Want to make your pub the go-to spot this Thanksgiving? Hosting a Thanksgiving trivia night can transform quiet evenings into lively, profitable events. Trivia nights not only entertain but also drive customer loyalty and boost sales – like the 1762 At The Warwick Hotel, which saw a 300% sales increase.
Here’s what you’ll find in this guide:
- 15 Thanksgiving Trivia Questions: From history to quirky traditions, engage your audience with fun facts like Abraham Lincoln declaring Thanksgiving a holiday or Minnesota leading in turkey production.
- Tips for Hosting Trivia Nights: Learn how to set up, promote, and run a trivia event with themed rounds, prizes, and festive decor.
- Ready-Made Trivia Packs: Save time with pre-made questions, PowerPoint slides, and printable PDFs for just $59.99/month.
Quick Tip: Offer food and drink specials, like themed cocktails or shareable appetizers, to enhance the experience and boost revenue. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
Trivia Hosting Best Practices
1. Which President Made Thanksgiving Official?
Trivia Question: Which U.S. President officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday? The answer is Abraham Lincoln in 1863.
Here’s some context to make it more engaging: Lincoln issued the proclamation during the Civil War, designating the last Thursday of November for the holiday. His decision was partly inspired by Sarah Josepha Hale, who had campaigned for years to establish a national day of thanks.
Want to dig deeper? Here are two follow-up questions:
- In what year did Congress shift Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November? 1941
- Which President signed this change into law? Franklin D. Roosevelt
Make it fun by offering multiple-choice options and a small prize (like a free appetizer) to get people involved.
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Ready for the next Thanksgiving trivia challenge? Stay tuned!
2. When Was the First Thanksgiving?
The first Thanksgiving took place in 1621.
It was celebrated in Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts, by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag to mark their first successful harvest. This historic event occurred sometime between September and November of that year.
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3. How Many Days Was the First Feast?
The first Thanksgiving feast went on for three days, a far cry from the single-day celebration we know today. It’s a perfect example of how traditions have shifted over time. This little fact can be a great conversation starter about how Thanksgiving customs have evolved.
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4. What Seafood Was on the First Menu?
This question dives into the mystery of what might have been served at the first Thanksgiving. Historical records give us little to no proof of seafood being part of the feast, but considering New England’s coastal location, it’s fun to imagine what options early colonists might have had.
Use this trivia question to spark lively discussions at your pub. Ask your patrons to guess which seafood dishes could have been on the table, based on the region’s natural resources.
For more Thanksgiving-themed trivia, check out Thanksgiving Trivia Packs.
To make things even more festive, offer a prize for the most creative and historically believable seafood dish suggestion – it’s a great way to boost engagement and keep the holiday spirit alive!
5. Which State Eats the Most Turkey?
Here’s a fun trivia question to get the conversation going: Which state consumes the most turkey? Ask teams to guess the state and estimate the average turkey consumption per person. Encourage them to back up their answers with short explanations, like local traditions or regional preferences.
Want to make your trivia night even more engaging? Try these ideas:
- Award bonus points for the most creative or logical reasoning.
- Ask questions about local turkey farms or production.
- Incorporate state-specific traditions into the challenges.
These interactive elements can help create a lively, community-focused atmosphere in your pub. For a competitive twist, set up a mini-bracket challenge where teams predict state rankings for turkey consumption. It’s a great way to keep everyone involved throughout the night.
Looking for more themed trivia inspiration? Check out our Thanksgiving Trivia Theme Packs. Or, keep your trivia nights fresh year-round with our Weekly Trivia Subscription Service.
Up next, discover how to use these strategies to elevate your trivia night experience.
6. What Led to TV Dinner Creation?
What ties leftover Thanksgiving turkey to the birth of the TV dinner?
After one Thanksgiving, a frozen food company found itself with an unexpected turkey surplus. Borrowing inspiration from airline meals, they created compartmentalized trays featuring a protein, starch, and vegetable. With televisions becoming household staples in the 1950s, these convenient meals turned leftover turkey into a cultural phenomenon.
This quirky piece of food history isn’t just great trivia – it’s a fun way to set the mood for the holidays in your pub. Spark conversation with these follow-up questions:
- How did a turkey surplus lead to the creation of frozen meals?
- What role did the rise of TV culture play in the popularity of TV dinners?
- What made pre-packaged meals appealing to mid-century consumers?
For more food history and Thanksgiving-themed trivia, check out our Weekly Trivia Subscription Service and Thanksgiving Trivia Theme Packs.
7. Who Started Turkey Pardoning?
The presidential turkey pardon is a fun and quirky addition to Thanksgiving traditions. While its exact origins are a bit murky, it makes for an interesting topic at your next trivia night. Check out our Thanksgiving Trivia Theme Packs for well-researched facts and engaging questions to keep your audience entertained and informed.
Want to keep the conversation going? Try these follow-up questions:
- What happens to the turkeys after they’re pardoned?
- Why do presidents continue this unusual tradition?
- Could this custom change in the future?
Looking for more trivia ideas? Our Weekly Trivia Subscription Service can keep your events fresh. Add a festive touch with presidential-themed decorations to complete the experience.
