America’s favorite 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 has arrived. For many, the holiday brings 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 at the heart of the occasion. Yet it is the shared laughter, familiar customs and imperfect moments that often make the gathering feel like home.
To see what draws Americans together beyond the holiday meal, the GCCans team examined social media posts about Thanksgiving plans and the activities people intended to enjoy.
The findings offer a snapshot of those plans.
Key Findings
- Games rank first among the plans: 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 outside
- 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 belongs in the day’s plans. Popular choices named include Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), Dutch (1991), and Home for the Holidays (1995)
- Although nearly all Americans expect to share a meal, 10.2% specifically plan to cook it, while 4.6% say they intend to eat at a restaurant
The most popular Thanksgiving activities
Comments about Thanksgiving plans point to these activities as the most widely enjoyed.
#1 Playing Games (36.7%)
Close to four in ten Americans say friendly competition is part of their Thanksgiving. Their plans feature games that can bring different generations to the table, from trivia and board games to Jackbox, bingo, puzzle tables and video games. Across comments that mention 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 prominent, while digital options are also becoming part of some American family gatherings. Jackbox and Mario Kart are among the games people say have found a place in their traditions.
#2 Keeping the Football Tradition Alive (24.8%)
Thanksgiving football has roots in the sport’s early years, and the tradition gained a lasting foothold in 1934, when the Detroit Lions played the Chicago Bears on the holiday. The NFL has since staged three Thanksgiving games each year: an early afternoon matchup, a late afternoon game and an evening contest.
Football’s place in American culture, paired with the holiday setting and game schedule, has helped make 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% of people said they would cook, work on 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 said they planned to play with loved ones during the holiday.
#3 Watching the Thanksgiving Parade (19.2%)
Parade viewing ranks as the third most common tradition among American families, often as a way to begin Thanksgiving. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the one most often named: 17.1% of people referred to the event, which is traditionally held each year in New York City.
Comments convey how meaningful the parade is to many viewers. Some have made watching it a near-annual custom since childhood. Even people who feel the broadcast has grown too commercial, with brands and products appearing throughout, say they would still tune in.
#4 Turning on a Movie or Show (17.3%)
Movies and television remain part of Thanksgiving for 17.3% of commenters. Families tend to favour seasonal or easygoing viewing that works for 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. For television, Friends is a recurring choice.
#5 Cooking a Meal to Remember (10.2%)
Food is central to Thanksgiving, but 10.2% of Americans specifically plan to take part in preparing 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 plan to leave the main cooking to a restaurant: 4.6% said they would dine out and avoid preparing the centrepiece, while still making dessert at home.
#6 Engaging in Physical Activities (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 named by 4.9% of respondents, while Turkey Trotting ranked as the next most popular activity.
Community Turkey Trots are 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 draws on a sample of 1,127 comments in Reddit threads about plans for Thanksgiving 2025. Researchers collected the material between November 13 and 14, including comments posted during the preceding three months. Each comment was categorized according to all the activities its author mentioned planning.
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