150 Fun Thanksgiving Trivia Questions for Work Teams

Thanksgiving is the best time for remote teams to share gratitude and connect. Just because you’re miles apart doesn’t mean you should go cold turkey on your Thanksgiving festivities. A game of Thanksgiving trivia can add excitement to your team gathering and become a highlight of the occasion. 

We’ve cooked up 150 Thanksgiving trivia questions and answers that cover everything from the holiday’s history to its significance in pop culture. Let’s dive in.

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What Makes Thanksgiving Trivia a Fun Holiday Activity for Teams?

Thanksgiving trivia can be easily set up and adapted for different team sizes, types and preferences, making it inclusive and fun to play during the holiday. It gives team members a chance to connect over topics related to Thanksgiving traditions, food, facts, pop culture, and more. Once players are formed into teams, they get to know each other and work together to answer trivia questions. The game encourages every person on the team to participate and connect with one another while learning fun things about the Thanksgiving holiday.

150 Thanksgiving Trivia Questions for Team Fun

Whether you’re looking to brush up on your holiday knowledge or host a fun trivia game, these questions will cover everything about Thanksgiving. Here are some Thanksgiving trivia questions for your team, covering its history, traditions, delicacies, and pop culture references. 

1. Thanksgiving History and Traditions

Thanksgiving is a celebration of family, friends, delicious food, and cherished traditions that have lasted through the ages. These questions dive into the origins of this special holiday and its timeless customs.

Q: In which year did the first Thanksgiving celebration take place?
A: 1621

Q: Which holiday tradition is believed to have been shaped by the harvest celebrations of Native Americans?
A: The Thanksgiving feast

Q: Which U.S. president officially instituted the Thanksgiving turkey pardon ceremony in 1989?
A: George H.W. Bush

Q: Which writer and editor campaigned for nearly 20 years to make Thanksgiving a national holiday?
A: Sarah Josepha Hale

Q: In which state will you find the city of Cornucopia?
A. Wisconsin

Q: Which famous annual Thanksgiving parade began in New York City in 1924?
A: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Q: How long did the first Thanksgiving feast last?
A: Three days

Q: Which Native American tribe celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims?
A: The Wampanoag tribe

Q: Which U.S. president declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863?
A: Abraham Lincoln

Q: Which city did the first Thanksgiving take place in?
A: Plymouth, Massachusetts

Q: In which city does the Thanksgiving Day Parade end with Santa Claus receiving a key to the city?
A: Detroit

Q: Which year did the first Turkey Trot take place?
A: 1896

Q: Which famous holiday is celebrated the day right after Thanksgiving and is known for its shopping deals?
A: Black Friday

Q: What is the name of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America?
A: The Mayflower

Q: Around how many people attended the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
A: 250,000

Q: Which Founding Father of the U.S. famously called turkeys “a bird of courage”?
A: Benjamin Franklin

Q: Who was the governor of Plymouth Colony during the first Thanksgiving in 1621?
A: William Bradford

Q: Which former U.S. President tried to change the day of Thanksgiving?
A: President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Q: Who was the leader of the Wampanoag tribe during the first Thanksgiving feast?
A: Massasoit

Q: Leftover turkey gave rise to which dish?
A: Frozen TV dinners

Q: Which department store hosted the first Thanksgiving parade in Philadelphia?
A: Gimbels

Q: In which year were there two Thanksgivings?
A: 1939

Q: Where did the Cornucopia originate from?
A: Greece

Q: Which U.S. state claims to have hosted the first official Thanksgiving proclamation by a governor?
A: Virginia

Q: What object is commonly used as a centerpiece symbolizing abundance at Thanksgiving tables?
A: Cornucopia

Q: Which Native American taught the Pilgrims how to plant crops for the first harvest?
A: Squanto

Q: What month did the Pilgrims hold their first Thanksgiving?
A: Between late September and early November

Q: How did Pilgrims preserve meat for the feast?
A: Salting

Q: Which Native American skill was crucial to the Pilgrims’ survival before the first Thanksgiving?
A: Cultivate crops

Q: In what year did Congress officially establish the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day?
A: 1941

2. Thanksgiving Food and Drink

What makes Thanksgiving unforgettable is the delicious feast that brings people together. This Thanksgiving food trivia questions​ explore the delightful foods, festive drinks, and indulgent desserts that make this celebration a true culinary highlight.

