Friendsgiving Games for Adults: How to Host the Ultimate Friendsgiving Murder Mystery Party

Friendsgiving has become one of the most beloved traditions among friend groups—an excuse to gather, laugh, feast, and celebrate chosen family. But while food is always at the heart of the holiday, the right Friendsgiving games can transform a casual dinner into a night everyone will be talking about until next November. One of the most creative and immersive ways to do this? Hosting a Friendsgiving murder mystery party.

In this expanded guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to turn your gathering into a thrilling, laughter-filled evening. From game ideas to theme suggestions, planning tips to Friendsgiving-specific twists, you’ll find inspiration to help you confidently pull off an unforgettable celebration.

Why Friendsgiving Games Matter

Friendsgiving isn’t just about turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. It’s about connection. While eating and catching up are great, incorporating Friendsgiving games and activities creates shared memories, inside jokes, and experiences that bring everyone closer together.

Fun games for Friendsgiving also solve a common problem: what do you do after dinner? Instead of drifting into small talk or zoning out on the couch, games keep the energy flowing and ensure everyone feels included.

And if you’re looking for something truly unique, a Friendsgiving murder mystery party offers more than just entertainment—it turns your entire group into the stars of the evening.

Why a Murder Mystery Party is Perfect for Friendsgiving

There are plenty of Friendsgiving games for adults you could try, but here’s why murder mystery parties take the crown:

1. Immersive Fun – Everyone gets a role to play, making it more interactive than traditional board or card games.
2. Built-in Icebreaker – Even if your guest list mixes work friends, college buddies, and neighbors, the storyline helps people connect instantly.
3. Unique Twist on Thanksgiving Traditions – Instead of just eating and watching football, you’re solving a crime together.
4. Scalable for Any Group Size – Whether you’re hosting 8 people or 20, you can find (or customize) a murder mystery game to fit your crowd.

A Friendsgiving murder mystery party turns your meal into an unforgettable Friendsgiving activity and gives your guests something far more memorable than leftovers to take home.

Friendsgiving Murder Mystery Party Themes

When people think of murder mysteries, they often imagine formal dinner parties or Halloween. But the beauty of these games is that they can be adapted for any occasion—including Friendsgiving. Here are some ideas:

1. A Deadly Vintage

Set at a picturesque winery during harvest season, A Deadly Vintage is a perfect fit for fall. With grape stomping, vineyard tours, and the excitement of a new vintage in the air, tensions run high among vintners, sommeliers, and wine enthusiasts. This theme pairs beautifully with Friendsgiving since it ties into the season’s harvest vibes while giving you a chance to serve wine flights or create a tasting station to immerse guests even further.

2. Roaring ‘20s Feast of Secrets

Add glamour to your Friendsgiving with a Great Gatsby-style party. Encourage flapper dresses, bow ties, and sparkling cocktails as your guests unravel the mystery of a socialite gone missing during the holiday feast.

3. Murder at Margaritaland at Friendsgiving

For friend groups who want to escape the traditional turkey theme, go tropical. Think margaritas, Hawaiian shirts, and palm tree decorations while solving a seaside mystery.

4. Classic Murder at the Juice Joint

Perfect if your group loves roleplay. This classic speakeasy mystery adds a prohibition-era twist to your Friendsgiving gathering.

How to Plan Your Friendsgiving Murder Mystery Party

Pulling off a successful murder mystery requires a little more prep than pulling out a deck of cards, but the payoff is worth it. Here’s how:

Step 1: Pick the Right Mystery Game

Choose a game that matches your group size and personalities. Night of Mystery offers downloadable options for different group sizes, making it easy to pick one that works.

Step 2: Assign Characters in Advance

Send your friends their character descriptions ahead of time. This gives them a chance to plan costumes and get into character before they arrive.

Step 3: Decorate to Match the Theme

Make the game immersive with themed décor. For example:

• A Deadly Vintage: Wine barrels, grapevine garlands, rustic wooden tables.
• Roaring ‘20s: Gold streamers, jazz music, champagne coupes.
• Tropical Murder: Paper lanterns, fruity cocktails, leis.

Step 4: Incorporate Food & Drinks

Tie your menu into the theme for maximum fun:

• Winery Vibes: Cheese boards, charcuterie, wine pairings.
• 1920s Speakeasy: Offer martinis, shrimp cocktail, and finger foods.
• Tropical Getaway: Margaritas, tacos, and pineapple salsa.

Step 5: Set the Stage

Explain the rules clearly at the start, encourage everyone to stay in character, and let the mystery unfold naturally.

More Friendsgiving Games & Activities for Adults

If you want to mix in some quick games alongside the mystery, try these:

1. Thanksgiving Charades

Add a festive twist to the classic game with prompts like “stuffing the turkey,” “football touchdown,” or “Black Friday shopping.”

2. Who Am I? (Turkey Edition)

Write famous names or Thanksgiving-themed items on cards and tape them to guests’ foreheads. They must ask yes/no questions to figure out who or what they are.

3. Pumpkin Pong

Swap red solo cups for mini pumpkins (with the tops cut off) and play a fall-inspired version of beer pong.

4. Gratitude Circle with a Twist

Instead of a traditional gratitude share, have each person write down something funny or outrageous they’re “thankful for” in character if you’re tying it into your murder mystery.

5. Friendsgiving Trivia

Prepare a mix of Thanksgiving history, fun facts about your friend group, and pop culture. Offer small prizes for the winners.

Tips for Hosting Like a Pro

• Encourage Costumes: Costumes help guests get into character and elevate the whole experience.
• Offer Small Prizes: Think “Best Detective,” “Best Costume,” and “Best Actor.”
• Mix in Downtime: Start with appetizers and mingling before the mystery begins. End with dessert while everyone debates the outcome.
• Take Photos: Set up a photo booth area with props tied to your theme.

Stay Flexible: Sometimes guests will improvise or go off-script—that’s part of the fun!

Why Night of Mystery is Your Go-To for Friendsgiving Games

When you choose a downloadable Night of Mystery game, you’re not just getting a script—you’re getting:

• Character packets for each guest.
• Planning guides to help you set the stage.
• Printable extras like invitations and name tags.
• Games designed for easy hosting and maximum fun.

With themes ranging from glitzy speakeasies to tropical getaways, you’ll find the perfect fit for your Friendsgiving crew.

Final Thoughts

This year, ditch the same old after-dinner routine and give your guests a Friendsgiving to remember. A Friendsgiving murder mystery party combines the best parts of Thanksgiving—food, friends, and laughter—with an unforgettable interactive twist.

Whether you go all-in with a full mystery game or sprinkle in some quick Friendsgiving games and activities, your party will stand out as one of the season’s highlights.

So gather your friends, pick a theme, and prepare for a night filled with suspense, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Ready to host your own Friendsgiving murder mystery party? Browse our Night of Mystery games and find the perfect fit for your group.