8. Which Campbell’s Dish Became a Classic?
The Green Bean Casserole, a creation of Campbell’s test kitchen supervisor Dorcas Reilly in 1955, has become a Thanksgiving favorite. This simple yet iconic recipe combines cream of mushroom soup, green beans, and crispy fried onions, making it a holiday staple.
Here are some fun follow-up questions to keep the conversation going:
- How many cans of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup are sold each year for Thanksgiving casseroles?
- What was the dish originally called when it was first introduced?
- During which decade did this dish become a holiday tradition?
Want to keep your trivia night engaging? Check out our Weekly Trivia Subscription Service or explore Thanksgiving Trivia Theme Packs. You could even add this classic dish to your Thanksgiving menu to spark some festive nostalgia!
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9. Who Plays Football on Thanksgiving?
NFL games on Thanksgiving have become a cherished holiday tradition. Two teams, the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys, are known for hosting games every year, with a third matchup featuring rotating teams added in 2006.
The Detroit Lions kicked off this tradition in 1934 when their owner, George A. Richards, introduced Thanksgiving games to draw bigger crowds. Since then, the Lions have played every Thanksgiving, except during World War II. The Dallas Cowboys joined the tradition in 1966, missing only two games (1975 and 1977).
Here’s the usual Thanksgiving NFL schedule:
- Detroit Lions: 12:30 PM EST
- Dallas Cowboys: 4:30 PM EST
- Rotating teams: 8:20 PM EST
This trivia question isn’t just fun – it’s a great way to spark conversations about classic Thanksgiving matchups. You can dive deeper with follow-up questions like who the Lions played in their first Thanksgiving game, how many consecutive games they’ve played, or why a third game was added.
Want more sports-themed trivia? Check out our Weekly Trivia Subscription Service or grab one of our Thanksgiving Trivia Theme Packs.
If you’re hosting a trivia night, consider offering game-day deals during these matchups to draw in both football fans and trivia lovers. It’s a win-win for your venue!
10. What’s the Red Part on Turkey Beaks?
The red growth on a turkey’s beak is called the snood. During mating season, male turkeys (known as toms) see their snoods grow larger, which helps them attract mates.
This question is perfect for a Thanksgiving-themed biology trivia round. Pair it with questions about the wattle (the red skin under the chin) and the beard (the hair-like feathers on their chest). To make it more interactive, offer bonus points for correctly pronouncing "snood" or explaining its purpose. Small details like these can make your trivia night more engaging.
Looking for more Thanksgiving-themed trivia? Check out our full collection at Thanksgiving Trivia Theme Packs. You can also explore our weekly trivia subscription, which includes seasonal content ideal for holiday events.
11. How Many Prefer Leftovers?
Thanksgiving leftovers are a beloved part of the holiday, making this question a great way to liven up trivia night. Ask your audience to guess what percentage of Americans enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers – this is sure to spark some fun debates!
Some people look forward to leftovers as much as the main meal, whether it’s a classic turkey sandwich or a new twist on the holiday feast. Opinions might differ, but that’s what makes this a fun challenge.
You can even offer bonus points for the most creative leftover ideas. This question isn’t just about numbers – it’s a way to celebrate holiday traditions while keeping the energy high.
Looking for more ways to elevate your trivia night? Check out our Weekly Trivia Subscription Service or dive into our Thanksgiving Trivia Theme Packs for even more festive fun.
12. Top Turkey-Producing State
Trivia Question: Which U.S. state leads in turkey production? The answer is Minnesota, recognized for its thriving turkey industry.
Encourage your players to compare local turkey production stats with Minnesota’s for a fun discussion.
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Stay tuned for more engaging Thanksgiving trivia to entertain your audience!
13. First Macy’s Parade Balloon
Trivia Question: Which character was the first-ever balloon featured in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Answer: Felix the Cat, who made his debut in 1927.
The original Felix balloon was filled with helium and guided through Manhattan by handlers using poles. Compared to the massive parade floats we see today, Felix was much smaller back then.
Invite your audience to share their favorite parade memories or guess which balloons will steal the show this year.
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14. President Coolidge’s Unusual Thanksgiving Gift
Trivia Question: What unexpected Thanksgiving gift did President Calvin Coolidge receive in 1926?
Answer: A live raccoon.
In November 1926, a resident of Mississippi sent a live raccoon to President Coolidge as a Thanksgiving gift. Instead of preparing it for the dinner table, the Coolidge family decided to keep the raccoon as a pet.
While the full story’s accuracy isn’t confirmed, it’s an entertaining tidbit that gets people talking. Why not ask others to share their own stories about unusual holiday gifts or pets?
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15. Lucky Thanksgiving Custom
Trivia Question: Which Thanksgiving tradition is thought to bring good luck?
Answer: Breaking the turkey’s wishbone.
This quirky tradition has become a staple of Thanksgiving celebrations. While historical details are limited, breaking the wishbone is a fun way for families to share a lighthearted moment and hope for a little extra luck. It’s a simple custom that keeps the holiday spirit alive.
