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If you're getting excited for Thanksgiving, then why not check out these Thanksgiving trivia questions?
Everyone knows that Thanksgiving is a time when everyone gets together, spends time with family, and enjoys some amazing food.
While these factors are definitely a big part of this holiday, the truth is that there's a lot more about Thanksgiving that you might not know about. With these trivia questions, you can learn more about Thanksgiving and develop a greater sense of appreciation for this tradition.
These are also great questions to ask if you're sitting around the dinner table with some unfamiliar faces. Perhaps you're meeting in-laws for the first time, or someone unexpected showed up for Thanksgiving dinner.
Whatever the case may be, you can use these ice breaker questions as conversation starters so that everyone feels comfortable while eating their meal.
If you'd like to learn more about this holiday, all you need to do is continue reading and try your best to answer these Thanksgiving trivia questions.
Contents
5 Best Trivia Questions to Play on Your Next Thanksgiving
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If you're looking for the very best Thanksgiving trivia questions and answers, continue reading. These questions are guaranteed to make an impact, no matter what.
1. What motivated the Pilgrims to come to America?
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Answer
Religious freedom.
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For many settlers, North America was a scary, desolate land filled with danger and uncertainty. Because of this, most people only left their home nations because they had no choice.
2. What is the name of the famous rock where the Pilgrims landed?
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Answer
Plymouth Rock.
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While later writings describe a "great rock" as the landing place for the Pilgrims, the truth is that the original settlers never referred to anything of the sort. The first mention of Plymouth Rock came over 120 years after their landing.
3. What part of the turkey is saved and snapped as a superstitious good luck custom?
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Answer
Wishbone
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There are numerous traditions in Thanksgiving, but one of the most interesting is also shrouded in superstition. If you've ever celebrated Thanksgiving, chances are you've participated in this tradition.
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4. Thanksgiving is a day of giving thanks for the blessing of what?
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Answer
The harvest and of the preceding year.
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There are many things to be thankful for, but Thanksgiving has a very specific connotation that has to do with something very simple: giving thanks for food.
5. What other country celebrates its own version of Thanksgiving -- sometimes called L'action de graces -- on the second Monday of October?
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Answer
Canada
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Of course, the United States isn't the only nation that celebrates Thanksgiving. This holiday is just as big of a deal to their neighbor to the North.
4 Random Questions and Answers to Throw Around at Thanksgiving Dinner
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If you want to mix things up a little and learn about facts that you've never heard about before then why not try these random trivia questions and answers? These questions will keep you on your toes, which is what a good Thanksgiving trivia should do, right?
6. Which country consumes the most turkey per year per capita?
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Answer
Israel
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There's no denying it, Israel is seriously obsessed with turkey. The small nation produces over 125,000 tons of turkey meat each year, putting it in eighth place overall in world rankings.
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7. Which state grows the highest number of Potatoes in the USA?
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Answer
Idaho
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Even folks who aren't really familiar with US states might know that Idaho is actually famous for its potatoes. And as everyone knows, potatoes are a vital part of any good Thanksgiving dinner.
8. What amino acid can be found in Turkey?
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Answer
Tryptophan
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Turkey might be tasty, but it's also a very healthy choice. The tryptophan contained in Turkey meat plays an important role in the regulation of nitrogen in adults and infants alike.
9. The most injuries related to Thanksgiving day is?
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Answer
Mishandling of knife
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It doesn't take a genius to answer this one. As many people know, it's seen as a great honor to carve the turkey on this momentous occasion. However, it also takes a lot of skill...
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4 Ice Breakers That Would be a Big Hit for Adults
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If you want to explore the more mature aspects of this famous holiday, then it makes sense to check out some trivia questions for adults. These questions are guaranteed to be interesting for older people.
10. Who thought that the concept of Thanksgiving was "the most ridiculous idea I’ve ever heard."?
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Answer
Thomas Jefferson
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At least one president has voiced his disapproval of Thanksgiving. Basically, he didn't like the holiday because he saw it as a remnant of Britain's dominion over America.
11. Who campaigned for years to make Thanksgiving a national holiday?
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Answer
Sarah Joseph Hale
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If you want to thank someone for letting you have the day off work on Thanksgiving, thank Sarah Joseph Hale. Outside of her activism, Hale wrote the nursery rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb."
12. The first television broadcast of a Thanksgiving Day football game was in the year?
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Answer
1956
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These days, it might seem like Thanksgiving and football are inseparable. But funnily enough, the two things have only been linked during the last few decades.
