Games to Play at Thanksgiving: From Classic Chaos to Sophisticated Showdowns
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey—it’s about who can quietly dominate the room before the pie comes out. Here are the games that work whether your crowd skews chaotic little cousins, competitive aunts, or the one uncle who still thinks he’s undefeated at everything.
1. Turkey on the Table (The New Classic)
This little red turkey-shaped jar has taken over half the homes in Lunada Bay for good reason. Everyone writes something they’re thankful for on a slip and drops it in. You read them aloud throughout the day (anonymously at first). It starts sweet, turns hilarious (“I’m thankful Uncle Mark finally stopped wearing socks with sandals”), and by dessert someone is crying happy tears. Bonus: the kids love hunting for the turkey hiding spot each year.
2. The Gratitude Hot Potato
Supplies: One phone timer and zero shame. Pass a napkin ring (or the gravy boat if you’re brave) while music plays. When it stops, the holder has to say one thing they’re genuinely grateful for—no repeats allowed. Watch the energy shift from sarcastic to surprisingly heartfelt in under five rounds.
3. Thanksgiving Charades: southbay Edition
Pre-make slips with only local references: • “Trying to parallel park on Via Panorama” • “The Malaga Cove peacock that thinks it owns the library” • “Someone mentioning ‘the schools’ within 30 seconds of meeting you” • “The Trader Joe’s parking lot on a Sunday” It’s the fastest way to find out who’s actually from here.
4. Wine Label Pictionary
Break into teams. One person draws only what’s on the bottle label of whatever you’re currently drinking (no words!). First team to guess the exact varietal wins the bottle. Works with $12 Trader Joe’s finds or that 2016 Scarecrow someone’s been saving—equalizer guaranteed.
5. The Leftovers Auction (Post-Dinner Genius)
Supplies: leftover food, Monopoly money (or real $1 bills if your family is extra). Everyone gets $100 fake dollars. Auction off the good stuff—Grandma’s stuffing, the last slice of pecan pie, the crispy turkey skin hoard. Highest bidder wins the dish to take home. Pro tip: the teenagers will mortgage their future for mashed potatoes.
6. Two Truths and a Lie: Thanksgiving Edition
Go around the table. Each person says three statements—two true, one false—about Thanksgivings past. Sample:
I once dropped an entire pumpkin pie on the Terranea valet.
I dated the Neiman Marcus turkey carver in college.
I’ve never actually liked cranberry sauce. You’ll learn more family lore in 20 minutes than therapy could uncover in a year.
7. The Quiet Game… With a Twist
For when the little kids (or loud adults) hit hour four of sugar. Announce: “Okay, starting now—last person to speak wins the entire leftover cheesecake.” The silence is deafening. The betrayal is delicious.
8. Mafia (Narrated by the Oldest Cousin Who Loves Drama)
If your group is 10+ and stays late, this is the ultimate. One person is the narrator, secretly assigns Mafia, doctor, detective, etc. Takes 15 minutes per round and inevitably ends with someone yelling, “I KNEW it was you, you’ve been quiet all night hoarding the dark meat!”
Kid Table Upgrade: “I’m Thankful For…” Mad Libs
Print fancy Mad Libs templates where every blank is something you’re thankful for. The results (“I’m thankful for Mom’s slightly burned rolls that taste like love and fire”) become instant fridge art.
Whatever you play, the secret South Bay parents know: the best games aren’t about winning. They’re about giving everyone a story to tell next November when someone inevitably says, “Remember last year when Aunt Linda bid $47 for the last dinner roll?”
Now pass the Cab and let the games begin.