Friendsgiving, a modern twist on Thanksgiving, is all about celebrating with friends who feel like family. This unofficial holiday has gained popularity, providing a perfect excuse to gather, eat, and be merry. But beyond the delicious food, what truly makes Friendsgiving unique are the activities that bring everyone together. Whether you're hosting for the first time or looking to up your party game, these 50 activities will ensure your Friendsgiving is unforgettable.
Planning Your Friendsgiving Activities
Setting the Theme
Selecting a theme for your Friendsgiving celebration can transform it into an unforgettable event. Whether you opt for a rustic autumnal atmosphere or an elegant soirée, a cohesive theme facilitates smoother planning and enhances the overall ambiance. By considering the interests and preferences of your friend circle, you can tailor the theme to create a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.
Creating a Schedule
A meticulously crafted schedule serves as the blueprint for a seamless day, ensuring every moment is filled with joy and engagement. Begin with a warm welcome to set the tone, leading into a dynamic blend of interactive games, creative crafts, and delightful culinary experiences to keep guests entertained and satisfied. Intersperse these lively activities with intervals of relaxation, providing opportunities for guests to unwind and foster deeper connections amidst the festivities.

Food-Related Activities
Potluck Dishes
Hosting a potluck encourages guests to contribute their favorite dishes, reducing the host's workload and fostering a sense of communal sharing. By allowing everyone to showcase their culinary talents, it adds an element of excitement and variety to the gathering. Using a sign-up sheet helps organize the event, preventing duplicate dishes and ensuring a well-rounded spread of food for all to enjoy.
Recipe Exchange
Encourage guests to bring copies of their favorite recipes to share, fostering a delightful exchange of culinary expertise and the discovery of new flavors. This communal sharing not only allows for the exploration of diverse dishes but also strengthens the bond among guests over a shared love for cooking. Additionally, assembling these recipes into a booklet serves as a cherished memento, immortalizing the joyous occasion and the delicious creations shared among friends and family.
Cook-off Competitions
Elevate the excitement by igniting some friendly rivalry through a cook-off event. Invite guests to demonstrate their culinary skills and vie for the title of best appetizer, main dish, or dessert. This engaging competition will not only spice up the gathering but also provide a delicious array of dishes for everyone to savor.
Creative Cooking Competitions
Best Pie Contest
Host a pie-baking competition where guests are encouraged to showcase their culinary skills by creating their best pies. Allow everyone to sample the pies and cast their votes for the most delicious and creatively crafted entry. This engaging activity promises a fun-filled event with delectable treats and friendly competition.
Creative Leftovers Challenge
Gather your friends for a post-Thanksgiving feast and challenge them to concoct inventive dishes from leftover ingredients. Please encourage them to think outside the box, combining traditional elements with unexpected flavors to create culinary masterpieces. Not only will this foster a fun atmosphere of friendly competition, but it will also promote sustainability by reducing food waste.
Signature Dish Showdown
Hosting a potluck where each guest brings their signature dish adds an exciting twist to the gathering, fostering a sense of camaraderie and culinary exploration. Encouraging everyone to taste and vote on the dishes creates an interactive and engaging experience where new favorite recipes can be discovered and appreciated. This not only celebrates each individual's culinary talents but also strengthens the bonds among the guests through the shared enjoyment of food.
Outdoor Activities
Backyard Football
Gathering friends and family for a game of touch football on Thanksgiving is a cherished tradition for many. The friendly competition not only fosters a sense of togetherness but also provides an opportunity to engage in physical activity before indulging in a hearty feast. As participants dash across the field, laughter fills the air, creating lasting memories of shared enjoyment amidst the autumn breeze.
Scavenger Hunt
Gather friends and family for an exciting Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt, perfect for fostering holiday spirit and camaraderie. Craft clever clues that lead participants on a thrilling chase around your yard or neighborhood, hiding festive items to discover along the way. Whether it's youngsters searching for hidden treasures or adults embracing their inner detectives, this activity promises fun and excitement for groups of all ages, making Thanksgiving celebrations even more memorable.
Cornhole Tournament
Transform your backyard into a lively entertainment hub by setting up a cornhole game, a classic bean bag toss activity that promises endless fun for all ages. With its simple rules and straightforward gameplay, cornhole is quickly learned, making it accessible to everyone at your gathering. Whether it's a casual weekend get-together or a festive outdoor party, this game is sure to be a hit, fostering friendly competition and creating cherished memories.
