Most people who celebrate Thanksgiving spend days thinking about the holiday menu and mouthwatering Thanksgiving desserts. And we don’t blame ’em! The holiday is essentially an excuse to dig in, especially if you’re trying any of Ree Drummond’s favorite Thanksgiving recipes. As you prep for a full belly this season, it might also be worth looking into the history of Thanksgiving.
The holiday is full of cool facts, so we rounded up a bunch of Thanksgiving trivia questions and answers for you to read at the dinner table. Love pumpkin pie? Well, prepare for some fascinating facts about the popular dessert. You’ll also learn all about the first Thanksgiving, which NFL team always plays in the annual Thanksgiving football game, and who was the first president to pardon a turkey.
You can use your newfound knowledge to impress your guests or create a fun Thanksgiving trivia quiz to see who really knows their stuff. The winner gets to pick which Thanksgiving movie you’ll watch after the big dinner! (P.S. When the trivia runs dry, keep the rest of your dinner interesting with these hilarious Thanksgiving jokes and meaningful Thanksgiving quotes!)
General Thanksgiving Facts
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How many guests do those hosting Thanksgiving dinner usually have on average
Answer: 11 What holiday was the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade commemorating?
Answer: ChristmasWhen did A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving premiere?
Answer: 1973According to a survey, what are people most thankful for on Thanksgiving?
Answer: Family, health, and life. How much glitter is typically used during the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade
Answer: Over 300 poundsWhat region in Australia celebrates Thanksgiving?
Answer: Norfolk IslandWhat was the cost of the world’s most expensive Thanksgiving?
Answer: $180,000
In what year was the first Turkey Trot held?
Answer: 1896
The first Turkey Trot included how many runners?
Answer: Six
Which football teams always play on Thanksgiving Day?
The Detroit Lions and The Dallas Cowboys What did the balloons take the place of when introduced in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Answer: Live zoo animalsWith 15 Best in Show titles, what dog breed has had the most wins at the National Dog Show that airs on Thanksgiving Day?
Answer: Wire Fox TerrierAccording to AAA, approximately how many Americans take to the roads on Thanksgiving?
Answer: 50 millionWhat was the first character balloon in the Macy’s Parade?
Answer: Felix the CatWhat household hazard triples on Thanksgiving?
Answer: FiresAccording to Merriam-Webster, when was the term “Friendsgiving” first circulated?
Answer: 2007Which country celebrates a version of Thanksgiving in October?
Answer: CanadaAccording to a poll, what is the true meaning of Thanksgiving for most Americans
Answer: Spending time with familyWhich tradition brings good luck at Thanksgiving?
Answer: Breaking the wishboneThanksgiving Food Facts How many cranberries are needed to make one can of cranberry sauce?
Answer: About 200What is the longest amount of time you can leave a cooked turkey sitting out of the fridge?
Answer: Two hours Are pumpkins considered a vegetable?
Answer: No, they’re a fruitHow many grocery stores are in the United States?
Answer: Over 62,300 The largest pumpkin pie weighed how many pounds?
Answer: 3,699 pounds Statistically, what is Americans’ favorite Thanksgiving side dish?
Answer: StuffingAccording to a poll, what Thanksgiving side dish is the least popular among Americans?
Answer: Green bean casseroleWhich type of food was eaten at the first Thanksgiving but is hardly eaten at Thanksgiving today?
Answer: SeafoodWhat is the most popular Thanksgiving dessert?
Answer: Pumpkin pie
Thanksgiving Turkey Facts
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According to the Guinness Book of World Records, how much does the heaviest turkey on record weigh?
Answer: 86 poundsWhich state produces the most turkeys?
Answer: MinnesotaWhat is an adult male turkey called?
Answer: A tomWhat are female turkeys called?
Answer: HensHow many turkeys are sent to the White House each year?
Answer: TwoHow many turkeys are prepared for Thanksgiving in America each year?
Answer: 46 millionWhich president made the modern turkey pardon an annual tradition? pardon a turkey?
Answer: George H.W. BushWhat sound do female turkeys make?
Answer: A cackleThanksgiving History Facts
Library Of Congress/Getty Images
Where did the Mayflower initially arrive?
Answer: Provincetown, MassachusettsWhich President once received a raccoon as a Thanksgiving gift?
Answer: President Calvin Coolidge Thanksgiving leftovers led to what invention?
Answer: TV dinnersOne New England town once cancelled their Thanksgiving due to a lack of what?
Answer: Pumpkin pieWhich city is home to the oldest Thanksgiving parade?
Answer: PhiladelphiaBlack Friday is the busiest day of the year for which home repairman?
Answer: PlumbersWhich video game character was the first to be featured in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Answer: Sonic the Hedgehog When and where did the first Thanksgiving take place?
Answer: 1621 in Plymouth, MassachusettsWhat meats were served at the first Thanksgiving?
Answer: Venison, swan, duck, and goose When did the turkey pardon become an annual event?
Answer: 1989Which president declared Thanksgiving a national holiday?
Answer: Abraham LincolnHow many passengers were on the Mayflower?
Answer: 102 Sarah Josepha Hale, who campaigned for Thanksgiving to be a national holiday, wrote what famous song?
Answer: “Mary Had a Little Lamb”Which President officially made Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday of every November?
Answer: Franklin D. Roosevelthave even more fun on Thanksgiving with these ideas
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.