The Best Thanksgiving Playlist to Help You Dance Off That Turkey!

  • Nov 21, 2018

This Thanksgiving playlist is what you should be listening to on Turkey Day! 

Ah, Thanksgiving. One of America’s most beloved holidays. Not only is it a day to be thankful for all that you have, but the food, family, and football doesn’t hurt either!

Even though it’s a popular holiday (probably because it always guarantees a four-day weekend!) there isn’t a lot of music written about it. Which really stinks, considering how many hours Americans spend driving to get to their turkey day destinations and how many calories you wish you could dance off.

Quick note: If you are traveling for the holiday, you should check out our Thanksgiving travel forecast. It could help you avoid some problem spots of snow, sun glare, and rain. Be safe!

The Best Thanksgiving Playlist Ever

While we didn’t write any songs about Thanksgiving, we did curate this awesome Thanksgiving playlist for you to use however you please this holiday!

There are songs that are perfect for jamming out in the car while you’re sitting in traffic. To stick with the heart and soul of the holiday, there are also some songs that are great to listen to while you’re reflecting on all you have to be thankful for.

It doesn’t matter if you nap or watch football after Thanksgiving dinner – there’s a song on this playlist for you!

OK, enough gobbling. Let’s get down to business here with our Thanksgiving playlist!

1. “The Thanksgiving Song,”

Do you love to eat turkey? You probably don’t want to play this Adam Sandler classic if grandma is around, but there’s no better way to start off our Thanksgiving playlist. This humorous tune can put friends and family in a light mood on turkey day. Give it a listen and get ready to laugh!

2. “We Are Family,”

Here’s one of the tunes on our Thanksgiving playlist that will help work off some of those calories! There is no better time to listen to this Sister Sledge hit than when you are – in fact – surrounded by your family! Whether you are blood-related or not, it’s time to celebrate the family you’re thankful for.

3. “Sweet Potato Pie,” 

Keep dancing as you make your way to the dessert table with Ray Charles and James Taylor’s version of “Sweet Potato Pie.” The title of this tune should be enough for you to add it to your Thanksgiving playlist.

4. “Thank You For Being A Friend,”

We’re lucky to have friends all year long, but Thanksgiving is that time of year where you should really thank them for being there for you. This classic tune takes on an even stronger meaning during the holiday season. Thank you for being a friend, Andrew Gold!

5. “American Pie,”

There are just some songs that were meant for road trips. Don McLean’s “American Pie,” is one of them. It’s perfect for driving to Thanksgiving dinner, especially since the title mentions the country we celebrate Thanksgiving in and one of the best Thanksgiving desserts.

6. “Thanksgiving Theme,”

Let’s bring it back to the Thanksgiving classics with Charlie Brown. We all have that one relative that needs to listen to Charlie Brown music during the holiday season. We think that’s OK, because it’s quite enjoyable! You can cook, clean, or nap to this song – Take your pick!

7.”You’ve Got A Friend,”


It doesn’t get much more American than a song by Carole King. The American songstress’ classic “You’ve Got A Friend,” is a great tune for Thanksgiving dinner. Don’t forget to wish your friends “Happy Thanksgiving,” this year and during the winter, spring, summer, and fall!

8. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World,”

When it’s time to take a Thanksgiving nap, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole provides the most beautiful music for it! Take a listen to this famous ukulele tune as you unwind after dinner and reflect on how wonderful the world can really be.

9. “Thanksgiving Prayer,”

Even if you’re not religious, there’s something about both Johnny and Joanne Cash singing this tune that makes you tear up. Whether you’ve had a good year or a bad one, there is always something be thankful for. Whether it’s the laughter of children or the sun, wind, or rain, there’s always something beautiful to be grateful for.

10. “Kill The Turkey,”

We’ll end this playlist with another thanksgiving-specific song. Even if you don’t watch Bob’s Burgers you’ll still smile when you hear this song. It combines everything we love about the holiday: Cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and being thankful for those you love. Take it away, Linda!

Happy Thanksgiving! 

From everyone here at Earth Networks, we hope you have a happy and safe Thanksgiving. If you have any songs you’d like to add to the list, feel free to suggest them in the comments section below.