Looking for thanksgiving traditions that go beyond the turkey? A gratitude jar, a morning parade or a table full of little desserts gives you plenty to look forward to.
These ideas include things to make, games to play and a few simple ways to spend time together.
You can keep it simple or go all out. Pick something that fits your gathering, whether that means joining a turkey trot or saving everyone's favorite recipes for next year.
Thanksgiving Ideas Worth Making a Tradition
start with the parade
We’re starting off strong with this giant Thomas the Tank Engine balloon. I love the big white puff above the blue train!
Make watching the Thanksgiving parade part of your morning, whether you head out to see one or tune in at home. You could have everyone pick their favorite balloon over breakfast.
fill a gratitude jar
If you are looking for something simple to start, this one is for you. Folded notes fill this gratitude jar, with a leaf decoration tied around the neck.
Leave slips of paper and pens beside yours so guests can add something they're thankful for. Reading a few together could become one of your thanksgiving traditions.
join a turkey trot
How cute is this group photo? The numbered bibs and colorful hats make it such a fun turkey trot snapshot.
Look for a local event with a distance that suits your group, or plan your own neighborhood walk. Don’t forget a picture together before you set off.
set up a turkey craft table
I am obsessed with this colorful craft setup. The turkey coloring pages, bowls of supplies and feathered decorations give everyone something to choose from.
Set aside a table for your own Thanksgiving creations. I especially love the line of finished pictures clipped above this one.
Try a little display like that for everyone's artwork.
take football outside
The football fans are going to love this! The players here have bright flags at their waists, with one reaching toward the runner carrying the ball.
Try a friendly flag football game if you have outdoor space. Agree on the rules together before starting, then keep the teams flexible so anyone who wants to join can play.
bring a pie to share
Who wouldn’t want to browse this pie table? There are lattice tops, decorative crusts and swirls of topping all across the spread.
For your gathering, invite anyone who wants to contribute to bring a favorite pie. Homemade or bought is fine.
I’d serve small slices so there’s room to try more than one.
save a handprint turkey
How adorable is this little turkey? The brown handprint has yellow, red, orange and green feathers, with “Gobble!” written in opposite corners.
Try making a handprint keepsake with child-safe washable paint. Add the year to yours so you can bring it out beside next year's creation.
hand out turkey tickets
These little rolled notes are so cute with their checked and dotted bows. Each one has a brown tag marked “Turkey Ticket.”
Make your own version with a conversation prompt tucked inside each roll. Guests could open them before dinner and share a favorite holiday memory if they’d like.
draw the place settings
I love this table with its hand-drawn place settings and big handwritten names. The greenery and little orange pumpkins down the middle are gorgeous too.
Try a paper table covering for your gathering and invite someone to draw each guest's spot. You could leave a little space beside the names for a Thanksgiving doodle.
share a potluck spread
Don’t want to cook the whole meal yourself? No problem!
Take inspiration from this buffet filled with pasta, golden bread squares, cookies and trays of other dishes.
Invite guests to bring something they love rather than sticking to one fixed menu. A shared dish list can help you make room for both dinner and dessert.
make time for a walk
This wooded path is a lovely reminder to leave a little room for time outside. The group here is surrounded by tall trees, away from the dinner table.
If the weather suits, suggest an easy walk before dessert. You don’t need a big outing. A short route close to home works too.
decorate a thankful tree
This is another pretty way to bring gratitude into your day. Orange, yellow and red leaves hang from bare branches set in a small basket.
For your version, invite guests to write something they're thankful for on leaf-shaped tags. Hang them from a securely supported branch arrangement and let the decorations grow throughout the gathering.
share the carving tradition
That golden-brown turkey makes quite a centerpiece. A carving knife and fork are poised above it, ready for the first cut.
If turkey is part of your meal, you could make carving a shared tradition between an experienced adult and someone who wants to learn. Bring out a serving platter so the slices have somewhere to go.
play holiday trivia
This is one of my favorite activity ideas here. The homemade Jeopardy-style board has categories for Thanksgiving food, fall movies and friend group memories.
Make a version with questions that suit your own crowd. I’d definitely keep a personal memories category alongside the holiday trivia.
start with cinnamon rolls
Who says dinner gets all the attention? These cinnamon rolls have golden edges and pale icing spread over their spirals.
Make a favorite breakfast part of Thanksgiving morning. You could serve cinnamon rolls like these before the parade, without turning breakfast into another elaborate meal.
collect favorite recipes
I love these “Thanksgiving Favorites” recipe cards with their tiny pie and turkey illustrations. The turkey plates beside them make the whole setup even sweeter.
Leave a few cards out for anyone who wants to share a recipe. Keep the completed ones together and add to your collection each year.
leave room to lounge
Don’t want every moment to be an activity? No problem there!
This group gathered around a big brown sofa is a good reminder to leave some downtime.
You could put on a favorite movie or just settle in for a chat. There’s no need to fill every gap between dinner and dessert.
pause before the meal
Sometimes the smallest tradition is the one you want to keep. Here, the people around the table hold hands and bow their heads before eating.
If it fits your gathering, share a prayer or a brief moment of thanks. Let people take part in whatever way feels right to them.
make a little dessert display
If you love a dessert table, this one has plenty of inspiration. The tiered stand holds little treats beneath a row of orange pumpkin shapes, with larger desserts arranged alongside it.
Try serving a few mini desserts on a stand you already own. You don’t need this whole spread to make choosing a sweet treat part of the fun.
plan next-day sandwiches
Last but definitely not least, we have these stacked croissant sandwiches. I love the golden tops and all those layers, especially the bright red filling.
Make your own next-day version with safely refrigerated turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce. Set out the fillings so everyone can build a sandwich their way.
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And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Emily