Friendsgiving is the ideal time to gather with friends, share delicious food, and create memories that last. While food and decorations set the tone, it’s the games that truly elevate the experience, adding laughter and connection to the holiday gathering. From lighthearted games to laugh-out-loud competitions, Friendsgiving activities ensure everyone has a memorable time.
Whether hosting a small, cozy gathering or a larger party, these games are the perfect way to break the ice and keep everyone entertained. Not sure where to start? We’ve compiled a list of 21 creative, easy-to-play games that promise fun from the first round to the last laugh.
So get ready to make this Friendsgiving unforgettable with games that bring people together, create joy, and spark countless memories. Here’s a list of the best games to add excitement to your celebration!
1. Two Truths and a Lie – Thanksgiving Edition
This classic game is a lighthearted way to kick off Friendsgiving. Each guest shares two true statements and one lie about past Thanksgivings or holiday experiences, and the group guesses which is the lie. It’s a fun way to learn unexpected things about each other.
Not only does this game get everyone to open up, but it’s also a great icebreaker for mixed groups. Smaller groups work well, but a larger gathering can make for even more laughs. Adding a Thanksgiving twist, like involving holiday foods or funny mishaps, makes the game even more engaging.
2. Friendsgiving Bingo
Friendsgiving Bingo is a fun way to get everyone involved without needing to be too focused. Instead of traditional bingo numbers, use common Friendsgiving scenarios like “someone talks about work” or “a friend spills a drink.” Guests mark their cards as these events happen, and the first to complete a line wins.
This game keeps things lively and adds subtle humor to the party. It’s also a flexible game that can be played as a background activity. Offer a small prize, like a holiday-themed trinket or leftover treats, to reward the winner and keep everyone excited.
3. Charades with a Twist: Friendsgiving Edition
A seasonal spin on charades makes for an easy and interactive Friendsgiving game. Guests act out Thanksgiving-related words like “cranberry sauce” or “football,” while everyone else tries to guess. Charades with a holiday twist brings out everyone’s playful side.
The simplicity of charades means it’s ideal for any group size, and you can add phrases specific to Friendsgiving, like “asking for mom’s recipe.” It’s fun to watch as guests get into character, and the holiday theme makes it a unique way to celebrate together.
4. Turkey Bowl
Set up an indoor bowling game with plastic cups as pins and a small ball as the bowling ball. Each guest takes turns trying to knock down the pins, tallying their score with each attempt. Turkey Bowl adds an element of friendly competition without much setup.
Decorating the cups as turkeys gives a festive touch, and it’s a game that appeals to all ages. The straightforward nature of Turkey Bowl makes it perfect for any group size, adding nostalgic charm to your celebration.
5. Guess That Gravy
For an unexpected twist, try a blindfolded taste-testing game. Each guest samples different Thanksgiving condiments and tries to identify each by taste alone. Add a few unusual items to make it a little challenging and keep everyone on their toes.
The surprise factor keeps it funny, and it’s a great way to encourage everyone to step out of their comfort zones. Be sure to keep it light-hearted and avoid unpleasant flavors so that the game stays fun for everyone involved.
6. Friendsgiving Pictionary
Friendsgiving Pictionary is a hilarious drawing game with a Thanksgiving twist. Guests draw Thanksgiving-related words while the group guesses what’s being drawn. Pictionary brings out creativity and laughter as people struggle to interpret each other’s drawings.
The fast pace keeps everyone involved, and even the simplest words can result in funny and unexpected “artwork.” Pictionary works well for groups of any size and is perfect for a night filled with laughter and lighthearted competition.
7. Pumpkin Toss
Set up a simple pumpkin toss by arranging buckets or containers at various distances, assigning points for each. Guests take turns throwing mini pumpkins into the containers, trying to rack up the highest score. This game is easy to set up and ideal for a bit of active fun.
With a bit of competition, guests can show off their aim and celebrate wins together. Pumpkin Toss provides an engaging break from seated games and adds energy to the Friendsgiving festivities.
8. Friendsgiving Scattergories
Scattergories is perfect for creative minds who enjoy a challenge. Pick Friendsgiving categories like “holiday movies,” “Thanksgiving foods,” or “fall activities,” then set a timer while everyone thinks of items starting with a particular letter.
The game brings out everyone’s humor as they come up with unique answers. Scattergories works for groups of all sizes, and the specific categories add an extra Friendsgiving touch to the classic game.
9. The Compliment Circle
For a heartfelt moment, try a compliment circle. Each guest shares something they appreciate about the person next to them. It’s a sweet way to set a warm tone and remind everyone why they’re thankful for one another.
This game is simple yet meaningful, encouraging bonding among friends. The Compliment Circle is a thoughtful way to make the evening special and leave everyone feeling appreciated.
