Explore 29 fun Thanksgiving trivia facts to spark conversation! From history to holiday traditions, these facts add extra fun to your Turkey Day celebration.
Thanksgiving is a time to gather, enjoy a delicious feast, and reflect on gratitude, but it’s also rooted in a history packed with unique and fascinating trivia! From its early traditions to its evolution into the holiday we celebrate today, Thanksgiving is full of surprising stories and customs that add depth to the festivities.
If you’re hoping to spark lively conversation around the table, we've got you covered! These Thanksgiving trivia facts will bring an extra layer of fun and insight to your holiday celebration. Read on to discover what makes Thanksgiving truly special!
20+ Fascinating Thanksgiving Trivia Facts
From shocking origins to fun food facts, Thanksgiving has plenty of hidden gems in its history. These 29 fascinating trivia facts will take you on a journey through the holiday’s quirks and traditions, perfect for sharing around the table and adding a touch of discovery to your Thanksgiving celebration.
How many turkeys are consumed in the U.S. each Thanksgiving?
Answer: Over 45 million! The Thanksgiving turkey is a key highlight of the holiday meal.
What Thanksgiving food did astronauts eat on the Apollo 11 mission?
Answer: Roasted turkey. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin included it in their Thanksgiving meal while in space.
How long did the first Thanksgiving celebration last?
Answer: Three days of feasting and gratitude. The first Thanksgiving was a multi-day gathering focused on the harvest.
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What animals were featured in the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Answer: Live zoo animals, including lions, elephants, and camels.
When was the first Thanksgiving football game played?
Answer: In 1876, between Yale and Princeton. Football on Thanksgiving has become a major part of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Which NFL team plays on Thanksgiving every year?
Answer: The Detroit Lions, since 1934. Their game has become as much a tradition as the Thanksgiving feast itself.
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What was the original color of sweet potatoes served at early Thanksgiving celebrations?
Answer: Purple. Early sweet potatoes were naturally purple, as many varieties were initially grown in South America.
What is the busiest travel day of the year in the U.S.?
Answer: The day before Thanksgiving! People travel in large numbers to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends.
What unexpected service is busiest on Black Friday?
Answer: Plumbers. That Thanksgiving table cleanup can lead to quite a few clogged drains.
Which holiday song was initially written for Thanksgiving?
Answer: 'Jingle Bells' was originally composed for Thanksgiving before it became a beloved Christmas song.
Did the first Thanksgiving feast include turkey?
Answer: Not necessarily; it likely included other birds and seafood. The first Thanksgiving was focused on the available harvest.
What is the heaviest recorded weight of a turkey?
Answer: 86 pounds, almost as big as a large dog!
Where does pumpkin pie have its origins?
Answer: Medieval Europe, where pumpkin-based recipes were common.
What animal is sometimes referred to as the “turkey fish” due to its fan-like fins and coloration?
Answer: The lionfish, known for its resemblance to a turkey's feathers.
According to the Guinness World Records, what is the largest recorded gathering of people dressed as turkeys?
Answer: 661 people, set at a 2011 event in Dallas, Texas.
What was Thanksgiving once called by children in the 19th century?
Answer: "Ragamuffin Day," when kids dressed up and asked for food, a precursor to Halloween-like festivities.
What inspired the invention of the first TV dinner?
Answer: A surplus of turkey after Thanksgiving in 1953 led Swanson to create the first frozen dinners.
Which state produces the most turkeys in the U.S. each year?
Answer: Minnesota, leading the nation in Thanksgiving turkey production.
What’s the average number of calories an American consumes on Thanksgiving Day?
Answer: About 4,500 calories, with all the rich foods filling the Thanksgiving table.
What month was Thanksgiving originally celebrated in the early years?
Answer: October. Some early Thanksgiving feasts were held in October before settling on the fourth Thursday of November.
Which country celebrates its own Thanksgiving in October?
Answer: Canada, celebrating Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October.
What utensil was missing from the first Thanksgiving feast?
Answer: The fork, which wasn’t widely used in the colonies until the 18th century.
What is the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States?
Answer: The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, which began in 1920.
How long did it take to cook the first frozen turkeys?
Answer: Frozen turkeys first appeared in the 1940s, with thawing and cooking taking about 24 hours.
Which pie ranks second after pumpkin as a Thanksgiving favorite?
Answer: Pecan pie is the runner-up, especially popular in the South.
What was the first department store to hold a Thanksgiving parade?
Answer: Gimbels in Philadelphia.
What classic Thanksgiving side dish originated in the 1950s as a Campbell's Soup recipe?
Answer: Green bean casserole, created for Campbell’s ad campaign.
What popular Thanksgiving dessert was brought to America by early British settlers?
Answer: Apple pie, which became a staple dessert for Thanksgiving over time.
What Thanksgiving-related phrase was added to the dictionary in the 19th century?
Answer: The Cornucopia, a symbol of abundance, is frequently featured in Thanksgiving decorations.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving trivia adds a fun, festive touch to your holiday celebrations and can help bring people together with surprising facts. This year, sprinkle some Thanksgiving trivia questions and answers into your Thanksgiving meal conversation or even set up a little trivia game with family and friends. And if you’re looking for more ways to celebrate, be sure to check out Avia’s Thanksgiving events to add even more fun and rewards to your holiday season!