Thanksgiving Charades Ideas

Press Play a 1-minute round and hand the first actor the phone: 165 cards, from kitchen to leftovers.

Thanksgiving Charades Ideas

Passing the mashed potatoes

Next step The full deck of charades ideas

All 165 Thanksgiving charades ideas

Cooking the dinner 25

  • Basting the turkey Open the oven, squeeze the bulb over the bird and flinch from the heat.
  • Carrying the turkey to the table while everyone watches Walk slowly with a huge platter and set it down to applause.
  • Checking if the turkey is done Poke in a thermometer, squint at it and slide the pan back in.
  • Cooking in a kitchen with too many cooks Squeeze past people, reach over them and guard your spoon.
  • Crimping the edge of a pie Pinch all the way around the rim with two fingers and a thumb.
  • Finding out the oven was never turned on Open the door, touch the cold bird and turn slowly to the room.
  • Frying a turkey outdoors, very carefully Lower it on a hook at arm's length, leaning as far back as you can.
  • Guarding the pie from early tasters Slap a hand away without turning around.
  • Lifting a heavy turkey out of the oven Bend your knees, grip both handles and shuffle to the counter.
  • Mashing potatoes Pound down with both hands, then taste from a finger.
  • Opening a can of cranberry sauce Shake the can until it slides out in one piece, ridges and all.
  • Peeling a mountain of potatoes Peel one, drop it in the pot and look at how many are left.
  • Putting marshmallows on the sweet potatoes Line them up in neat rows and eat every fifth one.
  • Reading a family recipe card you cannot make out Turn the card sideways, squint and guess at the amount.
  • Rolling out pie crust Push the pin away and back, then drape the dough over a dish.
  • Running out of oven space Hold three dishes and try each shelf like a puzzle.
  • Setting off the smoke alarm with the rolls Wave a towel at the ceiling while holding a black tray.
  • Setting the oven timer Twist the dial, walk off, and run back when it rings.
  • Snapping green beans Snap both ends off each bean and toss it in a bowl.
  • Sneaking a taste of the stuffing Look both ways, pinch a bit and chew with a straight face.
  • Stirring the gravy Whisk fast and never look away from the pan.
  • Stuffing the turkey Spoon it in and push it down with a fist. Sage, onion and celery are the classic mix.
  • Thawing a turkey that is still frozen Knock on it, hear a clunk and check the clock.
  • Whipping cream by hand Whisk until your arm gives out, swap hands and keep going.
  • Whisking lumps out of the gravy Whisk, lift the spoon, frown and whisk harder.

At the dinner table 23

  • A toast that goes on too long Raise a glass of cider, keep talking and notice every arm getting tired.
  • Asking for seconds Hold out an empty plate with both hands and hopeful eyes.
  • Being asked the same question by every relative Smile, answer, turn, smile and answer again.
  • Building the biggest plate of food Pile it higher and carry it with both hands, watching the top.
  • Carving the turkey with a very dull knife Saw back and forth, get nowhere and ask for another knife.
  • Feeding the dog under the table Keep your eyes on the room and lower one hand very slowly.
  • Finding room for pie Pat your full stomach, shake your head, then show a small slice with two fingers.
  • Loosening your belt after dinner Lean back, breathe out and let the belt out one notch.
  • Making a gravy volcano in the mashed potatoes Dig a crater with a spoon, fill it and watch a wall give way.
  • Passing the mashed potatoes Take the heavy bowl from one side, serve yourself and hand it on.
  • Pouring gravy over everything Tip the boat and keep going until the plate is a lake.
  • Reaching across the table for the rolls Stretch, nearly dip a sleeve in the gravy and grab one.
  • Saving the last dinner roll for yourself Hide it in a napkin on your lap and look innocent.
  • Sitting at the kids' table Sit on a chair far too small with your knees up by your ears.
  • Sitting on the folding chair that is too low Sit with your chin at plate height and reach up to eat.
  • Spilling cranberry sauce on the white tablecloth Freeze, look around and slide a plate over it.
  • Squeezing one more chair in at a full table Lift a chair over heads and wedge yourself in sideways.
  • Squirting whipped cream on pie Shake the can, cover the slice and add a little to your mouth.
  • Trying a relative's mystery casserole to be polite Take a tiny bite, chew slowly and give a thumbs up.
  • Trying to stay awake after the turkey Nod, jerk upright and nod again with a fork still in your hand.
  • Tucking a napkin into your collar Shake it open, tuck it in and pick up your knife and fork.
  • Two cousins pulling the wishbone Hook a finger each, close your eyes and pull. The longer piece gets the wish.
  • Two relatives who both made the stuffing Taste one, taste the other and refuse to pick a side.

