Top 10 Things to Do on Thanksgiving (2025 Edition)

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the feast — it’s about slowing down, being grateful, and making memories that matter. Whether you’re spending the day with family, friends, or enjoying a cozy solo celebration, this Thanksgiving Bucket List is designed to help you savor every moment of the holiday season.

In a world that’s always moving fast, Thanksgiving gives us a rare pause — a day filled with love, warmth, and appreciation for what we already have.

The aroma of pumpkin pie, the laughter echoing through the kitchen, the familiar tunes of a favorite movie in the background — all of it weaves together into a memory tapestry that we hold onto long after the day ends.

So if you’re wondering what to do this Thanksgiving beyond the usual meal prep and cleanup, here are 10 heartwarming, memorable, and meaningful things to add to your Thanksgiving bucket list in 2025.

🏡 1. Start the Morning with Gratitude

Before the kitchen fills with the scent of roasting turkey or the sound of clinking dishes, take a quiet, intentional moment to start your day in gratitude. Thanksgiving morning can easily become hectic, but beginning it with mindfulness transforms the tone for the entire day.

Grab your favorite mug of coffee or tea and sit by a window. Reflect on five things — big or small — that you’re thankful for this year. It could be the health of your loved ones, the progress you’ve made, or simply the cozy blanket around your shoulders.

If you’re spending the day with family, invite everyone to join in. Go around the table at breakfast and share one thing each person is grateful for. It’s a beautiful way to remind one another that Thanksgiving isn’t just a meal — it’s a mindset.

Bonus Idea:

Start a Thanksgiving Gratitude Jar.

 Keep it on the counter and let everyone write something they’re thankful for on a slip of paper throughout the week. On Thanksgiving night, take turns reading them aloud. This simple activity creates a shared sense of appreciation — something that feels more valuable than any dish on the table.

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” — Anonymous

🍳 2. Cook (or Help Cook) a Signature Dish

Nothing brings people together like cooking — especially during Thanksgiving. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a total beginner, the act of preparing food connects you to the heart of the holiday.

Cooking together isn’t about perfection. It’s about laughter when the pie crust breaks, the smell of cinnamon filling the air, and those shared “remember last year?” stories that make the kitchen the most loved room in the house.

Here are a few ideas to add to your Thanksgiving bucket list this year:

• Try a new recipe: Maybe it’s a maple-glazed turkey, a creamy butternut squash soup, or a vegan-friendly dish that surprises everyone.
  
• Teach a tradition: Have Grandma show the kids how to make her famous stuffing or hand over your secret pie recipe to your partner.
  
• Bake something sweet: Pumpkin pie is a classic, but you can switch it up with apple crumble, pecan bars, or spiced cupcakes.
  

And if cooking isn’t your thing, help out in other ways — set the table beautifully, wash dishes, or make the playlist that keeps everyone dancing in the kitchen.

It’s not about perfection; it’s about participation.

🦃 3. Host or Attend a Thanksgiving Feast

The feast is the heart of the day — that long-awaited meal that brings everyone together around one table. But a Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to be fancy or formal to be meaningful.

If you’re hosting, focus on creating an atmosphere of warmth. Think candlelight, simple autumn décor, and background music that feels cozy. Encourage guests to bring a dish — it not only eases your workload but also fills the table with flavors and stories from different hands.

If you’re attending, bring a personal touch — a homemade dessert, a handwritten card, or even a bouquet of fall flowers. Offer to help the host with setup or cleanup; it’s a thoughtful gesture that goes a long way.

Pro Tip: Create a family Thanksgiving bucket list of dishes you want to make every year. Maybe Aunt Maria’s cranberry sauce or Dad’s mashed potatoes make the permanent list. Over time, these traditions become as cherished as the meal itself.

“The table is where gratitude gathers.”

🎉 4. Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

For millions of families, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a tradition that officially kicks off the holiday spirit. Whether you watch it live from New York or stream it from your couch, it’s a festive way to start the morning.

Picture this: You’re in your pajamas, holding a steaming mug of cocoa, as colorful floats and giant balloons glide across the screen. The sound of marching bands and Broadway performances fills the room — and even toddlers are mesmerized by the cheerful characters floating through the sky.

Turn it into an event:

• Make pumpkin pancakes or cinnamon rolls while watching.
  
• Have kids pick their favorite balloon and draw it later for a craft project.
  
• Create a “Parade Bingo” with squares like “Santa,” “marching band,” or “cartoon balloon.”
  

It’s nostalgic, it’s heartwarming, and it’s one of those small yet memorable rituals that make Thanksgiving morning feel complete.

🏈 5. Play or Watch a Football Game

Thanksgiving and football are practically soulmates in American tradition. After all, what better way to burn off a little stuffing than by tossing a football in the yard — or cheering from the couch with a second slice of pie?

If your family loves sports, schedule a friendly family football game after lunch. Mix up the teams — kids versus adults, siblings versus cousins — and make it fun rather than competitive. Add playful rules, silly prizes, or halftime snacks to keep everyone laughing.

