Thanksgiving Riddles are a fun tradition to entertain family and friends during the holiday season. Riddles have been used for generations to spark laughter and bring people together through friendly competition.
This Thanksgiving, keep your loved ones engaged with a variety of funny, challenging, and thoughtful riddles related to Thanksgiving traditions, food, pilgrims, harvest time, and more. Test your trivia knowledge with history-themed brain teasers or learn new facts while solving corny pun-based puzzles. Kids especially love jokes and riddles that play with language in silly ways.
Whether you’re looking to liven up your Thanksgiving meal or pass time after dinner when everyone is relaxing, these Thanksgiving riddles are guaranteed to provide smiles and memories to last through the holiday season.
Best Thanksgiving Riddles with Answers
The Feast’s First Guest
I’m first to arrive, yet last to be seen,
My aroma fills the air, oh so keen.
I roast for hours, golden and fine,
Who am I, this centerpiece divine?
Answer: Turkey
Harvest’s Pride
In fields I grow, tall and proud,
My kernels are yellow, in husks they’re shrouded.
On plates, I’m buttered, a tasty treat,
What am I, so golden and sweet?
Answer: Corn
Autumn’s Flame
Red and orange, I paint the trees,
Falling gently with the breeze.
I crunch beneath your feet so bright,
What am I, an autumn delight?
Answer: Leaves
The Gobbler’s Disguise
I have a beard but I’m not a man,
I have a wattle and fan-like tail grand.
I gobble and strut, but come November,
I’d rather not be the meal to remember.
Answer: Turkey
Pie’s Secret
Orange and round, I grew on a vine,
Now I’m baked in a crust so fine.
With whipped cream topped, I’m quite a treat,
What am I, so spicy and sweet?
Answer: Pumpkin pie
The Cozy Light
I flicker and dance, with a warm glow,
On tables I sit, all in a row.
I’m made of wax, with a fiery crown,
What am I, lighting the feast so renowned?
Answer: Candle
The Traveler’s Comfort
Packed and ready, for journeys long,
To gatherings where we all belong.
With wheels or wings, we make our way,
What are we, on Thanksgiving Day?
Answer: Travelers
The Grateful Hug
We gather ’round, with hearts so light,
To share our thanks on this special night.
Arms outstretched, we hold each other tight,
What are we giving, with all our might?
Answer: Hugs
The Sailing Ship
Across the sea, I brought them here,
Pilgrims seeking a new frontier.
My name’s well-known in history’s lore,
What ship am I, from days of yore?
Answer: Mayflower
The Silent Listener
At the table, I’m always there,
Though I never eat, speak, or share.
I hold the feast for all to see,
What item am I, so sturdy and free?
Answer: Table
Famous Thanksgiving Riddles
The Pilgrim’s Hat
Black and tall, with buckle bright,
I sit on heads, a curious sight.
From England’s shores to Plymouth Rock,
What am I, part of the Pilgrim’s stock?
Answer: Pilgrim hat
The Feast’s Prelude
Before we eat, we bow our heads,
To speak these words, our hearts are led.
For blessings great and small we say,
What is this called on Thanksgiving Day?
Answer: Grace
The Harvest Moon
Full and bright in autumn’s sky,
I shine down as geese fly by.
Farmers reap by my silver light,
What am I, a celestial sight?
Answer: Harvest moon
The Endless Banquet
I stretch out long, with dishes galore,
Second helpings and then some more.
Platters and bowls, a grand display,
What meal am I on Thanksgiving Day?
Answer: Thanksgiving dinner
The Cornucopia’s Secret
Horn-shaped and filled with nature’s best,
Fruits and veggies spill from my crest.
A symbol of plenty, abundance, and more,
What am I, from myth and harvest lore?
Answer: Cornucopia
Thanksgiving Riddles for Kids
The Feathered Runner
I’ve got legs that help me sprint,
But flying’s not my strongest hint.
“Gobble gobble” is what I say,
Who am I on Thanksgiving Day?
Answer: Turkey
The Sweet Ending
I’m orange or maybe golden brown,
With a flaky crust, I’m quite renowned.
Pumpkin, pecan, or apple too,
What dessert am I, loved by you?
Answer: Pie
The Colorful Guest
Red and tart, I’m sauce or jelly,
I go great with turkey in your belly.
From a bog I come, small and round,
What berry am I, at your feast found?
Answer: Cranberry
The Cozy Warmer
Knit or fleece, I keep you toasty,
When autumn winds get rather toasty.