Dishes on the table 20

  • A baked ham with pineapple rings Pin on the rings one by one, then carve thin pink slices.
  • A dinner made only of side dishes Walk the table, fill a plate and look around for a turkey that is not there.
  • A pot of collard greens Stir a tall pot, lift out a long leaf and ladle some onto a plate.
  • A tofu turkey Carve it proudly and offer a slice to a doubtful guest.
  • Apple pie Peel an apple in one long ribbon, slice it and tuck it under a crust.
  • Brussels sprouts Take one, sniff it and hide it under the mashed potatoes.
  • Corn on the cob Roll it in butter, then nibble along the rows from left to right.
  • Cornbread Cut a square from a hot skillet. In the South it goes into the dressing too.
  • The cornucopia centerpiece Hold a big horn in your arms and let fruit and squash spill out of it.
  • Cranberry sauce Wobble like jelly on a plate, then get sliced into rounds.
  • Creamed corn Scrape the kernels off a cob with a knife, then stir them in a pan with cream.
  • Dinner rolls Tear one open, butter it and blow on your fingers.
  • Gravy boat One arm is the handle and the other is the spout. Tip over slowly and pour.
  • Green bean casserole Open a can, stir and shake crispy onions on top. The recipe dates from 1955.
  • Hot apple cider Blow across a warm mug, sip and smack your lips.
  • Macaroni and cheese Lift a spoonful and stretch the cheese as far as your arm goes.
  • Pecan pie Crack nuts with a nutcracker, then press them into a pie one by one.
  • Pumpkin pie Cut a wedge, add a spoon of cream and take a slow bite.
  • Sweet potato casserole Scoop from a dish and stretch a string of melted marshmallow.
  • Turducken Flap like a turkey, waddle like a duck and peck like a chicken, each one inside the last.

Parade, football and the turkey trot 20

  • A parade balloon on a windy day Get dragged sideways by the ropes, dig in your heels and pull it back.
  • A parade clown working the barrier Skip along the crowd, slap hands and squeeze a pretend horn.
  • A tuba player turning a corner in the parade Swing the huge bell around without hitting the row behind.
  • Arguing over a call in the family football game Point at the ground, pace out the line and throw up your hands.
  • Catching a pass and landing in the leaves Look back over your shoulder, reach out and land in the pile.
  • Falling asleep during the game and denying it Snore, jolt awake and point at the screen as if you saw it all.
  • Finishing the turkey trot dressed as a turkey Sprint in a bulky costume, flap your wings and bow for a medal.
  • Holding the rope of a giant parade balloon Lean back, grip a rope overhead and get lifted onto your toes.
  • Marching in a parade band Lift your knees high, beat a drum on your chest and turn the corner in step.
  • The parade announcer in the booth Hold an earpiece, read from a card and beam at the camera.
  • Playing touch football in the yard Snap the ball, go long and tag with two hands.
  • Running a turkey trot Jog with a number on your chest. Buffalo, New York has held one since 1896.
  • Santa arriving on the last float Ride in at the very end with a big wave and a silent belly laugh.
  • Twirling a baton Spin it in your fingers, toss it up and catch it behind your back.
  • Warming up at the turkey trot start line Double-knot a shoe, stretch a calf and bounce on the spot in the cold.
  • Watching football on a very full stomach Cheer with one arm from the couch. Detroit has hosted a pro game every year since 1945.
  • Watching the parade from someone's shoulders Sit up tall, hold on to a forehead and point at everything.
  • Watching the parade in the cold Stamp your feet and crane over the crowd. New York's parade began in 1924.
  • Waving from a parade float Wave with a cupped hand, slowly, and smile to both sides.
  • The whole couch cheering a touchdown Leap up with both arms high, then sink back, worn out.

