Thanksgiving trivia can make your celebrations more fun and engaging. Here are 12 surprising facts you can share:
- The first Thanksgiving lasted 3 days (1621).
- Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.
- 46 million turkeys are cooked in the U.S. every Thanksgiving.
- TV dinners were invented because of Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Butterball answers 100,000 turkey questions every year.
- The first Macy’s Parade in 1924 featured live zoo animals.
- Thanksgiving football started with Princeton vs. Yale in 1876.
- The Buffalo Turkey Trot race began in 1896.
- "Jingle Bells" was originally a Thanksgiving song.
- The White House turkey pardon tradition started in 1989.
- FDR moved Thanksgiving in 1939 to extend the shopping season.
- Ben Franklin preferred the turkey over the bald eagle as the national bird.
These facts are perfect for trivia games or sparking conversations at your Thanksgiving gathering. Whether you’re hosting an event or just looking to learn something new, these tidbits are sure to entertain.
12 Mind-Blowing Thanksgiving Facts You Never Knew!
1. The Original Thanksgiving Lasted 3 Days
Did you know the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts, stretched over three days? This celebration took place in the fall of 1621 and was far more elaborate than the single-day event many assume today.
This little-known detail is perfect for adding a twist to your trivia game. Consider turning it into a multiple-choice question – most players will guess it was just one day, making the correct answer a fun surprise.
For even more engaging content, check out CheapTrivia‘s Thanksgiving collection (link here). Their trivia packs cater to all skill levels and can keep your game interesting. You can also subscribe to their weekly service (link here) for seasonal updates and new questions to keep your trivia fresh year-round.
2. Lincoln Established Thanksgiving in 1863
Thanksgiving became a national holiday in 1863, thanks to President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation during the Civil War.
This milestone was largely influenced by Sarah Josepha Hale, the editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book and author of "Mary Had a Little Lamb." Hale spent 36 years campaigning for the holiday, writing to five different presidents before Lincoln finally made it official.
Before this, states celebrated Thanksgiving on various dates. Lincoln chose the last Thursday in November to bring consistency and unity to the nation. This tradition lasted until President Franklin D. Roosevelt adjusted it slightly during his term.
Here’s a fun fact: Between the first Thanksgiving in 1621 and Lincoln’s proclamation in 1863, 15 U.S. presidents served in office.
For more trivia, check out CheapTrivia’s Thanksgiving collection or sign up for their weekly trivia service.
3. Americans Cook 46 Million Turkeys on Thanksgiving
Every year, Americans cook up an impressive 46 million turkeys for Thanksgiving. This massive number highlights just how central turkey is to the holiday’s traditions. It’s a fun fact that’s sure to spark some lively conversations at your gathering.
Want to keep the turkey talk going? Challenge your guests with some trivia! Check out turkey-themed questions and holiday trivia from our sister site’s Thanksgiving collection (https://cheaptrivia.com/collections/thanksgiving-trivia-theme-packs). And if you’re a trivia fan, their weekly trivia subscription service (https://cheaptrivia.com/products/weekly-trivia-subscription-service) can keep the fun going all year long.
4. TV Dinners Came from Thanksgiving Leftovers
TV dinners got their start in the early 1950s, thanks to a surplus of Thanksgiving leftovers. Swanson found a clever way to use these extras by adapting aluminum airline meal trays into compartmentalized trays for complete meals.
Once introduced, TV dinners quickly became popular with families who were embracing television as a central part of their lives. This idea laid the groundwork for the frozen meals industry we know today.
Want to challenge your guests with some food history? Check out Thanksgiving-themed trivia at CheapTrivia.com. For even more fun facts, explore their weekly trivia subscription at CheapTrivia.com.
5. Butterball Answers 100,000 Turkey Questions Each Year
Every Thanksgiving, Butterball’s Turkey Talk-Line fields around 100,000 questions from home cooks across the country. A dedicated team of experts is on hand to help with everything from thawing tips to cooking methods.
To keep up with the times, Butterball now provides help through multiple channels: phone, email, social media, and even text messaging.
This blend of tradition and modern convenience shows how Thanksgiving celebrations continue to evolve. Want to challenge your guests with some Thanksgiving trivia? Check out CheapTrivia.com for themed trivia packs. For fun all year long, take a look at their weekly trivia subscription service.
6. Macy’s First Parade Used Real Zoo Animals
The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924 looked very different from the event we know today. Instead of the giant character balloons that have become a hallmark of the parade, live animals from the Central Park Zoo took center stage. Elephants, monkeys, camels, and even bears made their way through the streets of Manhattan, creating quite the spectacle for onlookers.
Originally called "Macy’s Christmas Parade", the event was organized by Macy’s employees, many of whom were first-generation immigrants. Spanning a 6-mile route, the parade drew an impressive crowd of about 250,000 spectators.