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How to Run a Thanksgiving Trivia Night
Planning a Thanksgiving trivia night can breathe new life into your pub, drawing in more guests and boosting sales. Here’s how to make it a hit.
Event Planning and Setup
Set the mood with fall-themed decorations, cozy lighting, and Thanksgiving-inspired table settings. Make sure your audio system and displays are clear so everyone can follow along. Set up a dedicated area to track team scores for added excitement.
Timing and Format
Host your trivia night on quieter evenings to draw a crowd. Break the game into four rounds:
- General Knowledge
- Picture Round
- Holiday Specifics
- Final Challenge
This structure keeps things engaging and fun for all participants.
Prize Ideas
Encourage participation with enticing rewards:
- First Place: Gift cards or bar tabs
- Second Place: Appetizer vouchers
- Third Place: Drink tokens
- Offer bonus prizes for the most creative team names to add a playful twist.
"Our trivia nights have completely turned around our slow evenings. We’ve seen a significant increase in new customers, and our regulars love it. Highly recommend!" – The 1762 at the Warwick Hotel
Promotion Tips
Start promoting your event at least two weeks ahead to build anticipation. Use these methods to spread the word:
- Social media posts
- Flyers and signage within your venue
- Email newsletters
- Local community boards
These efforts will help ensure a strong turnout.
Content Management
Save time by using pre-made trivia content. For $59.99/month, you can access:
- Over 40 curated questions weekly
- PowerPoint and PDF formats
- Picture rounds
- Tie-breaker questions
"Trivia night has been a popular addition to our weekly schedule, and we have seen an increase in both new and repeat customers because of it!" – Rubber Soul Brewing Co.
Host Guidelines
A great host can make or break the event. Choose someone who can:
- Speak clearly and confidently
- Keep the game moving at a steady pace
- Resolve disputes calmly
- Interact with teams between rounds
- Create a welcoming and fun environment
Food and Drink Specials
Boost revenue by offering themed cocktails, shareable appetizers, happy hour deals, and team pitcher specials. These extras can make the night even more enjoyable for participants.
For ready-to-go Thanksgiving trivia content, check out cheaptrivia.com/collections/thanksgiving-trivia-theme-packs. Their weekly subscription service at cheaptrivia.com/products/weekly-trivia-subscription-service ensures fresh content is always available.
Ready-Made Trivia Pack Benefits
Trivia packs are a great option for pub owners aiming to make their Thanksgiving events stand out without the hassle of creating content from scratch. For $59.99 per month, these packs include everything you need to host lively trivia nights.
Save Time with Ready-to-Use Features
Every weekly pack includes:
- Over 40 carefully crafted questions
- Pre-made PowerPoint slides for easy display
- Printable PDF handouts for teams
- A picture round to add a visual element
- Tie-breaker questions for close games
These tools not only save you time but also help drive more revenue during your events.
High-Quality Content You Can Trust
Each pack is designed to deliver consistent, professional-level content, featuring:
- Verified, accurate questions
- A balanced mix of difficulty levels to challenge players without overwhelming them
- A variety of topics to keep things interesting
- Special Thanksgiving-themed rounds to match the holiday vibe
Practical Advantages for Your Events
These packs simplify your event planning process with:
| Feature | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Time Management | Reduces prep time each week |
| Quality Assurance | Content is professionally reviewed |
| Flexible Formats | Available in both digital and print-friendly versions |
| Weekly Updates | Keeps regular players engaged with fresh material |
"Trivia night has been a popular addition to our weekly schedule, and we have seen an increase in both new and repeat customers because of it!" – Rubber Soul Brewing Co.
Easy Setup and Support
To help you run a smooth Thanksgiving trivia night, each pack includes:
- Clear hosting instructions
- A simple scoring system
- Marketing materials to promote your event
- Access to technical support if needed
For Thanksgiving-specific trivia, check out our themed collection at cheaptrivia.com/collections/thanksgiving-trivia-theme-packs. You can also subscribe for weekly updates at cheaptrivia.com/products/weekly-trivia-subscription-service.
Next Steps
Make your pub the go-to spot this Thanksgiving season with a solid plan:
Set Your Timeline
Start planning 4–6 weeks in advance to ensure everything runs smoothly:
- Test your audio and visual equipment
- Train your staff on hosting duties
- Create promotional materials
- Build excitement among your customers
Once your timeline is set, pick the trivia format that works best for your venue.
Choose Your Format
For just $59.99 per month, our weekly subscription at cheaptrivia.com/products/weekly-trivia-subscription-service gives you everything you need. This includes PowerPoint slides and printable materials, making it easy to host a professional trivia night.
Maximize Your Success
Follow these steps to achieve results like The 1762 at the Warwick Hotel:
- Pick a consistent weekday evening for trivia
- Offer special food and drink deals
- Encourage teams to register in advance
- Test your equipment before the big night
"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
Want to see these results at your venue? Start preparing now.
Get Your Thanksgiving Pack
Find complete Thanksgiving-themed trivia packs, including verified questions and professional formatting, at cheaptrivia.com/collections/thanksgiving-trivia-theme-packs.