Indoor Games and Fun
Board Games Bonanza
Gather your friends and family for an exciting game night by bringing out your assortment of board games. Classics like Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Codenames offer diverse gameplay experiences that will captivate players for hours on end. Whether you're strategizing to build your empire, racing across continents, or deciphering secret clues, these games promise lively and engaging competition for everyone involved.
Trivia Night
Host a lively trivia night to challenge your friends' knowledge with a diverse range of questions spanning Thanksgiving traditions, iconic moments in pop culture, and humorous inside jokes unique to your friend group. Craft intriguing inquiries that prompt players to recall historical Thanksgiving facts, identify famous pop culture references, and reminisce about shared experiences or inside jokes that strengthen your bond. Encourage friendly competition and laughter as participants engage in a fun-filled evening of testing their wits and sharing fond memories.
Charades
Charades, a timeless party game, continues to captivate players with its blend of simplicity and hilarity. Participants mime out phrases or words without speaking, sparking lively guessing sessions among friends. Its enduring popularity lies in its ability to foster laughter and camaraderie, making it a staple choice for gatherings of all kinds.
Photo Booth Fun
Themed Photo Props
Create an engaging photo booth experience by assembling a variety of themed props, including pilgrim hats, turkey masks, and humorous signs. These props will inject a playful atmosphere into the event, encouraging guests to unleash their creativity and capture unforgettable memories. With the photo booth as a focal point, attendees will have a delightful outlet to commemorate the occasion with laughter and shared remembrances.
DIY Backdrop Ideas
Transform your photo booth into a captivating autumnal scene by incorporating a rich assortment of fall leaves, twinkling fairy lights, and swathes of colorful fabric. Arrange the leaves in cascading patterns, interspersed with delicate fairy lights to infuse a magical ambiance. Draping the backdrop with textured fabric adds depth and warmth, completing the inviting setting for memorable snapshots.
Instant Photo Sharing
To enhance the event experience, consider incorporating a Polaroid or instant camera station, allowing guests to capture spontaneous moments and take home tangible memories. Additionally, establishing a photo-sharing station enables guests to conveniently upload their photos to a communal album, fostering a sense of collective reminiscence and connection beyond the event itself. By offering both physical and digital avenues for preserving memories, attendees can choose the method that best suits their preferences, ensuring a memorable and inclusive experience for all.
Friendsgiving Playlist
Curating the Perfect Playlist
For your Friendsgiving playlist, kick things off with lively tunes like "Can't Stop the Feeling!" by Justin Timberlake and "I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas to set a celebratory tone. Then, transition into mellow tracks like "Banana Pancakes" by Jack Johnson and "Home" by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros for those cozy, heartwarming moments shared among friends. Finally, sprinkle in some classics like "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond and "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey to keep the spirits high and the memories lasting all night long.
Live Music Jam Session
Hosting a jam session with musically inclined friends is an excellent way to foster creativity and camaraderie. By providing instruments and creating a relaxed environment, participants can freely express themselves through music, leading to spontaneous collaborations and memorable moments. These gatherings often result in a rich tapestry of sounds and genres, showcasing the diverse talents of those involved.
Karaoke Night
Setting up a karaoke machine at your event provides an interactive and entertaining activity for guests to enjoy. As each person takes their turn belting out their favorite tunes, laughter and camaraderie fill the room, creating unforgettable memories. From classic hits to modern chart-toppers, karaoke ensures a lively atmosphere where everyone can join in the fun and showcase their inner superstar.

Friendsgiving Drinks
Signature Cocktails
For your Friendsgiving celebration, elevate the festivities with a selection of bespoke cocktails. Experiment with seasonal ingredients such as cranberry, apple, and cinnamon to craft unique and flavorful drinks that perfectly complement the holiday spirit. Impress your guests with a curated menu of signature cocktails that add a delightful twist to traditional Thanksgiving flavors.
Mocktail Bar
Create an inviting mocktail bar, complete with an array of mixers and garnishes tailored to guests who opt for non-alcoholic options. Encourage creativity by providing a diverse selection, enabling guests to craft personalized drinks to suit their tastes. Elevate the experience by offering guidance on flavor combinations, ensuring everyone enjoys a refreshing and satisfying beverage.
Wine Tasting
Host a wine-tasting event, inviting guests to sample a curated selection of wines from various regions and grape varieties. Offer tasting notes to guide participants through the sensory experience, encouraging them to explore the nuances of each wine's aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel. Facilitate discussion among guests, allowing them to share their preferences, insights, and personal experiences with each wine, fostering a convivial atmosphere of appreciation and discovery.
