America’s favorite Thanksgiving activities revealed — Games take the #1 spot
The oven is hot, the stretchy pants are ready, and someone has already asked when dinner will be served: Thanksgiving is here. For many, the holiday offers a pause in the day, a generous meal, and a chance to give thanks, along with a little family bustle. Turkey, stuffing, and cherished family recipes are at the heart of the occasion. But shared laughter, familiar traditions, and imperfect moments are often what make the gathering feel like home.
To find out what brings Americans together beyond the holiday meal, the Al Buraq Regina team reviewed social media posts about Thanksgiving plans and the activities people expected to enjoy.
The findings provide a snapshot of those plans.
Key Findings
- Games top the list: 36.7% of Americans say they expect to bring out party games, board games, puzzles, or video games
- Football remains part of the holiday for 24.8%, whether they plan to cheer for NFL teams or play an informal game outdoors
- Watching a Thanksgiving parade is on the agenda for 19.2%, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and local community events
- For 17.3%, a movie or television show is part of the day’s plans. Popular picks named include Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), Dutch (1991), and Home for the Holidays (1995)
- While nearly all Americans expect to share a meal, 10.2% specifically plan to cook it, while 4.6% say they intend to dine at a restaurant
The Most Popular Thanksgiving Activities
Comments about Thanksgiving plans point to these as the most popular activities.
#1 Playing Games (36.7%)
Nearly four in ten Americans say friendly competition is part of their Thanksgiving. Their plans include games that bring different generations together, from trivia and board games to Jackbox, bingo, puzzle tables, and video games. Among comments mentioning games, trivia, board games, and puzzles lead the way: 24% refer to one of those three options.
One family described covering the table with brown butcher paper and leaving crayons within reach:
“Before long, everyone is sketching hand-shaped turkeys or starting a game of tic-tac-toe.”
Classic group and tabletop games remain popular, while digital options are also becoming part of some American family gatherings. Jackbox and Mario Kart are among the games people say have joined their traditions.
#2 Keeping the Football Tradition Alive (24.8%)
Thanksgiving football dates back to the sport’s early years. The tradition took firm hold in 1934, when the Detroit Lions faced the Chicago Bears on the holiday. Since then, the NFL has scheduled three Thanksgiving games each year: an early-afternoon matchup, a late-afternoon game and an evening contest.
Football’s place in American culture, combined with the holiday atmosphere and game schedule, has made watching a familiar Thanksgiving ritual. One in four Americans in the study planned to tune in.
A game playing in the background doesn’t mean everyone is watching closely. 13% said they planned to cook, work on puzzles or talk with family while it was on. Some groups take their football outdoors for what one commenter called “body-slamming.” Nearly 3% of commenters said they planned to play with loved ones over the holiday.
#3 Watching the Thanksgiving Parade (19.2%)
Watching a parade ranks as the third most common tradition among American families and is often a way to kick off Thanksgiving. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was the most frequently mentioned: 17.1% of people referred to the event, traditionally held each year in New York City.
The comments show how much the parade means to many viewers. Some have made watching it an almost annual tradition since childhood. Even those who feel the broadcast has become too commercial, with brands and products appearing throughout, say they’ll still tune in.
#4 Putting on a Movie or Show (17.3%)
Movies and television remain part of Thanksgiving for 17.3% of commenters. Families tend to choose seasonal or lighthearted viewing that works for a group; nearly two out of every three mentions describe it as “family and friends TV time.”
Older favorites such as Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), Dutch (1991), and Home for the Holidays (1995) feature prominently in the comments. For TV, Friends is a recurring pick.
#5 Making a Meal to Remember (10.2%)
Food is at the heart of Thanksgiving, but 10.2% of Americans specifically planned to help prepare the meal. Many comments suggest that those who cook enjoy the work, mentioning goals such as “nailing a new recipe” or getting the whole family involved in the kitchen.
Some commenters planned to leave the main cooking to a restaurant: 4.6% said they would dine out and skip preparing the centerpiece, while still making dessert at home.
#6 Getting Some Physical Activity (7.4%)
Physical activity is part of the plans for 7.4% of Americans, with family walks around the neighborhood leading the responses. A walk was named by 4.9% of respondents, while Turkey Trotting ranked as the next most popular activity.
Community Turkey Trots are on the plans of 1.8% of respondents. These fun 5K road races are commonly held around the country on Thanksgiving morning, often before anyone serves the first slice of pie.
About This Research
The analysis is based on a sample of 1,127 comments in Reddit threads about plans for Thanksgiving 2025. Researchers collected the material from November 13 to 14, including comments posted during the preceding three months. Each comment was categorized by all the activities its author said they planned to do.
Evan Carrington brings more than 12 years of experience in the iGaming industry, specializing in online casino reviews, slot game analysis, and player safety assessments. Their expertise includes casino licensing, RTP, volatility, bonus terms, and withdrawal policies. Combining hands-on reviews with independent research, Evan provides clear, evidence-based coverage to help players understand gambling platforms, their features, and possible risks.
