Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade every year was something I fondly remembered from my childhood. The smell of the turkey in the oven, stuffing, and cornbread getting prepped filled my nose as I stared in awe at the floats on the screen. Then, I’d watch whatever Thanksgiving specials were on television. My love of kid-friendly Thanksgiving cartoons has remained into adulthood.
That was the early 2000s. Now, in the 2020s, parents can pick what Thanksgiving cartoons to watch with their kids after the Macy’s parade. With many available on YouTube and various streaming platforms, these cartoons are easy to find and to watch on repeat.
Here are the best Thanksgiving cartoons to watch after the parade to get into the holiday spirit and learn different lessons about thankfulness and family bonding.
An important note for parents: A few of these Thanksgiving cartoons haven’t aged perfectly over the years. I’ve included those episodes, as some are considered classics. I have also included notes for parents that explain what might not align with today’s values, along with some helpful tips for speaking to our children about issues they may or might not notice.
“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” From Charlie Brown (1973)
Peppermint Patty is so brazen and bold as to invite herself and her friends to Charlie Brown’s for a Thanksgiving dinner. The problem is, he doesn’t know how to cook, so he wouldn’t have any food to feed everyone. Woodstock and Snoopy come to help Charlie Brown by whipping up a funny meal of jelly beans, popcorn, pretzel sticks, ice cream, and toast. Attendees, especially Patty, are puzzled because of the non-traditional meal, but they try to have fun. It all works out when Charlie Brown’s grandmother invites his friends to Thanksgiving dinner.
What “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” Teaches Kids: The meal doesn’t define Thanksgiving. It matters more about the camaraderie and kindness shared amongst family and friends. There are a couple of years I remember Thanksgiving prep being hectic, with missing ingredients or a dish not coming out right. However, my family and I got through these obstacles and still had fun —a lesson I have passed on to my children, and one that is beautifully reflected in this classic Thanksgiving cartoon.
Parental Note: Although this Peanuts classic remains a staple of the holiday season, some viewers have noted that Franklin, the episode’s only Black character, is seated alone on one side of the table while the white characters sit together. The moment reflects the production norms of the early 1970s rather than intentional malice, but it’s worth acknowledging when watching with kids. Parents can use the scene as a teachable moment about inclusion and how representation in media has improved over time.
“The Mayflower” From This Is America, Charlie Brown (1998)
Charlie Brown and his friends reenact the first pilgrims’ arrival on the Mayflower. The popular Thanksgiving cartoon highlights the struggles of the voyage on the ship, the harsh winter aboard, and the first holiday meal with the Native Americans. The show doesn’t sugarcoat the historical event and displays the crowded Mayflower and how voyagers had little room to sleep, eat, or move. This is an educational yet entertaining choice for your cartoon playlist.
What “The Mayflower” Teaches Kids: Courage and cooperation are needed to sow the seeds of new beginnings. Learning about different cultures fosters tolerance and understanding of others’ backgrounds, helping us understand how they’ve become the people they are. It doesn’t matter your background. No matter where you come from, everyone deserves a seat around the Thanksgiving table.
Parental Note: This educational Peanuts special attempts to depict the voyage of the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving but presents a simplified version of history that omits the realities of colonial displacement and the impact on Native Americans. It can still serve as an engaging introduction to the holiday’s origins if framed correctly. Parents may want to pair it with modern, age-appropriate stories or documentaries that share Indigenous perspectives to provide a more complete understanding.
“Bugs Bunny’s Thanksgiving Diet” From Looney Tunes (1979)
Bugs Bunny, a doctor during the Thanksgiving season, prescribes each of his patients a funny cartoon to watch based on what’s wrong with them. There are 11 cartoon shorts throughout this half-hour special. Sylvester gives up on eating Tweety, but then has trouble sleeping. He tries opening a can of food with a piano to no avail. Wile E. Coyote chases Road Runner and is seen with a cookbook on 4,000 recipes on how to cook his nemesis. This zany Thanksgiving cartoon is something even grandparents will enjoy because of the classic Looney Tunes, which was a show they grew up watching.