Fun with Movies and TV Shows
Thanksgiving Movie Marathon
Prepare a lineup of Thanksgiving-themed films, including beloved classics such as "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" and "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," which promise to delight audiences of all ages with their heartwarming tales and timeless humor. These movies capture the essence of the holiday season, offering a perfect blend of laughter, nostalgia, and poignant moments that make them ideal choices for a cozy family movie night or a festive gathering with friends. So, gather your loved ones, pop some popcorn, and settle in for a cinematic journey that celebrates gratitude, togetherness, and the spirit of Thanksgiving.
Friendsgiving-Themed TV Episodes
Celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving by indulging in Friendsgiving-themed episodes from beloved TV series such as "Friends" and "How I Met Your Mother." These iconic episodes capture the essence of friendship, gratitude, and hilarious mishaps that often accompany holiday gatherings. Gather your own chosen family and enjoy these timeless classics as you create new memories and traditions of your own.
Outdoor Movie Night
Consider organizing an outdoor movie night, weather permitting, for a delightful cinematic experience. Enhance the ambiance by offering blankets and popcorn, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying the film beneath the sparkling night sky. Such an event fosters a sense of community and relaxation, making it an enjoyable outing for all involved.
Interactive Food and Drink Stations
Build-Your-Own Taco Bar
Create an inviting taco bar arrangement, complete with a variety of fresh ingredients and toppings. Allow guests the freedom to personalize their tacos, fostering a lively and engaging dining experience. The interactive nature of this setup adds a playful element to any gathering, ensuring everyone enjoys their meal exactly how they like it.
DIY Dessert Station
Transform your event with a delectable dessert station, offering guests the chance to personalize their treats. With options like decorating cookies, crafting sundaes, or assembling s'mores, everyone can indulge in their sweet cravings. It's a delightful finale to any occasion, leaving guests with a memorable and satisfying experience.
Hot Chocolate Bar
Set up a hot chocolate bar to create a cozy ambiance, complete with indulgent toppings such as fluffy marshmallows, decadent whipped cream, and festive candy canes. Encourage guests to customize their drinks according to their preferences, enhancing the experience and adding a touch of warmth to any gathering. The versatility of a hot chocolate bar ensures everyone can enjoy a delicious and personalized treat, perfect for spreading cheer during cold weather or festive occasions.
Volunteering and Giving Back
Charity Drive
To infuse your event with philanthropy, consider orchestrating a food or clothing drive, amplifying its impact beyond mere celebration. Invite attendees to participate by bringing items to contribute, fostering a collective spirit of giving back to the community. By integrating this charitable component, not only do you create a meaningful experience for guests, but you also make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need through donations to local charities.
Volunteering as a Group
Volunteering together during Friendsgiving not only strengthens bonds but also fosters a sense of community and gratitude. Whether you're serving meals at a shelter or participating in a park cleanup, the act of giving back can enrich the celebration and create lasting memories. Engaging in philanthropic activities adds depth to the gathering, highlighting the importance of compassion and collective action.
Friendsgiving Fundraiser
Gather your community for a meaningful fundraiser dedicated to a cause close to your hearts. Encourage attendees to contribute generously while fostering conversations to increase awareness about the cause. By coming together in support, you not only raise funds but also amplify the impact of your collective efforts towards positive change.

Unique Friendsgiving Traditions
Friendsgiving Bingo
Gather your friends for a festive Friendsgiving celebration and add an extra layer of fun with a custom Bingo game tailored to your group's inside jokes and favorite activities. Create Bingo squares that reflect quirky traditions, memorable phrases, or recurring jokes within your circle, ensuring a personalized touch to the game. As you enjoy delicious food and great company, mark off squares as these moments unfold, fostering laughter and camaraderie throughout the gathering.
Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Start the holiday season with a festive Secret Santa gift exchange, where participants draw names and select presents for each other while keeping their identities concealed. Establishing a budget adds an extra element of excitement, encouraging creativity and ensuring fairness among participants. It's a joyful way to spread cheer and bond with friends or colleagues as everyone eagerly anticipates the unveiling of their surprise gifts.
Annual Group Photo
Establishing the tradition of capturing a group photo during every Friendsgiving celebration creates a cherished ritual that fosters nostalgia and bonds among friends. As the years pass, this collection of snapshots becomes a poignant visual narrative, encapsulating the evolution of friendships and the shared moments of joy and laughter. Each photograph serves as a timeless memento, invoking fond memories and reinforcing the significance of friendship during the Thanksgiving season.
