The Best Thanksgiving Playlist of All Time

Thanksgiving is a time of gathering, feasting, and creating cherished memories with loved ones. And what better way to enhance the festive atmosphere than with the perfect Thanksgiving playlist?

While delicious food and good company set the foundation for a memorable celebration, the right music can elevate the atmosphere and create a festive ambiance.

Read on for a selection of songs across various genres that are perfect for your Thanksgiving playlist.

Whether you’re looking for soothing melodies, lively tunes, or nostalgic classics, this playlist will surely enhance your Thanksgiving festivities.

Thanksgiving Playlist: Songs by Genre

Music has the power to evoke emotions, create connections, and set the mood for special occasions like Thanksgiving. The songs suggested below span a range of genres and eras, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Easy Listening and Acoustic Tunes:

• “Over the Rainbow” – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
• “Banana Pancakes” – Jack Johnson
• “Fields of Gold” – Sting
• “Put It All on Me” – Ed Sheeran feat. Ella Mai
• “All of Me” – John Legend

Folk and Americana Vibes:

• “Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
• “Wagon Wheel” – Old Crow Medicine Show
• “The Weight” – The Band
• “Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond
• “I Will Wait” – Mumford & Sons

Soul and R&B Classics:

• “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell
• “Lovely Day” – Bill Withers
• “Stand By Me” – Ben E. King
• “What’s Going On” – Marvin Gaye
• “Let’s Stay Together” – Al Green

Light Jazz and Instrumental Melodies:

• “Autumn Leaves” – Nat King Cole
• “Take Five” – Dave Brubeck
• “Moon River” – Andy Williams
• “Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra
• “In a Sentimental Mood” – John Coltrane, Duke Ellington

Upbeat and Feel-Good Hits:

• “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
• “Happy” – Pharrell Williams
• “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina and The Waves
• “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” – Whitney Houston
• “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen

Classic Rock Anthems:

• “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
• “Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison
• “American Pie” – Don McLean
• “Free Fallin'” – Tom Petty
• “Born to Run” – Bruce Springsteen

Nostalgic 80s and 90s Hits:

• “Don’t Stop Believin'” – Journey
• “I Want to Dance with Somebody” – Whitney Houston
• “Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi
• “Wonderful Tonight” – Eric Clapton
• “I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston

Thanksgiving Playlist: Songs about Gratitude and Thankfulness

If you prefer to keep with a theme of thankfulness and gratitude, here are some other great songs to choose from:

“Thank You” – Dido: Kick off your playlist with this heartfelt and melodic tune that expresses gratitude and appreciation. Dido’s soulful vocals and uplifting lyrics set the tone for a day of reflection.

“Coming Home” – Leon Bridges: Leon Bridges’ smooth and soulful voice transports listeners to a place of warmth and nostalgia. This song evokes the feeling of coming home to loved ones.

“Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros: With its catchy folk-pop sound and lyrics embracing the idea of creating a home together with loved ones, this song will radiate a sense of togetherness.

“Count on Me” – Bruno Mars: This upbeat and catchy tune by Bruno Mars is all about friendship and support. It’s a joyful reminder of the importance of relying on others, making it a fitting addition to your Thanksgiving playlist.

“Grateful” – John Bucchino (Covered by Diana Ross): Diana Ross’s soulful rendition of “Grateful” encapsulates the spirit of Thanksgiving. This song encourages us to appreciate the blessings in our lives and express gratitude for the love and support we receive.

“You’ve Got a Friend” – Carole King: Carole King’s timeless classic celebrates the value of friendship and the comfort it brings. The soothing melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a warm and welcoming addition to your Thanksgiving playlist.

“The Blessing” – Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, and Elevation Worship: A powerful and uplifting worship song, “The Blessing” reminds us of the unwavering love and protection that surrounds us. Including this inspirational tune will infuse the atmosphere with a sense of spiritual gratitude.

“Harvest Moon” – Neil Young: With its mellow and soothing sound, Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” captures the essence of autumn. Its calming vibes make it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving playlist.

“Sweet Potato Pie” – Ray Charles: Inject some fun and groove into your Thanksgiving playlist with Ray Charles’ soulful and playful tune. This upbeat song will have your guests tapping their feet.

Thanksgiving Playlists and Music to Celebrate the Season

The songs mentioned above provide a diverse range of styles and themes, allowing you to create a playlist that reflects your personal taste while capturing the essence of the holiday.

So, as you gather around the table, let the perfect Thanksgiving playlist set the mood and help create lasting memories with your loved ones.

Thank you as always for reading.

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KindCompassCoach

Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a private sector corporate executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant and coach. The common thread through her professional life has been a commitment to compassionate leadership, including leading and mentoring current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach articles are backed by research and include facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.