A survey showed a majority of people prefer to eat a little earlier in the day.
TAMPA, Fla. — It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for and a meal we prepare for days, sometimes weeks in advance. On Thanksgiving Day, you may be skipping breakfast, lunch or any snacks in between to make sure you enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner to the fullest.
But, when exactly should you eat Thanksgiving dinner? It’s a small, but important detail that has Americans divided on the best time to dig in.
A 2018 survey from Statista shows 42 percent of Americans agree food should be served somewhere between 1-3 p.m.
Twenty-nine percent like to chow down between 4-5 p.m., and 14 percent sit down to dinner between 5-7 p.m. Another 12 percent turn Thanksgiving "dinner" into lunch by eating between 12-1 p.m., and even fewer people, 4 percent, say they prefer to eat at 8 p.m. or later.
It all depends on the plans you have for the day.
A 2018 article from The Atlantic asserts 4 p.m. is the perfect time to eat. One of the reasons is eating earlier means having to prepare food earlier, therefore ruining the “unhurried, cozy holiday” vibes of Thanksgiving.
However, eating too late can also have its issues. According to Dr. Joseph Murray, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, eating too late increases the chance of heartburn. You also may have a restless night.
For sports fans, Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food. With NFL games on the schedule, you may want to get your meal in before, after or in-between the games.
Regardless of when you’re eating, most Americans can agree on the foods at the dinner table.
In another 2018 survey from Statista, 81 percent of Americans plan to serve turkey on Thanksgiving. 69 percent plan to serve gravy and there are similar numbers for stuffing, bread rolls, cornbread and mashed potatoes. 5 percent of respondents say sauerkraut will be part of the spread.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter that much what time you eat. Choose a time that allows everyone to arrive safely, enjoy the football games and spend much-needed time with loved ones.
This story was originally published in 2021.
FAQs
Twenty-nine percent like to chow down between 4-5 p.m., and 14 percent sit down to dinner between 5-7 p.m. Another 12 percent turn Thanksgiving "dinner" into lunch by eating between 12-1 p.m., and even fewer people, 4 percent, say they prefer to eat at 8 p.m. or later. It all depends on the plans you have for the day.
What time is the most popular time to eat Thanksgiving dinner? ›
2 to 4 p.m.: In my (very unscientific) poll, this was by far the most popular time period. It's late enough to not really be called lunch, but too early to be considered dinner, at least according to my personal definitions. I could relate to many of the explanations here. The cooks have plenty of time to prep.
Why is Thanksgiving dinner at 4pm? ›
There are many reasons, but primarily: Historically, dinner became before supper; it makes for a more relaxed day; it's simply tradition; it's more convenient for traveling guests; and, of course, to watch football.
What time should guests arrive for Thanksgiving dinner? ›
2 pm is a possibility IF YOU ARE AN EARLY RISER! Remember, you will need hours for the turkey to roast, sides to prep… The good thing about asking guests to arrive at 2 pm is that the event could possibly end at a decent hour allowing you a few minutes of downtime before bedtime! 4 pm is a safe bet!
What is the most popular dinner time? ›
In America, the average dinner time is 6:22 p.m. Some folks choose to eat well after 9 p.m. Dorothy Bain, a 63-year-old retired nurse in Laurinburg, North Carolina, sometimes cooks steak for dinner, sometimes chicken. What's constant is when she eats dinner—always between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.
What is the busiest time for dinner? ›
From 6 to 9 p.m., restaurants make double or triple the amount of revenue they generate at other times of day. It's the dinner rush, and it's the best time for restaurants to make the most revenue.
When should I make Thanksgiving dinner? ›
While it's best to actually cook your turkey on Thanksgiving day, Holzman recommends seasoning your turkey the night before. Since it's the main event, the turkey should be the first dish you start cooking in the morning. "The resting process is an absolutely imperative part of the cooking process," Holzman said.
Is it rude to be late to Thanksgiving dinner? ›
Respect the host's planning for the meal and find out when you're expected to arrive to eat as a group. “If you are invited at 12 noon, don't arrive early, but certainly don't arrive late,” Gottsman said. “The host has the lunch carefully timed and it's impolite to keep everyone waiting because you slept late.”
What is the etiquette for Thanksgiving guests? ›
Offer to contribute to the meal — but don't dictate the menu. Your best bet is to make your offer open-ended and follow your host's direction. If you or your “party” have special dietary needs, it's very gracious to offer to bring a dish that meets those needs.
What is the average number of guests at Thanksgiving? ›
60% of Americans are planning on hosting or considering hosting Thanksgiving this year, and they expect 11 guests, on average.
On October 6, 1941, the House passed a joint resolution declaring the last Thursday in November to be the legal Thanksgiving Day. The Senate, however, amended the resolution establishing the holiday as the fourth Thursday, which would take into account those years when November has five Thursdays.
What is the number 1 Thanksgiving side dish? ›
mashed potatoes! Rising from second place in 2022, mashed potatoes take the crown for America's favorite Thanksgiving side dish. Creamy, rich, and comforting, they're the perfect accompaniment to turkey and gravy, so it makes sense that mashed potatoes came out on top.
How many sides should you serve for Thanksgiving? ›
For 4 people, choose 1-2 appetizers and 3 sides. For 8 people, choose 1-3 appetizers and 3 sides. For 16 people, choose 2-3 appetizers and 3 or more sides.
What time should I start cooking Thanksgiving dinner? ›
When you should start cooking: In the afternoon, while other dishes are in the oven. Various side dishes, such as green-bean casserole, are best when served fresh. After salads have been prepped and other dishes are in the oven, you can get started on more of your family's favorite side dishes.
What is the busiest day before Thanksgiving? ›
The busiest and most expensive days to fly before Thanksgiving were Tuesday, Nov. 21, and Wednesday, Nov. 22, according to AAA. Demand for travel the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is only up 3%.
When should you set the table for Thanksgiving? ›
To make sure your holiday is hiccup-free, set out the tables and chairs a day or two in advance. This will give you a good idea of how much space you're working with and if you need to make any changes—or phone a friend if you need to borrow a table or any other must-have Thanksgiving items.
Should I eat the morning of Thanksgiving? ›
Your health won't be affected by one meal, and neither will your biomarkers! Start your Thanksgiving morning with a good breakfast, make sure to drink water during the day, enjoy your time with family and friends, and resume your healthy habits the next day.
