40+ Thanksgiving Activities, Games and Ideas to Celebrate Gratitude at Work

As the season of gratitude approaches, it’s the perfect opportunity for HR leaders to foster connection, appreciation, and fun within the workplace. Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and pumpkin pie—it’s also a valuable moment to strengthen team bonds and celebrate collective achievements before the year ends. 

Introducing thoughtfully planned Thanksgiving work activities, games, trivias that can boost morale, reinforce company culture, and create lasting memories among team members. From creative Thanksgiving team building activities to lighthearted Thanksgiving contest ideas for work, there are endless ways to engage employees during this festive time. These moments of celebration not only bring joy but also support employee well-being and belonging—key pillars of a thriving workplace. 

In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of Thanksgiving ideas for employees that combine fun, gratitude, and collaboration. Whether your workforce is remote, hybrid, or in-office, you’ll find meaningful ways to say “thank you” and build a more connected team. 

When is Thanksgiving in 2025? 

Thanksgiving in the United States will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27, 2025. It consistently falls on the fourth Thursday of November each year. In Canada, however, Thanksgiving is observed earlier, on the second Monday of October, which in 2025 falls on October 13. 

Why is Thanksgiving celebrated? 

Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition rooted in gratitude, harvest celebration, and community. While its meaning has evolved over the centuries, it continues to serve as a time for reflection, appreciation, and togetherness—both at home and in the workplace. 

1. Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving 

The most well-known origin of Thanksgiving in the United States dates back to 1621. The Pilgrims—early settlers from England—celebrated their first successful harvest in the New World. After enduring a harsh winter, and with help from Native Americans, they reaped a bountiful harvest and marked the occasion with a three-day feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This gathering is widely recognized as the first Thanksgiving. 

2. The road to becoming a national holiday 

It wasn’t until 1863, during the height of the American Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday to be celebrated every November. Before Lincoln’s proclamation, different states observed Thanksgiving on varying dates, making it a regional and somewhat inconsistent celebration. 

3. The spirit of giving thanks 

At its core, Thanksgiving is about gratitude. While it began as a celebration of agricultural abundance, today it extends to appreciation for the year’s successes—both personal and professional. Whether it's recognizing employee contributions or simply being thankful for teamwork and collaboration, Thanksgiving brings people together in meaningful ways. 

4. A look at Canadian Thanksgiving 

Canadian Thanksgiving, though similar in spirit, has different origins. It dates back to 1578 when English navigator Martin Frobisher held a ceremony in present-day Nunavut to give thanks for his fleet’s safe arrival in North America. Like its American counterpart, it emphasizes harvest, family, and gratitude—but the historical context varies. 

How can we celebrate Thanksgiving in the workplace? 

For HR professionals, Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion to strengthen workplace culture through engagement and appreciation. Planning Thanksgiving work activities can help employees feel valued, included, and connected. A few ideas include: 

• Thanksgiving team building activities like collaborative games, potlucks, or gratitude circles to spark bonding and positivity. 
• Hosting friendly Thanksgiving contest ideas for work, such as pumpkin decorating, best autumn-themed desk, or recipe-sharing challenges. 
• Creating a gratitude wall where employees can post notes appreciating their peers. 
• Organizing trivia or themed quizzes to mix fun with learning. 

These Thanksgiving ideas for employees not only boost morale but also reinforce a culture of recognition and celebration. Incorporating seasonal activities into your employee engagement strategy can leave a lasting impact.  

Let’s discover a few Thanksgiving activities, games and ideas to celebrate the holy occasion in the workplace. 

10 Thanksgiving activities ideas for the employees  

Here are 10 Thanksgiving activity ideas for employees to promote a sense of togetherness and gratitude in the workplace: 

1. Thanksgiving potluck feast 

Host a Thanksgiving potluck feast in the office. Encourage employees to prepare and share dishes that reflect their cultural or family traditions. This not only provides an opportunity to taste a diverse range of delicious dishes but also allows colleagues to learn more about each other's backgrounds and traditions. 

2. Gratitude tree 

Create a "gratitude tree" in a communal area, using a large branch or even a wall covered with paper leaves or ornaments. Throughout the month of November, employees can write down what they're thankful for on these leaves and hang them on the tree. It's a wonderful way to foster a sense of appreciation and positivity in the workplace. 

3. Recipe swap 

Organize a Thanksgiving recipe swap where employees bring in their favorite holiday recipes. They can share the history or significance of the dish and exchange recipes with colleagues. This can lead to a friendly cooking competition and an opportunity for food enthusiasts to shine. 

