Thanksgiving is not just great food or quality time spent with the family but also a great excuse for playing games over the weekend. Over dinner, when everyone is unwinding and in need of some laid-back fun, video games bring family and friends together for shares of laughs and bonding moments. For big family gatherings, smaller groups, or personal downtime, Especially during Thanksgiving, these games will surely keep that Thanksgiving spirit going!
Here are some of the top video games to play on Thanksgiving with so much to entertain all ages and interests!
1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is perfect for that cozy, laid-back game to pass the Thanksgiving. Players can create their very own island paradise, shaping it according to their needs. They get to build homes, fish, plant plants, and get on with all sorts of adorable animal characters. This would make a great game for families or friends to visit each other’s islands and explore together or even have an exclusive virtual Thanksgiving party.
Why It’s Great for Thanksgiving:
- Casual and family-friendly, it can be enjoyed by all ages
- Supports single-player and multiplayer options in online mode
- Suitable for creative fun and socialization, even from a distance
2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Platform: Nintendo Switch
A popular Nintendo racing game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is especially fun for players of all ages. Colorful tracks and all their beloved Nintendo characters bring color and excitement to this fast-paced and easy-to-play game. It offers multiplayer mode for up to four players on the same screen, so it’s great for family get-togethers. Fun for zooming in rainbow-colored courses or dodging banana peels, all participants are bound to laugh and cheer.
Why It’s Awesome for Thanksgiving:
- Easy to pick up and play, even for newbies.
- So much fun, so exciting, and suited for all people of all ages.
- Quick rounds make it perfect for taking turns.
3. Just Dance 2023
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
Want to get your family up and dancing? Just Dance 2023 is the game for you! This game turns your living room into a dance floor, with players trying to imitate dance moves to popular songs. It’s perfect fun for all the family, allowing everyone to show off their best dance moves and have laughs together. With songs suitable for all ages and levels, there’s something for anyone to jump in from kids to grandparents.
Why It’s Good for Thanksgiving:
- Everyone gets up and is active after such a huge meal.
- There are loads of songs out there, so everyone is sure to have their own special song they love for this game.
- Ensures the room is full of much-needed energy and laughter.
4. Super Mario Party
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Another board game-style video game, kind of like Monopoly, is Super Mario Party, where people move around a virtual board, compete with mini-games, and try to collect the most stars. Since fun and wacky mini-games can be played by all, Super Mario Party is a good fit for families and friends who want to enjoy light-hearted competition this Thanksgiving. The controls are easy to use, making it friendly to all ages.
Why It’s Great for Thanksgiving:
- A splash of luck and skill, so everyone’s chance to win comes about
- Mini-games mix up the game while providing entertaining challenges
- A blast for four or less players, controls are pretty easy to learn
5. Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC
In Overcooked! All You Can Eat, players will team up in chaotic kitchens to prepare and serve food orders before time runs out. This is the best game for families or friends that love a little competition and challenge. Given frantic gameplay and silly kitchen obstacles, there are many good laughs as players attempt to keep up with the orders.
Why It’s Great for Thanksgiving:
- Promotes teamwork and communication.
- It’s hilarious, boisterous gameplay that’s also hilarious and fun for groups.
- Good for both new and seasoned players.
6. Jackbox Party Pack
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mobile (varies by game)
The Jackbox Party Pack is a package of party games that can be mounted and played easily. There are trivia games, drawing games, word games, and more. Only one controller is required so everyone else can join in the fun on their phones. This makes it a great choice for big events. You have one game that gives one contestant ridiculous prompts or variety in more than one game for a lighthearted atmosphere, perfect for groups.
Why It’s Awesome for Thanksgiving:
- People can connect through their phones, so nobody needs to be excluded.
- Multiple games make it so that everyone is sure to find something they like.
- Easy setup, making it perfect for small, medium-sized, and large groups.
7. Stardew Valley
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mobile
Stardew Valley is a farming simulation game where you build your farm, raise animals, grow crops, and befriend townsfolk. It’s a relaxing game perfect for a solo experience or a cozy multiplayer session. Indeed, simple controls and a lot of tasks to keep players entertained make Stardew Valley the quiet escape to unwind after a busy Thanksgiving.
Why Great for Thanksgiving
- Relaxed gameplay is great for both single-player and multiplayer.
- The balance between farming, crafting, and exploring.
- Good to be played within ages and has plenty of creative freedom.
Summary
Thanksgiving is about bonding, unwinding, and sharing joy, and these video games offer enjoyment for everyone: racing, pastoral farming, and everything in between, whether the host is the whole house or a quality spend with close family and friends. These games are just the thing to bring people together.
Happy gaming and Happy Thanksgiving!
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