Thanksgiving is more than just a day on the calendar. It’s a celebration of gratitude, food, family, and tradition. Americans have embraced this occasion in countless ways, creating a holiday season that's both culturally and economically significant. But have you ever stopped to wonder about the numbers behind Thanksgiving?

How Many Turkeys Are Consumed On Thanksgiving?  

Each year, Americans place turkey front and center on their Thanksgiving tables. According to the National Turkey Federation, an estimated 46 million turkeys are consumed during Thanksgiving. That’s nearly 18% of the 245 million turkeys raised annually in the U.S.  

The average turkey weighs about 16 pounds, and with millions of households serving roast turkey, this adds up to over 736 million pounds of turkey meat enjoyed during the holiday.  

Side Dishes And Dessert Aren't Far Behind  

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey—it’s also about the sides and desserts that complete the feast. Here’s what the numbers say about everyone’s favorite accompaniments.  

Mashed Potatoes And Cranberries  

• 250 million pounds of potatoes are consumed on Thanksgiving.  
• Meanwhile, Americans eat 80 million pounds of cranberries around the holiday, with cranberries often prepared as relishes, sauces, or jellied sides.  

Pumpkin Pie Reigns Supreme  

What’s Thanksgiving without dessert? Pumpkin pie consistently takes the crown as the most popular choice, with 50 million pies devoured during the holiday. To produce that many pies, the U.S. grows over 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins annually.  

Thanksgiving Travel Statistics  

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the meal; it’s also about coming together with loved ones. For many, that means hitting the road or taking to the skies.  

On The Road

According to AAA, 55 million Americans travel 50 miles or more from home for Thanksgiving—a number that’s returned to pre-pandemic levels. About 89% of these travelers drive, often facing congested highways and increased fuel prices during the holiday rush.  

Airports And Flights  

Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel times of the year. The TSA reports screening 2–3 million passengers per day in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Major airlines prepare for higher traffic volumes by adding extra flights, but the surge often means longer wait times and pricier tickets.  

Football, Parades, And Entertainment  

Thanksgiving isn’t all about food and family; it’s also about the traditions we look forward to year after year.  

The Thanksgiving Day Parade  

The iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade draws crowds of around 3.5 million people to the streets of New York City. Additionally, 50 million viewers tune in from their homes to watch the spectacle of balloons, floats, and performances.  

Thanksgiving Football  

Football is another Thanksgiving staple. Each year, the NFL schedules three Thanksgiving Day games, with viewership numbers exceeding 32 million people per game. The tradition traces back to 1934 when the Detroit Lions played the first NFL Thanksgiving game, sparking a long-

Bringing It All Together  

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday—it’s a celebration embedded in American culture. From gathering with loved ones to indulging in delicious food and celebrating time-honored traditions, it’s a day that unites millions across the country. And as these numbers show, Thanksgiving is as much about connection and kindness as it is about monumental travel schedules and jaw-dropping pumpkin pie consumption.  

Whatever your plans this Thanksgiving, may your hearts (and plates!) be full.