Add a little Disney magic to your Thanksgiving traditions at home, with a slew of extra magical things to help honor the season. Whether you’re practicing gratitude, looking for an easy Thanksgiving breakfast recipe or a show to occupy the kids, we’re making this list and checking it twice. From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, to Disney Thanksgiving Movies and Recipes, here are all our favorite things to do at home for the holiday.
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Disney at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Almost everyone’s Thanksgiving Day gets started the same way, with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And this year, Disney has rolled out a whole new float honoring the Disney Cruise Line! Called Magic Meets the Seas, this float includes a new dance performance, and favorite characters like Aladdin and Jasmine, Tiana and Naveen, Moana, Mirabel and Bruno and Belle herself! This float includes graphics from all eight Disney Cruise Ships. ( Wonder, Magic, Fantasy, Dream, Wish, Treasure, Adventure, Destiny). Of course Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie lead the float through the crowds of NYC on this Disney Thanksgiving Day Parade Float.
Thanksgiving Disney Special
While Disney doesn’t typically do an official Thanksgiving Day Special for television, annually Disney has kicked off the holiday season with The Wonderful World of Disney Holiday Celebration. This Holiday Special premieres the Sunday after Thanksgiving and takes place at Magic Kingdom Park. It includes a variety of guest stars, musical numbers and all the Disney holiday magic you could expect as WDW gets ready for the season. This holiday special airs on ABC and Disney+. Check out everything on Disney+ this year.
Disney Thanksgiving Movies and Specials
Disney Thanksgiving Movies to Watch with the Family are always a good idea. Whether you’re looking for a movies for Thanksgiving Day or a Thanksgiving Holiday movie, there are so many we love to watch. So here are a few of our favorite films, some Disney and Non-Disney to watch as you get ready for Thanksgiving this year. We like watching these movies as early as the week allows, but find them most fun during Thanksgiving day as you’re prepping food, or in the evening when you’re winding down.
An Almost Christmas Story
As part of our ongoing list of New Releases on Disney+ this show is inspired by the true events of a tiny owl rescued from the New York City’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2020. The short’s trailer reveals Moon, a curious young owl who unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, discovering the magic of the holiday season and forming an unlikely bond as they journey back home to their parents. We love this as a new addition to the Disney Thanksgiving Movies lineup. Not only is it interesting, fun for kids and adults, but also short, so you can fit it in between your Thanksgiving Day and Weekend activities. Watch on Disney+
Dutch
One of our favorite Family Thanksgiving Movies is Dutch. This classic tale is about a spoiled rotten kid, upset about his parent’s divorce, and not having it when his mom’s new boyfriend comes to pick him up from boarding school for the Thanksgiving holidays. The two take to the road from Atlanta to Chicago to get back home on a journey filled with bumps, bruises, and fireworks. With lessons about family, gratitude, and love, Dutch is the perfect movie to watch after you’ve eaten all the turkey. You can stream Dutch on MAX. And add a little more Ethan Embry to your holiday by watching All I Want for Christmas, the following day on Black Friday. The perfect kickoff to the holiday season.
The Santa Clause
This classic holiday movie is perfect for Thanksgiving because it’s all about family. As Scott Calvin grapples with burned turkeys, and Santa falling from his roof, he realizes the need to put Charlie, and others before his job. Such an important lesson, we love watching The Santa Clause on Thanksgiving as a way to ring in the spirit of the season. It completely sets the mood for the holidays and is the perfect way to spend the day, or day after Thanksgiving. You can stream The Santa Clause on Disney Plus. And grab a cute snowglobe craft in our Santa Clause Movie Night post to keep the kids occupied. Watch on Disney+
Home Alone
Another Christmas classic movie, Home Alone is another film that really sets the tone for the holidays. During the season of perpetual hope, which we can all use more of, watching Home Alone on Thanksgiving jumpstarts the all-important habit of enjoying holiday films with the family. It also adds a ton of heart and helps you realize that even though there are a hundred people in the house, dishes to clean, and too many leftovers in the fridge, if you have family, you have all you need. Check out our Home Alone Movie Night post for Christmas Movie Bingo cards to print, recipes and a battle plan to protect your home. Watch on Disney+
Garfield’s Thanksgiving
An absolute classic, this cartoon features Garfield, everyone’s favorite sarcastic cat up against a last-minute Thanksgiving dinner when Jon invites Liz over as a surprise. With Grandma in the wings to help set things right, can this crew save Thanksgiving in time for dinner? Watch a Garfield’s Thanksgiving.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Mishaps and misunderstandings ensue when Peppermint Patty invites everyone to Charlie Brown’s for Thanksgiving, even though he’s going to see his grandmother. And Snoopy decides to cook his own version of a Thanksgiving meal with help from his friends. Watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.
