25 Best Thanksgiving Songs for a Groovy Celebration

Thanksgiving is all about good food, celebration, and having fun with your loved ones. No celebration is complete without soulful and uplifting music, so you better put your best Thanksgiving songs in order before the holiday rush begins.

Whether you are cooking, entertaining guests, or playing board games with your family, mellow Thanksgiving songs playing in the background always help to create a perfect festive environment in your home. 

To share a bit of your workload, we have shortlisted the best Thanksgiving songs that you can put in your festival playlist. 

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30 Thanksgiving Songs to Help You Feel Thankful & Happy

1. “Thanks a Million” by Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra

After having a ravishing Thanksgiving dinner, play this song to show how much you are actually thankful. The sweet trumpet melodies in the background will set a perfect mood for the evening. Plus, this classic song will allow you to remember your Thanksgiving celebrations as a kid. 

2. “Turkey Chase” by Bob Dylan

Turkey Chase is a perfect Thanksgiving background song that you can play while stuffing a turkey or entertaining your guests. It is an instrumental song that you can play while cooking your grand Thanksgiving cuisine. 

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3. “Autumn Leaves” by Nat King Cole

This peppy jazz Thanksgiving track by Nate will definitely compel you to dance and relax. After a big Thanksgiving meal, tapping your feet on this Thanksgiving song will help you create a room for dessert in your belly and have a fun moment with your family. 

4. “Thankful” by Kelly Clarkson

If it’s your turn to host Thanksgiving this year, put Thankful by Kelly Clarkson on your playlist and have some fun while preparing your famous dishes. You can also set up karaoke after dinner to have a lip-syncing battle with your friends on this song. 

5. “Everybody Eats When They Come to My House” by Cab Calloway

For a little humorous touch, you can play this fun Thanksgiving song while welcoming guests to your place. This song will help to set the perfect festive vibes on turkey day.

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6. “Sweet Potato Pie” by Ray Charles

Are you baking your special sweet potato pie for Thanksgiving? Put this song on your playlist to bake your sweet potato pie on a musical note with loads of fun and happiness. If you want your teenagers to help you with dinner preparations, this pop song will create an energetic environment in the kitchen to entertain your teenager.

7. “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge

This Thanksgiving song is the best one to celebrate the unbreakable sisterly bond. The upbeat tempo and empowering lyrics will help your girls to nurture their bond and always be there for one another. 

8. “I Want to Thank You” by Otis Redding

Sometimes it is good to show your children how much you are thankful to your partner for all their hard work. Simply play this romantic Thanksgiving song by Redding after dinner and slow dance with your partner to bloom your home with love and admiration. 

9. “Give Thanks and Praises” by Bob Marley and the Wailers

This song will put your mind at ease after a hectic day. You can snuggle with your family on a couch and share dessert while “Give Thanks and Praises” by Bob Marley plays in the background. 

10. “The Thanksgiving Song” by Adam Sandler

Your Thanksgiving playlist is incomplete without this classic song.”. All your love for delicious turkey has been beautifully portrayed by Sandler in this song. It is a classic Thanksgiving song that everyone in your family can enjoy. 

11. “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” by Vince Guaraldi Sextet

This is the sound of childhood. Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving song returns every Thanksgiving with a lesson or two on coming together and always being there for your friends. It is a Thanksgiving anthem that you must put on your holiday playlist. 

12. “Mashed Potato Time” by Dee Dee Sharp

If you want to have some fun with your kids while making mashed potatoes, play “Mashed Potato Time” by Dee Dee Sharp on repeat. This upbeat and peppy song will turn your kitchen into a party zone where your entire family can dance and cook together. 

13. “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

If you are visiting your parent’s home to celebrate Thanksgiving with your siblings, play this song in your car and evoke that feeling of being homesick. You can share your childhood memories with your children while Edward Sharpe helps you remember your childhood home. 

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14. “Thank You, Friends” by Big Star

Do you want to celebrate Friendsgiving? If yes, then listen to this Thanksgiving track by Big Star and be thankful for having such an amazing group of friends in your life. 

15. “Cooking Up Something Good” by Mac DeMarco

When you wish to cook something special for Thanksgiving, play “Cooking Up Something Good” by DeMarco to cook in a lively environment. DeMarco’s melodic lyrics will help you get into the right mood to cook something good for Thanksgiving. 

16. “Autumn in New York” by Billie Holiday

New York’s autumn is pure magic. When leaves turn the city into golden dusk, and you can’t help but appreciate the autumn at every corner, this song will give you solace. If you are also thankful for surreal New York’s autumn, do play this Thanksgiving song. 

17. “Let’s Turkey Trot” by Little Eva

After feasting on a juicy and tender turkey bird, play Let’s “Turkey Trot” by Little Eva and let your feet loose. This is a perfect Thanksgiving party song to dance your heart out with your friends and family. 

18. “Thanksgiving” by Loudon Wainwright III

This is a half-folk and half-rock song that can make everyone on the dinner table happy. From your parents to your teenagers, everyone can enjoy this song while savoring your traditional Thanksgiving recipes. 