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13. Male turkeys are called what? Toms
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Answer
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When most people think about turkeys, they picture the typical bird with large, fanning feathers and that unique "beard." But only the males look like this, and the females actually look relatively "normal" in comparison.
4 Easy Things to Ask on Your Thanksgiving Quiz Game
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It's always a good idea to take it easy once in a while, so if you're feeling like the previous questions were too difficult, you'll love these easy trivia questions.
14. What was the name of the ship the Pilgrims traveled on?
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Answer
The Mayflower
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Today, the Mayflower is strongly linked with the history of the United States. Some of its passengers went on to found family lines that stretch forward in time to today's most prominent celebrities.
15. The first Thanksgiving festival celebrated on which place?
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Answer
Plymouth, Massachusetts
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It makes sense that the first ever Thanksgiving festival was celebrated in Plymouth, since this was where the pilgrims initially landed! Just like the pilgrims themselves, this celebration eventually spread throughout America.
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16. What was the original name for the pilgrims?
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Answer
Puritans
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These days, people generally call the Mayflower passengers "pilgrims," but a more accurate term would be Puritan. After all, the whole reason they left their home nation was because they were being persecuted in England.
17. Which sauce is a traditional sauce for Thanksgiving celebrations?
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Answer
Cranberry sauce
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Cranberry sauce is the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving meal, and it adds a touch of sweetness to the turkey that is inescapably delicious. Cranberry sauce is also full of healthy antioxidants.
4 Hard and Challenging Trivia That Would Make You Seem Smart
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It's always a good idea to challenge yourself. Although these hard trivia questions won't be easy, you'll definitely learn some interesting facts about Thanksgiving.
18. The Oldest harvest celebration Makahiki lasts for how many months?
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Answer
4 months
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Makahiki is a traditional Hawaiian celebration that celebrates and generates their god Lono. At over four months, it's one of the longest harvest celebrations as well as one of the oldest.
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19. The average person consumes how much calories at their Thanksgiving meal?
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Answer
3,000 Calories
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Make no mistake, the average person eats a lot during Thanksgiving. While it's easy to feel guilty about overeating, just remember that humans have been feasting for thousands of years during special holidays.
20. Who was the chief of the Wampanoag?
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Answer
Massasoit
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The Wampanoag are actually still around today, and they encompass about five different tribes. As the story goes, this group of natives befriended the pilgrims and brought them corn.
21. What protein source do scholars believe was featured at the very first Thanksgiving celebration?
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Answer
Fish
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While it might seem unthinkable to have Halloween without any Turkey, something a little more logical was probably served at the original Thanksgiving dinner. After all, they were right by the ocean!
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4 Fun Ice Breakers Guaranteed to Impress Your Dinner Guests
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Learning about Thanksgiving doesn't have to be boring. Choose these fun trivia questions, and you can guarantee that you're putting a smile on everyone's faces.
22. Can you name the only place in Australia which celebrates Thanksgiving?
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Answer
Norfolk Island
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That's right, there's one place in Australia that celebrates this holiday. Why? Because during the 1800s, American whaling ships would frequently stop at the island, bringing their traditions with them.
23. The best place to put the meat thermometer in the turkey is?
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Answer
Thigh
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If you've ever cooked a turkey before, you know that it's not always a simple procedure. The entire process can take hours, and it's important to use a thermometer to figure out the meat's internal temperature.
24. What state produces the most cranberries?
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Answer
Wisconsin
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Cranberry farms are some of the most beautiful things on the planet. The massive fields of red berries grow in fields of water, creating a truly unique visual effect.
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25. The internal organs of a store-bought turkey are usually found in a small bag inside the bird. What is the collective name for the organs?
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Answer
Giblets
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If you've ever cooked Thanksgiving dinner, you probably know all about giblets. While the internal organs of the bird might not sound too appealing, they're perfect for making gravy and soups.
4 Funny Facts About Thanksgiving That Will Entertain Your Guests
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Thanksgiving is a time for joy and laughter, and there's no better way to achieve this than by asking funny trivia questions when you're with your friends and family.
26. A turkey below sixteen weeks of age is called a?
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Answer
Fryer
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You might have heard of calves, ducklings, cubs, puppies, and kittens, but we're willing to bet that you've never heard of the name for a young turkey before!
27. What dance form is dedicated to the name of the turkey?
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Answer
Turkey Trot
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The turkey trot wasn't a popular dance during the first ever Thanksgiving dinner, but it certainly became popular during the early 1900s.
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28. What is the name given to the flesh-like appendage that hangs from a turkey's neck?