Travel and guests 20

  • A video call with relatives far away Hold the phone too close, wave and pass it around the room.
  • Arriving with the same pie as somebody else Hold yours out, see theirs and slowly lower it.
  • Asking if we are there yet Lean forward between the seats, tap a shoulder and flop back.
  • Bringing a dish to a potluck Peel back the foil, find a gap on a crowded table and squeeze it in.
  • Carrying a pie on your lap in the car Hold it level through every turn and bump.
  • Dragging a suitcase through a crowded airport Weave, check the board and break into a jog.
  • Driving a long way to dinner Grip the wheel, check the mirror and hush the back seat.
  • Forgetting a cousin's name Start a greeting, stall and turn it into a long hug.
  • Getting measured against a taller cousin Stand back to back, stretch up and sneak onto your toes.
  • Getting your cheek pinched by an aunt Brace, take the pinch and rub your cheek after.
  • Hanging up everybody's coats Take coat after coat until you cannot see over the pile.
  • Hosting Friendsgiving in a tiny apartment Turn sideways to pass between chairs with a hot dish held high.
  • Hugging a relative you have not seen all year Open your arms wide, squeeze and rock from side to side.
  • Meeting the new baby in the family Lean in, make a silly face and hold out a careful finger.
  • Ringing the doorbell with your hands full Balance a dish and press the bell with an elbow.
  • Saying goodbye at the door for an hour Put on your coat, reach for the handle and turn back again and again.
  • Showing a grandparent how to use a phone Point at the screen, tap it for them and watch them hold it to an ear.
  • Sleeping on an air mattress that goes flat Lie down, sink slowly to the floor and pump it up again.
  • Stuck in holiday traffic Inch forward, brake and drop your head onto the wheel.
  • Taking the family photo Wave people closer, count down with your fingers and hurry to join.

Fall outdoors 19

  • A scarecrow in an empty field Hang from a pole with your arms out and let a crow land on you.
  • A squirrel burying acorns for winter Dig fast, drop one in, pat it down and look around.
  • A strutting turkey Tuck your thumbs under your arms, fan out a tail and gobble without a sound.
  • A turkey hiding until the holiday is over Tiptoe behind a tree, peek out and cross days off a calendar.
  • Bagging leaves on a windy day Hold the bag open with a foot and watch the wind empty it.
  • Blowing leaves onto the neighbor's lawn by mistake Swing the blower around, see where they went and look away.
  • Bundling up for a cold walk Zip to the chin, pull down a hat and push your hands into your pockets.
  • Carrying in the firewood Stack logs up to your chin and feel for the door with a foot.
  • Catching a falling leaf Watch it zigzag down and snatch at it twice.
  • Diving into a fresh leaf pile Take a run, land in the middle and come up with leaves in your hair.
  • Getting lost in a corn maze Turn left, hit a wall of corn, turn back and scratch your head.
  • Hanging a fall wreath on the door Hold it up, step back, tilt your head and straighten it.
  • Lighting the first fire of the season Crumple paper, stack the logs, strike a match and warm your hands.
  • Picking apples Reach up, twist one off and polish it on your sleeve.
  • Raking leaves into a pile Pull long strokes toward your feet and lean on the rake to rest.
  • Riding a bumpy hayride Sit on a bale, bounce along and pick straw off your sweater.
  • Scraping the first frost off the windshield Scrape with a card, blow on your fingers and scrape again.
  • Walking off the dinner Stroll slowly with one hand on your stomach and breathe out.
  • Wild turkeys crossing the road Strut across slowly, stop in the middle and stare at the car.

Leftovers and the day after 19

  • A midnight trip to the fridge Tiptoe in the dark, open the door and squint in the light.
  • Carrying the extra table leaf back to the closet Steer a long board through a doorway that is too narrow.
  • Carrying too many shopping bags Hang bags up both arms and turn sideways through a door.
  • Drying dishes with a towel Wipe a plate in circles and hand it on.
  • Eating pie for breakfast Look around, cut a slice and eat it standing at the counter.
  • Falling asleep in the middle of a board game Hold your cards, nod off and get nudged for your turn.
  • Finding a serving spoon nobody claims Hold it up to each guest and get a shrug every time.
  • Finding the lid that fits the container Try lid after lid and hold each one up to the light.
  • Fitting leftovers into a full fridge Move things about, balance one more box and shut the door fast.
  • Lining up before dawn for a sale Shiver in a line, sip from a cup and check your watch.
  • Making a leftover turkey sandwich Stack turkey, stuffing and cranberry between bread and press down.
  • Making turkey soup from the bones Drop the bones in a big pot, fill it and skim the top.
  • Napping on the couch after dinner Sink down, pull a blanket to your chin and let your mouth fall open.
  • Pretending you are too full to help clean up Pat your stomach, sink lower and close one eye.
  • Scrubbing the roasting pan Lean your whole weight on a sponge and check the corners.
  • Sending everyone home with leftovers Press a stack of containers into arms that are already full.
  • Two people eyeing the last slice of pie Both reach, both stop, and one offers to cut it in half.
  • Washing a mountain of dishes Scrub, rinse, stack and look at a pile that never shrinks.
  • Wrapping leftovers in foil Tear a sheet, cover the plate and crimp the edges.