What “Bugs Bunny’s Thanksgiving Diet” Teaches Kids: In this special, Bugs Bunny plays a comical “diet doctor” helping other Looney Tunes characters manage their holiday eating habits. While the story is mostly silly fun, it subtly reminds kids that Thanksgiving isn’t just about piling on food—it’s about enjoying treats responsibly and spending time together. It also highlights how helping others and keeping a good sense of humor can make the holidays more enjoyable. The cartoon keeps things lighthearted while reinforcing that gratitude and kindness matter more than the size of your plate.
Parental Note: Both Looney Tunes specials focus on zany holiday antics rather than history, but because some older Warner Bros. cartoons from earlier decades included ethnic or racial caricatures, parents should be aware that compilations sometimes mix shorts from different eras. The Thanksgiving specials themselves are mostly harmless slapstick and remain fun for all ages; just pre-screen versions found online or on DVD to make sure they don’t contain outdated material.
“Daffy Duck’s Thanks-For-Giving” From Looney Tunes (1980)
Daffy Duck gets his chance to host a line of Thanksgiving-themed Looney Tunes cartoons a year after Bugs Bunny’s Thanksgiving Diet. However, Daffy wants to change the holiday from Thanksgiving to Thanks-for-Giving Day, which makes this a unique take on the usual Thanksgiving cartoon. He is pitching to J.L. to run a special thanking him for all the joy he has spread to other characters and fans over the years. Each special plays in between the full discussion J.L. and Daffy have about this pitch.
What “Daffy Duck’s Thanks-for-Giving” Teaches Kids: Thanksgiving isn’t just about getting what you want—it’s about appreciating what you already have. Daffy’s constant need for attention contrasts with Bugs Bunny’s calm confidence, showing that being thankful and content often leads to more happiness than chasing recognition. It’s a fun reminder that gratitude and good humor go hand in hand during the holiday season.
“The Berenstain Bears Meet Bigpaw” From The Berenstain Bears (1980)
Ma is reading what the harvest honeycomb has in store for the Bear family this Thanksgiving. Ma tells her cubs the legend of Big Paw, of how he will come to visit those who are being mean and not share their harvest. The honeycomb reading suggests that Bigpaw may tear down Bear Country. The cubs learn the true meaning of Bigpaw and the Thanksgiving holiday.
What “The Berenstain Bears Meet Bigpaw” Teaches Kids: The special reminds kids that Thanksgiving is about welcoming others and giving them the benefit of the doubt, even when they seem different or intimidating. It encourages empathy and generosity, showing that true Thanksgiving spirit comes from friendship, forgiveness, and sharing, not fear or selfishness.
“A Winnie The Pooh Thanksgiving” From Winnie The Pooh: Seasons Of Giving (1998)
“A Winnie the Pooh Thanksgiving” is the second story in the Seasons of Giving special. Everyone brings something to their Thanksgiving potluck in the Hundred Acre Wood. Piglet brings acorns while Pooh donates honey to the meal. Gopher brings lemonade while Owl provides biscuits. Rabbit is more of a traditionalist and reminds everyone that these items aren’t equivalent to a true Thanksgiving dinner. He assigns roles to everyone to get the true dinner ready, but there are some hiccups along the way. Pooh reminds his friends of the true meaning of Thanksgiving, and Christopher Robin does a toast in celebration of this honorable feat.
What “A Winnie The Pooh Thanksgiving” Teaches Kids: The special helps kids understand that everyone celebrates differently, and that being thankful for friends, kindness, and community matters far more than matching an idealized version of the holiday. It’s a gentle reminder that Thanksgiving is about gratitude, not guidelines, and that simple, heartfelt moments often mean the most.
