Thanksgiving trivia can make your holiday gatherings more fun and engaging. Here are 10 surprising facts to share:
- The First Thanksgiving Lasted 3 Days: The 1621 celebration between the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag tribe spanned three days.
- No Turkey at the First Thanksgiving: Venison, wild fowl, and seafood were served instead of turkey.
- Lincoln Made Thanksgiving a National Holiday: Abraham Lincoln declared it official in 1863, thanks to Sarah Josepha Hale’s efforts.
- Turkey Pardons Began in 1989: George H.W. Bush started the tradition of sparing a Thanksgiving turkey.
- 4 U.S. Towns Named Turkey: There are four towns in the U.S. named “Turkey.”
- 46 Million Turkeys Cooked Annually: Americans cook this many turkeys every Thanksgiving.
- Thanksgiving Football Tradition: It started in 1876 with a game between Yale and Princeton.
- Macy’s Parade Once Had Real Animals: The 1924 parade included live zoo animals before switching to balloons.
- TV Dinners Originated from Thanksgiving: A surplus of frozen turkey in 1953 led to the invention of TV dinners.
- Pecan Pie is the Most Calorie-Dense Dish: A slice packs 500–600 calories, more than turkey or stuffing.
Use these trivia facts to spark conversations or host a trivia night. For pre-made trivia packs, visit cheaptrivia.com.
25 Little Known Facts About Thanksgiving – mental_floss on …
1. The Original Thanksgiving Lasted 3 Days
Did you know the first Thanksgiving celebration stretched over three days? Back in 1621, the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag tribe came together for a harvest feast that lasted this long. It was a time of shared meals, conversation, and gratitude for the season’s bounty.
This fun fact can be a great conversation starter during your Thanksgiving gathering. It’s a chance to reflect on how the holiday has changed over the years.
Want to dive deeper into this historic celebration? Check out our Thanksgiving trivia theme packs for more engaging questions.
Trivia Tip: Try asking, "How long did the first Thanksgiving celebration last?" with these options:
- A) 1 day
- B) 2 days
- C) 3 days
- D) 1 week
It’s sure to get people talking!
2. No Turkey at the First Thanksgiving
The 1621 harvest feast might surprise you – turkey wasn’t on the menu. Records from the time mention venison, wild fowl, and seafood, but turkeys weren’t a regular part of New England meals back then.
Fun Question: "Which protein was likely missing at the 1621 feast?" Choices: A) Turkey B) Fish C) Venison D) Goose.
Want more historical tidbits? Check out our full Thanksgiving trivia theme packs.
Up next: How Thanksgiving grew from a regional gathering to a nationwide tradition.
3. President Lincoln Made Thanksgiving Official
Thanksgiving wasn’t always a nationwide celebration. Before the Civil War, it was mostly observed regionally. That changed in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, aiming to bring the country together during a time of deep division. His decision came after years of effort by Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor who tirelessly campaigned for the holiday’s recognition.
Fun Question: "Who worked for decades to make Thanksgiving a national holiday?"
Choices:
- A) Sarah Josepha Hale
- B) Abraham Lincoln
- C) Martha Washington
- D) Julia Child
This piece of history is a great conversation starter for your Thanksgiving table. Want more fun presidential Thanksgiving trivia? Check out our weekly trivia subscription: https://cheaptrivia.com/products/weekly-trivia-subscription-service
Next, we’ll explore a newer presidential tradition – the annual turkey pardon.
4. Presidential Turkey Pardons Started in 1989
The tradition of the presidential turkey pardon officially began in 1989 when George H.W. Bush spared a Thanksgiving turkey for the first time.
Trivia Question: Which president started the official turkey pardon?
- A) Ronald Reagan
- B) George H.W. Bush
- C) Jimmy Carter
- D) Bill Clinton
Want more holiday-themed trivia? Check out our Thanksgiving Trivia Packs: https://cheaptrivia.com/collections/thanksgiving-trivia-theme-packs
Next: Four U.S. towns named Turkey.
5. 4 U.S. Towns Share the Name ‘Turkey’
Here’s a fun fact: there are four towns in the United States named Turkey. It’s the perfect tidbit to spark some Thanksgiving dinner conversation.
Trivia Question: How many towns in the U.S. are named "Turkey"?
- A) 2
- B) 3
- C) 4
- D) 5
Want to keep the trivia going? Check out this Weekly Trivia Subscription for more fun themes.
Up next: the number of turkeys cooked for Thanksgiving in the U.S. every year.
6. Americans Cook 46 Million Turkeys on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the ultimate turkey-cooking day in the U.S., with about 46 million turkeys roasted each year.
Trivia Question: "How many turkeys do Americans cook on Thanksgiving Day?"
- A) 20 million
- B) 46 million
- C) 60 million
- D) 75 million
Want more holiday fun? Check out our Thanksgiving-themed trivia packs here: https://cheaptrivia.com/collections/thanksgiving-trivia-theme-packs.
Up next: the story behind Thanksgiving football.
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7. Thanksgiving Football Tradition
Thanksgiving and football have gone hand in hand since 1876, when Yale faced off against Princeton. That first game laid the groundwork for a tradition that now includes high school, college, and NFL matchups, attracting millions of fans each year. While early games were more local, today’s contests dominate national TV.
Trivia Question: "Which American holiday is most closely tied to football games?"
