The One with All the Thanksgiving Event Ideas

Family, F.R.I.E.N.D.S, and gentle readers! Can you feel the crisp breeze carrying a promise of cooler days ahead while the streets bustle with shoppers hunting for last-minute ingredients? The smell of roasted chestnuts and cinnamon fills the air, wafting from cafes and street vendors as homes are adorned with pumpkins, gourds, and twinkling lights. You know what this means, right? Thanksgiving is upon us, and whether you're gathering around a table or zooming in from a distance, this holiday is all about one thing: connection. The best Thanksgiving moments happen not just over food, but through laughter, shared memories, and a good dose of chaos.

Imagine you’re just about to sit at your perfectly set table when you realize you burned the mashed potatoes! It happens to the best of us, right? Suddenly, you’re frantically grabbing your coat and heading out for a last-minute grocery store dash, praying that the supermarket still has some decent spuds left. As you stand in line, clutching your potatoes and maybe a bottle of wine to calm the nerves, you can't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. After all, these moments, the burnt dishes, and the unexpected commotion make the holiday even more special (and incredibly memorable).

And just like that, Thanksgiving events—whether virtual or in-person—should be all about bringing people together in the most unforgettable, sometimes outrageous, and always delightful ways. So, on that note,  we have rounded up some super fun Thanksgiving event ideas for you to check out for this holiday season!

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Understanding the Importance of Memorable Thanksgiving Celebrations

Before we dive into the creative ideas, it's essential to understand why memorable Thanksgiving celebrations matter. Thanksgiving is not just about the food; it's about creating lasting memories and fostering meaningful connections with loved ones. A memorable Thanksgiving event brings people closer together and creates a sense of warmth and gratitude that can be cherished for years to come.

Imagine a Thanksgiving gathering where the aroma of roasted turkey fills the air, laughter echoes through the house, and loved ones gather around a beautifully set table. These moments create a tapestry of memories that weave together the fabric of family traditions. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone plays a part in making the celebration special.

As the holiday season approaches, Thanksgiving serves as a reminder to pause and reflect on the blessings in our lives. It's a time to express gratitude for the abundance we have and the people who enrich our lives. By creating a memorable Thanksgiving celebration, we not only honor this tradition but also create an opportunity to strengthen the bonds that tie us together.

Innovative Thanksgiving Event Ideas

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, expressing gratitude, and indulging in delicious food. While the traditional sit-down dinner is always a classic choice, why not think outside the box and incorporate traditional elements in a new and unexpected way?

Swap, Share, and Savor Thanksgiving Recipes

Feeling the Thanksgiving spirit, but your team is dispersed across the globe? Well, it's time to break the barrier (virtually) and bring everyone together for a fun and flavorful Recipe Swap. Here’s how it works: Team members can share their favorite Thanksgiving recipes, whether it’s a classic family dish or something with a unique twist from their own culture. You can run polls and vote to pick two winners (because, let’s face it, we can’t have a cook-along every day. Who has the time for that?). The winning chefs will then get to cook live in a virtual Thanksgiving event on an online event platform like Remo, showing off their culinary skills and swapping recipes with the whole team without the stress of actually cooking for everyone. It’s the perfect way to share traditions, celebrate diversity, and get a taste of Thanksgiving from all around the world. Plus, you’ll get some new recipes for your own table.

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Can You Guess Who Whipped Up That Dish?

Get your whole team laughing, bonding, and maybe even hungry for more Thanksgiving twists on the classic “Guess Who?”. For this activity, a little prep goes a long way. Before the event, have your team members send in photos of their Thanksgiving dishes—whether it’s the turkey, the green bean casserole, or that secret family stuffing recipe that only they know. Then, during the virtual event, the host will share those photos using polls and/or quizzes, and everyone will try to guess which team member cooked what. The winner will not only earn bragging rights but will also be crowned the "Thanksgiving King or Queen."
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‍Served with a side of in-person twist:  If you are hosting an office potluck, let people place name tags next to each dish to guess who cooked what. The player with the most correct guesses gets to take home all the leftovers. Talk about a sweet (and savory) reward!