“Thanksgiving In The Land Of Oz” (1989)
Dorothy returns to the Land of Oz to help her new friends celebrate the area’s first Thanksgiving holiday. The Wicked Witch of the West’s relatives try to spoil everyone’s holiday festivities. Dorothy is the bridge between both parties, reminding them of the true meaning of Thanksgiving. I just discovered this cartoon when researching this list. While I remember watching the original Wizard of Oz film in school, I never knew about this cartoon until now. I hope my three children like it when I show it to them.
What “Thanksgiving In The Land Of Oz” Teaches Kids: The story shows children that gratitude is about giving back and helping others, not just celebrating with food or gifts. It also emphasizes that bravery and friendship grow stronger when faced with challenges, and that the most important part of Thanksgiving is coming together in unity and kindness, even when things seem uncertain.
“Grams Bear’s Thanksgiving Surprise” From The Care Bears Family (Season 1, Episode 11)
The first episode ever to feature Grams Bear in this adorable 80s Thanksgiving cartoon features twists and turns of a holiday that has almost gone bad. Sour Sam the Pie Man makes his first and only appearance in the series. He makes crabby apple pies that make the Care Bears mean and hateful towards one another. Grams Bear isn’t affected by the crabby apple pies and saves the day with a special treat that turns everyone back to normal.
What “Grams Bear’s Thanksgiving Surprise” Teaches Kids: This Care Bears episode teaches kids that even when things don’t go as planned, Thanksgiving is best celebrated through acts of caring and generosity, not just by eating together. True to the Care Bears’ message, it shows that the heart of the holiday lies in compassion and togetherness, especially when you make time to include everyone.
“Chip’s Thanksgiving” From Chip And Potato (Season 2, Episode 8)
Chip goes with Dad to help get groceries for a tri-family Thanksgiving dinner, with the Pandas and Phants joining them at their household. Chip and Potato see that Mr. Diggerty, her kindergarten teacher, is only buying one can of food for Thanksgiving. His family was supposed to come to his home, but they were having car trouble. Nico and Chip make a plan to invite him over to Chip’s house for the holiday dinner. In the end, Mr. Diggerty’s family can come to his home for Thanksgiving after all. The Pugs, Pandas, and Phants also go to Mr. Diggerty’s house for a huge holiday bash.
What “Chip’s Thanksgiving” Teaches Kids: This episode teaches young viewers that it’s normal for plans to go wrong and that kindness and teamwork can turn any situation around. By the end, Chip realizes that helping others and showing appreciation make the day special, reinforcing that the true spirit of Thanksgiving is found in caring, not in having everything go right.
“The Turkey Who Came To Dinner” From Rugrats (Season 4, Episode 16)
Rugrats was one of my favorite cartoons growing up, and I think I slightly remember this episode. Didi is telling the babies a story about the first Thanksgiving in the opening scene. The whole crew is gathered for a holiday dinner at the Pickles’ household. The grown-ups bring a live turkey home to butcher and cook for dinner. The babies don’t want to see the turkey die, so they develop a plan to free him from his cruel fate. The turkey survives everyone chasing him around, and the grown-ups realize the babies were protecting the animal. They all eat Reptar Cereal for dinner since they couldn’t cook the turkey.
What “The Turkey Who Came To Dinner” Teaches Kids: The episode helps children understand that Thanksgiving isn’t only about food. The holiday is really about kindness, love, and gratitude. It encourages empathy by showing the babies’ sincere desire to protect their friend, reminding young viewers that caring for others, no matter how small or different they are, is part of what makes the holiday truly meaningful.
“R V Having Fun Yet” From All Grown Up (Season 4, Episode 9)
Susie is chosen to perform at a Thanksgiving parade in New York. The kids and their mothers take an RV across the country to spend time together on the way to get Susie to the parade performance gig. Tommy and the kids sneak out to see a geyser ghost in the middle of the night. Betty drives away, not knowing all the kids weren’t in the RV. The kids must navigate themselves to get there because the moms have to take the RV for repairs. The moms show up in the RV but hit a pole to avoid a dog Kimi found. Angelica flags down an onion truck to get everyone to New York on time for Susie’s performance.