Miracle on 34th Street
This Thanksgiving Classic Movie is one to watch every year and a great way to start the season. Beginning with the Thanksgiving Day Parade, you can follow Susie as she questions, challenges, and ultimately learns to believe in the spirit of Santa Claus. Watch Miracle on 34th Street on Disney Plus, or grab it on Amazon. And if you are ready for those Christmas Classics we also love to watch White Christmas and Holiday Inn. Watch on Disney+
Jim Henson’s Turkey Hollow
Surprised by the lack of technology in Turkey Hollow, Tim and Annie find themselves tracking an elusive monster that residents long dismissed as a legend. This film has all the classic creepiness of Jim Henson films in the 80’s so be area if you have little ones, that the exquisite puppetry may be a bit scary. Add a little lore and fun to your Thanksgiving with Jim Henson’s Turkey Hollow. Watch on Disney+
Winnie the Pooh Seasons of Giving
Getting ready for the holidays, Pooh and friends learn what the season is all about- giving. This charming family Thanksgiving Movie is perfect for families with young children who want to help focus on the reason for the Thanksgiving season ahead of the holiday hustle and bustle. This movie includes Winnie Pooh’s Thanksgiving as part of the cartoon compilation. Watch Winnie the Pooh Seasons of Giving. Watch on Disney+
The Nightmare Before Christmas
As one of our favorite films, you just can’t beat the Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack, and it’s Halloween to Christmas vibes. So, why add this Disney Thanksgiving Movie to your lineup? Because this movie is about a lot of things, but mostly it’s about gratitude. It’s about loving what you have, and who you are. Honoring all things that make you. A wonderful lesson in self-love, this film shows Jack Skellington though all his moods. Watch on Disney+
Sound of Music
The quintessential family film, Sound of Music is also on our Disney Easter Movie list. And for good reason. Chronicling the life of the Von Trapp family as they deal with Nazi occupied Austria and all the things that entails. Using their musical gifts they are able to escape to safety. But not without the help of Maria, the nun who inspires them and brings music back in to their lives after their mother’s passing. We love this one for the anticipation of escape and romance. Based on the True Story! Watch on Disney+
National Treasure
What better way to honor Thanksgiving and our county’s tradition, than with a film highlighting the four fathers! With tons of fun American history, humor and a secret, National Treasure is a great family film and a fun movie to watch on Thanksgiving Day. Watch on Disney+
Chronicles of Narnia
C.S. Lewis classic series, the Chronicles of Narnia highlights family, faith and country. Following 4 siblings into a magical wardrobe to the world of Narnia, this story is filled with magic, a snow queen and the regal Aslan himself. We love this movie for Thanksgiving because of the cozy vibes, scenery, and soundtrack. A wonderful way to get into the spirit of the season. Watch on Disney+
Boy Meets World Turkey Day | Season 4 Episode 10
Turkey Day is a Boy Meets World episode that’s hits close to home, with Cory and Shawn wanting their families to celebrate the season together. But both families are reluctant since each family is “different” than the other. With one firmly in the middle class and the other part of the trailer park set. This is a fun, and familiar story that really gives so many reasons to be grateful. Watch on Disney+
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Thanksgiving | Season 1, Episode 7
In this HSMTMTS Thanksgiving episode, the cast gets together to have a Thanksgiving party. While Ms. Jenn and Mr. Mazzarra are stuck at the school. A wonderful episode filled with feelings of friendship and all things grateful. Watch on Disney+
Good Luck Charlie It’s a Charlie Duncan Thanksgiving | Season 2 Episode 29
In this Disney Channel series, the Duncan family honors all things Thanksgiving by cooking up a meal at home. Complete with mixups and mayhem, It’s a Charlie Duncan Thanksgiving is perfect to watch on Thanksgiving Day. Watch on Disney+
Disney Thanksgiving Drinks
Nothing says “Let’s get down to Thanksgiving business” like a Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew before you head into all that baking and fun. By far one of our best recipes, all you need is some cold brew cream and spices. Be sure to check out the recipe to help get your day started.
