The Most Influential Thanksgiving Campaigns of All Time

From Norman Rockwelll To Present Day

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it is important to remember why it is so beloved. It’s all about gratitude, family, and those unforgettable moments around the dinner table. Unlike other holidays, it’s not about the gifts—it’s about gathering, savoring meals, and connecting with the people who matter most. This holiday strikes a deep emotional chord, celebrating traditions that feel timeless and universally cherished.

‍

For brands, Thanksgiving is an unbeatable chance to connect with people on a personal level. From Norman Rockwell’s iconic Thanksgiving image to today’s campaigns, Thanksgiving remains a celebration of family and unity. Rockwell’s depiction of the American family set a lasting tone, inspiring brands to evoke warmth, tradition, and togetherness—values that continue to resonate deeply with audiences and that bands often tap into for Thanksgiving campaigns.

‍

Here are some of the best Thanksgiving campaigns of all time—ones that capture the holiday’s essence and remind us why this celebration of family and gratitude resonates so strongly. From heartwarming ads to memorable storytelling, these campaigns showcase how brands bring the spirit of Thanksgiving to life.

Norman Rockwell’s “Freedom from Want” (1943)

Rockwell’s image of an American family gathered around a Thanksgiving table defined the holiday’s visual standard. It symbolized family, warmth, and unity, becoming an enduring representation of Thanksgiving ideals. Decades later, it continues to influence holiday campaigns, setting a tone of nostalgia and togetherness.

‍

2. Butterball Turkey Talk-Line (1981-present)

Butterball’s Turkey Talk-Line has been a trusted source for cooks needing guidance during Thanksgiving preparations available to answer your calls In November and December. The hotline adds a personal touch, allowing the brand to connect directly with families. This unique service cements Butterball’s role as an essential Thanksgiving helper, providing comfort to home cooks nationwide.

3. Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” Thanksgiving Campaign (2017)

Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” Thanksgiving campaign celebrated gratitude and togetherness by featuring bottles with names and phrases like “Family” and “Grateful.” The ads showed families bonding over Coke while enjoying each other's company. This simple approach strengthens Coca-Cola’s role in Thanksgiving gatherings, reinforcing its brand as a symbol of connection.

4. Thankfully, There’s KFC (2023)

KFC’s “Thankfully There’s KFC” campaign embraced Thanksgiving cooking mishaps with humor and relatability. The ad featured a family sitting around the table staring at a disastrously burnt turkey, with the comforting message, “Thankfully, there’s KFC.” By acknowledging the stress of holiday cooking, KFC positioned itself as a backup plan for families who’d rather avoid the kitchen chaos altogether.

Stove Top - “Stuffy Thanksgiving Pants” (2017)

Stove Top’s “Stuffy Thanksgiving Pants” campaign added humor to the holiday by marketing stretchy pants perfect for a big meal. The lighthearted tone resonated with audiences, reflecting the fun and indulgence of Thanksgiving. It made Stove Top part of the day’s traditions, creating memorable brand recognition

Walmart “Giving Thanks” (2016)

The ad opens with a series of quick, relatable snapshots of families and friends coming together—whether in bustling kitchens or around warmly lit dinner tables. These scenes are subtle and authentic, letting viewers see snippets of real-life joy, a reminder of the little moments often taken for granted. Walmart subtly underscores that these gatherings, made more accessible with their products and services, become the backdrop for treasured memories. 

Publix - “Home for Thanksgiving” (Ongoing)

Publix’s “Home for Thanksgiving” ads focus on the emotional theme of family reunions, highlighting the joy of gathering for the holiday meal. The ads’ cozy style and relatable storytelling reinforce Publix’s identity as a family-centered grocery store.

Denny’s “No Prep Required” Advertisement - 2020

In 2020, Denny’s launched its “No Prep Required” campaign, offering families a hassle-free option for Thanksgiving amid the pandemic. The campaign promoted Denny’s Thanksgiving Turkey & Dressing Dinner Pack, a fully prepared, heat-and-serve meal designed to bring comfort and ease to those celebrating at home.

REI - #OptOutside - 2023

REI continued its #OptOutside campaign, encouraging customers and employees to skip shopping on Black Friday to enjoy time outdoors. This year, REI added community events focused on environmental stewardship, reinforcing its commitment to values beyond profit. This campaign resonated with eco-conscious consumers and strengthened REI’s brand loyalty by prioritizing experience over consumerism​

Airbnb - “One Less Stranger” -  2015

Airbnb brought back its #OneLessStranger campaign, encouraging users to invite new acquaintances to their Thanksgiving table. Inspired by the story of “Grandma Wanda” and her misdialed Thanksgiving guest, Airbnb amplified the story of connection and inclusivity. This campaign reinforced Airbnb’s mission to create community and belonging, even on a deeply personal holiday like Thanksgiving​.

‍
Macy’s - Thanksgiving Day Parade - Since 1924

Macy’s celebrates the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade with fan-favorite floats, musical performances, and appearances by popular characters. The parade, a tradition since 1924, connects Macy’s brand with holiday excitement and nostalgia, making it a cornerstone of Thanksgiving celebrations across the U.S. Its enduring appeal reinforces Macy’s as a central part of American Thanksgiving tradition

UberEats X Thanksgiving featuring Martha Stewart - 2022

In 2022, Uber Eats partnered with lifestyle icon Martha Stewart to create a Thanksgiving-themed campaign focused on making holiday prep easy and stress-free. Martha Stewart curated a special selection of Thanksgiving recipes and meal kits available through Uber Eats, featuring holiday classics like turkey, mashed potatoes, and pies from local restaurants. With Stewart’s trusted expertise, the campaign gave Uber Eats credibility and appealed to consumers seeking a quality meal without the hassle of cooking from scratch.

Celebrating Tradition Through Thanksgiving Campaigns

Thanksgiving campaigns, from Rockwell’s iconic family scenes to today’s memorable ads, reflect the holiday’s core themes of gratitude, warmth, and unity. These campaigns have made Thanksgiving a season that’s about more than just food—it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and togetherness. By capturing the spirit of the season, brands build lasting connections with audiences, reinforcing Thanksgiving’s timeless values year after year.

‍