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Answer
Wattle
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If you've ever seen a Turkey up close, you know that they're a truly unique animal species. Perhaps the most distinctive feature on this bird is its distinctive neck.
29. According to the Guinness Book of Records, The heaviest turkey on record weighs?
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Answer
86 pounds
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Like almost anything else farmers grow, there's always a degree of competition of who can show off the biggest, heaviest turkey. Well, records were shattered when one turkey named Tyson weighed in at an impressive 86 pounds.
3 Facts About Turkey Day That Kids Will Enjoy
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Kids love Thanksgiving, and everyone remembers the early days when this day brought all kinds of excitement and joy. You can add to their excitement by choosing these Thanksgiving trivia questions for kids.
30. Which month is thanksgiving celebrated in the US?
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Answer
November
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The first Thanksgiving celebration was actually shortly after October when the pilgrims celebrated their first successful harvest season in the new land.
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31. What are turkey chicks called?
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Answer
Poults or turkeylings
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While turkeys might grow up to be creatures of an... interesting appearance, they're actually quite cute when they're little. Farmers hatch them under special lights to keep them warm.
32. Korean Thanksgiving Festivals lasts for how many days?
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Answer
3
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Aside from Canada and the US, Korea also has its own special version of Thanksgiving. This celebration is known as Chuseok.
4 Things About Thanksgiving's History Anyone Would Find Interesting
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Above all else, Thanksgiving is strongly linked to history. You can't really talk about Thanksgiving without talking about American history. This is why these history trivia questions are always a good choice on Thanksgiving.
33. Which Founding Father wanted the turkey to be America’s national bird?
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Answer
Benjamin Franklin
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There's no doubt about it, the Turkey would have made a pretty awesome national bird. While the eagle is generally linked with empires and nobility, Turkey would have been symbolic of sharing and farming.
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34. Who were the two astronauts that ate turkey after walking on the moon?
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Answer
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin
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Believe it or not, these two astronauts really did eat turkey after their moonwalk. However, it was probably liquified.
35. Which president was the first to give a turkey a presidential pardon?
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Answer
Ronald Reagan
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Ever since Reagan gave the first turkey a pardon, they've been sent to Virginia petting zoo in Frying Pan Park.
36. What holiday did some Native Americans begin observing instead of Thanksgiving in 1970?
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Answer
Day of Mourning
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It's important to recognize that not everyone celebrates Thanksgiving with the same enthusiasm as the rest of us. For many Native Americans, it's a reminder of colonization.
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5 Questions and Answers About Thanksgiving in the 1980s That Would Make You Feel Nostalgic
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Do you love the 80's? If you do, then you'll love these Thanksgiving 80s trivia questions and answers that we've put together for you.
They're filled with some of the greatest and most memorable Thanksgiving moments from the 80s. So, sit back, reverse time, and enjoy the ride as each question takes you back to the 80s.
37. What critically acclaimed '80s movie is reported to have a deleted scene with friends preparing Thanksgiving dinner together?
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Answer
The Big Chill
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What's interesting is that this was the only other scene where Alex/Kevin Costner (who's death is the center of the film) appears.
38. The first female balloon flew in 1929, then not again until the ’80s.” Who was flown in 1982?
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Answer
Olive Oyl
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Since 1927, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has only featured 15 female balloon characters.
39. Where were the pardoned turkeys sent to from 1989 to 2004?
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Answer
Frying Pan Farm Park
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They have been sent to many different locations after 2004, some of which include Disney resorts.
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40. Which president delivered a series of eight Thanksgiving Day messeages to the country?
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Answer
Ronald Reagan
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Ronald Reagan felt the need to redirect Americans back to the true meaning of Thanksgiving with these series of messages.
41. In 1982, this brand introduced a stuffing meant to be paired with turkey.
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Answer
Stove Top
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If it's not Stove Top, it's not Thanksgiving.
4 Thanksgiving Music Quiz to Ask Your Friends and Families
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Thanksgiving, unlike other holidays, isn't typically celebrated with Thanksgiving music. However, you'll probably be surprised to find out that there are many songs written for and associated with Thanksgiving.
Learn more about the music culture of Thanksgiving with these Thanksgiving music trivia questions and answers.
42. What is the American folk song about gathering for Thanksgiving?
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Answer
We Gather Together
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The original version was written in Dutch and is based on the Dutch Battle of Turnhout.
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43. What is Darrell Scott's Thanksgiving song?
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Answer
The Day Before Thanksgiving
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Darrell Scott bluntly states how he feels about Thanksgiving in this amusing song that most people can relate to.