What “R V Having Fun Yet” Teaches Kids: The episode shows that gratitude isn’t tied to the setting or the food—it’s about connection and understanding. It also reminds older kids that families can be messy, loud, and imperfect, but love and laughter hold them together. By the end, the Pickles family learns that the best Thanksgiving moments often come from the unexpected, not the picture-perfect plans.
“Craig And The Kid’s Table” From Craig Of the Creek (Season 2, Episode 18)
The infamous tradition of the Thanksgiving kids’ table is explored in this Craig of the Creek Thanksgiving cartoon. Craig and his siblings band together while at their uncle’s home for Thanksgiving to remake a dessert Bernard destroyed to save him from the grounding of his life. They replace a destroyed pie by purchasing a store-bought one from Duck Mart. Bernard is annoyed to be stuck at the kids’ table, even as the eldest sibling, but he’s thankful for his younger brothers and sisters, who all look out for each other.
What “Craig And The Kid’s Table” Teaches Kids: Traditions can be hard in some families, and many family members may grow out of them for whatever reason. Respecting others’ differing perspectives while still sitting at the same table with them shows true compassion and understanding. Also, it doesn’t matter if a dish is homemade or store-bought as long as the family is enjoying tasty food and having a great time together. My family and I don’t mind store-bought pies, but I sometimes do boxed cupcakes along with the rest of the Thanksgiving food.
“Max’s Thanksgiving” From Max & Ruby (Season 2, Episode 13)
Max is more focused on Grandma’s delicious Thanksgiving food — primarily the stuffing — while Ruby is busy decorating the house for the “perfect experience”. Once Ruby is finished decorating, she realizes Max has eaten all of Grandma’s stuffing and doesn’t have room in his belly to try other dishes. This is classic Max behavior, which I found so hilarious when I watched Max and Ruby as a child.
What “Max’s Thanksgiving” Teaches Kids: The story gently shows young children that Thanksgiving isn’t about perfection—it’s about family and working together. It encourages patience and understanding between siblings and reminds kids that even the smallest helpers can make a big difference when they act with love and enthusiasm.
“Talking Turkey” From CatDog (Season 2, Episode 21)
Dog writes down what he is thankful for in the Thanksgiving cartoon episode’s opening scene, mainly naming everyone he knows on the list. Walt is the live turkey at the NearBurg Thanksgiving parade that comes to CatDog’s house looking for protection from being eaten. Cat wants a Thanksgiving turkey for dinner, so he tries to attack Walt to cook him. Dog persuades him not to treat Walt like food. The city forms a mob to chase down the turkey, but CatDog gets him to safety. Walt reunites with his mom in one of the last scenes.
What “Talking Turkey” Teaches Kids: The story ultimately shows that kindness and empathy are more important than keeping old habits. It encourages kids to think about gratitude, compassion for animals, and doing what feels right even when others disagree. By the end, Cat and Dog learn that the holiday is about appreciating life and friendship, not just the meal on the table.
“Arnold’s Thanksgiving” From Hey Arnold! (Season 3, Episode 14)
Arnold’s family has 4th of July decorations up for Thanksgiving, and Helga’s sister is overshadowing her again by presenting the family with an ice sculpture of a turkey as the Thanksgiving centerpiece. These zany, dysfunctional families have their own unique way of celebrating, much to Arnold and Helga’s chagrin. The two meet at the pier and talk about their different Thanksgiving experiences before running into Mr. Simmons and coming to see his family. They still hadn’t eaten, so they returned to their home. Helga is greeted with a big hug from worried family members. Arnold reframes his mindset about his Grandma’s 4th of July celebration on Thanksgiving and gets into his Benjamin Franklin costume.
What “Arnold’s Thanksgiving” Teaches Kids: The story gives kids an honest, heartfelt lesson: family isn’t just about blood—it’s about people who make you feel valued and loved. It reminds viewers that not every Thanksgiving is perfect, and that it’s okay to feel lonely or frustrated sometimes. By the end, Arnold and Helga realize that gratitude comes from recognizing small acts of kindness and connection, turning a disappointing day into one filled with genuine warmth and hope.