Seal the Memories in a Thanksgiving Time Capsule

This Thanksgiving, bring a dash of childhood nostalgia to the table with a good old-fashioned Time Capsule. An event that’s all about creating memories worth savoring (no cooking required). Whether you’re with family, friends, or colleagues, everyone can take part. Each person brings something small and meaningful from the past year. It can be a ticket stub, a photo, a doodle, or even a few words scribbled to their future self. Seal these up and pop them into a classic tin box, dig a little hole in open ground near the office, in somebody’s backyard, or in a safe spot, and bury it, making a pact to open it next Thanksgiving to relive the highlights. It’s like a little time-travel gift from your past self. Whether you’re around the dinner table with family or working side by side with coworkers, this is a tradition that creates moments of connection and future excitement.
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Served with a side of virtual twist: For remote teams, try an Online Thanksgiving Capsule. Each team member can submit a digital memento—a photo, a short story, or even a voice recording. The host collects everything in a digital folder, locks it away, and schedules a big reveal for next Thanksgiving. When you reopen it together, you’ll relive the memories, laugh at the changes, and see just how far you’ve come!

Whisk Up Some Fun with a Thanksgiving Dessert Cook-Along

Okay, let’s be real here—asking the team to roast a full turkey at an office event right before they have to do it again on actual Thanksgiving? That’s a hard pass. But how about a little friendly, team-building dessert competition? Grab your partners, don your aprons, and get ready to turn up the heat in a friendly dessert face-off. Each group will whip up a Thanksgiving dessert in record time. Pumpkin pies, pecan tarts, maybe even a classic trifle… but do not pull a Rachel and accidentally throw in beef. Check those recipe pages twice; we’re aiming for sweet, not savory surprises here! Once the flour settles and the last dollop of whipped cream’s been swirled, hold a taste test to crown one team the Thanksgiving Dessert Champs. Not only does everyone get a sweet little sugar boost, but you might find some recipe inspiration for your own Thanksgiving spread.

A Feast for the Eyes and the Murder Mystery Buff

Why have the same-old evening of gobbling up the feast when you can take your Thanksgiving dinner party up a notch with a murder mystery game? Yes, dear readers, this is where the plot thickens faster than gravy! When you arrive, you will be assigned a quirky character with a backstory and motive. As the evening goes on, hidden clues and surprising alliances will unfold around the table. Guests have to put their detective skills to the test to figure out the culprit, all while enjoying a hearty Thanksgiving meal. It’s suspenseful, it’s hilarious, and it’s the most tasteful recipe for an impressive holiday night.
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Served with a side of virtual twist: Using an online platform like Remo, set the scene with a custom virtual floor plan, complete with a dinner table for that holiday vibe. Guests can slip into breakout rooms for private “whodunit” chats and fire off their suspicions in the live chat. As the mystery unravels, suspects emerge, tensions rise, and in the end, the murderer is revealed.

Knives Out Starring Pumpkin The Protagonist

Put down the turkey baster and pick up the carving knife because it's time for a family-style Pumpkin Carving Contest. Set up a cozy carving station in the living room or backyard, complete with pumpkin carving tools, a pile of newspapers for easy cleanup, and a playlist of your favorite fall tunes. Bring together your family, grab some pumpkins (the bigger, the better), and let the creativity flow. Carve spooky faces or hilarious (and totally original) designs. There are no rules; just let your imagination take over. It’s a full-on family event with more laughs, less pressure, and maybe some friendly trash talk. At the end, vote for the most creative, funniest, or most unique pumpkins. And to sweeten the deal, the winner gets the honor of claiming the best pumpkin in the family—plus, everyone enjoys a warm dessert or hot drink afterward. Don't strive for perfection, but have fun together and make memories over the holiday.

Fall Into Fun at the Harvest Festival

Why not bring the fun of a fall festival to your Thanksgiving this year? Whether you're getting together at home or a nearby park, you can easily set up a mini-festival that’s bursting with all the inviting, festive activities we love about this season. Think pie-eating contests where everyone digs into those sweet, autumn flavors, cornhole tournaments that bring out the friendly competition, and apple bobbing for a little splash of silly fun. For an extra treat, set up a homemade caramel apple stand where everyone can dip, drizzle, and create their own caramel-covered creations. You could also add a DIY craft station where guests can create fall-themed decor, or a hayride to give everyone a pleasant scenic tour of the area. This event is all about embracing the fall harvest and making memories with family and friends while celebrating the bounty of the season. Whether you're laughing together, enjoying the snacks, or fighting for that last slice of pie, there’s no better way to bring everyone together and kick off your Thanksgiving celebration.

Lettuce Give Thanks Under the Sky

Why not take your Thanksgiving celebration outdoors this year and give it a rustic, farm-to-table twist? Imagine gathering around a long, wooden table under the open sky, surrounded by the fresh air and fall foliage. Instead of your usual dinner spread, opt for locally sourced or even foraged ingredients that highlight the richness of the season. Have family members prepare the food right in front of you, grilling, roasting, and simmering up Thanksgiving favorites on-site, adding a little showmanship to the meal. It’s a hands-on, interactive experience that brings everyone together while embracing the homely and festive charm of the holiday. With laughter in the air, delicious homemade dishes, and the warmth of loved ones, this outdoor Thanksgiving event is bound to become a cherished tradition that will surely be remembered.