Interactive Virtual Friendsgiving
Virtual Games
Host a virtual Friendsgiving gathering for friends who can't attend in person, utilizing online platforms like Zoom. These platforms provide interactive features, allowing everyone to stay connected and engaged throughout the festivities. Incorporate online games and activities to enhance the virtual experience and create lasting memories with your friends despite the physical distance.
Online Cooking Class
Gather your loved ones for a delightful experience by taking a virtual cooking class together. Bond over preparing a Thanksgiving-themed recipe. Select a delectable dish that captures the essence of the holiday, and follow along with an experienced online instructor who will guide you through each step of the cooking process. From mastering the art of roasting a turkey to crafting the perfect pumpkin pie, this shared culinary adventure promises to create cherished memories and delicious delights.
Digital Story Sharing
Organize a virtual gathering via video call, providing a platform for everyone to recount stories and reconnect. Facilitating such an event fosters a sense of inclusion, especially for friends who are geographically distant, enhancing the overall celebration experience. By enabling shared experiences and reminiscences, the virtual call bridges the physical gap, enriching the bonds between friends.
Celebrating Cultural Diversity
International Dish Potluck
Transform your Friendsgiving gathering into a vibrant culinary journey by inviting guests to contribute dishes representing their diverse cultural backgrounds. Encourage them to share cherished family recipes or traditional favorites, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for different cuisines. By embracing this inclusive approach, you'll create a memorable experience where everyone can savor the richness of global flavors together.
Cultural Performances
Enrich your gathering by inviting guests to showcase their cultural heritage through vibrant performances like dance, song, or storytelling. This inclusive approach not only adds a dynamic layer to your celebration but also fosters a sense of cultural exchange and appreciation among attendees. Embrace the diversity within your community by creating a space where various traditions can be shared and celebrated, making your event a memorable and culturally enriching experience for all involved.
Storytelling from Different Backgrounds
Designing a dedicated platform where guests can openly exchange stories rooted in their cultural backgrounds fosters a rich tapestry of shared experiences. By providing a safe and inclusive space, individuals are encouraged to share anecdotes, rituals, and customs, nurturing understanding and respect for diverse cultural heritages. Through these interactions, a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of human traditions emerges, promoting empathy and interconnectedness among participants.
Setting the Ambiance
Decorating Tips
Enhance the ambiance of your surroundings with the warm hues of pumpkins, gourds, and the rustic charm of fall leaves, infusing an unmistakable festive spirit. These seasonal decorations effortlessly evoke a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, inviting friends and family to gather and celebrate amidst the beauty of autumn. With just a few simple additions, your space is magically transformed into a haven of seasonal delight, perfect for creating cherished memories and embracing the joys of the harvest season.
Lighting Ideas
To create a cozy ambiance for your Friendsgiving gathering, strategically place string lights, candles, and lanterns around the space. These decorative elements not only provide a warm glow but also enhance the festive atmosphere. Opting for battery-operated candles ensures both safety and convenience throughout the celebration.
Table Setting Inspiration
Create a captivating ambiance with your table settings by incorporating themed place cards, bringing a touch of personality to each guest's spot. Elevate the aesthetic with seasonal centerpieces, infusing the table with the spirit of the occasion or time of year, whether it's a rustic autumnal arrangement or a vibrant summer display. Harmonize the look with coordinating tableware, ensuring a cohesive and visually stunning presentation that delights every diner.
Hosting Tips and Tricks
Making a Checklist
Creating a checklist serves as a reliable roadmap for your day, ensuring every task is noticed. By systematically listing all activities, you can maintain organization and alleviate the stress of forgetting essential duties. With a checklist in hand, you can confidently navigate through your day, optimizing productivity and efficiency.
Preparing in Advance
To ensure a smooth event execution, it's crucial to complete extensive preparatory tasks beforehand. This encompasses various aspects, such as preparing the menu items in advance, ensuring decorations are meticulously arranged, and organizing seating arrangements to accommodate guests comfortably.
Delegating Tasks
Delegating tasks to friends not only lightens your load but also fosters a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. By distributing responsibilities, each person can focus on their strengths, leading to a more efficient and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Additionally, collaboration often leads to innovative solutions and strengthens bonds among friends, creating lasting memories of shared accomplishments.
Friendsgiving on a Budget
Cost-Effective Menu Ideas
To create a budget-friendly menu, prioritize recipes that incorporate seasonal ingredients, which are often more affordable and fresher. Organizing a potluck can further distribute the cost burden among guests, making it even more economical. By combining these strategies, you can craft a delicious and cost-effective meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your wallet.
