70 Themed Thanksgiving Office Games and Activities: Fostering Fun and Team Spirit

Thanksgiving Office Games and Activities

“In the spirit of Thanksgiving, let’s play, laugh, and bond.” As the season of gratitude approaches, it’s the perfect time to infuse your workplace with festive cheer through themed Thanksgiving Office Games and Activities.

Not only do these activities create memorable experiences, but they also strengthen workplace connections and enhance team spirit.

Office Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas – This guide presents a variety of Workplace Thanksgiving-themed games and activities designed to boost camaraderie, creativity, and joy in the office.

The Importance of Thanksgiving Office Games and Activities

Enhancing Employee Engagement

Thanksgiving Office Games and Activities play a crucial role in enhancing employee engagement. According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report, engaged employees are 21% more productive than their disengaged counterparts (Gallup). By incorporating festive Thanksgiving Office Games and Activities, you can lift morale and foster a sense of belonging, which ultimately contributes to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

Encouraging Teamwork and Creativity

Themed activities not only entertain but also encourage collaboration and innovative thinking. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that team-building activities improve collaboration and problem-solving skills, leading to better performance and creativity (HBR). These activities provide a platform for employees to work together in a fun, relaxed setting, enhancing their teamwork and creativity.

Classic Thanksgiving Office Games with a Twist

Reimagining Traditional Games

Adding a Thanksgiving twist to classic games can rejuvenate the festive spirit and keep the celebrations fresh and exciting. These creative adaptations provide a delightful way to honor the holiday while engaging employees in friendly competition. By incorporating Thanksgiving themes into familiar games, you encourage participation and foster a sense of camaraderie. This approach not only enhances the festive atmosphere but also helps build stronger connections among colleagues during the holiday season.

Top Classic Games

1. Thanksgiving Charades
   

Overview: Charades is a classic party game that can be easily adapted to a Thanksgiving theme. Create a list of Thanksgiving-related prompts, such as “baking a pie” or “carving the turkey.”
How to Play:

• Divide employees into two teams.
• One player from each team acts out the prompt without speaking, while their team tries to guess.
• Set a time limit for each round and award points for correct guesses.

2. Turkey Trivia
   

Overview: Test your employees’ knowledge with a Thanksgiving trivia game. Include fun facts about the holiday, its history, and traditions.
How to Play:

• Prepare a list of trivia questions and answers.
• Organize a quiz format with multiple-choice or true/false questions.
• Offer small prizes for the top scorers to encourage participation.

Additional Ideas

1. Pin the Feather on the Turkey
   

Overview: A playful twist on “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” this game adds a Thanksgiving theme.
How to Play:

• Create a large turkey poster and cut out feathers from colorful paper.
• Blindfold players and have them try to pin the feathers on the turkey.
• The player who places the feather closest to the correct spot wins.

2. Thanksgiving Bingo
   

Overview: Create bingo cards with Thanksgiving images and concepts for a festive game.
How to Play:

• Design bingo cards featuring Thanksgiving-themed items like “pumpkin pie” and “cornucopia.”
• Distribute cards and markers to employees.
• Call out items randomly and mark off the corresponding squares.
• The first player to complete a line wins.

3. Pumpkin Bowling
   

Overview: Combine a classic bowling game with Halloween fun by using pumpkins as bowling balls.
How to Play:

• Set up bowling pins in a hallway or open space.
• Use small pumpkins as bowling balls.
• Players take turns rolling the pumpkins to knock down the pins.
• Keep score and offer prizes for high scores.

4. Harvest Pictionary
   

Overview: A drawing and guessing game with a Thanksgiving theme.
How to Play:

• Prepare a list of Thanksgiving-related words and phrases.
• Players take turns drawing the word or phrase while their team guesses.
• Set a time limit for each round and award points for correct guesses.

5. Cornucopia Ring Toss
   

Overview: A fun ring toss game with Thanksgiving-themed targets.
How to Play:

• Create cornucopia-shaped targets and place them at varying distances.
• Provide rings or hoops to toss.
• Players try to ring the targets for points.
• The player with the most points wins.

