A survey showed a majority of people prefer to eat a little earlier in the day.
TAMPA, Fla. — It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for and a meal we prepare for days, sometimes weeks in advance. On Thanksgiving Day, you may be skipping breakfast, lunch or any snacks in between to make sure you enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner to the fullest.
But, when exactly should you eat Thanksgiving dinner? It’s a small, but important detail that has Americans divided on the best time to dig in.
A 2018 survey from Statista shows 42 percent of Americans agree food should be served somewhere between 1-3 p.m.
Twenty-nine percent like to chow down between 4-5 p.m., and 14 percent sit down to dinner between 5-7 p.m. Another 12 percent turn Thanksgiving "dinner" into lunch by eating between 12-1 p.m., and even fewer people, 4 percent, say they prefer to eat at 8 p.m. or later.
It all depends on the plans you have for the day.
A 2018 article from The Atlantic asserts 4 p.m. is the perfect time to eat. One of the reasons is eating earlier means having to prepare food earlier, therefore ruining the “unhurried, cozy holiday” vibes of Thanksgiving.
However, eating too late can also have its issues. According to Dr. Joseph Murray, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, eating too late increases the chance of heartburn. You also may have a restless night.
For sports fans, Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food. With NFL games on the schedule, you may want to get your meal in before, after or in-between the games.
Regardless of when you’re eating, most Americans can agree on the foods at the dinner table.
In another 2018 survey from Statista, 81 percent of Americans plan to serve turkey on Thanksgiving. 69 percent plan to serve gravy and there are similar numbers for stuffing, bread rolls, cornbread and mashed potatoes. 5 percent of respondents say sauerkraut will be part of the spread.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter that much what time you eat. Choose a time that allows everyone to arrive safely, enjoy the football games and spend much-needed time with loved ones.
This story was originally published in 2021.
FAQs
When to eat Thanksgiving dinner? It can be a thorny question.
- Noon: The early birds want to ensure they not only have room for dessert but also a full second meal, presumably from leftovers. ...
- 2 to 4 p.m.: In my (very unscientific) poll, this was by far the most popular time period.
4 p.m. is perfect because you want it to be late enough in the day that this meal is the main event—there will be no major meal before or after.” Importantly, a 4 p.m. mealtime does not go against any prescriptions of etiquette.
What time should guests arrive for Thanksgiving dinner? ›
2 pm is a possibility IF YOU ARE AN EARLY RISER! Remember, you will need hours for the turkey to roast, sides to prep… The good thing about asking guests to arrive at 2 pm is that the event could possibly end at a decent hour allowing you a few minutes of downtime before bedtime! 4 pm is a safe bet!
Why is Thanksgiving dinner at 4pm? ›
There are many reasons, but primarily: Historically, dinner became before supper; it makes for a more relaxed day; it's simply tradition; it's more convenient for traveling guests; and, of course, to watch football.
What is the busiest day for Thanksgiving? ›
From 2019-2022, here were the most to least crowded days for Thanksgiving flying:
- Sunday after Thanksgiving (most crowded).
- Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
- Friday before.
- Monday after (Cyber Monday).
- Saturday after.
- Sunday before.
- Tuesday before.
- Thursday before.
The answer is simple: leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. This means you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all those delicious leftovers or place them in the freezer to enjoy later. If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will be of best quality within 2-6 months.
What is the best way to serve Thanksgiving dinner? ›
As a general rule, anything big and hot should go on the buffet table — so the turkey and all the side dishes. The condiments like gravy, cranberry sauce, and butter can go on the dining table, so that guests can add more to their plates with ease.
What is the rule for when Thanksgiving is? ›
On October 6, 1941, the House passed a joint resolution declaring the last Thursday in November to be the legal Thanksgiving Day. The Senate, however, amended the resolution establishing the holiday as the fourth Thursday, which would take into account those years when November has five Thursdays.
What time do people usually host Thanksgiving? ›
Over the years, Americans have opted to host their dinners at different times, with many families starting the meal at 3pm on the fourth Thursday in November. On the other hand, some people decide to eat dinner as they normally would, by hosting Thanksgiving at 6pm or 7pm.
What is the average number of guests at Thanksgiving? ›
60% of Americans are planning on hosting or considering hosting Thanksgiving this year, and they expect 11 guests, on average.
Offer to contribute to the meal — but don't dictate the menu. Your best bet is to make your offer open-ended and follow your host's direction. If you or your “party” have special dietary needs, it's very gracious to offer to bring a dish that meets those needs.
What is the most common time for Thanksgiving dinner? ›
According to Survata, about 66 percent of Americans plan to have their Thanksgiving meal between 1-5 p.m. with 7 percent opting to eat before 1 p.m. and 27 percent after 5 p.m. The timing of Thanksgiving varies throughout the country, the survey shows.
What is the number 1 Thanksgiving side dish? ›
mashed potatoes! Rising from second place in 2022, mashed potatoes take the crown for America's favorite Thanksgiving side dish. Creamy, rich, and comforting, they're the perfect accompaniment to turkey and gravy, so it makes sense that mashed potatoes came out on top.
How many sides should you serve for Thanksgiving? ›
How many dishes should I serve with the turkey? For 4 people, choose 1-2 appetizers and 3 sides. For 8 people, choose 1-3 appetizers and 3 sides. For 16 people, choose 2-3 appetizers and 3 or more sides.
What is the most common Thanksgiving Day? ›
Each year Americans in the United States celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday on the fourth Thursday of November. Most families follow traditions begun on the first Thanksgiving, but many have their own traditions that they follow each year. Here are some of the common traditions associated with Turkey Day.
When should you set the table for Thanksgiving? ›
To ease holiday stress, set your dining room table for the big Thanksgiving dinner several days prior to the big day. But how do you go about choosing the right plate, spoon, or wine glass? To make sure your table has all the serving elements you need, we've mapped out the must-know rules of table setting.
What do most people eat the night before Thanksgiving? ›
If any night is the most critical, it's the night before, when many Americans will bake pies and prepare reheatable dishes, like casseroles and soups, so that Thursday morning doesn't dissolve into chaos.
When should you shop for Thanksgiving dinner? ›
The absolute best time to start shopping for Thanksgiving actually begins weeks ahead of the holiday. Shop in advance for non-perishable items and anything that will stay fresh until Turkey Day.
