12 Unconventional Ways to Enjoy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is often synonymous with large family gatherings, traditional turkey dinners, and familiar rituals passed down through generations. While these customs can be heartwarming and cherished, some people seek a fresh approach to the holiday, whether to shake things up, accommodate different lifestyles, or create new memories. If you’re looking for an unconventional way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, here are several creative and enjoyable alternatives that can make the day memorable in a whole new way.

1. Friendsgiving with a Twist

“Friendsgiving” is a common alternative to the traditional family gathering, especially for those who can’t travel home or prefer spending the holiday with friends. To make it more unique, try adding a twist to your Friendsgiving celebration. Instead of a standard potluck, why not make it a themed dinner party? You could focus on different types of cuisine, such as an all-vegetarian meal, or host a global-inspired Thanksgiving where every guest brings a dish from a country of their choice. This can turn the day into a celebration of cultures and culinary creativity.

2. Outdoor Thanksgiving Adventure

Who says Thanksgiving has to be confined to the dining room? Take the celebration outdoors with a Thanksgiving hike, picnic, or camping trip. Pack a meal with portable versions of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes—think turkey wraps, stuffing muffins, or pumpkin hand pies. Spending time in nature can bring a refreshing change of pace and offer a sense of tranquility before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Some families enjoy starting their Thanksgiving Day with a “Turkey Trot,” a casual or competitive walk/run event that’s popular in many cities.

3. Volunteer and Give Back

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to give thanks, and what better way to express gratitude than by giving back to the community? Many people enjoy spending the day volunteering at a local soup kitchen or organizing a charity event. You could also create care packages for people in need or plan a group activity, like a donation drive, with friends or family. It’s an unconventional way to spend the day, but it aligns with the holiday’s spirit of gratitude and can become a deeply fulfilling tradition.

4. Thanksgiving Potluck Around the World

Instead of cooking an entire Thanksgiving meal yourself, why not organize a potluck where every guest brings a dish inspired by their heritage or a different country? You could have an international Thanksgiving feast where traditional American dishes like turkey and stuffing sit alongside Italian lasagna, Mexican tamales, or Indian curry. This approach can open up the holiday to new flavors and spark conversations about cultural traditions.

5. Thanksgiving Movie Marathon

For a relaxed and low-key Thanksgiving, consider hosting a movie marathon. You can choose a series of Thanksgiving-themed films (like Planes, Trains and Automobiles, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, or Home for the Holidays) or curate a list of comfort movies that everyone enjoys. This idea pairs well with comfort food—perhaps a simple buffet of finger foods like sliders, mashed potato balls, or popcorn mixed with pumpkin-spiced nuts. No need to fuss over a formal dinner when you can enjoy your favorite movies in cozy loungewear with close friends and family.

6. Host a Game Day or Sports Tournament

Thanksgiving football is a staple for many, but you can take it up a notch by organizing your own sporting event or game day. Whether it’s a friendly backyard football match, a board game tournament, or even a video game challenge, a bit of friendly competition can make the holiday lively. Set up teams and let everyone participate, regardless of age or skill level. Prizes or silly awards for winners add to the fun. You can also mix things up by trying new or unusual games that people may not have played before, making this Thanksgiving especially memorable.

7. Host a Thanksgiving Brunch

Thanksgiving dinner is the standard, but switching to a brunch celebration can be a fun and novel twist. A Thanksgiving brunch can include unique dishes like turkey sausage breakfast sandwiches, pumpkin spice waffles, and sweet potato hash. It’s a more casual and laid-back way to celebrate the holiday and can leave the rest of the day free for other activities. Plus, this alternative timing can be perfect for people who want to avoid the traditional evening dinner rush. These Pumpkin Cranberry Oat Breakfast Cookies happen to be vegan, and are super simple to make.

8. Create a Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt

For families with kids, or even a fun-loving group of adults, creating a Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt can add some excitement to the day. You can craft clues that guide participants through the house, yard, or neighborhood, leading them to Thanksgiving-related items like fall leaves, acorns, or small themed trinkets. Incorporating puzzles or trivia about Thanksgiving can make the game more educational, too. It’s a great way to bring everyone together, especially if you want an activity to keep everyone engaged before or after the meal.

9. Destination Thanksgiving

Instead of staying home, why not turn Thanksgiving into an excuse for a getaway? Whether it’s a cozy cabin in the mountains, a beach resort, or even a trip to a foreign country, destination Thanksgivings are a growing trend. Resorts and hotels often offer special Thanksgiving menus, so you can enjoy the festive meal without any of the cooking or cleanup. This can be a refreshing break from the norm and an opportunity to explore new places while still observing the holiday in some fashion.

10. Thanksgiving Cook-Off

For families or friends who love cooking, consider hosting a Thanksgiving cook-off. Choose a few categories (such as best side dish, most creative use of turkey, or best dessert) and let everyone participate in making their own version of a dish. You can set up taste-testing stations and vote on the best dishes. It’s a fun and interactive way to get everyone involved in the meal preparation, and it can lead to discovering new favorite recipes for future holidays.

11. Turn Thanksgiving into a Craft Day

If you’re looking to keep things low-key but still want to gather with loved ones, consider turning Thanksgiving into a creative day. Instead of focusing solely on food, gather craft supplies and spend the day making homemade decorations, ornaments, or other DIY projects. This is especially fun for families with children or groups that enjoy hands-on activities. You can even create a gratitude tree, where everyone writes down things they are thankful for on paper leaves and hangs them on the tree throughout the day.

12. Thanksgiving without the Turkey

Many people are moving away from the traditional turkey dinner, either for ethical, environmental, or personal reasons. If you’re looking for an unconventional meal, consider making the turkey optional or skipping it entirely. Instead, highlight other flavorful dishes such as a gourmet vegetarian or vegan spread with stuffed squash, lentil loaf, or roasted vegetable medleys. This can be a great way to accommodate different dietary preferences and introduce your guests to new tastes. Try our Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Pomegranate.

The Takeaway

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Whether you’re simplifying the meal, skipping it altogether, or infusing your celebration with new traditions, there’s no right or wrong way to observe the holiday. By exploring these unconventional approaches, you can make Thanksgiving a personal, meaningful, and memorable experience for all.

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