Thanksgiving Games For Adults: Elevate Your Holiday Gathering

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, delicious food, and, most importantly, spending quality time with loved ones. While the turkey and stuffing are often the stars of the show, adding some engaging entertainment can truly make your holiday celebration unforgettable.

Bringing out some fun Thanksgiving games for adults is a fantastic way to bridge generations, spark laughter, and create lasting memories. Whether your group prefers strategic challenges, quick-witted card games, or silly party activities, there’s something here for everyone.

This curated list offers a wide range of options, ensuring you’ll find the perfect fit for your gathering, no matter the size or personality of your guests. From budget-friendly picks to more premium experiences, these top selections will help you host the best Thanksgiving celebration yet.

Get ready to transform your post-dinner lull into an exciting hub of friendly competition and holiday cheer. We’ve gathered some of the finest games available to ensure your adult guests are entertained from appetizers to dessert.

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1. Codenames: A Word Association Challenge

Codenames is a fantastic party game where two teams compete to make contact with all of their agents first. Spymasters give one-word clues that can point to multiple words on the table, while their teammates try to guess the right words.

It’s a game of clever word association and careful deduction, perfect for adults who enjoy a mental challenge. This game is great for groups of 4-8 players and encourages teamwork and strategic thinking. It’s a mid-range option that offers immense replayability.

The standout feature is its elegant simplicity combined with deep strategic layers, making it one of the best party games for any gathering, including Thanksgiving Games For Adults.

2. Cards Against Humanity: An Uncensored Laugh Fest

For groups with a bold sense of humor, Cards Against Humanity is guaranteed to elicit outrageous laughter. Players complete fill-in-the-blank statements using often offensive, humorous, or politically incorrect phrases printed on playing cards.

This game is definitely for adults only, as its content is designed to be provocative and hilarious. It’s a budget-friendly option that thrives on irreverence and a willingness to be silly.

It’s perfect for breaking the ice and letting loose after a big meal, making it a top choice for a specific kind of Thanksgiving gathering. Just be sure your guests appreciate dark humor!

3. What Do You Meme? Family Edition: Pop Culture Fun

What Do You Meme? challenges players to match funny caption cards with popular image cards (memes). The goal is to create the funniest combination, judged by a rotating referee.

The Family Edition offers a toned-down, yet still hilarious, experience suitable for a wider range of guests, including older teens. It’s a mid-range game that taps into contemporary humor.

This game is perfect for those who love internet culture and enjoy quick, witty responses. It’s a great choice for a relaxed and laughter-filled evening among the Thanksgiving Games For Adults.

4. Ticket to Ride: Cross-Country Train Adventure

Ticket to Ride is a strategic board game where players collect and play train car cards to claim railway routes across a map of North America. The longer the routes, the more points they earn.

It’s an excellent game for 2-5 players who enjoy light strategy and a bit of competition. This is a premium game that offers a beautiful board and quality components.

The game is easy to learn but offers enough depth to keep players engaged throughout the evening. It’s a classic that consistently ranks as one of the best board games for families and friends.

5. Telestrations: The Visual Telephone Game

Telestrations is a hilarious drawing and guessing game, often described as “telephone through drawing.” Players draw a word, pass it on, and the next person guesses what it is and draws that guess.

This game is perfect for 4-8 players and requires no artistic skill, only a willingness to be silly. It’s a mid-range option that guarantees side-splitting results as messages evolve (or devolve).

It’s an incredibly fun and low-pressure activity, ideal for breaking the ice and getting everyone laughing. It’s a top contender for lighthearted Thanksgiving Games For Adults.

6. Sushi Go Party!: A Fast-Paced Card Drafting Game

Sushi Go Party! is a delightful and fast-paced card game where players try to grab the best combination of sushi dishes as they whiz by. It’s all about collecting sets and scoring points.

This game is excellent for 2-8 players and is very easy to learn, making it accessible for almost anyone. It’s a budget-friendly option that packs a lot of fun into a small box.

The adorable artwork and quick rounds make it perfect for a pre-dinner appetizer game or a quick post-meal activity. It’s a great choice if you want something simple yet engaging.

7. Wavelength: Guessing on a Spectrum

Wavelength is a party game where two teams compete to read each other’s minds. One player gives a clue that is a specific point on a spectrum between two opposing concepts (e.g., “Hot – Cold”).

Their teammates then try to guess where on the spectrum that clue falls. It’s a game of intuition, empathy, and creative communication, ideal for 4-12 players.

This is a mid-range game that encourages interesting conversations and debates. It’s one of the best games for sparking connection and understanding among guests.

8. Exploding Kittens: A Highly Strategic Kitty-Powered Version of Russian Roulette

Exploding Kittens is a fun and quirky card game for people who are into kittens and explosions and laser beams and sometimes goats. Players draw cards until someone draws an Exploding Kitten, then they are out.

