America’s Favourite Thanksgiving Activities Revealed — Games Take the #1 Spot
The oven is hot, the stretchy trousers are ready, and someone has already asked when dinner will be served: Thanksgiving is here. For many, the holiday means a pause in the day, a generous meal, and gratitude, with a little family bustle along the way. Turkey, stuffing, and cherished family recipes are central to the occasion. But shared laughter, familiar customs, and imperfect moments are often what make the gathering feel like home.
To find out what brings Americans together beyond the holiday meal, the Casino Ideal team examined social media posts about Thanksgiving plans and the activities people intended to enjoy.
The findings provide a snapshot of those plans.
Key Findings
- Games top the list of plans: 36.7% of Americans expect to bring out party games, board games, puzzles, or video games
- Football remains part of the holiday for 24.8%, whether people 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 include Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), Dutch (1991), and Home for the Holidays (1995)
- Although almost all Americans expect to share a meal, 10.2% plan to prepare it themselves, while 4.6% intend to dine at a restaurant.
The most popular Thanksgiving activities
Comments about Thanksgiving plans point to these as the activities people enjoy most.
#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 finding a place in some American family gatherings. Jackbox and Mario Kart are among the games people say have become part of their traditions.
#2 Keeping the Football Tradition Alive (24.8%)
Thanksgiving football dates back to the sport’s early years, and the tradition took hold in 1934, when the Detroit Lions faced the Chicago Bears on the holiday. The NFL has since 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 setting and game schedule, has made it a familiar Thanksgiving ritual. One in four Americans in the study planned to watch.
Having a game on does not mean everyone watches closely. 13% said they would cook, do puzzles or talk with family while it played. Some groups take their football outdoors for what one commenter called “body-slamming.” Nearly 3% of commenters 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, often serving as a way to start Thanksgiving. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the one most frequently mentioned: 17.1% of people referred to the event, traditionally held each year in New York City.
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 featured throughout, say they would 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 easygoing viewing suited to a group; nearly two out of every three mentions describe it as “family and friends TV time.”
Older favourites such as Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), Dutch (1991), and Home for the Holidays (1995) feature prominently in the comments. Friends is a recurring television pick.
#5 Preparing a Memorable Meal (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 people who cook enjoy the work, mentioning aims 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 eat out rather than prepare the centrepiece, while still making dessert at home.
#6 Getting Active (7.4%)
Physical activity features in the plans of 7.4% of Americans, with family walks around the neighbourhood leading the responses. A walk was mentioned by 4.9% of respondents, while Turkey Trotting ranked as the next most popular activity.
Community Turkey Trots were planned by 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 gathered the material between November 13 and 14, including comments posted during the previous three months. Each comment was categorized according to all the activities its author said they planned.
Evan Carrington brings more than 12 years of experience in the iGaming industry, with a focus on reviewing online casinos, assessing slot games and examining player safety. Their work covers casino licensing, RTP, volatility, bonus terms and withdrawal policies. Drawing on practical testing and independent research, Evan provides clear, evidence-based reviews to help players understand gambling platforms, their features and possible risks.
