The ultimate soundtrack for your Turkey Day festivities.
There was a time when Thanksgiving was a very staid affair, all the food and decor and traditions dictated by years of doing the same old thing. But in recent decades, we've begun to shake things up more and more. One thing that hasn't changed, though? The need for a good playlist to get everyone in the festive mood. So whether you prefer to stick to the classics or you're looking to set a more playful atmosphere, there are plenty of great songs to tune into from the time the first glass of wine is poured to when the last piece of pie is polished off. Here, find the best Thanksgiving songs for every group and get-together.
1
"What A Wonderful World," Louis Armstrong
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At its core, Thanksgiving is all about being grateful. You'd be hard-pressed to find a song more awe-inspiring than Louis Armstrong's ode to all that surrounds us.
2
"We Are Family," Sister Sledge
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If you're not singing this at the top of your lungs at some point during the holiday, take it as a cue that you need to spice up your family gatherings.
3
"Where You Lead," Carole King
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You might associate this with Gilmore Girls, but Carole King's classic song is perfect for celebrating the ties that bind and the home you make with those you love.
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4
"Take Me Home, Country Roads," John Denver
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Whether you have a long journey home or you're staying put for the holiday, you'll find yourself singing along to this classic tune about being homeward bound.
5
"Thanksgiving Prayer," Johnny Cash
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This heartwarming song will leave you feeling truly grateful for what's important in life—family and friends.
6
"Cooking Up Something Good," Mac DeMarco
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This cheerful beat would serve as the perfect background music while you're cooking the most important meal of the year.
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7
"This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)," Natalie Cole
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Not dancing around the kitchen while this is playing is nearly impossible. Go ahead, try it.
8
"Autumn in New York," Billie Holiday
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An all-around feel-good song to play while gathered around the dinner table with your loved ones.
9
"Crowded Table," The Highwomen
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While your table might literally be crowded for the holiday, this soulful song by The Highwomen is beautiful on a metaphoric level, too.
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10
"Home," Phillip Phillips
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This sentimental pick proves that as long as your family is beside you, home is wherever you want to make it.
11
"God Only Knows," The Beach Boys
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Family ties and relationships with loved ones are complicated, but in the spirit of being thankful, this track is a nice way to pay homage to your support system.
12
"Sweet Potato Pie," Ray Charles & James Taylor
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This tune has more than just another convincing song title, it was originally recorded by James Taylor but later re-created with Ray Charles to produce a more cheerful version.
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13
"I Could Not Ask For More," Edwin McCain
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Whether or not you're as blissfully in love as Edwin McCain is in this song, it's a good reminder to be grateful for what you have.
14
"Pass the Peas," The JBs
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Think of this toe-tapper as a little nudge for the person at your table who hogs the sides.
15
"Let's Turkey Trot," Little Eva
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Get ready to dance with your loved ones while listening to this upbeat soul song from 1962.
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16
"You Learn," Alanis Morissette
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In case all the time spent cooking and cleaning has led to a little too much introspection, allow Alanis to remind you to be grateful for the (perhaps hard) lessons you've learned this year.
17
"Stretchy Pants," Carrie Underwood
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A funny, relatable ode to the joys of the holiday feast (and the wonders of stretchy pants.)
18
"I've Got Plenty to be Thankful For," Bing Crosby
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This jazz hit from 1942 gives us major holiday vibes.
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19
"Just Fine," Mary J. Blige
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A track that makes you want to dance and promotes contentedness? Sounds like the perfect Thanksgiving song.
20
"Thanksgiving Day," Ray Davies
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This soft rock tune is almost as comforting as mom's mashed potatoes.
Kara Thompson
Contributor
Kara Thompson is a Denver-based journalist with over five years of experience writing lifestyle content. She has written for a variety of publications, including townandcountrymag.com, elledecor.com and Parents, where she covered all things home, travel, food, health and holidays. Her sister's German Shepherd, tennis and mystery books are a few of her favorite things
Meg Donohue
Associate Fashion Commerce Editor
Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and . Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
Lauren Hubbard
Writer
Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and co*cktails.
