GITNUXREPORT 2025

Thanksgiving Statistics

Millions travel and thousands cook, celebrating Thanksgiving's gratitude and tradition.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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14. 84% of Americans feel gratitude is important during Thanksgiving

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58. About 40% of Americans experience holiday stress, with cooking and family conflicts being common causes

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73. 78% of Americans think Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on gratitude, with over 70% expressing gratitude during family dinners, a University of Chicago study reports

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2. The average American spends $500 on Thanksgiving celebrations

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3. Approximately 25 million turkeys are eaten during Thanksgiving in the U.S. each year

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8. The most popular Thanksgiving side dish is stuffing, cited by over 90% of Americans

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9. Pumpkin pie is the favorite dessert during Thanksgiving for 78% of Americans

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10. The average American consumes about 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day

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15. Thanksgiving is the second most commercial holiday after Christmas in terms of retail sales

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17. The average cost of a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people in 2023 is approximately $48.91

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18. Over 2,000 new recipes are shared online for Thanksgiving each year

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21. Turkey production in the U.S. reaches about 250 million pounds during Thanksgiving season

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22. 60 million Americans plan to eat leftovers after Thanksgiving

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30. The top spending categories on Thanksgiving include food, travel, and gifts, with food accounting for 50% of total expenditures

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32. 65% of Americans eat with family, while 15% eat with friends and 20% host community events

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34. The most common Thanksgiving drink is wine, preferred by 55% of Americans during the celebration

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35. 30% of Americans prepare their Thanksgiving meal with organic ingredients, reflecting a trend towards healthier choices

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39. Approximately 1.2 million turkeys are less than 16 weeks old, processed annually for Thanksgiving in the U.S.

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40. About 25 million Americans dine out for Thanksgiving, rather than cooking at home, reflecting a rise in restaurant dining

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46. The average Thanksgiving meal includes about 8 different dishes, with some families offering up to 15

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52. Thanksgiving spending increases by approximately 20% compared to normal monthly spending, driven by holiday shopping and food

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55. The most traditional Thanksgiving meal contains turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and green beans, as reported by 85% of households

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56. 30% of Americans plan to eat vegetarian or vegan Thanksgiving meals this year, reflecting ongoing dietary trends

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59. 12% of Americans plan to use meal kits for their Thanksgiving dinner to save time, indicating a trend towards convenience foods

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60. 51% of respondents in a survey prefer homemade dishes over store-bought foods during Thanksgiving, emphasizing homemade tradition

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63. 330 million pounds of sweet potatoes are consumed during Thanksgiving annually in the U.S., highlighting popularity of sweet potato dishes

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64. 47% of Americans prefer to eat gluten-free or allergen-friendly Thanksgiving foods, reflecting dietary restrictions

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66. 85% of households keep Thanksgiving leftovers for at least 3 days, with many using them to make new meals

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67. 15% of Americans will skip traditional dishes and opt for international or cultural foods during Thanksgiving, reflecting diversity

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74. 22% of Americans plan to celebrate Thanksgiving with new recipes or dishes they've never tried before, reflecting culinary experimentation

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75. The average American dinner plate size has increased over the past decade, influencing portion sizes at Thanksgiving, according to the Cornell Food and Brand Lab

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12. Between 20 to 25% of Americans send Thanksgiving greeting cards

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42. The average American spends 45 minutes cleaning before and after Thanksgiving dinner, tracking holiday upkeep

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43. 38% of Americans plan to buy gifts around Thanksgiving in addition to celebrating the holiday, indicating early holiday shopping trends

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65. About 20% of Americans decorate with artificial fall leaves and pumpkins, citing ease and reuse

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69. The average amount spent on Thanksgiving flowers, such as centerpieces, is approximately $30 per household

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5. About 88% of Americans celebrate Thanksgiving

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6. 55% of Americans cook their own Thanksgiving dinner

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7. The average table seats 8 to 10 people during Thanksgiving

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11. 35 million Americans use social media to share Thanksgiving stories

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13. Approximately 17 million Americans volunteer to serve food at Thanksgiving events

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16. In 2023, 49% of Americans plan to buy Thanksgiving flowers or centerpieces

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19. 70% of Americans plan to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

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20. Nearly 9 in 10 Americans have a family gathering for Thanksgiving

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26. Over 30 million Americans watch the National Dog Show during Thanksgiving