More Thanksgiving Game Ideas for the Office

• Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
• Pilgrim Hat Ring Toss
• Corn Husking Relay
• Stuff the Turkey Relay Race
• Gratitude Hot Potato
• Thanksgiving Word Scramble
• Turkey Feather Relay
• Thanksgiving Jeopardy
• Corn Kernel Guessing Game
• Pass the Pumpkin

Creative Thanksgiving-Themed Activities

Inspiring Creativity and Participation

Designing activities that encourage employees to express their creativity and share their unique perspectives is an effective way to boost participation and engagement. By offering opportunities for individuals to showcase their talents and ideas, you create a dynamic and inclusive environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. These activities not only enhance the overall office atmosphere but also strengthen team bonds by celebrating each person’s unique contributions and encouraging a culture of creativity.

Top Creative Activities

1. Office Scavenger Hunt
   

Overview: Organize a scavenger hunt with Thanksgiving-themed clues and prizes to engage employees.
How to Play:

• Create a list of Thanksgiving-related items or clues to find around the office.
• Divide employees into teams and provide the first clue.
• Teams follow the clues to find hidden items or complete tasks.
• The first team to finish wins a prize.

2. DIY Craft Stations
   

Overview: Set up craft stations where employees can make their own Thanksgiving decorations.
How to Set Up:

• Provide materials like construction paper, markers, glue, and other craft supplies.
• Offer ideas for crafts such as making turkeys, wreaths, or garlands.
• Allow employees to create and take home their crafts or display them in the office.

Additional Ideas

1. Storytelling Circle
   

Overview: A circle where employees share personal Thanksgiving stories or memories.
How to Organize:

• Arrange a time for employees to gather in a circle.
• Invite participants to share their favorite Thanksgiving memories or stories.
• Encourage everyone to listen and appreciate the diverse experiences.

2. Recipe Swap
   

Overview: Exchange favorite Thanksgiving recipes in a fun, interactive way.
How to Organize:

• Ask employees to submit their favorite Thanksgiving recipes.
• Create a recipe booklet or a digital collection to share with everyone.
• Encourage employees to try out new recipes and bring in dishes to share.

3. Gratitude Journals
   

Overview: Create personalized journals for employees to write what they’re thankful for.
How to Set Up:

• Provide journals or notebooks for each employee.
• Encourage them to write daily or weekly entries about what they are thankful for.
• Share reflections in a group setting or keep them private.

4. Thanksgiving Photo Contest
   

Overview: Encourage employees to submit photos that capture the essence of Thanksgiving.
How to Organize:

• Announce a photo contest with categories like “Best Table Setting” or “Most Creative Turkey.”
• Set a deadline for photo submissions.
• Display photos in the office and have employees vote for their favorites.

5. Culinary Challenge
   

Overview: Host a friendly competition where employees bring in homemade dishes to be judged.
How to Organize:

• Invite employees to prepare their favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
• Set up a tasting and judging area with categories for different types of dishes.
• Award prizes for categories like “Best Dessert” or “Most Unique Recipe.”

More Creative Thanksgiving-Themed Activities

• Thanksgiving Potluck Cook-Off
• Office Pie Baking Contest
• Handmade Thanksgiving Card Exchange
• Thanksgiving Trivia Quiz
• Employee Talent Showcase
• Thanksgiving-Themed Puzzle Challenge
• Office Gratitude Wall
• DIY Centerpiece Competition
• Holiday-Themed Office Escape Room
• Collaborative Thanksgiving Artwork

Team-Building Thanksgiving Office Activities

Strengthening Bonds Through Collaboration

Strengthening relationships among colleagues through collaborative activities is key to fostering a cohesive team environment. By planning activities that require teamwork and strategic thinking, you create opportunities for employees to work together, share ideas, and solve problems collectively. These experiences promote trust, communication, and mutual respect, essential elements for a productive workplace. Encouraging collaboration not only enhances team dynamics but also leads to more innovative solutions and a stronger sense of community within the office.

