Thanksgiving is a heartwarming time of the year, filled with gratitude, family gatherings and delicious meals shared with loved ones. It’s a season where warmth and togetherness shine, making it the perfect occasion to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re hosting a large family feast or enjoying a quiet evening with close friends, music can play a vital role in setting the mood. Adding piano music to your Thanksgiving playlist can elevate the experience, infusing the event with tranquility and joy.
This article will introduce ten perfect Thanksgiving piano songs to help you celebrate the season with heartwarming melodies.
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Finding joy and togetherness in heartwarming thanksgiving songs
Thanksgiving songs are a wonderful way to celebrate the spirit of gratitude and togetherness that defines the holiday. Whether they focus on family, nature, or thankfulness itself, these songs often carry warm, uplifting messages that set the perfect tone for the season. These songs remind us to pause and recognize the blessings in our lives, making the holiday even more meaningful.
Whether you’re playing these pieces yourself or simply enjoying them as background music, they are sure to make your Thanksgiving unforgettable.
Autumn leaves – Joseph Kosma
Few songs capture the beauty of fall quite like “Autumn Leaves.” The piano arrangement of “Autumn Leaves” is perfect for Thanksgiving, as it evokes the feeling of the season with warmth and nostalgia. This jazz music standard, originally composed by Joseph Kosma, is a beautiful embodiment of the changing season, with its delicate melody and rich expressive harmonies.
Ben Rector – The Thanksgiving Song
Ben Rector’s “The Thanksgiving Song” captures the essence of gratitude and reflection during the holiday season. With its heartfelt lyrics and warm melody, the song evokes a sense of togetherness, reminding listeners to appreciate the simple joys of life and the people who matter most.
Morning Mood – Edvard Grieg
While not directly related to Thanksgiving, this piece brings a bright and cheerful atmosphere, evoking images of a beautiful fall morning. It’s an ideal piece to play during the early hours of your celebration.
Gymnopédie No. 1 – Erik Satie
The gentle and contemplative nature of “Gymnopédie No. 1” is perfect for setting a tranquil mood. It’s great for winding down after a busy day of cooking and eating.
Thanksgiving theme – Vince Guaraldi
Fans of “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” will recognize Vince Guaraldi’s “Thanksgiving Theme”. This jazzy piano piece brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth, evoking childhood memories of watching the Peanuts characters celebrate Thanksgiving.
The bright, lighthearted melody immediately brings to mind images of Fall gatherings and good food. The syncopated rhythms and expressive harmonies capture both the joy and the relaxed pace of a Thanksgiving day.
Clair de lune – Claude Debussy
Though not specifically related to Thanksgiving, “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy is a wonderful choice.
The gentle flow and shimmering chords and beautiful melody of “Clair de Lune” are perfect for a quieter moment during your Thanksgiving celebration – perhaps while enjoying dessert or sipping on a warm drink while appreciating melody in music.
River flows in you– Yiruma
This modern piano piece fits well with the reflective and thankful atmosphere of Thanksgiving, making it an excellent choice for your playlist.
What a wonderful world – Louis Armstrong (piano version)
Although originally a jazz song, the piano rendition of “What a Wonderful World” makes for a heartwarming addition to any Thanksgiving playlist. The hopeful message of “What a Wonderful World” is in perfect harmony with the spirit of Thanksgiving, celebrating life’s beauty and the people we hold dear.
Come, ye thankful people, come – George J. Elvey (piano version)
This classic hymn, composed by George J. Elvey, is a fitting piece to conclude our playlist of thanksgiving songs. “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” is a hymn of gratitude, celebrating the harvest and the blessings of the year.
With its uplifting melody and rich harmonies the piano version of this hymn is a wonderful reminder of the essence of Thanksgiving.
Canon in D – Johann Pachelbel
This timeless classic is celebrated for its soothing, repetitive melody and flowing chords, which create a sense of calm and reflection—perfect for introducing modal interchange to enrich the atmosphere of a Thanksgiving meal.
What are other people’s favorite songs for thanksgiving?
As we researched Thanksgiving playlists, we came across an interesting Reddit thread where users shared their ideas for songs for Thanksgiving.
I’m trying to create a thanks giving season playlist for my office. It would really help if you told me your favorite Thanksgiving song and WHY you consider it a thanksgiving song 🦃
byu/Ready4-action inthanksgiving
One user mentioned creating a massive Thanksgiving playlist to transition into Christmas music, starting early in the day and continuing after dinner. Recommendations included classics like “Alice’s Restaurant” by Arlo Guthrie, Vince Guaraldi’s “Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” and songs by Neil Young such as “Harvest Moon.”
Some users even embraced 1970s rock as a Thanksgiving tradition, featuring artists like Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, and Queen as well as light jazz music. These vibrant discussions highlight how music can shape family traditions and create unique Thanksgiving experiences.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with the perfect piano music
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, reflection, and togetherness. Adding these beautiful thanksgiving piano songs to your playlist will enhance the warm and welcoming atmosphere of your celebration. From nostalgic classics like Vince Guaraldi’s “Thanksgiving Theme” to heartfelt pieces like “What a Wonderful World,” these songs are sure to create lasting memories for you and your loved ones.
Whether you are playing these songs yourself or simply enjoying them in the background, they will help create the perfect ambiance for your Thanksgiving celebration.
Author of this blog post:
Susana Pérez Posada
With over seven years of piano education and a deep passion for music therapy, Susana brings a unique blend of expertise to Skoove. A graduate in Music Therapy from SRH Hochschule Heidelberg and an experienced classical pianist from Universidad EAFIT, she infuses her teaching with a holistic approach that transcends traditional piano lessons. Susana’s writings for Skoove combine her rich musical knowledge with engaging storytelling, enriching the learning experience for pianists of all levels. Away from the piano, she loves exploring new places and immersing herself in a good book, believing these diverse experiences enhance her creative teaching style.
Published by Lydia Ogn from the Skoove team