Giving thanks and giving back 19

  • A harvest feast that lasts three days Eat, sleep at the table, wake and eat again. The 1621 feast at Plymouth ran three days.
  • A turkey that has just been pardoned Strut off with your chest out and wave a wing at the cameras.
  • Bringing in the harvest Swing a scythe, bundle the stalks and wipe your forehead.
  • Calling a grandparent to say thank you Dial, smile at the phone and nod a lot.
  • Dropping cans in a food drive box Carry a heavy bag and place each can in gently.
  • Holding hands around the table Reach out both ways, squeeze and bow your head.
  • Hugging the cook Wait until the oven door is shut, then squeeze from the side.
  • Inviting a neighbor who would be alone Knock, point back at your house and wave them over.
  • Making a paper chain of thankful notes Write on a strip, loop it through the last one and hold up the chain.
  • Packing boxes at a food bank Fill a box from a row of shelves, tape it shut and slide it along.
  • The president pardoning a turkey Raise one hand over the bird and let it strut away. A yearly custom since 1989.
  • Saying grace Bow your head, fold your hands and hold still.
  • Saying what you are thankful for Stand, put a hand on your heart and point warmly at each person.
  • Serving dinner at a community kitchen Ladle onto tray after tray down a long line and smile at each person.
  • Teaching a toddler to say thank you Hold the cookie back, mouth the words and wait.
  • Tracing your hand to draw a turkey Spread your fingers on the paper, trace around them and add a beak to the thumb.
  • Writing a thank-you note Chew the pen, write a line and sign with a flourish.
  • Writing home about a good harvest with a quill Dip the quill, write slowly and blot the ink.
  • Your turn to give thanks and your mind goes blank Stand, open your mouth, look at the ceiling and point at the pie.

How it works

Thanksgiving charades ideas that follow the day: the kitchen at noon, the parade on television, the table and the leftovers. The 165 cards run from Pumpkin pie and Gravy boat to Finding out the oven was never turned on.

Read the full guide

Play the game between dinner and pie

Split the room into two teams and mix the ages. When the timer ends, the end card says how many cards the team cleared: press +1 that many times.

One dish, a few beats, a twist

Easy cards are one dish or one action, such as Gravy boat or Basting the turkey. Medium cards take two or three beats: Two cousins pulling the wishbone. Hard cards have a twist, such as Two relatives who both made the stuffing. If you want Thanksgiving charades words more than scenes, choose Dishes on the table: 11 of its 20 cards are Easy, such as Pecan pie and Cornbread.

  • Under Gravy boat in the full list: One arm is the handle and the other is the spout.
  • Keep one phone: cards acted before dinner stay away after pie.
  • Agree on sound effects first. A silent gobble is funnier, and the turkey cards last longer.

Questions and answers

What works for a table of mixed ages?

Pick things everyone did that day. Mashing potatoes, Passing the mashed potatoes and Napping on the couch after dinner need no explaining to anyone at the table. Switch the level between turns: Easy for a nervous actor, Hard for a show-off.

Are the cards based on real Thanksgiving customs?

Yes. Cornbread dressing is Southern, and the mock turkey pardon has been typical since 1989. The New York parade was first held in 1924, and the oldest turkey trot began in Buffalo in 1896. Nobody is asked to play a Pilgrim or a Native American.

Can I print the Thanksgiving charades cards?

Yes. On the end card, Print gives slips for a bowl. With All and Any level, one press prints 120 of the 165 cards and a second press the other 45. Pick one topic or level to print fewer.

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