Top Team-Building Activities

1. Build-a-Turkey Challenge
   

Overview: A collaborative activity where teams create turkeys using craft materials.
How to Play:

• Provide craft supplies like paper, markers, feathers, and glue.
• Divide employees into teams and assign them the task of building a turkey.
• Allow time for teams to create and present their turkeys.
• Award prizes for creativity and teamwork.

2. Office Cook-Off
   

Overview: Organize a cooking competition with Thanksgiving ingredients.
How to Set Up:

• Set up cooking stations with Thanksgiving ingredients and recipes.
• Divide employees into teams and provide a time limit for cooking.
• Have a panel of judges or let employees taste and vote for their favorite dishes.

Additional Ideas

1. Escape Room Experience
   

Overview: Design an escape room with Thanksgiving-themed puzzles and challenges.
How to Organize:

• Create a series of puzzles and clues related to Thanksgiving.
• Set up the escape room in a conference room or other space.
• Divide employees into teams and challenge them to solve the puzzles and “escape” within a set time.

2. Charity Challenge
   

Overview: Teams compete to collect donations for a Thanksgiving charity drive.
How to Organize:

• Choose a local charity that supports Thanksgiving meals or families in need.
• Set up a donation collection area and create a friendly competition among teams.
• Award prizes for the team that collects the most donations.

3. Puzzle Competition
   

Overview: Work together to complete a Thanksgiving-themed jigsaw puzzle.
How to Organize:

• Purchase a Thanksgiving-themed jigsaw puzzle.
• Divide employees into teams and provide puzzle pieces.
• The team that completes the puzzle first wins a prize.

4. Office Olympics
   

Overview: Organize mini-competitions with a Thanksgiving twist.
How to Set Up:

• Plan a series of fun, Thanksgiving-themed games like “Turkey Trot Races” or “Cornucopia Toss.”
• Create a schedule and set up different stations for each event.
• Award medals or trophies for top performers.

5. Gratitude Relay
   

Overview: Pass a “gratitude baton” around the office, where each person writes something they’re thankful for.
How to Organize:

• Create a baton or a decorative item for the relay.
• Each employee writes a note of gratitude and passes the baton to a colleague.
• Collect and display the gratitude notes in a shared space.

More Team-Building Thanksgiving Office Activities

• Thanksgiving Quiz Bowl
• Office Turkey Hunt
• Collaborative Thanksgiving Mural
• Thanksgiving-Themed Office Trivia Night
• Recipe Creation Workshop
• Team Cooking Relay
• Thanksgiving Memory Match Game
• Group Volunteer Day
• Thanksgiving Potluck Planning Committee
• Office Thanksgiving Parade Float Decorating

Virtual Thanksgiving Office Games and Activities

Engaging Remote Teams

Engaging remote teams during Thanksgiving is essential for ensuring all employees feel included and connected. By offering virtual celebration ideas, you can bridge the gap between in-office and remote staff. Organize virtual events like themed game nights, gratitude-sharing sessions, or online potlucks to foster a sense of community. These activities help maintain strong team bonds, boost morale, and ensure everyone feels valued and part of the Thanksgiving festivities, regardless of location.

Top Virtual Activities

1. Online Turkey Trot
   

Overview: Host a virtual race where employees track their steps or miles.
How to Organize:

• Set up a virtual tracking system or app.
• Encourage employees to participate in a step challenge or virtual race.
• Offer prizes for the most steps or fastest times.

2. Virtual Thankful Tree
   

Overview: Create a digital platform where employees can share notes of gratitude.
How to Set Up:

• Use a digital collaboration tool or platform to create a virtual gratitude tree.
• Invite employees to add their notes of thanks and appreciation.
• Share the completed tree with the team.