4. Thanksgiving decor contest 

Foster a creative and festive atmosphere by organizing an office decorating contest. Employees or teams can decorate their workspaces with Thanksgiving-themed decorations. Provide a prize for the most creatively decorated space, encouraging employees to express their holiday spirit. 

5. Thanksgiving trivia 

Challenge employees' knowledge of Thanksgiving with a trivia competition. Create a set of questions related to the holiday's history, fun facts, and pop culture. Divide employees into teams and offer prizes for the winning team. It's a fun and educational way to celebrate. 

6. Volunteer day 

Give back to the community by organizing a volunteer day. Provide employees with opportunities to volunteer at local food banks, shelters, or other charitable organizations in need during the holiday season. This activity reinforces the spirit of gratitude by helping those less fortunate. 

7. Thanksgiving movie marathon 

Set up a cozy movie corner in the office with a screen or projector and show Thanksgiving-themed movies or classic family films. Offer popcorn, snacks, and drinks to create a comfortable and entertaining atmosphere for employees to enjoy during breaks. 

8. Thanksgiving talent show 

Encourage employees to showcase their hidden talents in a Thanksgiving-themed talent show. They can sing, dance, recite poetry, or tell funny stories related to the holiday. This activity not only entertains but also brings out the unique skills and personalities of your team. 

9. Turkey trot or fun run 

Organize a charity fun run or "Turkey Trot" for employees who enjoy physical activities. Participants can sign up for a 5K or 10K race, and you can encourage them to wear turkey-themed costumes for added amusement. It's a healthy way to promote team spirit and support a charitable cause. 

10. Thanksgiving craft workshop 

Provide employees with craft supplies and instructions for making Thanksgiving-themed decorations or crafts. This hands-on activity allows employees to tap into their creative side and bond with colleagues while adding a festive touch to the office environment. 

Remember, the key to a successful Thanksgiving celebration in the workplace is to promote a sense of gratitude, togetherness, and enjoyment during the holiday season, while also respecting the preferences and diversity of your team. 

5 Thanksgiving activities ideas for HR team 

Here are 5 Thanksgiving activities ideas for an HR team to foster team bonding and gratitude: 

1. Thanksgiving talent swap 

Organize a talent show within the HR team where each member can showcase a unique skill or talent. This activity not only fosters team bonding but also allows team members to appreciate each other's hidden talents. You can have a panel of judges or let the team vote for their favorites, and offer small prizes for the top performers. 

2. HR gratitude wall 

Create a "Gratitude Wall" in the HR office space. Encourage HR team members to write down what they're thankful for, whether related to work, personal life, or their colleagues, on colorful sticky notes. As the wall fills up, it becomes a visual reminder of the team's collective gratitude. 

3. HR team cook-off 

Host a friendly cooking competition among the HR team members. Each participant can prepare and bring in a Thanksgiving dish to be judged by the team. It's a fun way to celebrate the holiday and appreciate the culinary talents within the team. You can even create categories like "Best Side Dish" or "Most Creative Dessert." 

4. HR team building scavenger hunt 

Organize a Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt within the office or around the company campus. Create clues or riddles related to the holiday, and the HR team can work together to solve them and find hidden treasures. This activity promotes problem-solving and teamwork. 

5. HR team volunteer day 

Plan a volunteer day for the HR team to give back to the community. Find a local charity or organization that needs assistance during the Thanksgiving season and spend a day volunteering together. This not only strengthens team bonds but also reinforces the importance of social responsibility. 

These activities can help the HR team celebrate Thanksgiving while promoting teamwork, gratitude, and camaraderie within the department. Remember to tailor the activities to the preferences and interests of your specific team. 

15 Thanksgiving games to play in office with employees 

Here are 15 Thanksgiving games that you can play with your employees: 

1. Thanksgiving bingo 

Create bingo cards with Thanksgiving-themed words or images. As you call out items related to Thanksgiving, employees mark them on their cards. The first person to get a line or full card shouts "Bingo!" and wins a prize. 

2. Turkey trot relay 

Set up a relay race where participants take turns wearing a turkey hat or carrying a toy turkey, then pass it on to the next person. The first team to finish wins. 

3. Guess the number of cranberries 

Fill a jar with cranberries and have employees guess how many are inside. The person with the closest guess wins the jar of cranberries. 

4. Thanksgiving trivia 

Create a set of Thanksgiving-themed trivia questions and have a quiz session. You can have individuals or teams compete to answer the most questions correctly. 

5. Pumpkin decorating contest 

Provide small pumpkins and decorating supplies. Set a time limit and have employees decorate their pumpkins. You can have categories like "Most Creative," "Funniest," etc., and award prizes accordingly. 