19. “Alice’s Restaurant” by Arlo Guthrie

This is not just a Thanksgiving song but a story about how Guthrie was rejected from the Draft Board for having a criminal record. The criminal record that he got was because of illegally dumping trash on Thanksgiving. 

20. “Thanksgiving Prayer” by Johnny Cash

This is a beautiful Thanksgiving song that tells how we should be thankful for simple things in life like the laughter of children or the moonrise over the prairies.  

21. “Thank You” by Dido

“Thank You” by Dido deserves a position in your Thanksgiving playlist if you are thankful for the feeling that your family is always on your side.

22. “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young

Once all the Thanksgiving craziness dies down, play this slow Thanksgiving song and enjoy this Neil Young’s melody to end the festive day on a happy note. 

23. “It’s Thanksgiving” by Nicole Westbrook

This is one of those songs that gets stuck in your brain like a loop and you’re unable to get it out. You won’t be able to help yourself to humm on this song while cooking Thanksgiving dinner for your family. 

24. “Coming Home” by Leon Bridges

This song is for the moment when you are setting the dinner table and waiting for your entire family to come together to share a meal and happiness. 

25. “Thankful n’ Thoughtful” by Sly & the Family Stone

If you are unable to celebrate Thanksgiving this year with your entire family, “Thankful n’ Thoughtful” by Sly will help you understand how blessed you are to celebrate Thanksgiving with everything you have been fortunate with.

Over the years, many Thanksgiving songs have been composed by world-renowned artists in honor of turkey day. But some songs have become the soul of Thanksgiving day. The Thanksgiving songs mentioned above will help you share a piece of your childhood with your kids. 

26. “Over the River and Through the Woods”

“Over the River and Through the Woods” is one of the most iconic traditional Thanksgiving songs that has been cherished for generations. Originating in the 19th century, this song paints a vivid picture of a family’s journey to their grandmother’s house, braving the cold and snow, in anticipation of the warm Thanksgiving feast awaiting them. The catchy melody and nostalgic lyrics make it a must-have for any Thanksgiving music playlist. 

27. “Five Little Turkeys” by The Learning Station

While it might not be the first song that comes to mind when one thinks of soulful Thanksgiving songs, its simplicity and charm resonate with both young and old. The song narrates the tale of five turkeys in a fun, counting-down format, making it not only entertaining but also educational for children. 

As part of a beautiful Thanksgiving music collection, “Five Little Turkeys” offers a light-hearted break from the more traditional tunes, ensuring a well-rounded and joyous musical experience for all listeners.

28. “Turkey Trot”

Turkey Trot” is a lively and whimsical addition to the world of turkey songs that have become synonymous with the Thanksgiving season. As one of the funny Thanksgiving songs, it brings a burst of energy and laughter to any gathering, making it a favorite among both kids and adults. Its infectious rhythm and memorable chorus also make it a popular choice for Thanksgiving karaoke songs, ensuring that everyone gets into the festive mood.

29. “Albuquerque Turkey”

“Albuquerque Turkey” stands out as one of the most upbeat Thanksgiving songs that effortlessly blends humor with holiday spirit. Its catchy melody and amusing lyrics have cemented its place among the most popular Thanksgiving songs. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or setting the mood for a festive event, this song perfectly encapsulates those Thanksgiving vibe songs that everyone looks forward to. 

30. “A Turkey Named Bert”

“A Turkey Named Bert” is a fun addition to the realm of Thanksgiving folk songs. This enchanting Thanksgiving story song unfolds the tale of Bert, a turkey with a personality that captures the hearts of listeners. The narrative-driven lyrics provide a fresh take on Thanksgiving themes, making it both entertaining and memorable. Its rich storytelling combined with a melodic tune ensures that it’s not just the Thanksgiving songs’ lyrics that stay with you, but also the emotions and imagery they evoke. 

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Let’s Say Thank You in Musical Style!

Thanksgiving songs help you thank and celebrate this special day with your family and friends in a better way. You can easily set a relaxing and festive ambiance in your home with a beautiful melody on Thanksgiving

We’re happy to share the all-time favorite Thanksgiving songs with you. All you now have to do is create your Thanksgiving playlist and get into the festival mode. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most popular American Thanksgiving folk song?

“We Gather Together” is the oldest American song to be recognized as the traditional Thanksgiving song. This is an old hymn that talks about the first American Thanksgiving celebration.

Which Christmas song was actually written for Thanksgiving?

Not many people know that the Jingle Bells song was actually written for Thanksgiving in 1857. The thanksgiving christian song has no direct connection with Christmas, but somehow in the 1870s, it became a festival song.

What is the Thanksgiving celebration?

Thanksgiving Day is an annual national festival in the USA and Canada celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year. Americans believe that the Thanksgiving celebration is based on a 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people.

List down some Thanksgiving facts

1. Thanksgiving Day was first celebrated in 1621. 
2. The US President pardons a turkey every Thanksgiving.
3. Thanksgiving is the biggest travel day in the states. 
4. Traditional Thanksgiving meal hasn’t changed much since 1621. 
5. American people eat over 280 million turkeys every Thanksgiving