Thanksgiving trivia is a fun way to liven up any gathering, especially pub trivia nights. This article provides 20 easy Thanksgiving trivia questions and answers to engage participants of all levels. From the history of Thanksgiving to modern-day traditions, these questions cover a wide range of topics. Here’s a quick preview of some highlights:
- When was the first Thanksgiving? 1621
- Which president made Thanksgiving a national holiday? Abraham Lincoln
- What’s the traditional Thanksgiving main dish? Turkey
- Which Christmas carol was originally written for Thanksgiving? "Jingle Bells"
- How many pumpkin pies are consumed during Thanksgiving? 50 million
If you’re hosting a trivia night, these questions are perfect for creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. Want even more questions? Explore Thanksgiving trivia packs or subscribe to a weekly trivia service for fresh content delivered regularly.
Thanksgiving Quiz Trivia Questions and Answers to Test Your …
1. First Thanksgiving Date
Question: "In what year was the first Thanksgiving celebrated?"
The correct answer is 1621. This marks the year of the celebration that inspired the Thanksgiving holiday we know today.
Multiple choice options:
- A. 1492
- B. 1621
- C. 1776
- D. 1863
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Pro tip: Add a bonus challenge by asking participants to name the location of the first Thanksgiving celebration.
Up next, try a question about which U.S. President officially recognized Thanksgiving as a holiday.
2. President Who Made Thanksgiving Official
Question: "Which U.S. President officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday?"
The answer is Abraham Lincoln. In 1863, amid the Civil War, President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving as a national holiday to be observed on the last Thursday of November.
Multiple choice options:
- A. George Washington
- B. Thomas Jefferson
- C. Abraham Lincoln
- D. Franklin D. Roosevelt
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Fun fact: Before Lincoln’s proclamation, Thanksgiving was celebrated on different dates depending on the state.
Up next: Learn how long the first Thanksgiving celebration actually lasted.
3. Length of First Thanksgiving
Question: "How long did the first Thanksgiving celebration last?"
The answer is Three Days. Back in 1621, the first Thanksgiving was a multi-day harvest celebration featuring feasting, Native American dances, and community games.
Multiple choice options:
- A. One Day
- B. Two Days
- C. Three Days
- D. One Week
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Next: Discover the name of the famous ship that brought the Pilgrims to America.
4. Pilgrims’ Ship Name
Question: "What was the name of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America?"
The answer is The Mayflower. This iconic ship carried the Pilgrims on a 66-day voyage in 1620, traveling from Plymouth, England, to what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Multiple choice options:
- A. The Santa Maria
- B. The Mayflower
- C. The Nina
- D. The Speedwell
Fun fact: While the Mayflower is famous, there was a second ship involved – the Speedwell. Unfortunately, it sprung leaks and couldn’t complete the journey, so its passengers joined those on the Mayflower.
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Next up: Learn about the traditional main dish of Thanksgiving dinner.
5. Main Thanksgiving Dish
Question: "What is the traditional main dish served at Thanksgiving dinner?"
The answer is Turkey, the classic centerpiece of an American Thanksgiving feast.
Multiple choice options:
- A. Ham
- B. Turkey
- C. Roast Beef
- D. Chicken
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Next, dive into a question about a famous Thanksgiving side dish made popular by Campbell’s.
6. Campbell’s Thanksgiving Side Dish
Question: "Which classic Thanksgiving side dish was introduced and popularized by Campbell’s Soup Company in 1955?"
The answer is Green Bean Casserole, a dish that has since become a must-have on Thanksgiving tables across the United States.
Multiple choice options:
- A. Sweet Potato Casserole
- B. Green Bean Casserole
- C. Corn Casserole
- D. Broccoli Casserole
Looking for more trivia fun? Check out our Thanksgiving-themed trivia packs or sign up for our weekly trivia subscription service to get new questions delivered regularly.
Up next: Learn about a dish served at the first Thanksgiving that’s rarely seen on tables today.
7. Original Thanksgiving Food No Longer Served
Question: "What seafood, once part of early colonial feasts, is rarely included in modern Thanksgiving celebrations?"
