GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Must-Know Thanksgiving Statistics [Latest Report]

Highlights: Thanksgiving Statistics

  • Approximately 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving.
  • In 2019, the average American spent $48.90 on a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people.
  • 18% of people prepare their Thanksgiving stuffing with cornbread.
  • Online Thanksgiving retail sales were $5.1 billion in 2020.
  • 91% of Thanksgiving hosts cook the turkey using the oven-roasted method.
  • The Detroit Lions have played in 81 Thanksgiving Day games, as of 2021.
  • 47% of Americans create leftover dishes at Thanksgiving, according to a 2020 survey.
  • The first Thanksgiving lasted three days, with approximately 53 Pilgrims and 90 Native Americans attending.
  • In 2019, over 3.5 million people attended the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person.
  • Around 19% of Thanksgiving meals include ham, besides turkey.
  • 77% of people in 2020 avoided non-immediate family gatherings for Thanksgiving.
  • 20% of American households buy a fresh, never-frozen turkey for Thanksgiving.
  • The heaviest turkey on record weighed 86 pounds.
  • In 2021, 23.8 million people watched the Dallas Cowboys vs. Las Vegas Raiders Thanksgiving NFL game.
  • 57% of Americans claim to eat turkey sandwiches made with leftovers after Thanksgiving.
  • In 2019, there were approximately 42,000 runners in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Marathon.

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Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and food. Every year, Americans come together to celebrate the holiday with traditional meals and activities. But how many people actually take part in Thanksgiving festivities? What are some of the most popular dishes served on this special day? And what other interesting facts can we learn about Thanksgiving from statistics? In this blog post, we’ll explore 20 fascinating stats related to America’s favorite fall holiday.

The Most Important Statistics
96% of Americans celebrate Thanksgiving.

This statistic is a powerful reminder of the importance of Thanksgiving in American culture. It shows that the holiday is widely celebrated and cherished by the vast majority of the population. This statistic is a testament to the strong tradition of Thanksgiving and its significance in the lives of many Americans.

Approximately 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving.

This statistic is a testament to the sheer magnitude of the Thanksgiving holiday. It speaks to the fact that Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy a meal, and that the tradition of turkey being the centerpiece of that meal is alive and well. It is a reminder of the importance of the holiday and the joy it brings to so many people.

Thanksgiving Statistics Overview

In 2019, the average American spent $48.90 on a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people.

This statistic is a telling indication of the financial commitment that many Americans make to celebrate Thanksgiving. It highlights the importance of the holiday to many families, as well as the amount of money that is spent to make the day special.

18% of people prepare their Thanksgiving stuffing with cornbread.

This statistic is significant in the context of a blog post about Thanksgiving Statistics because it provides insight into the traditional ingredients used in the holiday meal. It shows that cornbread is a popular choice for stuffing, which is a staple of the Thanksgiving dinner. This statistic can be used to further explore the culinary customs of the holiday and how they have evolved over time.

Online Thanksgiving retail sales were $5.1 billion in 2020.

This statistic is a testament to the power of online shopping during the Thanksgiving season. It shows that even in the midst of a pandemic, people were still able to find ways to celebrate the holiday and shop for gifts for their loved ones. This statistic is a reminder of the resilience of the American consumer and the importance of e-commerce in our lives.

91% of Thanksgiving hosts cook the turkey using the oven-roasted method.

This statistic is significant in the context of a blog post about Thanksgiving Statistics because it reveals the overwhelming majority of Thanksgiving hosts opt for the oven-roasted method when preparing the turkey. This indicates that oven-roasting is the preferred method of cooking the turkey, and is likely the most popular way to prepare the bird for the holiday.

The Detroit Lions have played in 81 Thanksgiving Day games, as of 2021.

This statistic is a testament to the Detroit Lions’ long-standing tradition of playing on Thanksgiving Day. It speaks to the team’s commitment to the holiday and the fans’ enthusiasm for the annual event. It is a reminder of the team’s history and the special place it holds in the hearts of many.

47% of Americans create leftover dishes at Thanksgiving, according to a 2020 survey.

This statistic is a telling indication of the importance of Thanksgiving to Americans. It shows that despite the challenges of 2020, many people are still taking the time to prepare traditional dishes for the holiday. This speaks to the resilience of the American spirit and the importance of family traditions.

The first Thanksgiving lasted three days, with approximately 53 Pilgrims and 90 Native Americans attending.

This statistic serves as a reminder of the origins of Thanksgiving and the importance of the relationship between the Pilgrims and Native Americans. It highlights the significance of the first Thanksgiving and the impact it had on the history of the holiday. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of coming together to celebrate and give thanks.

In 2019, over 3.5 million people attended the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person.