Q: Which traditional Thanksgiving dish was invented by Campbell Soup Company?
A: Green Bean Casserole

Q: Which fruit is commonly associated with Thanksgiving and is often made into a sauce?
A: Cranberry

Q: What is the name of the flavorful sauce made from the leftover grease of a roasted turkey?
A: Turkey gravy

Q: What’s the name of the dish with a chicken stuffed inside a duck or stuffed inside a turkey?
A: Turducken

Q: Which meat is the most popular substitute for turkey on Thanksgiving?
A: Ham

Q: What type of food from the first Thanksgiving is now rarely served during the celebration? 
A: Seafood

Q: Which herb is commonly used to season turkey for Thanksgiving?
A: Sage

Q: What is the main ingredient in traditional stuffing?
A: Bread

Q: Around how many cranberries do you need to make a pound of cranberry sauce?
A: 440 cranberries

Q: What drink, traditionally served during Thanksgiving, is made from a mix of spices and sometimes alcohol?
A: Mulled wine or spiced cider

Q: Is pumpkin a vegetable or a fruit?
A: Fruit

Q: What traditional Hawaiian dish is often served at Thanksgiving celebrations in Hawaii?
A: Kalua pig

Q: What is the most popular side dish served on Thanksgiving?
A: Mashed potatoes

Q: Which dish is known for having marshmallows on top and is often served as a side?
A: Sweet potato casserole

Q: What was the main protein likely served at the first Thanksgiving?
A: Venison

Q: Which nut is commonly used in Thanksgiving pies and desserts?
A: Pecan

Q: Which green vegetable is often roasted or sautéed as a Thanksgiving side?
A: Brussels sprouts

Q: What dessert is made with layers of sweetened bread and custard at Thanksgiving?
A: Bread pudding

Q: Which type of wine is most commonly paired with Thanksgiving turkey?
A: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

Q: What is a common topping for pumpkin pie?
A: Whipped cream

Q: Which Native American technique helped preserve fish for the winter feasts?
A: Drying and smoking

Q: Which roasted root vegetable is often part of Thanksgiving dinners and can be glazed with honey?
A: Carrot or parsnip

Q: Which type of squash is often roasted or pureed for Thanksgiving dishes besides pumpkin?
A: Butternut squash

Q: Which spice is commonly added to pumpkin or sweet potato desserts?
A: Cinnamon

Q: Which citrus fruit is sometimes used to flavor turkey or cranberry sauce?
A: Orange

Q: What sweet topping is often added to baked sweet potatoes?
A: Brown sugar or marshmallows

Q: Which type of bread is used to make Thanksgiving bread pudding desserts?
A: Challah, Brioche, or French bread

Q: Which herb is commonly added to roasted vegetables at Thanksgiving?
A: Rosemary

Q: Which type of cheese is often added to mashed potatoes or casseroles for extra flavor?
A: Cheddar

Q: During the early Thanksgivings, what alcoholic beverage was commonly consumed by the Pilgrims?
A: Ale or beer

Q: What common Thanksgiving herb did Pilgrims use for seasoning?
A: Sage, parsley, rosemary, and thyme

Q: In early Thanksgivings, what type of fowl besides turkey was commonly eaten?
A: Ducks or geese

3. Thanksgiving in Movies & Pop Culture

Apart from cherished Thanksgiving traditions, pop culture surrounding the holiday has gained prominence. These Thanksgiving trivia questions will test your colleagues’ knowledge of iconic movies and popular music that capture the spirit of the season.

