Thanksgiving is always a memorable time of year for me, but I like to switch it up each year. I always look for new ways to make the holiday fun and exciting, from playing games we haven’t tried before to making fun crafts throughout the day. If you’re also looking to make Thanksgiving memorable this year, here are some of the best ideas.
Last updated: November 17, 2025
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1. How to Make Thanksgiving Special With Cozy Décor
Your Thanksgiving decor sets the scene for the day. Aim for a warm and cozy aesthetic throughout your home to give comfortable vibes so your family and guests can settle in during your get-together. Consider natural elements like pumpkins, eucalyptus, and candles sprinkled throughout your home. You can reuse pieces from previous years and play with the color palette. Then, focus on your Thanksgiving table decor since that is where everyone will gather.
Tip to make Thanksgiving even more memorable: Add a small themed centerpiece or a handwritten place card for each guest. Little touches feel special without being expensive.
2. Play Games
It’s not always easy to keep everyone entertained during holiday get-togethers, so playing games can make a difference. Look for fun and easy family-friendly games that will make everyone laugh. The laughter ensures no one forgets this time together during the holiday season.
You can play board games or pull out What Do You Meme? Family Edition or Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza if you want to spend the day laughing.
Tip: If you want to make Thanksgiving more memorable for kids and adults, keep a small game basket out where guests can grab something anytime.
3. Eat All the Favorite Thanksgiving Dishes
Is it even a holiday without the best holiday foods? Kidding, of course it is, but it’s not the same! Make sure to serve everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving food and have enough of each dish for everyone.
Optional idea: Ask each guest what one “must-have” dish makes Thanksgiving special to them, then include it if you can.
4. Gratitude Rituals to Make Thanksgiving Meaningful and Memorable
Sometime during the day, find time to discuss what you’re grateful for. You can do it during the meal while everyone gathers around, or you can do it after everyone eats while enjoying warm beverages and stories of gratitude.
Another option is to set up a gratitude jar, where everyone writes what they’re grateful for and places it in the jar. Then, you can read each slip of paper aloud or pass the jar around for everyone to read one (or two). Make sure to set the gratitude jar out before guests arrive so everyone has an opportunity to include something.
5. Make Memories With a Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Photoshoot Opportunity
Setting up a scene for a photoshoot opportunity is fun and unforgettable. You can put up a backdrop and have fun Thanksgiving photo props for you and your guests to take cute or silly pictures together. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, keeping it simple is sometimes best.
Tip: A cozy corner with a blanket ladder, a pumpkin or two, and a fall sign makes an easy mini-photo spot if you don’t want to worry about a backdrop.
6. Watch Thanksgiving Movies
Thanksgiving movies, what are those, right?! They’re some of my favorite movies! From Step Mom to A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, there are options for everyone.
Tip: Watching a Thanksgiving movie at the end of the night quietly creates a memory — especially if it’s the same one every year.
7. Create Crafts That Make Thanksgiving Memorable
We love making crafts, especially for holidays. Kids will love creating something to remember this Thanksgiving, and it’ll be a fun activity everyone can do together. Then, you can spend time admiring what everyone put together.
Tip: If you want to make Thanksgiving memorable for kids, set out a small craft station they can visit throughout the day.
Recap: How to Make Thanksgiving Memorable
From cozy décor and family games to meaningful gratitude rituals and simple crafts, there are so many easy ways to make Thanksgiving memorable without stress. Little traditions and small, thoughtful touches create the moments everyone remembers most.