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27. 40% of Americans plan to donate to food banks during Thanksgiving

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28. Nearly 60% of Americans cook a turkey for Thanksgiving, but the rest opt for other main dishes like ham or vegetarian meals

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29. 52% of Americans get involved in volunteer activities during Thanksgiving holiday

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31. The average American spends 12 hours preparing and celebrating Thanksgiving each year

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36. Around 80% of Americans enjoy watching football games on Thanksgiving, with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys being the most-watched teams

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37. The average number of costumed characters at Thanksgiving-themed events is 15 per event

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38. 66% of Americans decorate their homes for Thanksgiving, with pumpkins and fall leaves being the most popular decorations

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44. The busiest shopping day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, accounts for over 15 billion dollars in sales annually

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45. 20% of Americans will participate in charity runs or walks in honor of Thanksgiving during November

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47. Over 90% of Americans own a photo of their Thanksgiving dinner, used for social media sharing

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48. About 78% of Americans watch the Macy’s Parade on TV every year during Thanksgiving, making it the most-viewed holiday event

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50. The average length of a Thanksgiving dinner is about 2 hours, but some families extend celebrations throughout the day

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51. 50% of Americans prepare homemade pies for Thanksgiving, with pumpkin and apple being the most popular

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53. About 60% of Americans are planning to host Thanksgiving dinner for the first time in several years, due to changing family dynamics

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57. Nearly 1 million Americans participate in virtual Thanksgiving celebrations annually, a significant rise post-pandemic

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61. 67% of Americans have a family tradition for Thanksgiving, such as specific foods or activities, maintaining cultural heritage

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62. 20% of Americans host Thanksgiving for their workplace or community groups, expanding holiday outreach

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68. 32% of Americans say they plan to host or attend a Thanksgiving brunch, rather than dinner, during the holiday

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70. 27% of Americans listen to Thanksgiving-themed podcasts or music while preparing or celebrating, enhancing holiday mood

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72. 60% of Americans participate in online Thanksgiving sales or promotions for holiday shopping, with some spending over $200 on deals

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1. Over 46 million Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving in 2023

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4. The day before Thanksgiving is known as the busiest travel day of the year in the U.S.

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23. The top travel destinations during Thanksgiving are New York City, Orlando, and Las Vegas

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24. About 14 million Americans are expected to travel by air during Thanksgiving

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25. The average price of a cinema ticket on Thanksgiving weekend increased by 12% compared to last year

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33. Since 2010, Thanksgiving travel has increased by 20%, indicating growing popularity of holiday visits

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41. 40% of American households host guests from out of town, requiring additional planning and accommodations

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49. 35% of Americans travel more than 50 miles for Thanksgiving, showing a significant distance traveled for family gatherings

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54. 14 million Americans are expected to travel by train during Thanksgiving, a rise from previous years

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71. About 10% of Americans will travel by RV or camper during Thanksgiving, due to flexible lodging options

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Sources

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Key Highlights

1. Over 46 million Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving in 2023
2. The average American spends $500 on Thanksgiving celebrations
3. Approximately 25 million turkeys are eaten during Thanksgiving in the U.S. each year
4. The day before Thanksgiving is known as the busiest travel day of the year in the U.S.
5. About 88% of Americans celebrate Thanksgiving
6. 55% of Americans cook their own Thanksgiving dinner
7. The average table seats 8 to 10 people during Thanksgiving
8. The most popular Thanksgiving side dish is stuffing, cited by over 90% of Americans
9. Pumpkin pie is the favorite dessert during Thanksgiving for 78% of Americans
10. The average American consumes about 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day
11. 35 million Americans use social media to share Thanksgiving stories
12. Between 20 to 25% of Americans send Thanksgiving greeting cards
13. Approximately 17 million Americans volunteer to serve food at Thanksgiving events

As millions of Americans gear up for Thanksgiving in 2023, the holiday’s blend of tradition, travel, and gratitude reveals surprising trends—from over 46 million travelers to a $500 average spend—that make this celebration the most dynamic and diverse it has ever been.