Additional Ideas

1. Virtual Costume Contest
   

Overview: Encourage employees to dress up in Thanksgiving-themed costumes for a fun contest.
How to Organize:

• Host a virtual meeting where employees can show off their costumes.
• Allow time for voting or judging.
• Award prizes for categories like “Most Creative Costume” or “Best Group Theme.”

2. Remote Potluck Sharing
   

Overview: Share recipes and photos of homemade dishes in a virtual meeting.
How to Organize:

• Encourage employees to prepare their favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
• Host a virtual meeting where participants can share recipes and photos.
• Discuss favorite dishes and culinary tips.

3. Thanksgiving Zoom Backgrounds
   

Overview: Use themed backgrounds to add festivity to virtual meetings.
How to Set Up:

• Create or find Thanksgiving-themed Zoom backgrounds.
• Encourage employees to use these backgrounds during virtual meetings.
• Share links to download or set up backgrounds.

4. Online Trivia Night
   

Overview: Host a trivia night with Thanksgiving questions over a video call.
How to Organize:

• Prepare a list of Thanksgiving-themed trivia questions.
• Use a virtual meeting platform to host the trivia night.
• Award prizes for top scores or most correct answers.

5. Virtual Talent Show
   

Overview: Showcase talents through pre-recorded videos or live performances.
How to Organize:

• Invite employees to submit videos of their talents or perform live.
• Host a virtual talent show where employees can watch and vote.
• Offer prizes for various categories, like “Best Performance” or “Most Unique Talent.”

More Virtual Thanksgiving Office Games and Activities

• Virtual Pumpkin Carving Contest
• Thanksgiving-Themed Virtual Escape Room
• Online Thanksgiving Pictionary
• Virtual Gratitude Journal Sharing
• Remote Thanksgiving Recipe Exchange
• Virtual Office Bingo
• Online Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
• Virtual Office Happy Hour
• Thanksgiving-Themed Online Karaoke
• Remote Team Gratitude Chain

Dos and Don’ts of Thanksgiving Office Games and Activities

Dos

1. Do Encourage Participation
   Ensure that all employees feel included by encouraging participation in various activities. Create an environment where everyone feels comfortable joining in and contributing.
2. Do Plan Inclusively
   Consider the diverse interests and preferences of your team when planning activities. Offer a range of Thanksgiving Office Games and Activities to ensure there is something for everyone.
3. Do Communicate Clearly
   Provide clear instructions and information about the Thanksgiving Office Games and Activities. Make sure everyone understands the rules and how to participate.
4. Do Foster a Positive Atmosphere
   Aim to create a fun and supportive environment where employees can enjoy themselves and bond with colleagues. Focus on enjoyment and teamwork rather than competition.
5. Do Offer Prizes and Recognition
   Recognize and reward participants with small prizes or certificates. Celebrating achievements and contributions can enhance motivation and engagement.

Don’ts

1. Don’t Exclude Anyone
   Avoid activities that might inadvertently exclude certain employees or groups. Ensure that all Thanksgiving Office Games and Activities are accessible and inclusive.
2. Don’t Overcomplicate the Games
   Keep the rules and instructions simple to avoid confusion. Complex games can detract from the fun and make participation less enjoyable.
3. Don’t Pressure Employees
   Allow employees to participate at their own comfort level. Avoid putting pressure on those who may not wish to take part in certain activities.
4. Don’t Neglect Remote Employees
   Ensure that virtual activities are engaging and inclusive for remote team members. Remote employees should feel equally involved and valued.
5. Don’t Forget to Debrief
   After the activities, take time to reflect on the experience and gather feedback. This helps to understand what worked well and what can be improved for future events.

Conclusion

In summary, Thanksgiving office games and activities offer a wonderful opportunity to foster fun and team spirit. From classic games with a festive twist to creative and interactive activities, there are countless ways to celebrate the season with your colleagues. By choosing activities that align with your office culture and encouraging enthusiastic participation, you can create a memorable and joyful Thanksgiving experience for everyone. Embrace the spirit of gratitude, and let the fun begin!