Q: What year did “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” debut on television?
A: 1973

Q: What is the title of the 1998 film where a group of friends gather for Thanksgiving and face various personal dilemmas?
A: The Turkey Bowl

Q: In “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”, what does Charlie Brown prepare for the Thanksgiving feast?
A: Toast, popcorn, and jellybeans

Q: In Home for the Holidays, what unexpected surprise does the protagonist’s daughter bring to Thanksgiving?
A: A new boyfriend

Q: In the Friends episode “The One with the Thanksgiving,” what happens to Monica’s turkey?
A: It gets burnt

Q: In ‘The Office,’ what does Michael Scott famously cook for the staff that ends up being a bit of a disaster?
A: A turkey

Q: In How I Met Your Mother, what unusual item does Ted bring to Thanksgiving dinner?
A: A “Thanksgiving Day Parade” balloon

Q: In Brooklyn Nine-Nine, what does Jake Peralta get stuck in during the Thanksgiving episode?
A: A turkey costume

Q: In The Simpsons, what do the Simpson family do when they accidentally end up in a turkey-related accident?
A: They try to avoid being served as the main dish

Q: In Boy Meets World, what lesson does Cory learn during the Thanksgiving episode?
A: The importance of gratitude and family

Q: In Friends, what animal does Joey famously try to save during Thanksgiving?
A: A turkey

Q: In The Office, which character dresses up as a turkey for the office Thanksgiving celebration?
A: Andy Bernard

Q: In Community, what food-related event leads to a showdown between Abed and Troy during Thanksgiving?
A: A food fight

Q: Which famous Christmas song was initially written for Thanksgiving?
A: Jingle Bells

Q: Which song by Bruce Springsteen celebrates American culture and family gatherings, making it popular during Thanksgiving?
A: My Hometown

Q: Which popular actor wrote ‘The Thanksgiving Song’ in 1999?
A: Adam Sandler

Q: What song by Woody Guthrie reflects themes of unity and thankfulness, making it a popular song choice during Thanksgiving?
A: This Land Is Your Land

Q: In Full House, who prepares Pam’s renowned pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving?
A: DJ

Q: Which artist is known for the song “Alice’s Restaurant,” which tells a Thanksgiving-related story?
A: Arlo Guthrie

Q: What country music star performed the song “Thanksgiving” in a duet with his mother, which highlights family traditions?
A: Johnny Cash

Q: In Addams Family Values, which character gives a rebellious Thanksgiving play speech at summer camp?
A: Wednesday Addams

Q: In F.R.I.E.N.D.S, which character gets a turkey stuck on their head?
A: Joey Tribbiani

Q: In Gilmore Girls, how many Thanksgiving dinners do Lorelai and Rory attend in one episode?
A: Four

Q: In Gossip Girl, which character is notorious for dramatic Thanksgiving dinners?
A: Blair Waldorf

Q: Which animated film features a group of turkeys traveling back in time to stop Thanksgiving from being invented?
A: Free Birds

Q: Which classic sitcom featured a famous scene of a giant turkey being dropped from a helicopter as a Thanksgiving stunt?
A: WKRP in Cincinnati

Q: In A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, what snack foods does Snoopy serve instead of a traditional dinner?
A: Popcorn, toast, pretzels, and jelly beans

Q: In How I Met Your Mother, what do the friends call their annual Thanksgiving gathering?
A: Slapsgiving

Q: In the TV show The Simpsons, Bart accidentally destroys which Thanksgiving symbol?
A: Lisa’s Thanksgiving centerpiece

Q: Which actress starred in the Thanksgiving-themed film Home for the Holidays (1995)? 
A: Holly Hunter

4. Fun Facts and Oddities

Test your team’s knowledge on surprising facts and quirky records related to Thanksgiving that make the holiday even more interesting. 

