Want to turn Thanksgiving into a profitable night at your bar? Hosting a trivia night can boost sales and bring in new customers. Here’s why it works and how to start:
- Why Trivia Nights Work: Bars like The 1762 at the Warwick Hotel saw a 300% sales increase on trivia nights. Rubber Soul Brewing Co. also reported more repeat customers.
- What You Need: Thanksgiving-themed trivia packs from CheapTrivia.com start at $14.99 and include 40+ questions. A weekly subscription option is available for $59.99/month.
- What to Expect: Trivia questions cover Thanksgiving history, food, traditions, and pop culture. Examples include the origins of Thanksgiving, fun turkey facts, and iconic holiday movies.
Make your bar the go-to spot for Thanksgiving fun with engaging trivia that keeps patrons entertained and spending. Ready to start? Check out CheapTrivia.com for trivia packs and subscriptions.
Episode 250 – Thanksgiving Jeopardy!
1. Thanksgiving History
Dive into some Thanksgiving trivia to spark fun and engaging conversations.
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Presidential Proclamation
Did you know Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863? His decision was heavily influenced by Sarah Josepha Hale, who campaigned tirelessly for the holiday’s recognition. -
The First Feast
The famous 1621 Thanksgiving feast wasn’t all about turkey. Historical records mention venison, waterfowl, and seafood as part of the three-day celebration, attended by around 50 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag. -
Turkey Pardon Tradition
The annual turkey pardon officially began in 1989 under President George H.W. Bush. While earlier presidents occasionally spared turkeys, Bush made it a yearly tradition. These lucky birds now spend their days in retirement on farms. -
Thanksgiving Timeline
Before Lincoln’s proclamation, states observed Thanksgiving on different dates. In 1939, President Roosevelt moved it to the third Thursday of November to boost holiday shopping. However, the change caused confusion, and by 1941, Congress settled on the fourth Thursday.
For even more trivia fun, check out CheapTrivia.com’s Thanksgiving collection (https://cheaptrivia.com/collections/thanksgiving-trivia-theme-packs). Their professionally crafted questions are sure to keep everyone entertained!
2. Thanksgiving Food
Get your guests talking (and hungry) with some fun Thanksgiving food trivia!
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Turkey Trivia
Pose this: How many turkeys are served across the U.S. on Thanksgiving? And what’s the average weight of a Thanksgiving turkey? -
Side Dish Showdown
Turkey might be the star, but sides like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole are crowd favorites. Challenge guests to rank these dishes by popularity. -
Cranberry Chronicles
Did you know cranberries weren’t part of the first Thanksgiving? Ask your guests how cranberry sauce became a holiday tradition. -
Pumpkin Pie Traditions
Pumpkin pie is a must-have dessert. Quiz your guests on Libby’s role in making canned pumpkin a pantry staple and which town is called the ‘Pumpkin Capital of the World.’
Want more trivia fun? Check out CheapTrivia.com for weekly trivia questions sent straight to your inbox!
Up next: Dive into how Thanksgiving traditions influence pop culture and everyday customs.
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3. Pop Culture and Traditions
Test your bar patrons’ knowledge with trivia about Thanksgiving-themed movies, TV specials, parades, and football traditions.
Classic Holiday Films
Bring up Planes, Trains & Automobiles, the comedy classic starring Steve Martin and John Candy. Dive into fun behind-the-scenes tidbits and memorable moments from the film.
Animated Favorites
Quiz your crowd on A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Ask about Snoopy’s quirky feast or the unforgettable football gag that has become a holiday staple.
Macy’s Parade Highlights
Take a trip down memory lane with questions about Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Cover its beginnings in 1924 and the massive balloons that have become its signature feature.
Football Traditions
Engage sports fans with NFL Thanksgiving Day trivia. Highlight the Detroit Lions‘ tradition dating back to 1934 and the Dallas Cowboys‘ Thanksgiving games, which started in 1966.
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Next, dive into some surprising Thanksgiving facts to keep your audience hooked.
4. Fun Facts and Oddities
Thanksgiving isn’t just about history and food – it’s also packed with quirky tidbits and surprising traditions that can spark great conversations at your bar.
For instance, did you know that wild turkeys can run up to 25 mph and fly at speeds of 55 mph? That’s a far cry from today’s farm-raised turkeys, which can barely manage a waddle! Here are a few more interesting facts to share:
- The first Thanksgiving feast may have featured passenger pigeons instead of turkey, as these birds were once plentiful in colonial America.
- Benjamin Franklin once proposed the turkey as America’s national symbol instead of the bald eagle.
- The TV dinner owes its origin to Thanksgiving – Swanson created it in 1953 after being stuck with 260 tons of leftover turkey.
- Over 50 million pumpkin pies are devoured by Americans during Thanksgiving weekend.
Thanksgiving traditions have also included some unusual activities. In New England, early celebrations featured "turkey bowling", where frozen turkeys served as bowling balls. These events eventually helped inspire modern community games and contests.
Looking for more trivia to entertain your guests? Check out our Thanksgiving trivia packs (https://cheaptrivia.com/collections/thanksgiving-trivia-theme-packs) and consider subscribing to our weekly trivia service (https://cheaptrivia.com/products/weekly-trivia-subscription-service) for fresh, engaging content year-round.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving-themed trivia nights can turn your bar into a lively gathering spot while driving up profits. By tapping into the success stories shared earlier, your venue can enjoy the same festive energy that has helped bars nationwide boost customer engagement and sales.
The holiday cheer, fun competition, and sense of community encourage guests to stay longer and spend more. Trivia nights leave a lasting impression, bringing customers back time and time again – making them a great addition to your holiday events.
Want to host a successful Thanksgiving trivia night? Check out CheapTrivia.com for expertly crafted question packs that entertain and engage your patrons.
Ready to elevate your bar’s holiday vibe? Head over to cheaptrivia.com/collections/thanksgiving-trivia-theme-packs to get started, or explore our weekly trivia service for year-round entertainment options.