6. Thanksgiving charades 

Write down Thanksgiving-related words or phrases on slips of paper. Employees take turns acting them out while their team guesses what it is. 

7. Turkey toss 

Set up a game where employees toss small beanbags or soft balls into a target shaped like a turkey. Assign different point values for different parts of the target. 

8. Gratitude jar 

Provide slips of paper and ask employees to write down something they're thankful for. Collect the slips and read them aloud during a team meeting or at the end of the day. 

9. Name that Thanksgiving tune 

Play short clips of Thanksgiving-related songs or tunes and have employees guess the song title or artist. 

10. Recipe swap 

Ask employees to bring in their favorite Thanksgiving recipes to share. You can compile them into a digital or physical booklet to distribute to the team. 

11. Thanksgiving pictionary 

Use a whiteboard or paper and markers to play Pictionary with a Thanksgiving twist. Have employees draw Thanksgiving-related words or phrases. 

12. Pin the feather on the turkey 

Create a turkey poster without its tail feathers. Provide cut-out feathers with double-sided tape, blindfold participants, and see who can get closest to pinning the feathers in the right spot. 

13. Turkey bowling 

Set up a makeshift bowling alley with empty water bottles and a small pumpkin as the "bowling ball". Employees take turns rolling the pumpkin to knock down the pins. 

14. Thanksgiving word scramble 

Create a list of Thanksgiving-related messages, words, scramble the letters, and have employees unscramble them. You can make it a timed challenge. 

15. Photo booth with Thanksgiving props 

Set up a photo booth area with Thanksgiving-themed props like pilgrim hats, turkey masks, and signs with Thanksgiving sayings. Encourage employees to take fun pictures. 

Spread gratitude with Empuls 

From bingo and pumpkin decorating to turkey bowling, fun games like charades, word scrambles, and Pictionary can be facilitated using Empuls’ interactive formats like polls, quizzes, posts, and multimedia.

Book a demo now!

10 virtual Thanksgiving games you can play with employees 

Here are 10 virtual Thanksgiving games you can play with employees: 

1. Virtual scavenger hunt 

Organize a virtual scavenger hunt where participants have to find specific Thanksgiving-related items in their own homes. You can give clues or riddles to guide them. 

2. Thanksgiving charitable challenge 

Encourage employees to perform small acts of kindness or donate to a local charity in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Share stories and experiences during a virtual meeting. 

3. Thanksgiving storytime 

Have one person start a Thanksgiving-themed story, then go around in a circle, with each participant adding a sentence or two to continue the story. This can be a fun and creative exercise. 

4. Turkey crafts show-and-tell: 

Ask employees to create their own turkey-themed crafts or decorations and show them off during a virtual meeting. This can include drawings, paintings, or even DIY decorations. 

5. Cook-off challenge 

Organize a virtual cooking competition where employees prepare a Thanksgiving dish and present it during a video call. You can have categories like "Best Side Dish" or "Most Creative Dessert". 

6. Virtual escape room 

Arrange a virtual escape room game with a Thanksgiving storyline. Teams work together to solve puzzles and complete challenges to "escape" in a set amount of time. 

7. Thanksgiving mad libs 

Create a Thanksgiving-themed Mad Libs story and fill in the blanks with different parts of speech. Have employees take turns providing words and then read the completed story aloud. 

8. Share your Thanksgiving memories 

Ask each employee to share a memorable Thanksgiving experience from their past. It could be funny, heartwarming, or simply a cherished memory. 

9. Guess the Thanksgiving dish 

Have employees share a photo prepared for a Thanksgiving dish without revealing what it is. Others have to guess the name of the dish based on the photo. 

10. Thanksgiving trivia quiz show 

Host a live virtual trivia quiz show with Thanksgiving-themed questions. Use a platform that allows multiple choice or open-ended responses and keep score. 

Don’t know how to perfectly host a Thanksgiving trivia show? Let us help you. 

80 Thanksgiving trivia questions with answers 

Following are 80 Thanksgiving questions with answers that you can easily implement in your game. 

1. In what year did the first Thanksgiving celebration occur in America? 

Answer: 1621. 

2. What is the name of the Native American tribe that shared the first Thanksgiving feast with the Pilgrims? 

Answer: Wampanoag. 

3. Who is credited with starting the tradition of Thanksgiving? 

Answer: Abraham Lincoln. 

4. Which president made Thanksgiving a national holiday in the United States? 

Answer: Abraham Lincoln. 

5. What is the main course of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner? 

Answer: Roast turkey. 