Demographic and Attitudinal Insights

14. 84% of Americans feel gratitude is important during Thanksgiving
58. About 40% of Americans experience holiday stress, with cooking and family conflicts being common causes
73. 78% of Americans think Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on gratitude, with over 70% expressing gratitude during family dinners, a University of Chicago study reports

Demographic and Attitudinal Insights Interpretation

While nearly 75% of Americans see Thanksgiving as a heartfelt time for gratitude, the holiday’s half of the population also grapples with stress and familial friction, reminding us that giving thanks often comes with a side of pandemonium.

Food Consumption and Spending

2. The average American spends $500 on Thanksgiving celebrations
3. Approximately 25 million turkeys are eaten during Thanksgiving in the U.S. each year
8. The most popular Thanksgiving side dish is stuffing, cited by over 90% of Americans
9. Pumpkin pie is the favorite dessert during Thanksgiving for 78% of Americans
10. The average American consumes about 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day
15. Thanksgiving is the second most commercial holiday after Christmas in terms of retail sales
17. The average cost of a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people in 2023 is approximately $48.91
18. Over 2,000 new recipes are shared online for Thanksgiving each year
21. Turkey production in the U.S. reaches about 250 million pounds during Thanksgiving season
22. 60 million Americans plan to eat leftovers after Thanksgiving
30. The top spending categories on Thanksgiving include food, travel, and gifts, with food accounting for 50% of total expenditures
32. 65% of Americans eat with family, while 15% eat with friends and 20% host community events
34. The most common Thanksgiving drink is wine, preferred by 55% of Americans during the celebration
35. 30% of Americans prepare their Thanksgiving meal with organic ingredients, reflecting a trend towards healthier choices
39. Approximately 1.2 million turkeys are less than 16 weeks old, processed annually for Thanksgiving in the U.S.
40. About 25 million Americans dine out for Thanksgiving, rather than cooking at home, reflecting a rise in restaurant dining
46. The average Thanksgiving meal includes about 8 different dishes, with some families offering up to 15
52. Thanksgiving spending increases by approximately 20% compared to normal monthly spending, driven by holiday shopping and food
55. The most traditional Thanksgiving meal contains turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and green beans, as reported by 85% of households
56. 30% of Americans plan to eat vegetarian or vegan Thanksgiving meals this year, reflecting ongoing dietary trends
59. 12% of Americans plan to use meal kits for their Thanksgiving dinner to save time, indicating a trend towards convenience foods
60. 51% of respondents in a survey prefer homemade dishes over store-bought foods during Thanksgiving, emphasizing homemade tradition
63. 330 million pounds of sweet potatoes are consumed during Thanksgiving annually in the U.S., highlighting popularity of sweet potato dishes
64. 47% of Americans prefer to eat gluten-free or allergen-friendly Thanksgiving foods, reflecting dietary restrictions
66. 85% of households keep Thanksgiving leftovers for at least 3 days, with many using them to make new meals
67. 15% of Americans will skip traditional dishes and opt for international or cultural foods during Thanksgiving, reflecting diversity
74. 22% of Americans plan to celebrate Thanksgiving with new recipes or dishes they've never tried before, reflecting culinary experimentation
75. The average American dinner plate size has increased over the past decade, influencing portion sizes at Thanksgiving, according to the Cornell Food and Brand Lab

Food Consumption and Spending Interpretation

While Americans toast to gratitude with an average of 4,500 calories, spend nearly $500, and share over 2,000 recipes, our holiday feast remains both a testament to tradition and a reflection of our evolving palate, where turkey weighs in at 250 million pounds, organic and allergen-friendly options grow in popularity, and nearly one in five skip the classic for international flavors, reminding us that Thanksgiving is as much about embracing change as it is about celebrating what we cherish.

Pre-Thanksgiving Traditions and Events

12. Between 20 to 25% of Americans send Thanksgiving greeting cards
42. The average American spends 45 minutes cleaning before and after Thanksgiving dinner, tracking holiday upkeep
43. 38% of Americans plan to buy gifts around Thanksgiving in addition to celebrating the holiday, indicating early holiday shopping trends
65. About 20% of Americans decorate with artificial fall leaves and pumpkins, citing ease and reuse
69. The average amount spent on Thanksgiving flowers, such as centerpieces, is approximately $30 per household

Pre-Thanksgiving Traditions and Events Interpretation

As Americans juggle sending greeting cards, spending nearly an hour tidying up, gearing up for early gift shopping, and splurging on festive blooms—all while embracing both tradition and convenience—Thanksgiving reveals itself as a holiday of multitasking, modest expenditure, and seasonal style.