Q: Which U.S. president reportedly had a pet turkey named “Jack” that he refused to eat?
A: John F. Kennedy

Q: Which state produces the most turkeys in the United States?
A: Minnesota

Q: What sport involves racing turkeys on Thanksgiving in some towns?
A: Turkey Trot

Q: Who started the tradition of breaking the wishbone?
A: The Etruscans

Q: What is the record for the heaviest turkey ever raised in the U.S.?
A: About 86 pounds

Q: How long did the first Thanksgiving feast reportedly last?
A: Three days

Q: Which U.S. city has the tradition of dropping a giant pickle ornament for Thanksgiving festivities?
A: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Q: Which Thanksgiving vegetable holds the record for being most served at feasts nationwide?
A: Mashed potatoes

Q: What is the largest Thanksgiving-themed balloon ever inflated for a parade?
A: Olive Oyl and Swee’Pea balloon, 102 feet (Macy’s Parade)

Q: Which U.S. city holds the record for the largest Thanksgiving turkey trot participation?
A: Dallas, Texas

5. Thanksgiving Trivia on Sports & Games

From backyard football rivalries to iconic NFL showdowns, these questions are all about games and sports moments around the holiday. 

Q: Which professional sport is most closely associated with Thanksgiving in the U.S.?
A: NFL football

Q: Which two universities competed in the first collegiate Thanksgiving football game?
A: Princeton and Yale

Q: What is the name of the annual high school football game held in some U.S. towns on Thanksgiving morning?
A: Turkey Bowl

Q: What game did the Pilgrims play during the first Thanksgiving?
A: A type of baseball or ball game

Q: Which NFL team is famous for hosting a Thanksgiving Day game almost every year since 1934?
A: Detroit Lions

Q: Which team defeated the Detroit Lions in the 2017 Thanksgiving game, ending a losing streak?
A: Minnesota Vikings

Q: Which legendary NFL coach has coached the most Thanksgiving Day games?
A: Tom Landry

Q: What is the popular tossing game played at outdoor Thanksgiving gatherings?
A: Cornhole

Q: Which U.S. city hosts a famous Thanksgiving 5K called the “Turkey Trot”?
A: Buffalo, New York

Q: Which college sport besides football has Thanksgiving-themed tournaments in some U.S. towns?
A: Basketball

Q: Which NFL team played the first televised Thanksgiving Day game?
A: Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers

6. Travel and Thanksgiving Shopping

This trivia category explores the travel rush at Thanksgiving and the shopping spree on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. 

Q: What is the name of the shopping event that takes place the day after Thanksgiving?
A: Black Friday

Q: Which airport is usually the busiest in the U.S. during Thanksgiving travel?
A: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Q: Cyber Monday falls on which day of Thanksgiving?
A: The Monday after Thanksgiving

Q: Which highway in the U.S. is notorious for heavy traffic during Thanksgiving travel?
A: Interstate 5 (I-5) in California

Q: Which city hosts one of the largest Black Friday shopping crowds in the U.S.?
A: New York City

Q: Which online retailer is famous for huge Cyber Monday sales?
A: Amazon

Q: Which phrase describes shoppers camping outside stores overnight to get Black Friday deals?
A: Black Friday campout or camping out

Q: Which retail sector sees the biggest spike in sales during Thanksgiving weekend?
A: Electronics and apparel

Q: Which department store is widely credited with popularizing the first Black Friday sales?
A: Macy’s

Q: In which year did the term “Cyber Monday” first appear?
A: 2005

7. Thanksgiving Around the World

Different countries and regions worldwide have celebrations similar to Thanksgiving, each with its own unique customs. Here are some Thanksgiving trivia questions that could challenge even the most seasoned trivia buffs.

Q: When is Canadian Thanksgiving celebrated?
A: The second Monday in October

Q: What American influence contributed to the celebration of Thanksgiving in Liberia?
A: The arrival of freed slaves

Q: In which country is Erntedankfest celebrated as the harvest festival?
A: Germany

Q: Where is Kinrō Kansha no Hi celebrated, a holiday akin to giving thanks?
A: Japan

Q: What is the name of the harvest celebration in the UK that is similar to Thanksgiving?
A: Harvest Festival

Q: Which is the only place in Australia that celebrates Thanksgiving?
A: Norfolk Island

Q: Which festival in China is known for family gatherings and feasting? It occurs in the fall and is sometimes compared to Thanksgiving.
A: Mid-Autumn Festival