The answer is Eel.
Multiple choice options:
- A. Lobster
- B. Eel
- C. Oysters
- D. Clams
Historical records show that early settlers often prepared eel as part of their meals. However, this dish has almost entirely disappeared from today’s Thanksgiving menus.
Check out our complete Thanksgiving trivia collection or spice up your trivia nights with our weekly subscription service.
Up next: How many pumpkin pies do Americans eat during Thanksgiving season?
8. U.S. Pumpkin Pie Consumption
Question: "How many pumpkin pies do Americans eat during the Thanksgiving season?"
The correct answer is 50 million pies.
Multiple choice options:
- A. 25 million pies
- B. 50 million pies
- C. 75 million pies
- D. 100 million pies
Pumpkin pie is a classic Thanksgiving staple.
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Up next: Find out which state eats the most turkey per person.
9. State with Highest Turkey Consumption
Question: "Which U.S. state eats the most turkey per person during Thanksgiving?"
There isn’t a definitive answer to this question. It can spark a fun debate or be an opportunity for trivia hosts to share their own findings.
Multiple choice options:
- A. Minnesota
- B. California
- C. Texas
- D. New York
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Up next: Learn about an unusual Thanksgiving tradition that’s said to bring good luck.
10. Lucky Thanksgiving Custom
Question: "What traditional lucky custom involves the turkey’s wishbone on Thanksgiving?"
Answer: Two people pull apart the turkey wishbone, and the person who gets the larger piece is believed to have their wish come true.
Multiple choice options:
- A. Carving the turkey counterclockwise
- B. Breaking the wishbone with another person
- C. Saving turkey leftovers for 7 days
- D. Making a wish while serving pie
Host Tip: Give everyone a chance to share their favorite wishbone stories – it’s a fun way to spark nostalgia and laughter.
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Up next: Learn about the iconic Thanksgiving parade that’s been a New York City tradition for nearly 100 years.
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11. New York City Thanksgiving Parade Name
Question: "What is the official name of New York City’s Thanksgiving Day parade?"
Answer: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Multiple Choice Options:
- A. The Big Apple Thanksgiving Parade
- B. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- C. The NYC Holiday Parade
- D. The Manhattan Turkey Trot
Host Tip:
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a holiday staple since 1924. Giant balloons, first introduced in 1927, are a crowd favorite. The 2.5-mile route runs from Central Park West to Macy’s Herald Square, attracting 3.5 million people in person and 50 million TV viewers annually.
Key Facts:
- Features 1,500 dancers and cheerleaders
- Includes 400 clowns each year
- Giant balloons soar 40-50 feet high
- Paused from 1942-1944 due to World War II shortages of rubber and helium
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Up next: Learn about the NFL teams that have made Thanksgiving Day football games a yearly tradition.
12. Regular NFL Thanksgiving Teams
Question: "Which two NFL teams traditionally host games every Thanksgiving Day?"
Answer: The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys
Multiple Choice Options:
- A. Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears
- B. Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys
- C. New England Patriots and New York Giants
- D. Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens
Host Tip:
The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys are Thanksgiving Day staples in the NFL. Both teams have a long history of playing on this holiday, making them a key part of the celebration.
Looking to spice up your trivia nights? Check out our weekly trivia subscription service or browse our Thanksgiving Trivia Theme Packs.
Next up: Learn which U.S. President started the turkey pardoning tradition at Thanksgiving.
13. First Turkey Pardon President
Question: "Which U.S. President started the tradition of officially pardoning a Thanksgiving turkey?"
Answer: President George H.W. Bush
Multiple Choice Options:
- A. Abraham Lincoln
- B. Harry Truman
- C. George H.W. Bush
- D. Ronald Reagan
Host Tip:
While some believe it was President Truman, the official turkey pardon ceremony began with President George H.W. Bush in 1989.
Looking to spice up your trivia nights? Check out our weekly trivia subscription service or dive into our Thanksgiving Trivia Theme Packs.
Next, consider a question about TV dinners and their connection to Thanksgiving leftovers.
14. TV Dinner Origin Story
Question: "Which company is credited with inventing the TV dinner?"