While the live animals were accompanied by professional handlers, they presented unique challenges. For instance, the elephants were particularly sensitive to the noise of the cheering crowds, making them difficult to manage along the lengthy route. These logistical issues prompted organizers to rethink the use of live animals in future parades.
In 1927, the parade introduced the iconic character balloons, starting with Felix the Cat. This shift not only made the event safer but also established a tradition that continues to delight millions every year.
Want to add a fun twist to your Thanksgiving celebration? Check out CheapTrivia.com for holiday-themed trivia packs or their weekly trivia subscription for year-round fun.
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7. Princeton vs. Yale Started Thanksgiving Football
Thanksgiving football might feel like an NFL staple today, but it all started with college football back in 1876. On November 30 of that year, Yale and Princeton squared off in Hoboken, New Jersey, for what’s considered the first Thanksgiving Day football game. Around 1,000 fans showed up, paying 50 cents each to watch the match. This game set the stage for the Thanksgiving football tradition we know today.
By the 1890s, Thanksgiving Day college games had become a big deal. The rules were different back then – touchdowns were worth 4 points, and field goals earned 5. In that first game, Princeton came out on top with a tight 2-0 win. By 1893, the rivalry between Princeton and Yale was drawing huge crowds, cementing its place as a fan favorite.
The NFL jumped on the Thanksgiving football bandwagon in 1934, thanks to George A. Richards, who scheduled a game between the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears. Since then, the Lions have hosted nearly every Thanksgiving, with only a few breaks during World War II.
For more fun trivia like this, check out CheapTrivia’s Thanksgiving Trivia Theme Packs or subscribe to the Weekly Trivia Subscription Service.
8. First Turkey Trot: Buffalo, NY (1896)
The Buffalo Turkey Trot, started in 1896, is one of the earliest Thanksgiving-themed races in the U.S. This tradition highlights how community activities have been a part of Thanksgiving celebrations for well over a century.
Want to stump your friends with more Thanksgiving trivia? Check out CheapTrivia’s Thanksgiving Theme Packs or add some fun to your events with their Weekly Trivia Subscription Service. It’s a great way to keep the Thanksgiving spirit alive!
9. "Jingle Bells" Was Originally a Thanksgiving Song
Did you know "Jingle Bells", the iconic Christmas tune, actually started as a Thanksgiving song? It’s a fun reminder of how holiday traditions can change over time.
For more fun facts and holiday-themed trivia, check out CheapTrivia’s Thanksgiving Theme Packs or explore their Weekly Trivia Subscription Service.
10. White House Turkey Pardons Began in 1989
The tradition of pardoning a turkey at the White House started in 1989 with President George H.W. Bush. This lighthearted gesture spares a turkey from ending up as dinner, adding a playful touch to the Thanksgiving holiday. Over the years, it has become a cherished part of the celebration.
Looking for more holiday trivia and fun facts? Check out CheapTrivia’s Thanksgiving Theme Packs or sign up for their Weekly Trivia Subscription Service to enjoy fresh trivia all year long.
11. FDR Changed Thanksgiving’s Date for Shopping
In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt decided to move Thanksgiving to an earlier date. His goal? To extend the holiday shopping season and help boost retail sales during the Great Depression. The decision sparked plenty of debate, and by 1941, Congress stepped in to settle the matter – officially designating Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November. That’s the tradition we follow today.
For more holiday trivia, take a look at CheapTrivia’s Thanksgiving Theme Packs or sign up for their Weekly Trivia Subscription Service to keep the fun going all year long.
12. Ben Franklin Preferred Turkey as National Bird
Benjamin Franklin once expressed a preference for the turkey over the bald eagle as a national symbol. Though he never officially suggested it, his opinion was shared in personal correspondence. The bald eagle ultimately became the national emblem in 1782, but Franklin’s fondness for the turkey remains a fun piece of Thanksgiving trivia. Want to explore more? Check out CheapTrivia’s Thanksgiving Theme Packs or sign up for their Weekly Trivia Subscription Service to enjoy trivia all year long.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and pie – it’s packed with stories and quirks that can turn any gathering into a lively, memorable event. From the original three-day feast in 1621 to the unexpected link between Thanksgiving leftovers and TV dinners, these tidbits can spark great conversations and even some friendly competition.
Trivia events have proven to be a hit for businesses. For example, The 1762 At The Warwick Hotel saw sales soar by nearly 300%, and Rubber Soul Brewing Co. also benefited from hosting trivia nights.
If you’re looking to tap into this trend, CheapTrivia offers a Weekly Trivia Subscription Service for $59.99 per month, featuring 40+ questions across multiple rounds. They also provide Thanksgiving Theme Packs, designed specifically for holiday events, making it easy to create a fun and engaging atmosphere.
So, whether you’re hosting a family dinner, planning a community event, or trying to draw more customers to your venue, these Thanksgiving trivia resources can help you combine fun and learning, creating a festive and welcoming environment for everyone.