Around the World with a Thanksgiving Potluck

Away from home but craving that Thanksgiving warmth? For those studying abroad or living far from home, a Global Friendsgiving is a perfect way to bring people together and share the spirit of gratitude. Get your fellow international friends together and throw a Friendsgiving potluck. Each person brings a dish or tradition from their home country, transforming the table into a globe-trotting feast that might just cure a bit of that homesickness. Just picture it! Spicy curries beside buttery mashed potatoes, dumplings next to pumpkin pie, and savory empanadas. Each dish adds a story and a slice of home to the celebration. And for the brave souls looking to truly embrace the holiday, here’s a dare: why not team up and tackle cooking a turkey together? It might be a hilarious, slightly chaotic attempt, but that’s all part of the charm! With stories, laughter, and maybe a few accidental turkey mishaps, this Friendsgiving becomes a celebration of all the places you’ve come from, right where you are.
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Served with a side of virtual twist: Food is at the heart of Thanksgiving, and even if your team (or friend group) is spread across the globe, sharing a meal together virtually can still bring that authentic holiday vibe. Send everyone a Postmates or UberEats gift card ahead of time so they can pick whatever Thanksgiving feast their heart (or stomach) desires. Everyone can schedule their deliveries to arrive at the same time, so when "party time" rolls around, everyone’s munching together, regardless of where they are. Whether it’s chatting about brussels sprouts or having a friendly debate over the best pie flavor, virtual dinners like this bring team-building to life in a fun and personal way. It’s the closest thing to sharing a table, no matter where we are!

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Sprint for a Cause at Turkey Trot

The Turkey Trot has quickly become a Thanksgiving tradition, bringing together families, friends, and communities for a little fresh-air fun before the big feast. You can invite colleagues as well to form teams. Organizing a 5K (just over 3 miles) is not only a great way to kickstart the day but it also gives back to the community. Make entry meaningful by asking racers to collect donation pledges, with all funds supporting a local charity or food bank. Encourage participants to dress up in Pilgrim or turkey costumes for a dash of holiday spirit—after all, it’s not every day you see turkeys sprinting down the street! Plan a festive finish line with prizes for the best race times, standout costumes, and top fundraisers. It’s a feel-good, family-friendly way to burn some calories, make a difference, and start Thanksgiving with a whole lot of heart.

A Touch of Family Thanksgiving Keepsake

Thanksgiving is that rare, cherished time of year for family reunions ––when everyone, from far and wide, finally convenes under one roof. College kids are back with tales of dorm life, toddlers toddle through the door in new holiday outfits, and new additions join the fold. Families pile into grandparents' homes for Grandma’s famous pumpkin pie (the one with extra cinnamon). This is the holiday when new faces join, older generations share stories, and for a moment, everyone’s there. To capture the spirit of family, why not start a tradition of preserving handprints each Thanksgiving? Gather everyone, from the tiny handprints of newborns to the hands that have weathered decades, and capture it all on a big canvas, or even individual tiles to create a keepsake wall that grows every year. Not only is it a fun activity (kids love the paint!), but it’s a way to look back in years to come and see how everyone’s grown and changed. You’ll have a tangible reminder of all those who’ve assembled around the table, making each Thanksgiving feel joyous and more significant.
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Served with a side of virtual twist: This can also be a brilliant idea for team building over the holidays. Host a virtual version of the event by letting your team have an online painting session. They can paint something memorable for Thanksgiving. Using a whiteboard, everyone can contribute and the result (most probably a messy abstract art) will be a company keepsake. To learn more about organizing this, read our blog Virtual Painting Team Building: A Fun and Engaging Way to Connect.

Roasted Turkey with a Side of Sass

How about something unconventional this Thanksgiving? Host a virtual roast battle! It's a chance for your remote team to let all that bottled-up “office frustration” finally see the light of day without worrying about HR sending you a strongly worded email. Everyone takes a turn throwing lighthearted jabs at each other, roasting team members in the most hilarious way. Think of it like a comedy roast meets Thanksgiving dinner, where no one is safe. It’s all in the spirit of fun, and nothing's off-limits. You want to nickname Kevin "007" for having zero skills, zero motivation, and taking at least seven breaks a day? Go ahead! Or do you think Sara is just like E.T.- not an alien, she just wants to go home ALL THE TIME? Say it! Just remember: The event is about sharing the laughs, poking fun at each other’s quirks, and celebrating the holiday with a bit of sass and no hard feelings! By the end of the battle, you’ll have more inside jokes than you know what to do with, and maybe even a few new Thanksgiving traditions. So get your wits together to roast everyone like a turkey (pun intended)!

