Thanksgiving Game Night: Fun, Family, and a Dash of Chaos

Thanksgiving: a day dedicated to gratitude, great food, and awkwardly explaining your life choices to distant relatives. But let’s not forget the real MVP of the holiday—family game night. When the turkey is demolished, the pies are just crumbs, and Uncle Bob is in a food coma on the couch, it’s time to whip out the games and turn your living room into a competitive arena.

Here’s a roundup of some of the best games to keep everyone entertained—complete with tips to help you emerge victorious (or at least avoid being disowned).

1. Mario Kart: Family Feuds on Wheels

If your family has a Nintendo Switch, you must fire up Mario Kart. There’s no better way to bond with your loved ones than by hurling a blue shell at their hopes and dreams right before the finish line.

• Pro Tip: Play nice with Grandma. Unless she’s winning—then it's every racer for themselves.

• Humor Highlight: Watching your tech-challenged cousin accidentally drive off Rainbow Road... again.

2. Charades: Mime Your Way to Glory

Charades is a classic for a reason—no equipment needed, and everyone can play (even Uncle Bob if he wakes up). From acting out movie titles to attempting animal impressions, it’s the perfect game to laugh at each other without being too obvious about it.

• Pro Tip: Over-exaggerate everything. You’re not just a turkey, you’re the turkey of the season.

• Humor Highlight: That one relative who turns every clue into an interpretive dance routine.

3. Jackbox Games: Tech-Savvy Laughs

For a more modern twist, break out Jackbox Games. All you need is a console or computer, and everyone joins using their phones. From witty word games to drawing hilariously bad pictures, it’s like Thanksgiving Pictionary, but snarkier.

• Pro Tip: Be as absurd as possible. The funnier your answers, the more likely you’ll win.

• Humor Highlight: Watching your family’s terrible drawing skills somehow create modern art.

4. Monopoly: The Longest War

Monopoly is not just a game; it’s an endurance test. It’s also the perfect way to remind your siblings that you’re better at life because you own Boardwalk, and they’re stuck paying rent on Baltic Avenue.

• Pro Tip: Hide the money from the banker (a.k.a. that one cousin who’s way too good at math).

• Humor Highlight: The inevitable shouting match over house rules. Is free parking a thing or not?!

5. Thanksgiving Trivia: Gobble Up the Knowledge

Create a custom trivia game based on Thanksgiving facts or your family’s own history. It’s equal parts entertaining and educational (a win for the family’s youngest members and the trivia nerds).

• Pro Tip: Sneak in a few “inside joke” questions to keep it fun for everyone.

• Humor Highlight: Realizing no one knows the answers because everyone skipped history class.

6. Dance Games: Shake Off That Turkey Belly

If you’ve got a dance game like Just Dance, now’s the time to turn your living room into a dance floor. It's a perfect way to burn off the mashed potatoes while also embarrassing yourself in front of the whole family.

• Pro Tip: Pair up with the family member least likely to judge you.

• Humor Highlight: Grandpa busting moves you didn’t know existed.

The Golden Rule of Thanksgiving Game Night

At the end of the day, it’s not about who wins or loses (unless you're playing Monopoly—then it absolutely is). The real goal is to laugh, bond, and create memories you’ll retell every Thanksgiving. And if someone flips the game board in a fit of rage, congratulations—you’ve officially hosted a successful Thanksgiving game night!

Happy Thanksgiving, and may the odds be ever in your favor!