“Thankful” From Blue’s Clues (Season 3, Episode 9)
Steve has a thankful book he shows at the beginning of this Thanksgiving cartoon. Throughout the episode, he and Blue gather what everyone is thankful for. They ask Mr. Salt, Mrs. Pepper, Slippery Soap, and the rest of the crew about one key thing they’re grateful for, so they can remember it with this thankful book. Steve is so excited about the upcoming feast, but he remains patient and keeps himself busy with other household tasks. Blue and Steve also help the felt friends learn how to share.
What “Thankful” Teaches Kids: The episode helps young viewers understand that gratitude doesn’t have to wait for a special holiday—it can be part of every day. It encourages kids to pause and notice the people and moments that make them happy, reinforcing that saying “thank you” and expressing appreciation makes the world a kinder place.
“Thankful With Blue” From Blue’s Clues And You! (Season 2, Episode 5)
“Thankful With Blue” is the reboot episode version of the original show’s “Thankful” Episode featuring Steve. This time, Josh is leading viewers on an adventure to find what everyone in the house is thankful for to place in a Thankful Book. I appreciated how Paprika was able to speak about what she was thankful for because she was only a baby in the original, inspired episode. Josh and Blue help Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper prepare Thanksgiving dinner and help teach the felt friends about sharing. Josh also learns patience as he waits for the feast to finish cooking.
What “Thankful With Blue” Teaches Kids: The episode helps young children understand that being thankful isn’t just about presents or big events—it’s about appreciating everyday moments and the people who make them meaningful. By the end, Josh and Blue show that saying thank you, helping others, and recognizing small acts of love are what make Thanksgiving, and every day, truly special.
“Thanks But No Thanksgiving” From The Patrick Star Show (Season 3, Episode 8)
I never knew Patrick Star got his own show until I was researching for this blog. I’m hooked on the 1999-2004 episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants, so seeing these modern episodes is always a new experience. Patrick and his family go to celebrate Thanksgiving on his mother’s side in Klopnod. Cecil and Agnes banter throughout the episode, ruining their dishes. Thankfully, Patrick has the food he packed, and the entire family enjoys Thanksgiving dinner.
What “Thanks But No Thanksgiving” Teaches Kids: The story shows kids that it’s okay when plans don’t go as expected—the real spirit of the holiday comes from laughing, forgiving, and being with the people you love. It encourages kids to value the messy, unpredictable moments that make family gatherings special, reminding them that gratitude can shine through even in the silliest situations.
“Ten Chairs” From As Told By Ginger (Season 3, Episode 9)
Ginger invites her father, Jonas, to fill the 10th chair at the Foutleys’ Thanksgiving gathering along with the Bishop family and Dr. Dave’s mother. Her mother wasn’t informed that she was inviting her ex-husband. Ginger’s brother, Carl, is upset that their biological father was present, creating chaos and bitterness at the dinner table. Carl and Hoodsey’s live turkey purchase to save it from being cooked goes wrong as it runs about the residence and knocks all the food off the table.
What “Ten Chairs” Teaches Kids: The story helps kids understand that Thanksgiving isn’t about having a perfect table or matching traditions—it’s about making room, literally and emotionally, for others. It encourages empathy toward blended families and changing relationships, reminding viewers that gratitude often means appreciating the people who choose to show up and care.
“Free Birds” (2013)
Reggie is the odd one out in his turkey flock, always warning the others about the dangers of Thanksgiving and how humans feast on turkeys during the holiday. When Thanksgiving finally arrives and his fears come true, the flock sacrifices him to save themselves. Reggie ends up being pardoned by the President and starts a comfortable new life away from his kind. That peace doesn’t last long, however—Jake, a bold and determined turkey, kidnaps him and drags him into a wild mission involving a time machine. Together, they set out to rewrite history and erase turkeys from the Thanksgiving menu forever.
