35+ Work Thanksgiving Party Ideas and Activities That Are Stuffed With Fun
Thanksgiving is one of the best times of year to slow down, look around, and recognize the people who make your workplace what it is. Between tight deadlines and year-end projects, it’s easy for gratitude to take a back seat, but a thoughtful celebration can remind your team how much they’re valued.
Whether you’re planning a full-blown office party, a simple potluck, or a virtual gathering, there are countless ways to create moments of connection that everyone will appreciate. The key is keeping things genuine, inclusive, and fun for every employee, without breaking the budget.
We’ve gathered our favorite Thanksgiving ideas for the office, packed with creative Thanksgiving workplace activities and simple work Thanksgiving party ideas that help teams bond and feel appreciated. From easy decor touches and service projects to laugh-out-loud games and heartfelt gifts, these ideas will help you host a celebration your team will actually look forward to.
Office Decor Ideas That Set the Scene
The right decorations instantly set the tone for your Thanksgiving celebration, transforming the office from a workspace into a warm, welcoming place to unwind. These ideas are simple to execute, budget-friendly, and will make your team smile the moment they walk in.
1. Gratitude wall or “thankful tree”
Give employees a chance to share what they’re thankful for at work. Set up a bulletin board, cork wall, or a small tree branch centerpiece where people can hang notes of gratitude. It’s simple, heartfelt, and a great conversation starter.
2. DIY centerpieces that double as team projects
Pick a day for each department to craft a fall centerpiece for their area using mini pumpkins, faux leaves, or mason jars filled with candy corn. Provide a small budget for supplies and encourage creativity; there’s no wrong way to make it festive. When employees see their creations displayed throughout the office, it gives the space an extra personal touch.
3. Department decor challenge
A little friendly competition goes a long way. Challenge each department to decorate their workspace with a Thanksgiving theme, think “Fall Harvest,” “Pumpkin Patch,” or “Grateful Gathering.” Offer a small prize for the most creative display to boost participation.
4. Wall of wins
Instead of focusing only on fall decor, celebrate your team’s achievements from the past year. Create a “wall of wins” featuring photos, quotes, or milestones that highlight the people behind your success. It’s a meaningful reminder of what you’ve accomplished together.
5. Photo booth corner
Set up a simple backdrop with hay bales, faux leaves, or a flannel blanket and let the photos roll in. Add props like pilgrim hats, turkey headbands, and mini chalkboards for personalized messages. Encourage everyone to share their photos with a custom hashtag or on your internal Slack channel.
In-Office Thanksgiving Activities That Everyone Will Gobble Up
Thanksgiving at work is about connection: sharing a meal, a laugh, or a small gesture that reminds your team why they enjoy working together. These activities go beyond the typical potluck, offering creative ways to celebrate, give back, and strengthen your workplace culture.
6. Potluck with a twist
Encourage everyone to bring a dish that holds special meaning for them and share the story behind it. Whether it’s grandma’s sweet potato casserole or a cherished family recipe, people love hearing the meaning behind what’s on the table. It’s an easy way to blend good food with genuine conversation.
7. Canned food drive with rewards
Host an office food drive and set a collective goal; when the team hits it, everyone earns a reward like free lunch or an early release day. A little incentive adds excitement and keeps donations rolling in. You can even create a leaderboard between departments for friendly competition.
8. Volunteer outing
Plan a short volunteer shift at a local food bank, soup kitchen, or animal shelter. It’s a meaningful way to bond outside of work while giving back to the community. Even just a few hours together can create shared memories that last far longer than the average office lunch.
9. Office bake-off or pie contest
Invite employees to bake their best pie or dessert for a friendly competition. Provide scorecards for taste, creativity, and presentation, and let everyone sample the entries before casting their votes. For those who aren’t bakers, store-bought pies are always welcome.
10. Recipe exchange
Have team members share a favorite family recipe, then compile all submissions into a simple digital cookbook to send out after the party. It’s a low-effort idea that turns into a lasting keepsake. You can even include short employee quotes or photos to make it more personal.