The sheer number of people who attended the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2019 is a testament to the enduring popularity of this beloved holiday tradition. It’s a reminder of the joy and togetherness that Thanksgiving brings to so many people, and a reminder of the importance of spending time with family and friends.

Around 19% of Thanksgiving meals include ham, besides turkey.

This statistic is important to consider when discussing Thanksgiving meals, as it reveals that ham is a popular choice for many people when it comes to celebrating the holiday. It shows that ham is a traditional part of the Thanksgiving feast, and that it is enjoyed by a significant portion of the population. This statistic can be used to illustrate the diversity of Thanksgiving meals, and how different families have their own unique traditions when it comes to celebrating the holiday.

77% of people in 2020 avoided non-immediate family gatherings for Thanksgiving.

This statistic is a powerful reminder of the impact of the pandemic on our holiday traditions. It speaks to the collective effort of people to prioritize safety and health over gathering with extended family and friends. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of following public health guidelines to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

20% of American households buy a fresh, never-frozen turkey for Thanksgiving.

This statistic is significant in the context of Thanksgiving Statistics because it provides insight into the traditional holiday practices of American households. It shows that a large portion of the population still values the traditional practice of buying a fresh, never-frozen turkey for the holiday. This statistic is a reminder of the importance of Thanksgiving traditions and the value that many Americans place on them.

The heaviest turkey on record weighed 86 pounds.

This statistic is a testament to the sheer size of the traditional Thanksgiving feast. It serves as a reminder of the abundance of food that is available to us during the holiday season, and the sheer magnitude of the meal that can be prepared. It is a reminder of the joy and celebration that comes with the holiday, and the importance of gathering with family and friends to share in the bounty.

In 2021, 23.8 million people watched the Dallas Cowboys vs. Las Vegas Raiders Thanksgiving NFL game.

This statistic is a testament to the enduring popularity of Thanksgiving football. Despite the pandemic, millions of people still tuned in to watch the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders battle it out on the gridiron. This statistic serves as a reminder that, even in difficult times, people still find joy in the traditions of the holiday season.

57% of Americans claim to eat turkey sandwiches made with leftovers after Thanksgiving.

This statistic is a testament to the lasting impact of Thanksgiving, as it shows that even after the holiday has passed, many Americans are still enjoying the traditional meal in the form of a turkey sandwich. It speaks to the importance of the holiday and the lasting memories it creates for many people.

In 2019, there were approximately 42,000 runners in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Marathon.

The sheer number of participants in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Marathon is a testament to the holiday’s popularity. It’s a reminder of how many people come together to celebrate Thanksgiving each year, and how much the holiday means to them. This statistic is a powerful reminder of the joy and togetherness that Thanksgiving brings.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and food. From the statistics above, it’s clear that Americans take this holiday seriously – 96% of us celebrate Thanksgiving each year. We consume an estimated 46 million turkeys on average during the holiday season, with 91% cooked using oven-roasted methods. The average American spends $48.90 to feed 10 people at their Thanksgiving meal and consumes around 4500 calories in one sitting. Nearly 50 million Americans travel to be with loved ones over the holidays while 18% prepare stuffing made from cornbread.

Retailers also benefit from our love of Thanksgiving; online sales reached 5.1 billion dollars in 2020 alone. And when all is said and done, 57 percent of us make turkey sandwiches out of leftovers – proving that we’re not ready to let go just yet. All these facts show how much joy this special day brings into our lives every year – no matter what form it takes or who joins us at the table

References

0. – https://www.statista.com

1. – https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com

2. – https://www.nrf.com

3. – https://www.today.yougov.com

4. – https://www.news.gallup.com

5. – https://www.timeout.com

6. – https://www.fao.org

7. – https://www.sportsmediawatch.com

8. – https://www.pewresearch.org

9. – https://www.runsignup.com

10. – https://www.history.com

FAQs

What is the origin of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States?

The origin of Thanksgiving in the United States dates back to 1621, when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans shared a harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, celebrating the Pilgrims' successful first harvest in the New World.

Which president declared Thanksgiving a national holiday?

President Abraham Lincoln officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, during the American Civil War. He designated the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise for the country.

Which foods are commonly associated with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner?

A traditional Thanksgiving dinner typically includes roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, dinner rolls or cornbread, and pumpkin pie for dessert.

Why is there a tradition of watching football games on Thanksgiving Day?

Watching football on Thanksgiving Day became a tradition because the first NFL game on Thanksgiving was played in 1920 between the Akron Pros and Canton Bulldogs. The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys have also hosted Thanksgiving Day games since 1934 and 1966, respectively, making it a familiar annual event to watch.

Which parade is nationally televised on Thanksgiving, and where is it held?

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a nationally televised event held annually on Thanksgiving Day in New York City. The parade features large character balloons, impressive floats, and various performers, making it a popular holiday tradition for many families.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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