These Fun Thanksgiving Traditions Will Make Your Holiday Special (2024)

Thanksgiving is all about togetherness and being able to spend time with the ones you love. While the day usually centers around a hearty Thanksgiving meal, there are countless other Thanksgiving activities that people partake in as annual traditions with family and friends. For starters, many people like to watch the Thanksgiving NFL football game year after year, but there are plenty of other Thanksgiving traditions that are worth exploring, too!

One of the best things about traditions is that it's never too late to start a new one. If you're looking to shake up your Turkey Day agenda this year, check out these fun Thanksgiving traditions that the whole family will enjoy. For her part, Ree likes to celebrate by playing group Thanksgiving games like Pictionary or charades or watching a marathon of Thanksgiving movies. In keeping with the true meaning of the holiday, you could also try a tradition that incorporates the idea of gratitude: Write thank-you notes to loved ones near and far, start a gratitude jar, or give back to your community by volunteering at a soup kitchen. Of course, there are also many activities surrounding the big feast itself. Whether it's making traditional Thanksgiving desserts, hosting a pie swap, or splitting the wishbone, it's no surprise that food tends to be the focal point of the day (and beyond—hello, Thanksgiving leftover recipes! 🤤).

At the end of the day, you can't go wrong with any of these Thanksgiving traditions. Each one will help you make new memories with your loved ones that you'll cherish for years to come.

With everyone dressed in their cute Thanksgiving outfits on the big day, it's the perfect time to take a family photo. You might even capture one that would be just perfect for your Christmas card!

A backyard bonfire is a great way to relax and unwind after Thanksgiving dinner. Invite everyone to pull up a chair and get cozy by the fire.

Family stories are just as much fun to hear as they are to tell–no matter how many times they've been shared! This year, consider recording them so they can be passed down through generations.

Make your guests feel special by setting your holiday dinner table with festive place cards. You can write their name and a simple note (like "Happy Thanksgiving"), or take the time to personalize each card with a message of gratitude.

Fall foliage is in its prime around Thanksgiving time. Take a walk (or drive) through your neighborhood and bask in the beauty before everyone sits down for dinner.

These games are a longstanding tradition hosted by the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys. This year's lineup has the Green Bay Packers playing the Detroit Lions, the Washington Commanders playing the Dallas Cowboys, and the San Francisco 49ers playing the Seattle Seahawks. You can find out more here.

Not a football fan? Perhaps you'd rather tune in to watch the annual National Dog Show, which famously airs on Thanksgiving Day. Be prepared to give your favorite pups a big round of "a-paws!"

You have a lot to be grateful for, and one way you can give thanks is by giving back. Start a canned food drive among your family and friends and together you can make a meaningful donation to a local food pantry.

There's no better way to celebrate the togetherness that comes with Thanksgiving than with a toast. You can ask one person to take the lead or go around the table and have everyone share what they're thankful for.

Switch up the scenery by moving your Thanksgiving meal outside. This idea is perfect for those of you who live in an area with mild fall weather. Create a cozy atmosphere that everyone will love using string lights and a festive table setup.

Create festive décor in the form of a Thanksgiving centerpiece that's almost good enough to steal the show. It's hard to top the turkey—but with a beautiful arrangement, you can try! Guests will love dining in style on the big holiday.