11. “Thank you” note exchange
Provide blank cards and a drop box for employees to write quick thank-you notes to coworkers. Reading those messages, whether they’re heartfelt or humorous, builds connection across departments. It’s an inexpensive way to fill the office with positivity before the holiday break.
12. Lunch and gratitude hour
Host a casual lunch where leadership takes a few minutes to thank the team for their hard work. A sincere “thank you” in front of peers can mean more than any gift. Keep it relaxed, lighthearted, and genuine to make everyone feel valued.
13. DIY snack bar
Set up a simple make-your-own station with caramel apples, popcorn mixes, or s’mores kits. It’s inexpensive, easy to restock, and makes the office smell amazing. Pair it with fall music for a cozy mid-day break.
14. Community donation station
Designate a spot where employees can drop off nonperishable foods, winter coats, or toys. Choose a local organization to deliver them to and post weekly progress updates. It keeps gratitude at the forefront of your mind while making a tangible impact in your community.
15. Fall photo day
Hire a local photographer or recruit an employee with a great camera to take team photos. Offer both serious and silly options so everyone can join in comfortably. It’s a fun way to update your company photo library and get updated headshots taken before the new year.
Virtual Thanksgiving Ideas for Remote Teams
When your team works from home, it takes a little creativity to bring the Thanksgiving spirit online. These virtual Thanksgiving workplace ideas are easy to organize and help remote employees feel included, appreciated, and connected, regardless of the distance between them.
16. Virtual potluck show & tell
Invite everyone to log on with a favorite dish or snack and share its story. It’s a fun, informal way to peek into each other’s traditions without worrying about cooking for a crowd. Encourage screen grabs or short clips to share in your company Slack or newsletter.
17. Online gratitude wall
Create a shared digital whiteboard or channel where employees can post what they’re thankful for. Include prompts like “someone who helped me this quarter” or “a win I’m proud of.” Keep it open all week to let appreciation build naturally.
18. Digital donation drive
Choose a local charity or food bank and invite employees to donate online, then match their total as a company if possible. Use a shared tracker or progress bar to visualize your collective impact. It’s a powerful way to turn gratitude into action.
19. Virtual pie tasting or coffee chat
Send team members a small eGift card to a local bakery or coffee shop, then meet virtually to share what everyone picked. It feels festive without requiring heavy planning or shipping logistics. A light 20-minute chat keeps it fun and low-pressure.
20. Remote trivia or bingo
Host a short Thanksgiving-themed game session with a mix of easy and silly questions. Award small prizes like digital gift cards or extra time off. It’s a great mid-week morale booster that doesn’t feel like another meeting.
21. Cozy decor contest
Encourage remote employees to showcase their home office fall decor during a quick video tour. Let everyone vote on categories like “coziest corner” or “most creative use of pumpkins.” It sparks conversation and a bit of healthy competition.
22. Virtual volunteer hour
Schedule a shared hour where the team participates in online volunteering, such as writing cards for seniors or transcribing documents for nonprofits. Share updates or photos afterward to show the impact made. It’s a refreshing way to connect through purpose instead of pixels.
Related: Virtual Team Building Activities Your Team Will Actually Enjoy
Stir Up the Fun With These Thanksgiving Games and Icebreakers
No Thanksgiving celebration is complete without a little laughter. Games and icebreakers help break up the day, spark friendly competition, and give employees a chance to unwind together. Whether you’re hosting an all-office event or a casual lunch break, these ideas are simple, funny, and guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
23. Thanksgiving trivia
Put your team’s knowledge to the test with questions about Thanksgiving history, fun food facts, or holiday traditions. Keep it short and upbeat, ten to fifteen questions max. Offer a small prize like a coffee gift card or a “trivia turkey” trophy.
24. Pumpkin toss or cornhole challenge
Clear a hallway or outdoor space and set up a few makeshift lanes for a pumpkin toss or mini cornhole game. It’s quick to play and easy to fit into a lunch break. Employees can compete in pairs or departments for bragging rights.
25. Pie-tasting contest
Pick up an assortment of pies or ask volunteers to bring one from home. Label each anonymously and have everyone sample and vote for their favorite. Reveal the winners at the end for a sweet finish to the day.