Unless, of course, they have a Defuse card. This game is easy to learn and plays quickly, making it a great pick for 2-5 players. It’s a budget-friendly game known for its humor and unpredictability.

It’s perfect for a quick burst of fun and strategy, providing laughs and suspense. This game offers a unique twist on traditional card games, making it a memorable addition to Thanksgiving Games For Adults.

9. Throw Throw Burrito: A Dodgeball Card Game

Throw Throw Burrito is a unique combination of a card game and dodgeball. Players collect matching sets of cards faster than opponents, earning points, but also engaging in hilarious burrito-throwing duels.

It’s an active and boisterous game for 2-6 players that gets everyone moving and laughing. This is a mid-range option that is certainly not for the faint of heart or those who prefer quiet contemplation.

This game is perfect for groups who enjoy physical comedy and aren’t afraid to get a little wild. It’s a top choice for energetic Thanksgiving Games For Adults.

10. Wingspan: A Beautiful Bird-Collecting Game

Wingspan is a competitive, medium-weight, engine-building board game where players attract a variety of birds to their wildlife preserves. Each bird adds to a chain of powerful combinations.

This game is for 1-5 players and offers a more serene, strategic experience. It’s a premium game renowned for its stunning artwork and thematic depth.

It’s perfect for those who appreciate elegant game design and a calmer, more thoughtful challenge. If your guests enjoy strategy without direct conflict, this is one of the best options.

11. Decrypto: A Coded Communication Game

Decrypto is a team-based word game where teams try to transmit secret codes to their teammates without the opposing team intercepting them. It requires careful clue-giving and clever deduction.

This game is ideal for 3-8 players and offers a satisfying mental workout. It’s a mid-range game that combines elements of word association and code-breaking.

It’s a great choice for groups who enjoy strategic thinking and subtle communication. Decrypto stands out as a brainy and engaging option among Thanksgiving Games For Adults.

12. Monikers: A Charades-Style Word Guessing Game

Monikers is a party game where teams try to guess names and phrases across three rounds. Each round has different rules, ranging from describing to charades to using only one word.

It’s incredibly fun for larger groups, typically 4-12+ players, and guarantees endless laughter. This is a budget-friendly option that relies on pop culture knowledge and quick thinking.

Monikers is perfect for lively gatherings where guests enjoy being silly and performing. It’s a top pick for an energetic and highly interactive Thanksgiving celebration.

13. Pandemic: A Cooperative World-Saving Mission

Pandemic is a cooperative board game where players work together as a team of disease-fighting specialists. They travel the world, treating infections and discovering cures before time runs out.

This game is excellent for 2-4 players who enjoy working collaboratively towards a common goal. It’s a mid-range game that offers intense strategic challenges and high stakes.

It’s perfect for groups who prefer cooperation over competition and want to feel like heroes. Pandemic is one of the best cooperative board games for a memorable Thanksgiving experience.

14. Dixit: A Storytelling Art Game

Dixit is a beautifully illustrated storytelling game where players use imaginative picture cards to tell tales. One player gives a clue, and others try to pick a card that matches the clue.

It’s a wonderful game for 3-6 players that encourages creativity and abstract thinking. This is a mid-range game known for its stunning, whimsical artwork.

Dixit is perfect for groups who enjoy less competitive, more imaginative play. It fosters storytelling and shared interpretation, making it a unique and charming addition to Thanksgiving Games For Adults.

15. Concept: Guess the Word Without Words

Concept is a unique guessing game where players communicate a word or phrase using universal icons. Instead of speaking, drawing, or miming, they place pawns on various symbols on the board.

It’s a fantastic brain-teaser for 4-12 players that challenges creative thinking and interpretation. This is a mid-range game that offers a fresh take on traditional charades.

It’s perfect for those who enjoy abstract puzzles and a different kind of communication challenge. Concept is a great choice for a thoughtful and engaging holiday game.

16. Just One: A Cooperative Word Guessing Game

Just One is a cooperative party game where players try to make one player guess a mystery word. Each player secretly writes down a one-word clue, and identical clues are discarded.

This forces players to be creative and avoid common associations. It’s a fantastic game for 3-7 players, fostering teamwork and clever thinking.

This is a budget-friendly option that offers quick rounds and lots of “aha!” moments. Just One is one of the best cooperative word games for any adult gathering.

17. Code of Conduct: An Adult Party Game

Code of Conduct is an adult party game where players judge each other’s ethical dilemmas and moral choices. It sparks hilarious and often revealing conversations about personal values.

This game is designed for 3-8 players and is definitely for groups who enjoy spirited debate and self-reflection. It’s a mid-range game that offers a unique blend of humor and philosophy.

It’s perfect for engaging discussions and understanding your friends’ perspectives in a fun, lighthearted way. This game is a top choice for a more interactive and thought-provoking evening.

