Want to know what’s better than pumpkin pie? A perfectly curated thanksgiving playlist that doesn’t include “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (sorry, Mariah).
Quick Takes
- ? Top picks for every moment of your Thanksgiving celebration
- ? When to play each song for maximum impact
- ? Genre-specific selections for different tastes
- ? Special sections for cooking, dining, and post-feast vibes
The Great Thanksgiving Music Drought
Thanksgiving songs might not dominate streaming charts like their jingle-bell-heavy cousins, but that’s precisely what makes them special.
While Christmas tunes scream for attention like that one relative who always brings up politics at dinner, Thanksgiving music whispers sweet nothings about gratitude, family, and elastic waistbands.
Your Essential Thanksgiving Day Music Playlist (Categorised by Mood)
The I’m Actually Enjoying Cooking Collection – Thanksgiving Songs for the Kitchen
Kind and Generous – Natalie Merchant
Perfect for when you’re not cursing at the turkey
Sweet Potato Pie – Ray Charles
Because your desserts deserve their own soundtrack
Over the River and Through the Woods – Lydia Maria Child
Fun fact: This was originally a poem from 1844.
The Fancy Feelings Selection – Elegant Thanksgiving Music for a Sophisticated Gathering
Thanks for the Memory – Ella Fitzgerald
When you want your gathering to feel less “paper plates” and more “fine china”
Thanksgiving Prayer – Johnny Cash
Because everything sounds more profound in that baritone
Thanksgiving Song – Mary Chapin Carpenter
Like a warm hug in musical form
The Family’s All Here Bangers
We Are Family – Sister Sledge
Warning: May cause spontaneous kitchen dancing
Homeward Bound – Simon & Garfunkel
For when your cousin is stuck in airport traffic
Our House – Madness
Because chaos is relative(s)
The Gratitude with Attitude Mix
Thank U – Alanis Morissette
When you’re feeling thankful… ironically
Thankful – Celine Dion
Because sometimes you need those power vocals
Give Thanks and Praises – Bob Marley
Reggae: The secret ingredient to family harmony
The Modern Thankful Playlist
Be Thankful for What You Got – William DeVaughn
Smooth like gravy
Gratitude – Paul McCartney
Because if a Beatle is grateful, we should be too
Thank You for the Music – ABBA
Dancing Queen energy for your Thanksgiving feast
The Unexpectedly Perfect Collection
Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie – Jay & The Techniques
Your dessert table’s theme song
Thankful – Jonny Lang
Blues-y gratitude hits different
Turkey Dubstep
Yes, it exists.
The Classics Corner
Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Theme – Vince Guaraldi
Jazz makes everything classier
Thank You – Led Zeppelin
Because sometimes you need to rock your gratitude
Strategic Playlist Deployment Guide
Morning Prep (8 AM – 2 PM)
Start with upbeat thanksgiving songs that won’t make you cry into the stuffing. Think Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Charles – sophisticated enough to make you feel like a proper chef, even if you’re just opening cans.
The Gathering (2 PM – 4 PM)
As guests arrive, transition to family-friendly thanksgiving music. “We Are Family” is your secret weapon against awkward entrance moments.
The Feast (4 PM – 6 PM)
Gentle thanksgiving songs for adults that won’t interrupt crucial gravy-passing operations. This is your Mary Chapin Carpenter and Johnny Cash moment.
The Aftermath (6 PM onwards)
Break out the livelier thanksgiving day songs. If someone starts doing the turkey trot to “Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie,” you’ve nailed it.
Tips for Maximum Impact
- Create a backup “emergency playlist” of crowd-pleasers
- Keep the Charlie Brown theme handy for instant mood lightening
- Save the turkey dubstep for when the traditional folks have gone home
- Consider your audience’s age range (or don’t, and watch chaos ensue)
A Note on Timing
While some people (Christmas enthusiasts) start their holiday music in September, thanksgiving songs hit differently when properly timed.
Our scientific recommendation? Start when you begin prep cooking, or when someone first mentions “What time is dinner?”
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a Thanksgiving music traditionalist or you’re ready to risk it all with turkey dubstep, these songs will carry you through every moment of your celebration.
From the first potato peeled to the last slice of pie, this playlist has you covered.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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