6. What is the name of the document signed by the Pilgrims before they landed in America? 

Answer: Mayflower Compact. 

7. Which state produces the most turkeys for Thanksgiving? 

Answer: Minnesota. 

8. What is the name of the parade that takes place every Thanksgiving in New York City? 

Answer: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

9. In what month is Canadian Thanksgiving celebrated? 

Answer: October. 

10. Who is the current host of the annual National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation at the White House? 

Answer: The President of the United States. 

11. Which famous nursery rhyme mentions Thanksgiving? 

Answer: Mary Had a Little Lamb. 

12. What is the name of the dessert that is traditionally served with Thanksgiving dinner? 

Answer: Pumpkin pie. 

13. Who was the Native American leader that helped the Pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving? 

Answer: Squanto. 

14. What is the name of the ship that the Pilgrims sailed on to America? 

Answer: Mayflower. 

15. Who created the famous painting “The First Thanksgiving”? 

Answer: Jean Leon Gerome Ferris. 

16. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving football game played by the Detroit Lions every year? 

Answer: The Thanksgiving Classic. 

17. What is the name of the Indian princess that the Pilgrims befriended at the first Thanksgiving? 

Answer: Massasoit's daughter, often referred to as "Princess Samoset." 

18. What is the name of the annual Thanksgiving parade held in Chicago? 

Answer: McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade. 

19. Which president made Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November? 

Answer: Franklin D. Roosevelt. 

20. According to tradition, which famous pilgrim wore a belt buckle on his hat? 

Answer: St. Pilgrim. 

21. Who created the famous balloon character “Snoopy” for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? 

Answer: Charles M. Schulz. 

22. What is the name of the president that granted the Thanksgiving holiday to Union soldiers during the Civil War? 

Answer: Abraham Lincoln. 

23. Which vegetable is traditionally served as a side dish on Thanksgiving? 

Answer: Green beans. 

24. Which popular food had its first commercial crop in the 1940s and is consumed largely on Thanksgiving? 

Answer: Cranberries. 

25. What is the name of the famous Indian leader who played a role in the first Thanksgiving feast? 

Answer: Chief Massasoit. 

26. Which president pardoned a turkey for the first time in 1989? 

Answer: George H.W. Bush. 

27. What is the name of the holiday celebrated in Canada that is similar to Thanksgiving in the United States? 

Answer: Thanksgiving Day. 

28. How many towns in the US are named Plymouth, which is the city where the first Thanksgiving was celebrated? 

Answer: Four. 

29. What is the name of the group of people who sailed to America on the Mayflower? 

Answer: The Pilgrims. 

30. What is the name of the organization that sends Thanksgiving care packages to soldiers overseas? 

Answer: Operation Gratitude. 

31. Which famous American poet wrote a poem about Thanksgiving? 

Answer: Robert Frost. 

32. What is the name of the musical about the first Thanksgiving written by Irving Berlin? 

Answer: "Annie Get Your Gun." 

33. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving song by Adam Sandler? 

Answer: "The Thanksgiving Song." 

34. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with mashed potatoes and corn? 

Answer: Corn casserole. 

35. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with sweet potatoes and marshmallows? 

Answer: Sweet potato casserole. 

36. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with green beans and fried onions? 

Answer: Green bean casserole. 

37. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with celery, onions, and bread? 

Answer: Stuffing. 

38. Which famous author wrote a story about a giant turkey named “Simon” for Thanksgiving? 

Answer: Shel Silverstein. 

39. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with cranberries? 

Answer: Cranberry sauce. 

40. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with stuffing and cooked inside a turkey? 

Answer: Turkey stuffing. 

41. Which famous comedian starred in the film “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” which takes place during Thanksgiving? 

Answer: Steve Martin. 

42. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with pumpkin and spices? 

Answer: Pumpkin pie. 

43. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with pecans and syrup? 

Answer: Pecan pie. 

44. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with mashed potatoes, cheese, and bacon? 

Answer: Loaded mashed potatoes. 

45. Who composed music for the first Thanksgiving Day parade in 1924? 

Answer: Paul Lavalle. 

46. What is the name of the Thanksgiving tradition where people run a race for charity? 

Answer: Turkey Trot. 

47. What is the name of the traditional family card game played on Thanksgiving? 

Answer: Rummy. 

48. What is the name of the British holiday that is similar to Thanksgiving? 

Answer: Harvest Festival. 

49. What is the name of the superhero who helps the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? 

Answer: Spider-Man. 

50. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving sandwich made with leftover turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce? 

Answer: Turkey sandwich. 

