Why American Thanksgiving and Football Go Hand-in-Hand
Every November, across the border and across countless living rooms, cottages, and cabins, one tradition brings people together just as much as turkey and pumpkin pie: football on American Thanksgiving. Even here in Canada, many families tune in, gather around the screen, and enjoy the spectacle of one of the most iconic sports days of the year.
But how did these two traditions become so tightly connected? And why does Thanksgiving football still attract millions of viewers every year?
Let’s dive into the rich history — and the cozy charm — of this beloved holiday pairing.
A Tradition Dating Back Over 100 Years!
The connection between Thanksgiving and football goes back to the late 1800s.
College Football Started It All.
Long before the NFL existed, American colleges played football games on Thanksgiving Day. Rivalries like Yale vs. Princeton and Michigan vs. Chicago turned the holiday into a major sporting event. Families would gather to celebrate and listen to updates or head into town to watch games live.
The Detroit Lions Made It Official
The tradition truly exploded in 1934, when the Detroit Lions hosted the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day in a game broadcast across the country. It was so popular that the NFL made Thanksgiving football an annual tradition — one the Lions have kept every year since.
Enter the Dallas Cowboys
In 1966, the Dallas Cowboys joined the tradition, helping the holiday games reach even greater national recognition.
Today, Thanksgiving football is one of the most-watched sports events of the year.
John Madden: The Voice of Thanksgiving Football
No Thanksgiving football conversation is complete without mentioning John Madden, who became synonymous with the holiday.
For decades, Madden called the biggest Thanksgiving games, sharing stories, breaking down plays, and celebrating the holiday like no one else. He even created the legendary Turducken tradition, awarding it to standout players after Thanksgiving matchups.
His booming voice, electric energy, and love for the game helped turn Thanksgiving football into something everyone could enjoy — even casual fans.
Why Football Fits the Holiday Perfectly
It Brings People Together
After the cooking, the cleaning, and the chaos, families settle in with full plates and full hearts. Football becomes the backdrop to a day focused on togetherness.
It’s a Built-In Break Between Feasts
There’s something about watching a game between turkey dinner and dessert that just feels right. It’s the ultimate pause between holiday indulgences.
It’s Nostalgic
Generations of Americans (and many Canadians, too) associate the holiday with long-standing rivalries, halftime shows, and classic moments on the field.
It Adds a Festive Energy to the Day
Even casual fans enjoy the excitement, the cheering, and the friendly rivalries that football brings. It gives the day momentum, structure, and a bit of fun competition.
How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Football at the Cottage
Even though it’s an American tradition, Canadians love to join in — and a cottage getaway is the perfect setting:
Prepare a cozy snack spread: Think charcuterie boards, sliders, warm dips, or leftover-turkey sandwiches.
Gather by the fire or on the sofa with blankets and festive drinks.
Join a friendly game of “pick the winner” — a fun way to add stakes without actual betting.
Take a halftime walk through the frosty November air to reset before kickoff resumes.
With the crisp weather outside and comforting food inside, watching Thanksgiving football at the cottage becomes a perfect blend of relaxation and celebration.
A Tradition Worth Keeping!
Whether you're a die-hard football fan or someone who just enjoys the holiday atmosphere, American Thanksgiving and football create a warm, nostalgic combination that invites people to slow down, connect, and enjoy the moment.
If you’re spending late November at one of our cottages, grab a cozy blanket, whip up some cottage-friendly snacks, and settle in. Thanksgiving football is more than a game — it’s a chance to unwind, enjoy time together, and make new memories.