10. Turkey Feathers Relay
A Turkey Feathers Relay is a funny game that encourages teamwork. Divide into teams, with each player balancing a feather on a spoon and passing it to the next teammate without dropping it. Add silly penalties if someone drops the feather to keep things light.
This relay game brings out friendly competition and is ideal for larger groups. It’s active, fun, and helps everyone break the ice while cheering each other on.
11. Thankful or Not?
“Thankful or Not?” is a quirky game to learn about everyone’s holiday likes and dislikes. Each person draws a card with different foods or traditions, saying if they’re “thankful” for it or not and explaining why.
The game encourages storytelling, humor, and friendly debates as guests reveal their preferences. “Thankful or Not?” is a great conversation starter that works well with groups of all sizes.
12. Turkey Trivia
Test everyone’s holiday knowledge with a Thanksgiving-themed trivia game. Create trivia questions on Friendsgiving traditions, Thanksgiving history, or pop culture references, and let guests compete to see who knows the most.
Trivia encourages friendly rivalry and teamwork if played in pairs or small groups. Offer small prizes to keep things exciting and motivate everyone to get involved.
13. Pumpkin Relay Race
In the Pumpkin Relay Race, guests carry a small pumpkin from one end of the room to the other, carefully balancing it to avoid dropping it. Divide guests into teams, and the fastest team wins.
This game is active and brings a funny twist with the added challenge of balancing the pumpkin. It’s ideal for larger groups and is sure to get everyone laughing and cheering.
14. Mad Libs Thanksgiving Edition
Mad Libs is a crowd-pleaser that can easily be adapted for Friendsgiving. Create a Thanksgiving story with blanks for nouns, adjectives, and verbs, then ask guests for random words to fill in the story. Read it aloud for a hilarious twist.
The unpredictability makes Mad Libs a fun game that’s easy to play in rounds. This game guarantees laughter and keeps everyone entertained as the story takes unexpected turns.
15. Drunken Pumpkin
For a Friendsgiving ring-toss game, arrange bottles in a circle, each topped with a mini pumpkin. Guests stand back and try to toss rings to knock the pumpkins off the bottles. It’s simple but surprisingly challenging!
Guests will enjoy testing their aim, with cheers and laughter all around. Drunken Pumpkin is a fun addition to any Friendsgiving and keeps the energy high throughout the evening.
16. The Thanksgiving Memory Game
Test guests’ memory skills with a Thanksgiving-themed memory game. Arrange holiday-themed objects on a tray and show them to guests for a few seconds. Cover the tray, and see who can remember the most items.
The challenge adds a bit of competition and humor as guests try to recall every item. It’s a low-key game that everyone can enjoy, regardless of age or memory skills.
17. Pumpkin Bowling
Replace traditional bowling balls with small pumpkins for a funny twist on bowling. Set up mini bowling pins (or empty bottles) and let guests roll the pumpkin to knock them down. Pumpkin Bowling adds a playful touch to the party.
The pumpkin’s unusual shape makes aiming challenging, creating plenty of laughs as guests try their best to score. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that adds lighthearted competition.
18. Food Tasting Challenge
In the Food Tasting Challenge, blindfolded guests sample various Thanksgiving foods and try to identify each. This game is low-key and gives everyone a chance to test their taste buds while sharing laughs.
The reactions to different flavors are priceless, and it’s an easy way to introduce a unique activity. This challenge is bound to create funny moments that everyone will remember.
19. Pie Eating Contest
This game adds a messy, high-energy twist to Friendsgiving. Set small pies in front of each guest, and on “go,” everyone eats their pie without using their hands. The first to finish wins the contest.
The pie-eating contest is always a crowd-pleaser, with friends cheering each other on. It’s a guaranteed source of fun photos and memories that will stick around long after Friendsgiving.
20. Pin the Feather on the Turkey
A Friendsgiving version of “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” this game challenges blindfolded guests to pin a feather onto a
paper turkey. It’s fun and easy, perfect for guests of any age.
The results are often hilarious as players try to find the turkey while blindfolded. Pin the Feather on the Turkey is a nostalgic and entertaining way to celebrate together.
21. Friendsgiving Scattergories
Friendsgiving Scattergories is fast-paced and creative. Choose categories like “fall activities” or “Thanksgiving foods” and see who can list the most items for each letter. Set a timer and let everyone race to complete their lists.
This game brings out the competitive spirit and gets everyone thinking creatively. Scattergories is a fantastic way to close out the evening with laughter and friendly competition.
Conclusion
Friendsgiving is about more than food—it’s about joy, connection, and laughter. With these 21 games, your Friendsgiving will be an unforgettable celebration filled with laughter, bonding, and holiday cheer. Whether you choose a fast-paced game or a sentimental activity, each one is designed to bring out the best in your group and create lasting memories. So gather your friends, get the games ready, and enjoy a Friendsgiving everyone will be talking about until next year!