DIY Decorations
Utilize inexpensive materials such as paper, fabric, and natural elements to save money on decorations. Get creative and craft your own decorations to add a personal touch to your space without breaking the bank. With a bit of imagination, you can transform these simple materials into stunning decor pieces that will impress your guests.
Affordable Entertainment
Opt for low-cost or complimentary recreational pursuits to ensure budget-friendly enjoyment. Engage in classic pastimes like board games or charades, which promise endless entertainment without straining your finances. Curate a straightforward playlist to enhance the ambiance and keep the fun going without spending a dime.
Engaging All the Senses
Aromatic Scents
Create an inviting ambiance in your home during autumn by infusing it with the delightful fragrances of the season. Elevate your space with the warm, comforting scents of cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin spice, whether through candles, essential oils, or simmer pots. Embrace the cozy feeling of fall as these aromas envelop your surroundings, making every moment at home a comforting retreat from the chill outside.
Visual Decorations
When designing your decorations, incorporate a diverse array of colors and textures to captivate the eye and add depth to the ambiance. Consider the interplay between various elements to establish a cohesive and visually stimulating environment that engages your guests. By thoughtfully combining different hues and materials, you can craft a captivating scene that leaves a lasting impression.
Tactile Crafts
Incorporating hands-on activities such as crafting or cooking not only engages the sense of touch but also fosters a deeper level of involvement and enjoyment. Through these activities, individuals can explore their creativity, enhance their motor skills, and experience a sense of accomplishment, which can be both fun and therapeutic. Whether it's kneading dough, sculpting clay, or assembling intricate crafts, the tactile nature of these pursuits provides a sensory-rich experience that promotes relaxation and well-being.
Creative Activity Suggestions
Collaborative Art Project
Encourage attendees to pick up paintbrushes and express themselves freely on the expansive canvas, fostering a sense of camaraderie and creativity. As each participant adds their unique touch to the mural, a vibrant and eclectic masterpiece emerges, reflecting the diverse perspectives and personalities present. This collaborative art project serves as a tangible symbol of unity and cooperation, leaving a lasting impression on both the creators and observers alike.
Writing Group Poems
Gather friends or colleagues in a cozy setting and introduce them to the concept of communal poetry writing. Encourage each participant to contribute a single line to the poem, passing it around the circle until it reaches completion. Witness the magic of collective creativity as diverse voices blend to form a unique and harmonious piece of poetry.
Group Dance Off
Gather your friends, crank up the volume, and let the music fill the room with infectious beats. As the rhythm takes hold, unleash your inner dancer and engage in a lively dance-off filled with laughter and energy. It's a fantastic way to shake off stress, bond with friends, and create unforgettable memories on the dance floor.
FAQs
What is Friendsgiving?
Friendsgiving is a modern twist on Thanksgiving where friends, rather than family, come together to celebrate and enjoy a festive meal. It's typically held before or after the traditional Thanksgiving holiday.
How do you plan a successful Friendsgiving?
Planning a successful Friendsgiving involves setting a theme, organizing a potluck, and creating a fun schedule of activities. Preparation and delegating tasks are vital to ensuring everything runs smoothly.
What are some popular Friendsgiving activities?
Popular Friendsgiving activities include cooking competitions, board games, and DIY craft stations. These activities help foster a fun and engaging environment for all guests.
How can I make my Friendsgiving eco-friendly?
To make your Friendsgiving eco-friendly, use reusable plates and utensils, compost food scraps, and opt for natural or reusable decorations. Incorporating sustainable practices helps reduce waste and environmental impact.
What are some budget-friendly Friendsgiving ideas?
Hosting a potluck, making DIY decorations, and choosing low-cost games and activities are great budget-friendly Friendsgiving ideas. These options allow you to have a fantastic celebration without overspending.
Can Friendsgiving be celebrated virtually?
Yes, Friendsgiving can be celebrated virtually by hosting online games, cooking classes, and video call catch-ups. Virtual Friendsgiving ensures everyone can participate, regardless of location.
Conclusion
Friendsgiving is a cherished celebration that brings friends together to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship. By incorporating diverse activities, thoughtful planning, and a spirit of gratitude, you can create a memorable and joyous Friendsgiving that everyone will look forward to year after year. Whether you're crafting, playing games, or simply sharing a meal, the key is to celebrate the special bond of friendship. So, gather your friends, plan your activities, and make this Friendsgiving the best one yet!