What “Free Birds” Teaches Kids: The story encourages kids to think about teamwork and how very different personalities can work together toward a shared goal. It also teaches them to challenge unfair customs and look for kinder, smarter ways to solve problems. Most importantly, Free Birds reminds children that genuine gratitude comes from helping others, making brave choices, and standing up for what’s right—even when it seems impossible.
“An Arthur Thanksgiving” From Arthur (2020)
This Thanksgiving cartoon takes place between the 23rd and 24th seasons of Arthur. While Arthur and his friends get ready for the annual Thanksgiving parade, Arthur’s family prepares for the holiday. Arthur’s father, David, is in charge of the holiday dinner. Aunt Minnie comes to visit the family for Thanksgiving. Arthur is worried about his dog, Pal, who has to stay in his outside doghouse while he prepares for Thanksgiving dinner and the parade. Pal gets himself free from the dog house, and Thanksgiving turns into a pet search to bring Arthur’s beloved pet home.
What “An Arthur Thanksgiving” Teaches Kids: Holidays can be chaotic yet fun, with meal prep, festive activities, and challenges sprinkled in. In this episode, children learn that gratitude goes hand in hand with kindness. It shows that helping friends, family, and even pets in need can make the holiday more meaningful than any perfect dinner. By the end, Arthur and his friends discover that Thanksgiving is truly about being thankful for the people and relationships that make life feel full—no matter what goes wrong.
“Martha’s Thanksgiving” From Martha Speaks (Season 4, Episode 7)
Martha’s owner, Helena, is welcoming extended family to her home this Thanksgiving. Martha is inspired to search for her siblings to bring them to dinner, too. The main issue is that they can’t find their mother to invite her. Martha hears from a neighbor that another neighbor and her mother moved away a while ago. Her siblings, Kazuo and Pops, are heading the search for their mother. They end up finding her and all her children, including Martha, and they spend Thanksgiving together.
What “Martha’s Thanksgiving” Teaches Kids: Family is what matters most during the holidays. No matter how far away you are from each other or how long it’s been since you’ve seen one another, taking time to gather is important. Knowing your roots will help you feel secure as you forge on to your future. I never knew my biological father, so I don’t know half of my roots. However, I’m blessed that my three children know their father and regularly spend time with him despite his living in a separate household.
“The Thanksgiving Special” From Regular Show (Season 5, Episode 12)
Regular Show was my main binge-worthy cartoon as I transitioned from high school to college in 2012 to 2013. Mordecai and Rigby are up to their misadventures again, throwing a foam football through the house, which leads to all of the Thanksgiving food being wasted. They work together to right their wrongs. Instead of cooking Thanksgiving dinner again, the pair goes on a hilarious adventure to find a turducken with a golden wish bone. They fight off a billionaire who wishes to be home safe with their families. Everyone’s family brings dishes to share.
What “The Thanksgiving Special” Teaches Kids: Thanksgiving isn’t about showing off or winning—it’s about spending time with friends and being thankful for what you already have. The episode’s blend of absurd humor and genuine heart helps remind viewers that gratitude and togetherness mean far more than material rewards or bragging rights.
“Caillou’s Thanksgiving” From Caillou (Season 2, Episode 74)
Caillou’s sister and his mother are playing outside with him as his father returns home with ingredients to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. Caillou helps by cutting up some bread for stuffing as his father cuts onions, which makes Caillou tear up from the natural gas. The young boy then arranges a cornucopia of fruit that falls on the floor, prompting his mom to help him pick it up. Grandma brings her pumpkin pie and Caillou loves eating it after the Thanksgiving dinner.
What “Caillou’s Thanksgiving” Teaches Kids: This episode for younger viewers teaches kids the importance of gratitude, helping others, and appreciating family togetherness. It encourages young children to see Thanksgiving as a time for sharing, cooperation, and kindness rather than focusing on the meal or decorations. The episode reinforces that what makes the holiday meaningful is showing love, patience, and thankfulness for the people around you.