Answer: Swanson (1953)
Multiple Choice Options:
- A. Campbell’s
- B. Swanson
- C. Stouffer’s
- D. Banquet
Host Tip: Swanson introduced the TV dinner in 1953, changing how families approached mealtime. It offered a quick and convenient option for busy households, becoming a staple in American kitchens. Share this fun fact with your guests to spark some nostalgia!
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Next: A surprising link between a Christmas carol and Thanksgiving.
15. Christmas Song with Thanksgiving Roots
Question: Which popular Christmas carol was originally written for Thanksgiving?
Answer: "Jingle Bells"
Multiple Choice Options:
- A. "Silent Night"
- B. "Jingle Bells"
- C. "Deck the Halls"
- D. "White Christmas"
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Next up: A question about America’s annual turkey production numbers!
16. Annual U.S. Turkey Count
Question: How many turkeys are raised annually in the United States for Thanksgiving?
Answer: 245 million turkeys
Multiple Choice Options:
- A. 145 million
- B. 245 million
- C. 345 million
- D. 445 million
Looking for more fun trivia? Check out our weekly trivia subscription service or explore our Thanksgiving Trivia Theme Packs.
Next up: Discover the quirky feature of male turkeys – the snood!
17. Turkey Snood Facts
Question: "What is the purpose of a male turkey’s snood, and how does it change during mating?"
Answer: The snood is the fleshy part above a male turkey’s beak that changes during mating. It turns bright red and elongates, signaling the turkey’s readiness to mate.
Multiple Choice Options:
- A. It helps them smell better
- B. It turns bright red and elongates during mating
- C. It helps them digest food
- D. It’s used for making turkey calls
The correct answer is B. This unique feature plays a role in attracting mates, making it a fun tidbit for trivia fans.
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Up next, learn about the typical size of Thanksgiving turkeys in the U.S.!
18. Standard Turkey Size
Question: "What is the average weight of a Thanksgiving turkey served in American households?"
Answer: Most Thanksgiving turkeys weigh between 15 and 20 pounds (6.8–9.1 kg), which is typically enough to feed 10–12 people.
Multiple Choice Options:
- A. 5–10 pounds
- B. 15–20 pounds
- C. 25–30 pounds
- D. 35–40 pounds
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Next topic: Unusual presidential Thanksgiving gifts.
19. President’s Raccoon Gift
Question: "Which U.S. President received a live raccoon as a Thanksgiving gift and kept it as a White House pet?"
Answer: President Calvin Coolidge was the one who received a raccoon as a Thanksgiving gift and decided to keep it as a pet.
Multiple Choice Options:
- A. Theodore Roosevelt
- B. Calvin Coolidge
- C. Herbert Hoover
- D. Franklin D. Roosevelt
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Next: Learn about the first U.S. city to host a Thanksgiving parade.
20. First U.S. Thanksgiving Parade City
Question: "Which U.S. city hosted the first Thanksgiving parade?"
Answer: Philadelphia hosted the first Thanksgiving parade in 1920, organized by Gimbels department store.
Multiple Choice Options:
- A. New York City
- B. Chicago
- C. Philadelphia
- D. Detroit
The Gimbels Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia debuted in 1920, four years before Macy’s iconic parade. Spearheaded by Ellis Gimbel, it featured 50 employees in costumes, modest floats, live music, and ended with Santa’s arrival.
This event set the stage for Thanksgiving parades to become a beloved tradition across the country. Want to dive into more holiday trivia? Check out our Thanksgiving Trivia Theme Packs or spice up your trivia nights with our weekly trivia subscription.
Conclusion
With these questions in your arsenal, your trivia night is all set to entertain and engage your guests. You’re ready to host an event that keeps participants coming back for more.
Trivia nights can make a big difference for venues. As Rubber Soul Brewing Co. puts it:
"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!"
Need more questions? Check out our weekly trivia subscription starting at $59.99/month or grab a set of Thanksgiving Trivia Theme Packs for $14.99 – perfect for holiday events. Each subscription includes 40+ fresh questions weekly, split into four fun rounds.