18. The Jackbox Party Pack (Digital): Varied Party Fun

The Jackbox Party Packs are collections of digital party games that you play using your phones or tablets as controllers. You only need one copy of the game on a console or computer.

Each pack contains 5 distinct games, offering a huge variety from trivia (You Don’t Know Jack) to drawing games (Drawful) to hilarious fill-in-the-blanks (Quiplash). It’s a premium digital option.

They are perfect for large groups, typically 3-8 players, but some games support more, and are incredibly accessible. If you have a screen, this is one of the best modern Thanksgiving Games For Adults.

19. Sequence: A Strategy Board Game

Sequence is a classic strategy board game combining elements of a card game and a board game. Players try to get five chips in a row on the board, using cards from their hand.

It’s an excellent game for 2-12 players, making it highly versatile for different group sizes. This is a budget-friendly option that is easy to learn but offers strategic depth.

Sequence is perfect for those who enjoy a blend of luck and strategy, making it accessible for all ages. It’s a timeless choice that can bring different generations together for some friendly competition.

20. Concept: Guess the Word Without Words (Repeat, ensure variety)

Self-correction: I already listed Concept. I need to replace this with a new unique game to maintain variety and hit the word count.

20. Taboo: The Game of Unspeakable Fun

Taboo is a classic word-guessing game where players try to get their teammates to say a specific word without using a list of “taboo” words. It requires quick thinking and a rich vocabulary.

This game is fantastic for 4 or more players, split into two teams, and often leads to hilarious attempts at circumlocution. It’s a mid-range game that’s been a party staple for decades.

Taboo is perfect for groups who enjoy fast-paced word challenges and lively interaction. It’s a top choice for getting everyone energized and laughing after the big meal.

21. Scattegories: Creative Category Thinking

Scattegories challenges players to think of words that fit specific categories, all starting with the same letter, within a time limit. Points are awarded for unique answers.

It’s a great game for 2-6 players, encouraging creative thinking and quick recall. This is a budget-friendly option that can spark surprising and funny responses.

Scattegories is perfect for those who enjoy word games and a bit of friendly competition. It’s an engaging and mentally stimulating game that consistently ranks as a best seller.

22. The Mind: A Telepathic Card Game

The Mind is a cooperative card game unlike any other, where players work together to play cards in ascending order without communicating. It relies purely on intuition and reading the room.

This game is excellent for 2-4 players and offers a unique, almost meditative experience. It’s a budget-friendly option that is surprisingly intense and rewarding.

The Mind is perfect for groups who enjoy a truly different kind of cooperative challenge and want to test their unspoken connection. It’s a great choice for a quiet yet thrilling game.

23. Poetry for Neanderthals: Speak Only in Single Syllables

From the creators of Exploding Kittens, Poetry for Neanderthals is a word-guessing game where players can only give clues using single-syllable words. If they use a multi-syllable word, they get hit with a “NO!” stick.

It’s a hilarious and challenging game for 2 or more players, forcing creative and concise communication. This is a mid-range option that guarantees lots of laughs and silly moments.

It’s perfect for those who enjoy unique word games and physical comedy. This game is one of the best for adding a playful, boisterous element to your Thanksgiving Games For Adults.

24. Coup: A Game of Bluffing and Deception

Coup is a fast-paced card game of bluffing, deception, and deduction. Players try to eliminate opponents by claiming influence from various characters, each with unique abilities.

This game is excellent for 2-6 players and offers intense strategic depth in a small package. It’s a budget-friendly option that provides quick, engaging rounds.

Coup is perfect for groups who enjoy social deduction and a bit of backstabbing. It’s a great choice for a quick, strategic game that encourages cunning and clever plays.

25. Anomia: The Game Where Common Knowledge Can Cost You

Anomia is a party game where players flip cards until the symbols on two players’ cards match. When this happens, those two players must quickly name something that fits the category on their opponent’s card.

It’s a fast-paced game for 3-6 players that often results in hilarious brain freezes and sudden bursts of insight. This is a budget-friendly option that tests your quick thinking.

Anomia is perfect for those who enjoy rapid-fire word association and a bit of pressure. It’s a top game for getting everyone engaged and laughing as they race to find the right words.

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Last Words

Choosing the right Thanksgiving games for adults can truly elevate your holiday gathering from great to unforgettable. As you can see, there’s a vast array of options, whether your group prefers quiet strategy, uproarious laughter, or active challenges.

From classic board games like Ticket to Ride to modern party favorites like The Jackbox Party Packs, this list offers some of the best ways to entertain your guests. Don’t feel pressured to pick just one; mixing a few different styles can cater to varied tastes throughout the day.

Consider the personalities of your guests and the overall vibe you want to create. Whether you’re looking for a quick icebreaker or a main event to fill the post-dinner hours, these top games are sure to be a hit. Take a moment to research the current prices and availability on Amazon, and you’ll be well on your way to hosting the best Thanksgiving celebration yet.