoned liquid solution before cooking called? (Brining)
16. What is the traditional side dish often served with roast turkey? (Cranberry sauce)
17. What is the name of the stuffing made with cubed bread, vegetables, and seasonings that is commonly placed inside a turkey before roasting? (Traditional stuffing)
18. How many turkey hatcheries are there in the United States, as of the last available data? (Over 200)
19. What is the heaviest recorded weight of a wild turkey ever harvested? (Over 37 pounds)
20. How many calories are there in a typical 3-ounce serving of roasted turkey breast? (Approximately 135 calories)