Served with a side of virtual twist: In a virtual roasting event, participants unite at their virtual tables, engaging in playful banter and lighthearted insults. Each person takes their turn roasting the designated "roastee" using a live video broadcast. They throw in funny jabs, teasing past mishaps or exaggerated quirks. The audience reacts with laughter, applause, or boos, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Hey there reader! We see you’re trying to sneak off to the kitchen because all this talk of food has you craving snacks (as usual)—nice try, but better read the rest of this article because these Thanksgiving ideas are tastier than anything in your fridge.

Hay Bale A-Maze-ing Thanksgiving

Go big or go home (if you can find your way out)! Thanksgiving is the cherry on top of the glorious fall season, so why not mix it up this year with something a little more adventurous than just food and gifts? Set up a hay bale maze in your community park or parking lot, get the heart pumping and the laughs rolling, and challenge your friends, family, or coworkers to try to outsmart the maze. Dead ends? Oh, you bet! At every turn, let the lost souls have a little fun with games, prizes, and maybe a warm mug of cider or cocoa to help them power through and make the detour more fun. For an extra boost of spirit, add live music, snacks, and drinks to keep the vibe lively and entertaining. Charge a modest entry fee, and remember, Thanksgiving isn't just about food, it's also about giving back to those less fortunate. All proceeds can go to a local charity, turning a fun day into an opportunity to spread love and make a difference.

Stir Up Kindness at the Soup Kitchen

This Thanksgiving, why not take your holiday spirit to a local soup kitchen or shelter and help prepare and serve meals to those who need them most? Group up your friends, family, or colleagues and divide up the tasks for the day. There’s something for everyone, whether chopping vegetables, serving meals, or setting up tables. You can turn it into a fun bonding experience by sharing Thanksgiving stories, traditions, or even a few friendly jabs as you work together. To spark meaningful conversations between the racers and boost enthusiasm, check out 10 Fun Thanksgiving Ice Breakers to Get the Conversation Started on Remo. Lean into teamwork by playing to everyone’s strengths—maybe the social butterfly handles guest interaction while the organization pro tackles the logistics. Either way, it’s all about working together and building camaraderie while giving back. You can even organize a donation drive to collect ingredients, canned goods, or supplies the soup kitchen needs. No matter if you’re cooking up a storm in the kitchen or helping serve plates, your efforts will go a long way in making someone’s Thanksgiving a little brighter and fuller.

Hunt Down Gratitude This Thanksgiving

Add a little punch to the classic Gratitude Circle and host a Virtual Gratitude Scavenger Hunt instead. Before your Thanksgiving event, create a list of items or situations tied to gratitude, such as “something that reminds you of the family” or“an item that represents a memorable trip” and challenge participants to find them around their home. Everyone then gets to share the story behind their items as they present them to the group. This dynamic activity gets everyone moving, sparks personal stories, and invites a ton of laughter. Plus, if it’s post-Thanksgiving, it might just do your team some good to get moving around—who knew you could burn off those yams and be grateful at the same time? You can even add a time challenge for extra fun, where participants race to find the most unexpected or funny gratitude-related item. It's a perfect mix of team-building and personal sharing, allowing everyone to connect on a deeper level while celebrating what they’re thankful for (and maybe working off some pie-induced guilt). To get more clarity on how to host one, check out How to Hold a Virtual Holiday Scavenger Hunt for Your Remote Team on Remo’s blog.

Served with a side of in-person twist: Children love scavenger hunts. But more than that, the competitive spirit in adults is incomparable. For a fun Thanksgiving event this year, host a Gratitude Scavenger Hunt with your family and friends that follows the same format as the virtual one (but you may need to tweak the scavenger items to things they can find at your chosen venue).

DIY Thanksgiving Table for Charity

Who says Thanksgiving is all about piling food onto your own plate? How about curating a table full of goodness for someone else? Host a DIY Thanksgiving Table event where guests get creative, building a beautifully themed table with all the festive trimmings: napkins, centerpieces, and decor. But instead of enjoying the spread yourself, the whole thing (table, food, the works) gets donated to a family or shelter in need. It’s your chance to channel your inner Martha Stewart, spread some heartwarming holiday cheer, and serve up a heaping helping of generosity. Get everyone involved, from setting the scene with festive decor to cooking up a Thanksgiving feast packed with flavor and love. It’s the perfect way to show your family that Thanksgiving isn’t just about what’s on your plate but what’s in your heart and how far a little kindness can go. Make a difference, one table at a time!