Around your neck, I snugly sit,
What am I, a cold weather kit?
Answer: Scarf
The Crafty Decoration
With paper, glue, and feathers bright,
I’m made by small hands, such a sight!
Shaped like a bird, I grace the wall,
What craft am I, loved by all?
Answer: Handprint turkey
Thanksgiving Riddles for Students
The Secret Ingredient
In stuffing and pie, I add some spice,
My flavor’s warm and oh-so nice.
Sprinkled or stuck, I’m quite a treat,
What am I, making dishes complete?
Answer: Cinnamon
The Invisible Guest
You can’t see me, but I’m always there,
In hearts and minds, a presence fair.
For blessings big and blessings small,
What am I, felt by one and all?
Answer: Gratitude
The Traveling Feast
Packed in containers, still warm and yummy,
I’m carried to others to fill their tummy.
Shared with neighbors or those in need,
What meal am I, a generous deed?
Answer: Leftover Thanksgiving dinner
The Autumn Leaf’s Puzzle
Once green, now gold or crimson hue,
I fall from trees, a seasonal cue.
Raked in piles for jumping fun,
What am I, when summer’s done?
Answer: Autumn leaf
The Midnight Snacker
When the feast is over and night is here,
I’m sought in the fridge, oh so dear.
A sandwich made from the day’s remains,
What meal am I, worth midnight pains?
Answer: Leftover turkey sandwich
The Pilgrim’s Puzzle
Dressed in black and white they came,
Across the sea, to stake their claim.
Who are these folks from long ago,
That we remember, friend and foe?
Answer: Pilgrims
Turkey Trouble
I’m the star of your plate, big and round,
But in life, I make a gobbling sound.
Once a year, I’m the main attraction,
What am I, to your satisfaction?
Answer: Turkey
Cranberry Conundrum
Tart and red, in sauce or jelly,
I’m a fruit that fills your belly.
At Thanksgiving, I’m always there,
In a dish, beyond compare.
Answer: Cranberries
The Mashed Potato Mystery
Smooth and creamy, white as snow,
On your plate, I’m quite a show.
Mashed up well with milk and butter,
What am I? Go on and mutter!
Answer: Mashed potatoes
Gobble Gobble Guess
I strut and fan my feathers wide,
In November, I run to hide.
My “gobble gobble” you might hear,
What am I? It’s pretty clear!
Answer: Turkey
Pumpkin Pie Paradox
Orange and round, I’m quite a treat,
As a dessert, I can’t be beat.
Spiced just right and baked with care,
What am I, so sweet and fair?
Answer: Pumpkin pie
The Grateful Gravy Riddle
I’m poured on top of many a dish,
To make your meal more than you’d wish.
Brown and savory, I flow with ease,
What am I? Tell me, please!
Answer: Gravy
Feast of Fun Fables
Stories told of days gone by,
Of harvest, friends, and pumpkin pie.
What do we call these tales so old,
Of Pilgrims brave and Indians bold?
Answer: Thanksgiving stories
The Harvest Hoot
In fields of gold, we stand so tall,
Picked and shucked in early fall.
Yellow kernels in neat little rows,
What are we? Everybody knows!
Answer: Corn
Cornucopia Conundrum
A horn-shaped basket filled with plenty,
Fruits and veggies, there are many.
Symbol of abundance, harvest’s pride,
What am I, with goods inside?
Answer: Cornucopia
The Turkey Trot Teaser
We dance this jig on Turkey Day,
To burn off calories, they say.
What’s this dance we do with glee,
Before we stuff ourselves with glee?
Answer: Turkey Trot
Autumn Apple Enigma
Red or green, we’re crisp and sweet,
In pies or sauce, we’re quite a treat.
Picked from trees in autumn’s chill,
What are we? You know the drill!
Answer: Apples
The Stuffing Surprise
Inside the bird or on the side,
This bready mix is hard to hide.
Herbs and spices make it nice,
What am I? Take a slice!
Answer: Stuffing
Pilgrim’s Pleasantry
We crossed the sea in days of yore,
To find new freedoms on this shore.
In buckled hats and simple dresses,
Who are we? Come on, guess!
Answer: Pilgrims
The Bountiful Brain Teaser
A day to give thanks for all we’ve got,
For blessings received and friends, we’ve sought.
What do we call this special day,
When gratitude is on display?
Answer: Thanksgiving
