Thanksgiving 2025: Embrace Intimate Gatherings, Efficient Meal Prep, and Grocery Delivery
Thanksgiving 2025 is approaching, and many American families are starting to make preparations. According to recent insights, 39% of Americans consider Thanksgiving to be ‘very’ important. A significant 82% plan to celebrate the holiday this year, marking a slight increase in enthusiasm compared to previous years.
Gathering Trends for Thanksgiving 2025
This year, many families are opting for smaller gatherings. Here’s a breakdown of how consumers are planning their Thanksgiving celebrations:
- 37% plan to celebrate with only their immediate family.
- 33% intend to gather with a smaller group than in previous years.
- 21% will hold a large gathering as usual.
The trend shows a decrease in those hosting large gatherings, down by six percentage points since 2024. Conversely, celebrations with immediate family have increased by four percentage points. Notably, Baby Boomers and middle-income earners lean towards more intimate gatherings.
Meal Preparations: From Scratch vs. Grocery Delivery
Prepare for Thanksgiving meals is a key task for many. Currently, 42% of respondents plan to cook everything from scratch, a drop from 46% in 2024. More people are choosing fully pre-made meals, reflecting a change in cooking habits.
The most popular shopping items for Thanksgiving include:
- 65% will buy turkey and/or other meat entrees.
- 58% will stock up on fresh produce.
- 40% will add canned and frozen items to their carts.
- 15% plan to purchase plant-based meat alternatives, a jump from last year.
Notably, grocery delivery services are gaining traction, with 25% of shoppers more likely to use them this Thanksgiving compared to 2024. This trend is particularly evident among those hosting smaller gatherings.
Shopping Timeline
When will shoppers stock up for Thanksgiving? The data reveals:
- 37% will shop one week prior to the holiday.
- 26% will start shopping more than a week in advance.
- Another 26% will make their grocery run just a few days before Thanksgiving.
Each shopping day leading up to the holiday is likely to see increased crowds, so plan accordingly.
Thanksgiving Eve Takeout
With numerous preparations, 44% of Americans, particularly Gen Z, are likely to order takeout on Thanksgiving Eve. This trend reflects the desire to ease the cooking load before the big day.
Favorite Thanksgiving Foods
What are Americans’ favorite dishes this Thanksgiving? Here’s the rundown:
- Stuffing: 30%
- Mashed potatoes and gravy: 27%
- Sweet potatoes: 13%
- Mac and cheese: 12%
For desserts, pumpkin pie reigns supreme, followed by apple pie and pecan pie, which often sparks friendly debates over its pronunciation.
Conclusion
As Thanksgiving 2025 approaches, many families are preparing for a cozier celebration. Despite the reduction in gathering sizes, families are eager to create memorable meals. Expect busy grocery stores and longer wait times for takeout on Thanksgiving Eve. This year’s celebrations are sure to be intimate and savory, reflecting a shift towards meaningful connections.
