Thanksgiving by the Numbers: Here's How America Actually Plans, Spends, and Celebrates the Holiday

Every year millions of people across the United States visit Allrecipes to plan their Thanksgiving menu. We can tell you the top recipe for the occasion (and we do), or which leftover recipe everyone is obsessed with right now (pot pie!).  But what’s behind the perfect turkey, the sides, and the desserts? How are Allrecipes readers actually scheduling their day, spending their money, and celebrating Thanksgiving?

We took a three-pronged approach to see how Allrecipes readers—and America—does Thanksgiving. First, we worked with our data analytics team to pinpoint trends from the past 27 years of Allrecipes.com. Then, we sent out a survey to our Allrecipes community (the Thanksgiving Quick Poll) to get further insights into things that the data couldn’t show us. Lastly, we reviewed other national holiday-related polls to cross-check our own insights when applicable. Read on to discover just how we do Thanksgiving…by the numbers.

What time do Allrecipes readers typically have Thanksgiving dinner?

Answer: 4pm. According to our Thanksgiving Quick Poll, 4pm is the magic hour for Thanksgiving dinner for Allrecipes readers, which squares with the national average. According to a YouGov poll, the most popular time for Thanksgiving dinner is between 4-5pm (15% of respondents); where 14% start an hour earlier at 3pm and another 13% start at 2pm. 

What's the average number of people at someone’s Thanksgiving dinner?

Answer: 8 people. The average gathering size for a Thanksgiving feast for the Allrecipes reader is eight people.That’s just enough to squeeze around most dining room tables (or spread out to a kids’ table!). Experts consider this a medium size gathering, and we have a guide to just how much food to make for a crowd that size, from how many pounds the turkey should be to how many cups of gravy and cranberry sauce to prepare. 

How long does it take the Allrecipes reader to cook Thanksgiving dinner?

Answer: 7 hours. Allrecipes readers put their hearts, souls, and cook times into hosting Thanksgiving: You told us that you spend an average of seven hours in the kitchen preparing the meal, and we believe you! (Feel like you’re spending more than seven hours or want to shave a little time? Here are 5 things you can do ahead of time, 9 make-ahead Thanksgiving sides you can freeze, and 10 make-ahead Thanksgiving Day appetizers to really save time when the doorbell rings!)

On average, how many weeks in advance do people start planning their Thanksgiving menu?

Answer: 3 weeks. As soon as Halloween is in the rear-view mirror, folks turn their attention to Thanksgiving and menu planning, according to their activity on Allrecipes.com. The recipe hunt begins pretty much right on November 1, and searches really pick up the following week. In fact, 90% of Thanksgiving recipe searches occur in the final two weeks before the big day. 

What's the average size turkey that Allrecipes readers purchase?

Answer: 16 pounds. Allrecipes readers love their turkey leftovers: According to our Thanksgiving Quick Poll, the average Thanksgiving turkey you buy is 16 pounds—more than enough for a gathering of 8 people, according to our guide. But do they brine or not brine that bird? Find out here! 

How many cans of green beans do Allrecipes readers go through at Thanksgiving?

Answer: 3 cans. Hold on to your can opener: Allrecipes holiday hosts and cooks go through an estimated 3 million cans of green beans for Thanksgiving, and the average household uses three cans of that classic holiday ingredient. And check this out: The searches for green bean casserole recipes on Allrecipes.com peak at 10am on Thanksgiving Day! That’s unneeded pressure! Pick your recipe now, with our review of our 5 most popular green bean casseroles. 

How many cans of pumpkin do Allrecipes readers go through for Thanksgiving?

Answer: 2 cans. Given that the average pumpkin pie recipe requires one 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree, we have to think that Allrecipes bakers like to be prepared, because you told us you use two cans on Thanksgiving for an estimated total of 4 million cans over the holiday! We hope that means two pumpkin pies on the sideboard or a second pumpkin-forward recipe (like these Pumpkin Bars). Either way, it adds up to delicious.  

What's the average amount ($$$) the Allrecipes reader spends on Thanksgiving?

Answer: $195. Thanksgiving means a lot to Allrecipes readers, and you make a real investment in the holiday—an average of $195, according to our Thanksgiving Quick Poll. That’s higher than the 2023 estimated cost for an average Thanksgiving dinner that could feed up to 10 people: turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, carrots, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and coffee and milk to drink. Looking to trim costs a little this year? Here are 11 ways to save money this Thanksgiving. 

What percentage of Allrecipes readers host Thanksgiving?

Answer: 2 in 3 people. Allrecipes readers love to host! And the proof is in your answer to our Thanksgiving Quick Poll, where two out of three of you said you hosted the big meal. You may be a pro when it comes to the planning, but we’ve got a fun way to share the burden a bit: Make this year's celebration a Thanksgiving potluck! Meanwhile, are you getting ready to host your first-ever Thanksgiving and feeling a bit nervous? There’s a guide for that. 

What percentage of Allrecipes readers eat turkey on Thanksgiving?

Answer: 89%. Chandler Bing may be the most famous Thanksgiving turkey-phobe in history, but he’s the outlier when it comes to Allrecipes. You told us in our Thanksgiving Quick Poll that 89% of you eat turkey on Thanksgiving, and we’re here for you with a whole section just devoted to the bird and loads of recipes to make your special day all the more special. More turkey Mr. Chandler? Yes, please!