Spiced Orange Cider Sparkler Cocktail and Mocktail
We also love a fancy drink, cocktail, or mocktail, as the day gets going. And really, nothing beats a spiced orange cider, with or without alcohol so you can make one for yourself and the kids. Here is our quick recipe to get you started.
- Simmer Apple Cider in a saucepan
- Add a tea ball of Mulled spices into the pan, continue to simmer
- Slice an orange, reserving 1 slice for each cup, and add the remaining to the pan
Once warmed pour cider into each cup. You can add Ginger Beer or Champagne to make it sparkle. Add the cinnamon stick and stir. Done! Sip leisurely while you work through your Thanksgiving tasks.
Disney Thanksgiving Breakfast
One of the most fun parts of Thanksgiving is all the food! And since we typically need to get up early to get the turkey going, or give all those pies time to share the oven, breakfast needs to be easy. Frankly, because it’s so easy to forget amongst the hullabaloo of the day. For this reason, we’ve pulled together a couple of recipes that are PERFECT to make one day ahead. That way you can just warm them up in the morning while you’re finishing the baking.
Sweet and Savory Mickey Waffles
If you’re having guests over, there will be a point where you wish everyone wasn’t just standing around waiting for the turkey to be done. That’s where a Fall Brunch Board really comes in handy. We love adding both savory and sweet things, and nothing says party like a full spread of options. Create a Disney Fall Brunch Board to pull all those things together that your guests can eat while they’re waiting for the Turkey!
Mickey Pumpkin Spice Scones
Another brunch treat to hand on hand when people get hungry these Mickey Pumpkin Spice Scones are perfect on their own or as part of a meal. If you’re feeling extra gourmet and want a surefire hit when it comes to lunch or a quick dinner, you can have these scones on hand for Thanksgiving Day or as a grab and go before your Black Friday shopping plans.
Disney Thanksgiving Recipes
We’ve shared these Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes in our Disney Parks Recipes Round up, and as usual, they never disappoint! Here are some of Disney’s best ideas for your Thanksgiving Leftovers, but we think they’re pretty great for anytime on the special day too! Just click the images below for the PDF printable version of each recipe.
Warm Turkey Sandwich
Perfect for that late night Thanksgiving snack after you’ve woken up from your afternoon nap of course, this sandwich just reuses everything you have in the kitchen. Be sure to grab some buns, or bakery bread to have at the ready.
Holiday Ham Slider with Cranberry Bacon Jam
This luscious little sandwich is great if you have ham for Thanksgiving. Though we also love this as a Christmas leftover recipe. Make the jam ahead of time. And frankly, you’ll want to use it on a turkey sandwich too.
Easy Turkey Pot Pie with Cheesy Biscuit
This Thanksgiving recipe is perfect if you want to do something special with turkey, or are looking for a share at your Friendsgiving. Of note with this one, is the need for Rice Flour. While you could use all purpose flour as a substitute, the rice flour gives the biscuit a super light texture.
Disney Thanksgiving Desserts
One of our favorite parts of Thanksgiving is the desserts! And while there are loads of options, we love something simple like macarons, as they’re another lovely treat you can make a day ahead and give either as an after-dinner treat or as a favor at each person’s plate. Of course, if you’re looking for something more extravagant, then we’d highly recommend the Butterbeer Pie with Marshmallow Fluff Topping. It’s absolutely perfect, with cozy fall flavors we love.
Disney Thanksgiving Quotes
No Thanksgiving would be complete without gratitude. As we celebrate this holiday, it’s important to remember all that we have in our lives; family, friends, health, and even the ability to read this post with access to the internet are huge parts of our lives. As such we like to take this time to reflect on Disney Thanksgiving Gratitude Quotes for all their meanings. And as part of our Polka Dot Pixie Shop Black Friday Sales every year we use this time to give back to Feeding America. Take some time this holiday to reflect on your blessings, it’s the most powerful mood lifter and can help get you through the chaotic holiday season ahead.
A Disney Thanksgiving at Home
No matter what you’re planning for the holidays, these cozy pumpkin spice recipes are sure to add a little more magic and fun to your holiday. Grab the recipes in each post and make these ahead of time so that your holiday week can run smoothly. Happy Thanksgiving!
Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she’s watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.