Not into playing? No problem! Settle in to watch the big games on TV. Create a cozy viewing area with blankets, snacks, and your favorite drinks. Even if you don’t care who wins, the energy of the crowd and commentary makes for the perfect holiday background noise.

The goal isn’t to win — it’s to have fun, move your body, and share joy.

🎨 6. Do a Thanksgiving Craft or DIY Project

A touch of creativity brings extra warmth to your Thanksgiving celebration. Whether you’re decorating the table or entertaining kids, crafts are a wonderful way to express gratitude and make your home feel festive.

Craft ideas to add to your Thanksgiving bucket list:

• Thankful Tree: Cut out paper leaves and have everyone write what they’re grateful for. Hang them on a small branch or indoor tree.
  
• DIY Centerpieces: Use pinecones, candles, and mini pumpkins to create rustic yet elegant table decorations.
  
• Gratitude Cards: Handwrite short notes for your guests, telling them why you’re thankful for them.
  
• Homemade Place Cards: Kids can draw turkeys or fall patterns on folded paper — it’s fun and keeps them busy while dinner’s cooking.
  

For couples, try a creative project like designing a scrapbook page of your Thanksgiving memories or painting small canvases to commemorate the year.

Handmade touches remind us that the most meaningful things are made with heart, not perfection.

💕 7. Volunteer or Give Back

While Thanksgiving celebrates abundance, it’s also a day to remember those who may not have enough. Giving back adds incredible depth to your holiday experience — and it’s one of the most rewarding Thanksgiving bucket list ideas you can do.

Here are a few meaningful ways to make a difference:

• Volunteer at a Food Bank or Shelter: Spend a few hours serving meals or organizing donations.
  
• Deliver Meals to Neighbors: Especially elderly neighbors or families who may be alone this year.
  
• Donate to a Local Drive: Gather canned goods, warm clothes, or blankets to drop off at a community center.
  
• Random Acts of Kindness: Pay for someone’s coffee, write kind notes, or tip generously.
  

If you have kids, involve them too. Let them help pack donation boxes or make cards for those in need. These small gestures teach empathy and gratitude in the most genuine way.

When we give from the heart, we multiply gratitude — for ourselves and others.

📸 8. Capture the Moments

Thanksgiving memories are worth keeping — and not just on your phone’s camera roll. Documenting the day helps you preserve the laughter, chaos, and love that make it special.

Start by taking candid photos throughout the day — not just posed ones. Capture Grandma’s smile while cooking, the kids giggling during crafts, or your partner sneaking an extra slice of pie. These unfiltered snapshots become treasures.

Other creative ideas:

• Record a Family Video Message: Ask everyone to say what they’re grateful for this year. Watch it next Thanksgiving for a sweet dose of nostalgia.
  
• Create a Digital Album or Scrapbook: Add captions, recipes, or quotes from the day.
  
• Set Up a DIY Photo Booth: Use a fall-themed backdrop and fun props — perfect for guests of all ages.
  

If you make this part of your Thanksgiving day bucket list, you’ll build a yearly collection of gratitude-filled memories that only grow richer over time.

Photos fade, but the moments they capture never do.

🕯️ 9. End the Day with Reflection

As the plates empty and the house quiets down, there’s something sacred about the stillness of a Thanksgiving evening. It’s the perfect time to slow down and reflect on what truly matters.

Dim the lights, light a few candles, and gather together for a few minutes of gratitude sharing. Let each person say one thing they appreciated about the day — or one blessing from the year. You’ll be surprised how heartwarming and healing this simple ritual can be.

For couples: Take a moonlit walk and talk about your dreams for the coming year. Reflect on the challenges you overcame and the joys you experienced together.

For families: Read a short Thanksgiving story or prayer, or write down everyone’s thoughts in a gratitude journal to revisit next year.

Reflection turns a good day into a memorable one.

🌌 10. Relax and Just Be

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence. After the last dish is washed and the leftovers are tucked away, give yourself permission to unwind.

Curl up on the couch with a cozy blanket and your favorite holiday movie (You’ve Got Mail, Home for the Holidays, or Planes, Trains & Automobiles are classics). Sip on apple cider or a warm mug of cocoa. If the night is clear, step outside for a few deep breaths of crisp autumn air. Look up at the stars and let the stillness remind you that contentment often lives in simplicity.

If you’re spending Thanksgiving alone, this is your moment of peace. Treat yourself to a self-care ritual — light candles, journal, read, or watch something that fills your heart. Gratitude isn’t just a group activity; it’s a personal celebration of resilience and hope.

Gratitude doesn’t need to be loud — sometimes, it’s found in quiet contentment.

🍂 Final Thought

No matter how you spend it, Thanksgiving is about gratitude in action — through food, laughter, giving, and presence. Whether you fill your day with activities or simply enjoy a cozy, slow celebration, the real magic lies in the moments that make you pause and smile.

This Thanksgiving Bucket List isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about creating connection — with yourself, your loved ones, and the simple joys that make life beautiful.

So, as you plan your Thanksgiving 2025, remember:
You don’t need a grand feast, perfect décor, or endless plans to make it special. All you need is gratitude — and maybe a slice (or two) of pie. 🥧

Because the best memories aren’t planned — they’re shared. 💛