We have rounded up 20 Creative Community Event Ideas to Bring People Together. Read this to get more creative and giving with your Thanksgiving events.

You’re the Apple of My Pie Contest

This Thanksgiving event idea combines deliciousness and messy... with the ultimate Pie-Eating Showdown, where competitors face off in a race to devour as much pie as possible. Forget the forks and knives, hands tied behind your back, it’s all about digging in with pure, unfiltered enthusiasm. A table full of contestants, each staring down their pie, waiting for that buzzer to go off. Will your cousin’s sweet tooth make them the pumpkin pie king, or will your best friend’s competitive spirit give them the edge in the apple pie round? Either way, the crowd will be cheering for every messy, whipped-cream-covered bite. Top it all off with an award for “Most Entertaining Mess.” Because let’s face it—this is the Thanksgiving tradition where everyone gets stuffed in more ways than one. With this event idea, everyone embraces the ultimate Thanksgiving spirit of overindulgence, and leaves with a hilarious story to tell!

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Stuff Your Cart at the Thanksgiving Virtual Trade Show

Step up your game this Thanksgiving and host a Virtual Trade Show or Exhibition where fun, festivity, and philanthropy all come together. Create a virtual marketplace buzzing with holiday-themed booths, where local vendors showcase their festive products, from handmade decorations to mouthwatering Thanksgiving treats. Guests can hop from booth to booth, asking questions, watching live demos, and even snagging exclusive deals. Want to make it even more exciting? Add live shopping events where vendors give live product demos, offering limited-time Thanksgiving discounts. Plus, make sure to sprinkle in some networking opportunities with live chats or one-on-one video sessions with vendors. Top it all off with fun panels or webinars about supporting small businesses, sustainable holiday shopping, and how to give back during the season of thanks. This event is perfect for companies, nonprofits, or holiday enthusiasts looking to create a memorable virtual gathering with a purpose. It’s the ultimate way to connect with your audience, support local vendors, and raise funds for a good cause.

Stuffed with Ideas - AI Event Generator

Imagine having a super-smart assistant that helps you brainstorm event ideas! Remo's event idea generator is an AI-powered planning tool that uses advanced algorithms and machine learning to whip up personalized and creative event concepts tailored just for you. All you have to do is simply input details about your upcoming event—like the type, theme, and who you're trying to impress. So, if you find yourself stuck in a creativity rut and can’t conjure up exciting event ideas or you’re confused about which idea to pick, don’t sweat it! Hop over to Remo and make use of our breezy, brilliant (and free!) AI Event Generator.

Ding! The Turkey's Done

Just like a Thanksgiving meal, your event should have something for everyone. Whether it’s the comfort of a virtual meet-up or the heartwarming experience of an in-person dinner, there’s no wrong way to serve up an unforgettable Thanksgiving. Mix and match these Thanksgiving event ideas, and you’ve got a holiday recipe full of fun, laughter, and gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving!

At the end of the day, if virtual event ideas suit your palate and your crowd, then the best dish for you is an online platform like Remo. With features such as customized floor plans for the festive ambiance, virtual tables for the feast, live chat, polls, and reactions for lively conversations, your Thanksgiving will be one to remember. Schedule a demo today and see why you should pick this platter (online platform) to serve your Thanksgiving event.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thanksgiving Event Ideas

1. What are some fun Thanksgiving event ideas for large groups?
For large gatherings, try interactive activities like Thanksgiving trivia, a pie-eating contest, or a virtual turkey trot. Add a DIY photo booth or potluck dinner to keep it lively.

2. How can I incorporate a charitable activity into my virtual Thanksgiving event?
Set up an online food drive or donation link, or organize virtual volunteering like a letter-writing campaign for seniors. A virtual auction can also raise funds for charity.

3. What are some creative ways to decorate for a virtual Thanksgiving event?
Use fall-themed virtual backgrounds or encourage guests to decorate their spaces with autumn colors. Suggest a "thankful tree" for shared gratitude and seasonal attire to set the mood.

4. What virtual Thanksgiving event ideas are available?
Host a virtual cooking class, Zoom trivia, or Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt. These activities keep guests connected and entertained.

5. How can I make my virtual Thanksgiving event kid-friendly?
Plan a virtual craft session, cookie decorating contest, or Thanksgiving movie marathon. Activities like a talent show or turkey toss keep kids engaged and entertained.