51. What is the nickname for the day after Thanksgiving, which is known for its shopping deals? 

Answer: Black Friday. 

52. Which famous author wrote a story about a Thanksgiving Day football game? 

Answer: John Grisham. 

53. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving parade held in Philadelphia? 

Answer: Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

54. What is the name of the traditional bread served alongside Thanksgiving dinner? 

Answer: Dinner rolls. 

55. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with yams and marshmallows? 

Answer: Candied yams. 

56. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with carrots and raisins? 

Answer: Carrot and raisin salad. 

57. What is the name of the traditional Native American game that is played on Thanksgiving? 

Answer: Stickball. 

58. What is the name of the annual Thanksgiving food drive that takes place in New York City? 

Answer: City Harvest. 

59. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with creamed corn and crackers? 

Answer: Corn casserole. 

60. What city in the US is known for hosting a turkey trot on Thanksgiving Day? 

Answer: Cincinnati, Ohio. 

61. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with brussels sprouts and bacon? 

Answer: Roasted brussels sprouts. 

62. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with sausage and bread? 

Answer: Sausage stuffing. 

63. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with mashed potatoes and cheese? 

Answer: Cheesy mashed potatoes. 

64. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with sweet potatoes and brown sugar? 

Answer: Brown sugar glazed sweet potatoes. 

65. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with spinach and cream cheese? 

Answer: Spinach dip. 

66. Which famous comedian performs a stand-up routine every year on Thanksgiving Day? 

Answer: Kevin James. 

67. What is the name of the traditional Native American dance that is performed on Thanksgiving? 

Answer: Powwow. 

68. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with cornbread? 

Answer: Cornbread stuffing. 

69. What is the name of the traditional Swedish dish that is served on Thanksgiving? 

Answer: Swedish meatballs. 

70. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with acorn squash? 

Answer: Stuffed acorn squash. 

71. What is the name of the annual Thanksgiving parade held in Houston? 

Answer: H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

72. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with collard greens and ham hocks? 

Answer: Southern-style collard greens. 

73. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with creamed onions and breadcrumbs? 

Answer: Creamed onion casserole. 

74. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with chestnuts and sausage? 

Answer: Chestnut and sausage stuffing. 

75. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving side dish made with creamed peas? 

Answer: Creamed peas and pearl onions. 

76. What is the name of the annual Thanksgiving parade held in Charlotte? 

Answer: Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

77. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with carrots and ginger? 

Answer: Ginger-glazed carrots. 

78. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with butternut squash? 

Answer: Butternut squash soup. 

79. What is the name of the annual Thanksgiving food drive that takes place in Los Angeles? 

Answer: Los Angeles Regional Food Bank's Thanksgiving Food Drive. 

80. What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving dish made with cranberry and orange? 

Answer: Cranberry orange relish. 

Thanksgiving engagement campaign template on Empuls 

Use this plug-and-play campaign structure directly within Empuls to roll out your Thanksgiving celebration with minimal effort and maximum impact. 

Campaign duration 

November 1 – November 27, 2025 

Campaign components 

Following are the campaign components that you must mind while designing the celebration calendar. 

1. Launch Communication 

Format: Post on Empuls social intranet 

Content: "Grateful together – Our Thanksgiving celebration begins!" 

Use: GIFs, company branding, video message from leadership 

2. Weekly activities 

Each week has a core theme to keep momentum going.

3. Contests & recognition 

Set up spot and nomination-based awards in Empuls. 

Examples: 

• “Master Chef of the Office” 
• “Trivia Turkey” 
• “Thanksgiving Spirit Award” 

Link rewards to the winners via curated gift collections from Empuls’ global catalog. 

4. Campaign close & thanks 

Share: 

• Final post with images, quotes, and highlights 
• Personalized messages from managers (powered by Em nudges) 
• Recognition wall for standout participants (pin this post!) 

In case you want custom plan based on work models, we have got you covered. 

Custom plan based on work models 

Following we will share three custom plans based on work models, mostly for in-house, remote and virtual employees for the season of Thanksgiving. 

1. For in-office teams 

For in-office teams, plan your Thanksgiving activities in the following way: 

2. For remote or hybrid teams 

For remote or hybrid teams, use the following method. 

Link contests and awards to auto-rewards using workflows. Pre-schedule all quizzes, polls, and posts using Empuls campaign planner. Let Empuls nudge managers to appreciate participation in real-time. Finally, create country-specific collections for winners using Empuls' admin panel.  

Doesn’t it all seem easy? Schedule a call now to understand how our expert can help you set up the flow of engagement with Empuls.