Best Time To Have Thanksgiving Dinner

Let’s talk turkey. But not just any turkey—the when of it. When is the absolute best time to have Thanksgiving dinner?

Spoiler: it’s a trap. There’s no single correct answer. But oh, the joy of arguing about it!

The Great Time War Rages On

Some families swear by 2:00 PM. They call it “linner” or “the civilized graze.” It leaves you plenty of time for a post-meal nap and a second dinner of pie.

Others fight for 5:00 PM or later. They claim it’s “proper dinner hour.” They are also lying—they just want to avoid your weird aunt for fewer hours.

Here’s a quirky fact: According to a 2023 survey by Instacart, the average Thanksgiving dinner starts at 4:00 PM. But average is boring. Let’s get weird.

The Case for the Early Bird (Noon to 2 PM)

Early dinner is a power move. You eat, you crash, you wake up at 6 PM and eat more pie. It’s a two-fer.

Plus, early dinner means you can watch the dog show live. That’s sacred content. No DVR required.

Funny detail: In 1978, the New York Times reported that early dinners were a “Yankee tradition.” Why? Because they wanted to milk the cows afterward. Yes, cows.

The Lazy Feast (2 PM to 4 PM)

This is the Goldilocks zone. It’s not too early, not too late. It’s just right for a leisurely meal.

Best Dishes For Thanksgiving Dinner

You can start drinking mimosas at 11 AM guilt-free. By 2 PM, you’re warm, happy, and ready to debate cranberry sauce shape (can versus jellied log).

Quirky fact: The highest search volume for “Thanksgiving dinner time” happens at 3 PM on the day before. People are panicking. Don’t be those people.

The Rebel’s Choice (5 PM to 8 PM)

Late dinner is for night owls and drama lovers. You’ll eat by candlelight. Very romantic. Very tense when someone drops the gravy boat.

The risk? Hangry guests. By 7 PM, your uncle is eyeing the bread basket like a hawk. And the mashed potatoes? Cold.

Funny detail: In 1621, the first Thanksgiving likely happened in September or October, not November. And they ate for three days. No time stress. Just feast.

What Science and Chaos Say

Psychologists argue that eating together at 3 PM boosts conversation and lowers stress. You’re not rushing. You’re not starving.

But let’s be real: the best time is when the turkey is done. It doesn’t care about your schedule. The bird is the boss.

朝圣者感恩节盛宴

Pro tip: If your turkey is done at 1 PM, call it “lunchgiving.” Embrace the chaos. Serve pie at 10 AM. You’re an adult.

The Avoidance Strategy

Pick a time that annoys the least number of people. But let’s be honest—it’s your kitchen. Your oven. Your rules.

Want to eat dinner at 10:30 AM? Do it. Call it “breakgiving.” It’s a free country, mostly.

Research shows that 75% of Americans eat between 2 and 5 PM. The other 25% are either divorced or very smart.

The Real Winner: The Second Dinner

Here’s the secret truth no one tells you. The best time to have Thanksgiving dinner is anytime followed by midnight.

Because cold stuffing at 11 PM? Peak flavor. Leftover turkey sandwich at 2 AM? You are a genius. No judgment. Only joy.

Embracing and Creating Thanksgiving Traditions - Imprint.Com Blog

Funny detail: In 1952, Swanson invented the TV dinner because they had too much leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. The 5:00 PM crowd never saw it coming.

Quick Cheat Sheet for Your Invite

If you want less cleanup: eat at 2 PM. People leave early. If you want more chaos: eat at 7 PM. The wine flows and the truth comes out.

For maximum tradition: eat at 4 PM. It’s the “we’re normal” choice. (You’re not normal. You’re wonderful.)

And if you’re a true rebel? Put the time on the invite as “sunset.” Then let them guess. It’s a game. You’ll win.

Final Bite

The best time to have Thanksgiving dinner is whenever you can sit down with people you love (or tolerate) and laugh at the dry turkey.

It’s not about the clock. It’s about the spirit. And the wine. Mostly the wine.

So pick a time, set the table, and remember: the only wrong time is never. Happy eating, you beautiful weirdo.