The 10 Best Songs to Play During Thanksgiving Dinner
We admit that crafting the perfect Thanksgiving dinner holiday playlist is almost as stressful as getting the turkey just right. You want tunes that set a warm, grateful mood but don’t put everyone to sleep before the pumpkin pie comes out (unless that is the goal, jus’ sayin’). It’s a delicate balance. You need something that says, “I’m thankful for my loved ones,” but also, “Please pass the %#*&$ gravy before I cause a scene.”
A Thanksgiving Holiday Playlist That Doesn’t Suck
Most Thanksgiving song lists are a snooze-fest, recycling the same tired tracks. But your holiday deserves a soundtrack with a little more personality. Forget all the clichés. We’re curating a holiday playlist that’s got soul, sass, and just the right amount of sentimentality to get you through four hours of family time.
“Harvest Moon” – Neil Young
This song is the audio equivalent of a worn-in flannel shirt and a crisp autumn evening. Neil Young’s gentle folk-rock guitar driven classic captures that cozy, rustic feeling of being with someone you love as the seasons change. It’s mellow without being boring, thus creating a perfect, soulful backdrop for catching up and sharing stories.
“We Are Family” – Sister Sledge
Is it cheesy? Yep. Is it essential? You bet. This upbeat disco anthem is a pure, unadulterated celebration of togetherness. When your uncle starts arguing politics with your cousin, crank this up. It’s impossible to stay mad when you’re tapping your feet to that iconic funky beat. It’s a guaranteed mood-lifter.
“Home” – Phillip Phillips
The unofficial anthem for anyone who’s traveled far and wide to be with family. Phillip Phillips’ folk-stomp hit is all about finding your place and making it home, wherever you are. It’s got that raw, earnest energy that feels genuinely heartfelt, reminding everyone that the journey to the yummy dinner table was worth it.
“Cooking Up Something Good” – Mac DeMarco
Finally, a song for the real heroes of Thanksgiving: the chefs. With its breezy, cheerful vibe, this indie track is the perfect background music for the kitchen chaos. It’s got a laid-back, “just vibing” energy that says, “Yeah, I’m juggling three different timers and a mountain of potatoes, but I’m cool with it.”
“Alice’s Restaurant” – Arlo Guthrie Thanksgiving holiday wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t have this quintessential holiday song. This 18-minute long talking blues song is a tradition in and of itself. It’s actually less about Alice‘s Restaurant, and more about Guthrie‘s life and his arrest for littering in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Weird, right? This long song is totally worth a listen.
“Sweet Potato Pie” – Ray Charles & James Taylor
The title alone makes this a Thanksgiving must-have. This collaboration is pure joy. It’s got that feel-good, toe-tapping rhythm that makes you want to grab a dance partner between courses. It’s a playful, soulful tune that’s as comforting as its namesake dish. This is truly Thanksgiving holiday playlist worthy!
“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” – Natalie Cole
This song is pure, bottled-up happiness. If you can listen to this without cracking a smile or doing a little shoulder shimmy, you might just be a robot. Natalie Cole’s touching and exuberant vocals combined with joyful instrumentals make this an ideal track for celebrating love, life, and good food.
“What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
Okay – this one really is a classic for a reason. Armstrong’s gravelly voice delivering wonderful lyrics about the beauty of the world is the very definition of gratitude. It’s a timeless and soulful reminder to appreciate the small things—the green trees, red roses, and the people you share them with.
“Stretchy Pants” – Carrie Underwood
Admittedly, Thanksgiving is often about one thing: the feast. Carrie Underwood’s hilarious, relatable country track is a modern ode to indulging without guilt. It’s a funny, lighthearted song that will have everyone laughing and patting their food babies in solidarity. Then, ya know, it’s naptime.
“Lean on Me” – Bill Withers
When it comes down to it, Thanksgiving is about having people you can count on. Bill Withers’ catchy and sweet song of support and friendship is the perfect closing track for your dinner. It’s a powerful, heartfelt reminder of the bonds that hold us together, long after the last piece of pie is gone.
Wrapping It Up
This playlist will help save your holiday from musical mediocrity. These are songs that will make your Thanksgiving gathering feel a little less like a stuffy obligation and more like good family time – a perfect playlist in our book.
