24 Spanish Thanksgiving Vocabulary Words for Spanish Class

If you want to have some fun with Thanksgiving in Spanish class, your students might need some help! Let’s look at a quick list of Thanksgiving Spanish words to wish each other Happy Thanksgiving and enjoying the feast!

Why Use Thanksgiving Spanish Words?

You’re probably aware that Thanksgiving isn’t celebrated too frequently in Spanish-speaking countries. It’s predominantly celebrated in the United States and Puerto Rico. So why talk about it in Spanish class when much of Latin America doesn’t celebrate this holiday season? While it’s not a common holiday to include in Spanish class, I have always tended toward including things my students enjoy and tried to do those topics IN Spanish. Plus, at this point in the school year, we could all use a rest, reset, some fun, and gratitude!

Spanish Thanksgiving Words

This list includes Spanish vocabulary words for several Thanksgiving activities as well as food vocabulary for a Thanksgiving feast! 

• la calabaza – pumpkin
• la cena – dinner
• cocinar – to cook
• comer – to eat
• dar gracias – to give thanks
• doy gracias por.. – I give thanks for..
• el desfile – parade
• el Día de Acción de Gracias – Thanksgiving Day
• estoy agredecido/a por.. – I am thankful for..
• Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias – Happy Thanksgiving
• dormir – to sleep
• ir de compras – to go shopping
• la mantequilla – butter
• la manzana – apple
• el maíz – corn
• el pan – bread
• el partido – the game
• el pavo – turkey
• el puré de papas – mashed potatoes
• la salsa espesa – gravy
• la tarta – pie
• las verduras – vegetables
• viajar – to travel
• visitar a la familia – to visit family

Below, we’ll split up the vocabulary words into some different word lists to make it easier for your Spanish language learners.

Thanksgiving Food in Spanish:

• la calabaza – pumpkin
• la cena – dinner
• cocinar – to cook
• comer – to eat
• la mantequilla – butter
• la manzana – apple
• el maíz – corn
• el pan – bread
• el pavo – turkey
• el puré de papas – mashed potatoes
• la salsa espesa – gravy
• la tarta – pie
• las verduras – vegetables

While this list of words certainly doesn’t cover all of the foods found at the big meal, it’s a great place to get started without overwhelming students.

Thanksgiving Activities in Spanish:

• cocinar – to cook
• comer – to eat
• dar gracias – to give thanks
• el desfile – parade
• dormir – to sleep
• ir de compras – to go shopping
• el partido – the game
• viajar – to travel
• visitar a la familia – to visit family

You might have students combine words from this vocabulary list with other verbs they’re already familiar with! Things like “ir a..” might get paired with the parade or game. It’s great for them to put those pieces together and show off their language skills. 

Let’s look at some Spanish resources to use the new vocabulary words!

​El Día de Acción de Gracias Activities

This or That Game

If you’re looking for a playful way to use the Spanish Thanksgiving vocabulary, you’ll love this “Este o Ese” game! Each slide includes vocab in Spanish along with an image to represent each choice. This game is perfect for the days leading to Thanksgiving break. 

For example, students might see a slide that shows “Tarta de manzana” and “Tarta de calabaza” and they’ll vote for their love of pumpkin pies or apple pies by moving from side to side, or raising their hand. There’s a bunch of ways you can use this with your classes!

How to Use:

• Play as a whole class – project the slides and students move to show their answers
• Play as a class and students record their answers on their sheet while they play
• Walk and ask classmates what they prefer
• Use the cards in small group speaking
• Hang on the wall and students visit the cards and answer the questions using the writing sheet

Click here to download the set of slides and handouts!

I am Thankful Turkey Printable

We can’t talk about Thanksgiving without ways to express thanks and express gratitude. Even those with novice Spanish skills can do this! My favorite option is to create turkeys of thankfulness. This printable “I am Thankful” Turkey comes in Spanish and English, as a printable color and write sheet, and as a craft! You can pick and choose the right option for your classes. 

Check out how to use this download in a lesson plan here!

Thanksgiving Gallery Walk

Gallery walks are an awesome laid back plan for a day when YOU want a break, but your students have a few wiggles and need to move. Print, hang, and give your students the activities that go with, then post the digital version in your secured LMS for students who are already traveling. This set of readings include different ways families get into the holiday’s spirit and how family gatherings look differently in different households. 

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More Thanksgiving Activities for Spanish Class

• 12 Thanksgiving Activities for Spanish Class
• FREE Activity for Thanksgiving in Spanish Class
• Free Spanish Thanksgiving Activities: Movie Talk
• Day Before Thanksgiving Break Activities
• Thanksgiving Bulletin Board Ideas for Fall in Spanish Class