Q: Araw ng Pasasalamat is the name of which country’s holiday that involves giving thanks?
A: The Philippines

Q: What is the name of the harvest festival celebrated in South Korea that is similar to Thanksgiving?
A: Chuseok

Q: In which country is Thesmophoria, the 3-day harvest festival celebrated?
A: Greece

Q: Which country celebrates the harvest festival of Melon Day?
A: Turkmenistan

Q: Where can you find Pavlova, a traditional dish that could be part of a Thanksgiving-style meal showcasing local cuisine?
A: New Zealand

Q: Where is Tet Trung Thu celebrated, a festival akin to Thanksgiving?
A: Vietnam

Q: In which country is the holiday called Festa das Vindimas, celebrated in September to give thanks for the harvest?
A: Portugal

Q: Where is Maslenitsa, the traditional holiday that involves giving thanks for the harvest celebrated?
A: Russia

Q: What is the name of the harvest festival celebrated in South Africa with similar themes to Thanksgiving?
A: Heritage Day

Q: Where is Umu, the traditional feast that celebrates the harvest and involves communal eating, celebrated?
A: Samoa

Q: In which country is Gawai Dayak, a festival that celebrates the harvest with feasting similar to Thanksgiving?
A: Malaysia

Q: What is the name of the Jewish harvest festival celebrated in the fall that involves giving thanks?
A: Sukkot

Q: What is the name of the ancient Egyptian harvest festival that celebrated the flooding of the Nile?
A: Wepet-Renpet

Q: Which country celebrates a version of Thanksgiving known as Rtveli?
A: Georgia

Q: Which African country celebrates Homowo, a festival that means “hooting at hunger”?
A: Ghana

Q: In which country do people celebrate Olivagando, a festival centered around the olive harvest?
A: Italy

Q: Which European country celebrates Dożynki, a traditional harvest festival with feasting, dancing, and parades?
A: Poland

Q: In which country is Songkran, the New Year festival that also thanks for harvests and water, celebrated?
A: Thailand

Q: Which Native American tribes traditionally celebrate the Green Corn Festival as a harvest thanksgiving?
A: Creek, Cherokee, Iroquois, Seminole, and Yuchi

Q: In which country is Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre, a harvest festival celebrating wine, held each October?
A: France

Q: Which Pacific island nation celebrates Lotu Tamaiti, a thanksgiving to God for children and harvest?
A: Samoa

Q: In which African country do people celebrate Umuganura, a traditional thanksgiving for the first harvest?
A: Rwanda

Q: Where is Erub, a Torres Strait Islander festival giving thanks for the harvest, celebrated?
A: Australia

Q: Which country celebrates the harvest festival of “Vendimia,” known for its wine harvest celebrations?
A: Argentina

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can we play Thanksgiving trivia virtually?

Yes, you can play a Thanksgiving trivia quiz virtually with your remote team. You can choose to either self-host the game or hire a team building company. You can craft your own set of Thanksgiving facts or seek a platform that lets you play Thanksgiving trivia with answers. 

What are the best themes or categories for Thanksgiving trivia?

You can include diverse categories and themes for Thanksgiving Day trivia questions and answers, like history, traditions, food and drink, facts, and more.

How to host a game of Thanksgiving trivia?

If you plan to host it yourself, create a list of questions about the history, traditional foods, and customs related to Thanksgiving. Next, select a date and time for participants to gather for the game. If you prefer to host the game virtually, consider hiring a team-building company like Hooray Teams to manage and facilitate the event.

How long is a game of Thanksgiving trivia?

Thanksgiving trivia with answers game usually lasts for around 60 minutes, but you can customize the duration based on your team’s schedule and preferences. 

Do we need to be an expert to participate in Thanksgiving trivia?

No, you don’t need to be an expert to join the Thanksgiving trivia game. These fun Thanksgiving trivia questions with answers are enjoyable for everyone, regardless of your knowledge level.

How many people can participate in the Thanksgiving trivia game?

The Thanksgiving day facts trivia​ game is versatile and can be adapted for both small and large teams when played in groups.