Thanksgiving Participation and Celebrations

5. About 88% of Americans celebrate Thanksgiving
6. 55% of Americans cook their own Thanksgiving dinner
7. The average table seats 8 to 10 people during Thanksgiving
11. 35 million Americans use social media to share Thanksgiving stories
13. Approximately 17 million Americans volunteer to serve food at Thanksgiving events
16. In 2023, 49% of Americans plan to buy Thanksgiving flowers or centerpieces
19. 70% of Americans plan to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
20. Nearly 9 in 10 Americans have a family gathering for Thanksgiving
26. Over 30 million Americans watch the National Dog Show during Thanksgiving
27. 40% of Americans plan to donate to food banks during Thanksgiving
28. Nearly 60% of Americans cook a turkey for Thanksgiving, but the rest opt for other main dishes like ham or vegetarian meals
29. 52% of Americans get involved in volunteer activities during Thanksgiving holiday
31. The average American spends 12 hours preparing and celebrating Thanksgiving each year
36. Around 80% of Americans enjoy watching football games on Thanksgiving, with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys being the most-watched teams
37. The average number of costumed characters at Thanksgiving-themed events is 15 per event
38. 66% of Americans decorate their homes for Thanksgiving, with pumpkins and fall leaves being the most popular decorations
44. The busiest shopping day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, accounts for over 15 billion dollars in sales annually
45. 20% of Americans will participate in charity runs or walks in honor of Thanksgiving during November
47. Over 90% of Americans own a photo of their Thanksgiving dinner, used for social media sharing
48. About 78% of Americans watch the Macy’s Parade on TV every year during Thanksgiving, making it the most-viewed holiday event
50. The average length of a Thanksgiving dinner is about 2 hours, but some families extend celebrations throughout the day
51. 50% of Americans prepare homemade pies for Thanksgiving, with pumpkin and apple being the most popular
53. About 60% of Americans are planning to host Thanksgiving dinner for the first time in several years, due to changing family dynamics
57. Nearly 1 million Americans participate in virtual Thanksgiving celebrations annually, a significant rise post-pandemic
61. 67% of Americans have a family tradition for Thanksgiving, such as specific foods or activities, maintaining cultural heritage
62. 20% of Americans host Thanksgiving for their workplace or community groups, expanding holiday outreach
68. 32% of Americans say they plan to host or attend a Thanksgiving brunch, rather than dinner, during the holiday
70. 27% of Americans listen to Thanksgiving-themed podcasts or music while preparing or celebrating, enhancing holiday mood
72. 60% of Americans participate in online Thanksgiving sales or promotions for holiday shopping, with some spending over $200 on deals

Thanksgiving Participation and Celebrations Interpretation

As Americans eagerly embrace their turkey, traditions, and online sales—spending nearly as much time and money on Thanksgiving as they do in front of the TV or at the dinner table—this holiday vividly demonstrates that while we may diversify our main dishes and decorations, our collective appetite for community, gratitude, and a good deal remains steadfastly universal.

Travel and Transportation Habits

1. Over 46 million Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving in 2023
4. The day before Thanksgiving is known as the busiest travel day of the year in the U.S.
23. The top travel destinations during Thanksgiving are New York City, Orlando, and Las Vegas
24. About 14 million Americans are expected to travel by air during Thanksgiving
25. The average price of a cinema ticket on Thanksgiving weekend increased by 12% compared to last year
33. Since 2010, Thanksgiving travel has increased by 20%, indicating growing popularity of holiday visits
41. 40% of American households host guests from out of town, requiring additional planning and accommodations
49. 35% of Americans travel more than 50 miles for Thanksgiving, showing a significant distance traveled for family gatherings
54. 14 million Americans are expected to travel by train during Thanksgiving, a rise from previous years
71. About 10% of Americans will travel by RV or camper during Thanksgiving, due to flexible lodging options

Travel and Transportation Habits Interpretation

With over 46 million Americans hitting the road, skies, or rails this Thanksgiving—despite rising travel costs and a 20% surge since 2010—the holiday's true pilgrimage is less about destinations like New York, Orlando, or Vegas, and more about demonstrating that Americans will go to great lengths—even by RV or train—to gather, reaffirming that in the end, travel is just another act of seasonal togetherness.