44. Most popular American fiddle and dance tune as an instrumental tribute to all turkeys.
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Answer
Turkey in the Straw
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This song has had many remakes since it was first written in the early 1800s, and has been featured on many adaptations.
45. What Christmas song was originally composed for Thanksgiving?
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Answer
Jingle Bells
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It was inspired by sleigh races held in Medford, Massachusetts during the winter months.
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4 Movie Quiz About Thanksgiving For Your Fellow Film Lovers
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Out of all those movies inspired by Thanksgiving, you've got to know the answers to these Thanksgiving movie trivia questions. If you don't, you definitely need to catch up on all these Thanksgiving movies mentioned in this game of trivia.
46. What is director Judd Apatow's longest film?
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Answer
Funny People
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With a 2 and a half hour running time, the film was criticized for it's longevity.
47. What prime-time TV special originally aired on CBS on November 20, 1973, and won an Emmy Award in 1974? Answer: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
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Answer
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
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In the special Snoopy serves up a Thanksgiving feast of buttered toast, pretzel sticks, popcorn, jelly beans, and an ice cream sundae.
48. Despite receiving mixed reviews, this silly film that centers around Black Friday shopping has a cult following.
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Answer
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2
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The film has a cult following focused on keeping the Rotten Tomatoes review score at 0%.
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49. This 2013 3-D animated film follows Reggie the turkey, who has always been afraid of Thanksgiving for its turkey-filled menu.
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Answer
Free Birds
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Reggie, and a few other birds, go oN a mission to take turkey off the Thanksgiving menu.
Downloadable and Printable List of Thanksgiving Trivia Questions
Here is a downloadable and printable list of thanksgiving trivia questions (right-click and select Save Image As...):
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Other Hilarious and Exciting Activities to Play on Your Next Thanksgiving Dinner
Face the Pie
The Mayflower
Feather Float
Pumpkin Toss
Thanksgiving Family Feud
Gratitude Game
Turkey Leg Wrap
How To Pick The Best Thanksgiving Trivia Questions
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Picking the best Thanksgiving trivia questions and answers isn't always easy. If you're looking to build a list of the best trivia questions that concern this topic, you might want to follow these quick and easy steps.
1. Choose Questions Involving Food
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For a lot of people out there, Thanksgiving is about one thing: food. Picking questions on the subject of food is always a good choice, and you'll help people develop their appetites before dinner arrives on the table.
2. Find a Balance Between Easy and Difficult
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Whenever you're picking trivia questions, it's always a good idea to choose a mix of easy, hard, and medium-difficulty questions.
This ensures that your questions will be interesting, stimulating, and just the right amount of challenging.
3. Don't Focus Too Much on History
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Thanksgiving has evolved quite a bit over the years. While learning about the history of Thanksgiving is definitely interesting, it's also important to appreciate our modern interpretation of the holiday.
Choosing questions that are more updated helps keep the trivia fresh and interesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I gather all my families and friends during Thanksgiving?
2. How to know the right time to play trivia questions and answers?
3. Is there an activity that both adults and kids would enjoy?
4. How to host a Thanksgiving dinner at my home?
More Awesome Ice Breaker Games And Questions To Ask
While there's a lot to learn about Thanksgiving, there are also many other topics for trivia questions. If you're looking for more ice breaker questions and interesting trivia, check out these options:
- A quick game of truth or dare is always entertaining. Use these truth or dare questions to make your next game even more thrilling.
- While we're on the subject of "giving thanks," why not test your bible knowledge? These bible trivia questions are sure to stump even the most religious individuals.
- Thanksgiving isn't too far away from Halloween, so you might want to brush up on your Halloween knowledge with these Halloween trivia questions.
- Ever wonder which person is most likely to become an Oscar-winning actress? That's just one example of "most likely to questions" that can be a lot of fun.
- Never have I ever can be a seriously fun game to play with friends, but only if you have the right questions. Choose from the right questions, and it's guaranteed to be a blast.
In Conclusion
Sometimes, it's a real challenge to wait until that amazing meal on Thanksgiving day. With these Thanksgiving trivia questions, you'll at least have something to keep you occupied before that glorious day arrives.
As the days draw closer and closer to Thanksgiving, you can use this trivia if you ever need ice breaker questions when striking up conversations with someone (maybe even your crush!).
These trivia questions can also be a fun activity for the whole family, because at the end of the day, that's what Thanksgiving is all about.
Hopefully, you've found some great questions to ask during this awesome holiday.
