What to Do After Thanksgiving Dinner? Top 10 Ideas
Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing gratitude, and enjoying a delicious feast.
But after the last bite of pumpkin pie is savored, you might be wondering what to do next.
Hosting a Thanksgiving dinner party doesn't have to end at the dinner table, keeping the celebration going with fun activities is a great way to create lasting memories.
But first things first. Sort out the dinner and the decor. Have you decided on a thanksgiving theme yet? If not check out these 26 theme ideas to give you inspiration.
A lot of the games will also be theme dependent. For example a Mexican thanksgiving might have Mexican games. Italian thanksgivings will have Italian games. What about a seafood thanksgiving? you get the point.
So sort the theme. Then sort the outfits. Know what you’re wearing for thanksgiving? Get that sorted. With that, let’s talk about what to do after dinner!
1. Play Thanksgiving-Themed Games
After the meal, why not kick things off with some fun and light-hearted games? A game night is a perfect way to bring people together and add some laughter to your Thanksgiving gathering.
Basically, the night should roll seemingly into a successful games night whilst without a hitch.
You could also turn it into a murder mystery night if that’s more your style.
Thanksgiving Bingo
Create custom bingo cards with Thanksgiving-related words like turkey, stuffing, pie, and gratitude.
Guests can check off their squares as they hear these words during the dinner conversation or throughout the evening.
Charades
Divide your guests into teams and play a few rounds of Thanksgiving-themed charades.
Make a list of clues related to Thanksgiving traditions, food, and characters to act out.
Trivia
Host a Thanksgiving trivia game that tests your guests' knowledge of the holiday. Include questions about history, fun facts, or even personal memories from previous Thanksgivings.
2. Take a Group Walk
If your guests are feeling a bit stuffed after the meal, suggest going for a group walk around the neighborhood or a nearby park.
This will help everyone digest their food and enjoy some fresh air. It’s particularly good if you live near woodlands or in a nice neighbourhood.
Or if this is more of a friendsgiving, forgo the walk and turn the night into a spa night.
3. Watch a Movie or Football Game
For a more relaxed after-dinner activity, gather everyone in the living room for a cozy movie night or to catch a football game.
Since Thanksgiving often falls during a busy NFL weekend, it's the perfect time to cheer on your favorite teams together.
If that’s not your style how about basketball?
If it’s a movie you’re going with, keep it on theme with one of these choices.
Movie Suggestions
If you opt for a movie, choose a family-friendly Thanksgiving classic like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving or Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.
If you're in the mood for holiday prep, you can even start the Christmas season early by watching Home Alone or Elf.
Set Up a Home Theater
Enhance the experience by creating a home theater atmosphere. Prepare a snack table with popcorn, candy, and leftover Thanksgiving treats.
Dim the lights and bring out extra blankets and pillows for maximum comfort.
4. Share What You’re Thankful For
This simple yet meaningful activity brings a heartwarming end to the evening. Pass around a "gratitude jar" where each person writes down something they’re thankful for, or take turns going around the table and sharing aloud.
You could also create a "thankfulness tree" by providing guests with paper leaves to write their gratitudes on, which can be displayed for everyone to see. This creates a positive, reflective moment that ties back to the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
5. Organize a Leftovers Swap
With everyone likely having extra food from the feast, why not host a leftovers swap?
Ask each guest to bring containers so you can trade leftovers and let everyone take home a variety of dishes.
This way, no one is stuck eating the same meal for the next three days, and your guests get to sample different flavors from the holiday table. It's a fun and practical way to extend the celebration beyond Thanksgiving night.
6. Craft Thanksgiving Decorations
If you're looking for a hands-on activity, set up a crafting station where guests can make their own Thanksgiving or holiday decorations.
This is especially great if there are kids in the group, but adults will enjoy it too!
DIY Centerpieces
Provide materials like pinecones, leaves, candles, and small pumpkins for guests to create festive centerpieces.
These can double as decorations for upcoming holiday dinners.
Holiday Ornaments
If Christmas is just around the corner, offer supplies to make homemade ornaments.
This can include paint, glitter, and plain baubles that everyone can decorate together.
I recommend checking out this list of crafts for kids and this list for crafts adults can do.
7. Host a Pie or Dessert Tasting
Instead of winding down after dinner, keep the culinary fun going with a dessert tasting!
Ask your guests to bring their favorite pie or dessert to the table for a friendly competition or tasting event.
Set up a tasting station with small slices or samples of each dessert.
Have your guests vote on categories like "Most Creative," "Best Presentation," and "Tastiest." Everyone loves a good dessert, and this is a sweet way to get people involved after dinner.
8. Have a Thanksgiving Photo Booth
Create a fun, interactive photo booth by setting up a backdrop with Thanksgiving-themed props like turkey hats, pilgrim hats, and autumn leaves.
Your guests will love taking silly photos together, and it's a great way to capture memories from the evening.
You can also print the photos or share them digitally later as a keepsake from the event.
9. Plan a Board Game Marathon
For a more laid-back but engaging activity, bring out the board games. Depending on your crowd, you can choose classic games like Monopoly or more strategic ones like Settlers of Catan.
If you’re looking for something quick and humorous, try card games like Cards Against Humanity or Exploding Kittens. Board games are a great way to entertain a group of all ages, and they can keep the fun going well into the night.
10. Set Up a Hot Chocolate Bar
End the night on a sweet note by setting up a DIY hot chocolate bar. Offer a variety of toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, cinnamon, and chocolate shavings for guests to create their own custom cups of cocoa.
For adults, consider adding a splash of liqueur like Bailey’s or peppermint schnapps for a cozy, festive touch.
This is a perfect wind-down activity, allowing everyone to relax with a warm drink in hand.
Keep the Fun Going After Thanksgiving Dinner
The Thanksgiving meal might be the centerpiece of the holiday, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there.
By planning a few simple yet engaging activities, you can keep your guests entertained and extend the celebration beyond the dinner table.
Whether you choose to play games, take a walk, or organize a dessert tasting, these post-dinner activities will ensure your Thanksgiving party is one to remember.
Do you have a favorite activity you enjoy after Thanksgiving dinner? Leave a comment below and share your ideas with us! I'd love to hear how you keep the holiday spirit alive after the feast.
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