The best-known Thanksgiving songs include “Over the River and Through the Wood,” the hymn “We Gather Together,” “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” and “Now Thank We All Our God.” Families also play Adam Sandler’s “The Thanksgiving Song” and Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant.” This list groups Thanksgiving songs for kids, church services and family playlists, with a little history behind each one.
In this article
Thanksgiving Songs at a Glance
| Song | Best for | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Over the River and Through the Wood | Kids, classrooms | Poem by Lydia Maria Child, 1844 |
| We Gather Together | Church, family grace | Dutch hymn, 1597; English by Theodore Baker, 1894 |
| Come, Ye Thankful People, Come | Church, harvest services | Henry Alford, 1844 |
| Now Thank We All Our God | Church, choirs | Martin Rinkart, 1630s; English by Catherine Winkworth, 1858 |
| For the Beauty of the Earth | Church, family | Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1864 |
| The Thanksgiving Song | Family fun, teens | Adam Sandler, first performed on Saturday Night Live, 1992 |
| Alice’s Restaurant | Adults, radio tradition | Arlo Guthrie, 1967 |
Classic Thanksgiving Songs for Kids
Over the River and Through the Wood
The most famous Thanksgiving song began as a poem by Lydia Maria Child, published in 1844 as “The New-England Boy’s Song about Thanksgiving Day.” It describes a sleigh ride to grandfather’s house, and the lyrics are now in the public domain. The opening lines are easy for young children to learn:
“Over the river, and through the wood, / To grandfather’s house we go; / The horse knows the way / To carry the sleigh / Through the white and drifted snow.”
Many people sing “grandmother’s house” today; both versions are common.
Simple songs for preschool and kindergarten
- “Five Little Turkeys”: a counting song where turkeys run away one by one.
- “The Turkey Wobble” or “Turkey Pokey”: Thanksgiving versions of the Hokey Pokey with “gobble, gobble” actions.
- “I’m a Little Turkey”: sung to the tune of “I’m a Little Teapot.”
- “Albuquerque the Turkey”: a silly camp-style song kids love to sing loudly.
- “Thank You Song”: any simple gratitude song where children name things they are thankful for.
Thanksgiving Hymns for Church
We Gather Together
This hymn was written in Dutch in 1597 to celebrate a military victory and freedom of worship. Theodore Baker’s 1894 English translation made it a Thanksgiving favorite in the United States, and many families sing it as a grace before the meal.
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
Henry Alford wrote this harvest hymn in 1844 in England. Its theme of gathering in the crops makes it a natural choice for Thanksgiving and harvest festival services.
Now Thank We All Our God
German pastor Martin Rinkart wrote “Nun danket alle Gott” during the Thirty Years’ War. Catherine Winkworth’s English translation appeared in 1858, and the tune is often sung by choirs on Thanksgiving Sunday.
More hymns of thanks
- “For the Beauty of the Earth” (Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1864)
- “Count Your Blessings” (Johnson Oatman Jr., 1897)
- “All Creatures of Our God and King” (based on Francis of Assisi)
- “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” (Thomas Chisholm, 1923)
- “Doxology: Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” (Thomas Ken, 1674)
Fun Thanksgiving Songs for the Family Playlist
- Adam Sandler, “The Thanksgiving Song”: a comic song first performed on Saturday Night Live in 1992.
- Arlo Guthrie, “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree”: an 18-minute talking-blues song set on Thanksgiving; many US radio stations play it every year.
- “Jingle Bells”: James Lord Pierpont published it in 1857 as “The One Horse Open Sleigh.” Some historians link it to Thanksgiving, though the story is debated.
- “Thank You” songs: add pop and soul songs about gratitude, such as Sly and the Family Stone’s “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).”
- Charlie Brown Thanksgiving music: Vince Guaraldi’s jazz from “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (1973) makes cozy background music.
Tips for a Thanksgiving Sing-Along
- Print the words. Public domain songs such as “Over the River” and older hymns are free to print.
- Mix ages. Start with one simple kids’ song, then a hymn or a family favorite.
- Add actions. Turkey songs with hand motions keep little ones engaged.
- Sing before the meal. “We Gather Together” makes a lovely sung grace.
- Make a playlist. Queue fun songs for cooking and cleanup time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous Thanksgiving song?
“Over the River and Through the Wood” is the best-known Thanksgiving song in the US. For church, “We Gather Together” is the most famous Thanksgiving hymn.
Is “Over the River and Through the Wood” a Thanksgiving or Christmas song?
It was written about Thanksgiving. The original title calls it “The New-England Boy’s Song about Thanksgiving Day,” although the snowy sleigh ride means it is often sung at Christmas too.
What songs can kids sing for a Thanksgiving program?
Popular choices are “Over the River and Through the Wood,” “Five Little Turkeys,” “I’m a Little Turkey” and a simple thank-you song where each child names something they are grateful for.
The Bottom Line
From “Over the River and Through the Wood” to “We Gather Together” and Adam Sandler’s comedy classic, Thanksgiving songs bring every generation to the table. Pick a kids’ song, a hymn and a few fun tracks for a playlist that fits your family. For more Thanksgiving ideas, visit The Urban Splatter.