26. Gratitude bingo
Create bingo cards filled with prompts like “helped me with a project” or “brought in coffee this month.” Employees mark off squares as they match coworkers to each prompt. It’s a fun way to get people talking and recognizing each other’s contributions.
27. Turkey scavenger hunt
Hide small paper turkeys or Thanksgiving icons around the office. Each one can include a small prize or a message of gratitude from leadership. The search adds excitement and gets people moving throughout the day.
28. Guess that baby picture
Ask employees to submit a baby photo in advance, then display them on a board or in a slideshow. Everyone guesses who’s who, and the winner gets a small treat. It’s nostalgic, funny, and a great way to build connections across teams.
29. Step challenge or “turkey trot”
Encourage healthy competition with a week-long step challenge leading up to Thanksgiving. Employees can track progress using a shared app or Slack thread. Offer a prize for the top stepper or the department with the most combined miles.
30. Two truths and a side dish
Have each person share two true Thanksgiving traditions and one made-up one, and let the group guess which is the fake. It’s quick, lighthearted, and requires no setup. You’ll learn fun things about coworkers while sharing a few laughs.
Thoughtful Employee Gift Ideas
The most memorable gifts aren’t about how much they cost; they’re about the message they send. A small gesture of appreciation can go a long way toward making employees feel valued, respected, and seen. These ideas are simple to organize and guaranteed to spread some holiday cheer.
31. Extra time off
Give your team the gift of time with an early-release Friday or an extra “gratitude hour” during Thanksgiving week. It’s a simple perk that acknowledges their hard work and helps them start the holiday refreshed. Even one additional hour of free time can feel like a real bonus at the end of a busy season.
32. Handwritten thank-you cards
A genuine note from a manager or leader can have more impact than any gift card. Write a few sentences highlighting something specific that each employee contributed this year. Personal recognition builds loyalty and leaves a lasting impression.
33. Local bakery or coffee gift cards
Partner with a nearby café or bakery to hand out small gift cards. It supports local businesses while giving employees something they’ll actually use. For remote teams, eGift cards are a convenient and instant option.
34. Charitable donations
Make a donation in your team’s name to a local food bank, shelter, or cause that aligns with your company’s values. Share how much was raised and what impact it made; it helps employees feel part of something bigger. You can even let staff vote on the organization to support for extra engagement.
35. Cozy care packages
Assemble small kits with cocoa packets, fuzzy socks, and a branded mug. It’s a thoughtful, low-cost way to give employees something comforting to take home. Add a handwritten tag for a personal touch.
36. Team breakfast or catered lunch
Treat the team to breakfast sandwiches or a catered Thanksgiving-themed lunch. Sharing a meal together encourages conversation and connection. If you have multiple offices or shifts, consider rotating meal times so everyone can join.
37. Recognition wall or Slack shoutouts
Feature employees on an internal wall, in a newsletter, or on a Slack channel with specific praise for their work. Highlighting achievements publicly reinforces positive culture and motivates others. Keep the tone sincere, not formal, to make it feel authentic.
38. Holiday raffle
End your celebration with a lighthearted raffle that includes prizes like gift baskets, coffee cards, or an extra vacation day. It’s easy to organize and creates excitement leading up to the holidays. Announce winners at the end of your Thanksgiving event to end on a high note.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to pause and celebrate the people who make your workplace thrive. Whether it’s sharing a meal, volunteering together, or writing a heartfelt thank-you note, even small gestures of appreciation can leave a lasting impact. The best celebrations are those that feel genuine, where employees walk away smiling, not just full of food, but also full of gratitude.
When you make time to connect and recognize your team, you’re doing more than celebrating a holiday; you’re strengthening the foundation of your company culture. Gratitude fosters engagement, loyalty, and trust, all of which contribute to a happier, more productive workforce long after the decorations come down.
As you head into the busy holiday season, remember that a strong, well-supported team is the heart of every successful business. If you’re looking for extra help or need to fill key positions before year’s end, our team can help you find the right talent quickly and efficiently.
While great food and fun activities make Thanksgiving memorable, great people are what make every workplace truly worth celebrating.