- A) New Year’s Day
- B) Thanksgiving
- C) Fourth of July
- D) Memorial Day
Football has become just as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and pie, standing alongside other beloved holiday traditions.
Looking for more sports trivia? Check out our weekly subscription at https://cheaptrivia.com/products/weekly-trivia-subscription-service.
Next up: the unexpected story behind the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
8. The First Macy’s Parade Used Real Animals
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has changed a lot since its first run in 1924. Back then, it was known as Macy’s Christmas Parade and was organized by store employees. The parade featured live animals like elephants, tigers, and bears from the Central Park Zoo, along with horse-drawn floats, marching bands, and costumed participants.
By 1927, live animals were replaced with helium balloons, starting with Felix the Cat. This shift made the parade safer and more family-friendly.
Trivia Question: "What made the first Macy’s parade different from today’s?"
- A) Nighttime route
- B) Live zoo animals
- C) Radio broadcast
- D) Brooklyn location
Looking for more fun Thanksgiving trivia questions? Check out our full collection at https://cheaptrivia.com/collections/thanksgiving-trivia-theme-packs.
Next: Learn how a Thanksgiving surplus gave rise to TV dinners.
9. How Thanksgiving Created TV Dinners
In 1953, an unexpected surplus of frozen turkey led to the creation of the first TV dinner. This clever solution turned leftover turkey into a mealtime staple that changed how Americans dined at home.
Trivia Question: "Which convenience food traces its origins to surplus Thanksgiving turkey?"
- A) TV dinners
- B) Turkey jerky
- C) Canned turkey
- D) Turkey nuggets
Looking for more Thanksgiving trivia? Check out themed trivia packs or sign up for weekly trivia fun at cheaptrivia.com.
Up next: Find out how many calories the average American consumes during Thanksgiving dinner.
10. Which Thanksgiving Dishes Are the Most Calorie‑Dense?
Pecan pie takes the crown as the most calorie-packed Thanksgiving dish, delivering around 500–600 calories per slice. That’s higher than turkey dark meat, stuffing, or even gravy.
Trivia Question: Which dish has the most calories per serving?
- A) Turkey (dark meat with skin)
- B) Stuffing
- C) Pecan pie
- D) Gravy
This calorie trivia is sure to spark lively discussions about holiday indulgence. Want more Thanksgiving trivia? Check out this collection of themed trivia packs.
Next up: Tips for hosting unforgettable Thanksgiving trivia.
Tips for Running Thanksgiving Trivia
Use these hosting tips to turn your Thanksgiving trivia event into a fun, engaging, and potentially profitable occasion. Focus on structure, rewards, pacing, and presentation for the best results.
Organize Your Game
Break your trivia into four rounds to keep things fresh and exciting. Try a mix of formats like Q&A, picture rounds, bonus questions, and a lightning round. This variety keeps participants engaged and caters to different knowledge levels.
Offer Themed Prizes
Motivate players with prizes that fit the holiday vibe. Some ideas include:
- Gift cards to local restaurants
- Thanksgiving-themed décor
- Gourmet food baskets
Keep It Moving
Maintain a lively pace with short breaks between rounds for scoring and refreshments. Bonus rounds and tie-breakers can add excitement and encourage people to return for future events.
"We’ve boosted new customers and delighted regulars", says The 1762 at the Warwick Hotel.
Polish Your Presentation
- Use PowerPoint slides to display questions clearly and professionally
- Provide printable PDF answer sheets for consistency
- Include a mix of question types to appeal to a wider audience
Need pre-made Thanksgiving trivia? Check out our weekly trivia subscription service. Each pack includes over 40 questions, complete with PowerPoint slides and printable answer sheets.
For even more holiday-themed options, explore our Thanksgiving trivia packs for additional questions and formats.
Ready-Made Trivia Resources
Make hosting trivia nights a breeze with our curated resources. Whether you need fresh content every week or themed packs for special occasions, we’ve got you covered. Save time and bring in more customers with expertly crafted trivia kits.
Weekly Trivia Subscription
Get new trivia content delivered straight to you every week. Each package includes PowerPoint slides and printable PDFs, making setup simple. Start your first month for just 99¢, then continue for $59.99 per month.
"Our trivia nights have been a huge boost to our Thursday evenings. Our community loves it, and we’ve seen an almost 300% increase in sales. Highly recommend!" – Brandie, General Manager at The 1762 At The Warwick Hotel
Thanksgiving-Themed Packs
Looking for something festive? Check out our holiday-themed trivia packs, like:
- Thanksgiving Trivia Night Theme Pack
- Planes, Trains & Automobiles Trivia Night Theme Pack
Want to take your trivia nights to the next level? Sign up for our weekly subscription service at https://cheaptrivia.com/products/weekly-trivia-subscription-service or explore our Thanksgiving-themed packs here: https://cheaptrivia.com/collections/thanksgiving-trivia-theme-packs.
Conclusion
Now that you have the facts and hosting tips, turn your trivia questions into fun, interactive events that leave a lasting impression and strengthen community ties. Pair these ideas with our hosting advice and ready-to-use trivia kits to create professional, entertaining experiences that keep people coming back for more.
Sign up for weekly trivia at cheaptrivia.com/products/weekly-trivia-subscription-service (just 99¢ for the first month), or grab instant Thanksgiving packs at cheaptrivia.com/collections/thanksgiving-trivia-theme-packs. With fresh content, expert guidance, and easy-to-use formats, your events will stay engaging and memorable.
