Thanksgiving is just around the corner in several countries around the world, particularly regions like America, Canada and even some parts of Australia. All organizations and entities, corporate, educational and even governmental entities, are gearing up for what is the best time of the year. And non-profit university organizations, too, are jumping on the bandwagon.
But many are confused about where they can begin. If you’re worried about the budget or concerned about making everyone feel included, do not fret. In fact, it is important and helpful to have these questions crop up. Upon successful resolution of these queries, you will see your team having hosted a memorable and valuable holiday evening for your attendees.
Hosting a successful Thanksgiving event in 2025 does not have to be as complicated as it was for you last year. Whether you are hosting a university event on Thanksgiving for the first time or are a regular, here are the dos and don’ts that will help you pull off a meaningful gathering:
Do: Start Planning Early (Like, Really Early) For Thanksgiving
The thing about November on campus is that everyone wants the same spaces at the same times. If you wait too long to book your venue, you’ll see that you are already behind. In order to not miss out on a venue capable of hosting a decent number of audience, plan and book early.
Begin planning at least a month or two before, giving yourself plenty of time to go over your venue options and secure one that fits the best. Trust us, future you will thank present you for getting organized early.
Don’t: Assume Everyone Celebrates Thanksgiving the Same Way
Some organizers fail to recognize that people celebrate Thanksgiving differently. In fact, chances are, some of your international students have never commemorated one simply because it is not part of their culture. Not everyone grew up eating turkey and watching football and some international students might have zero connection to this holiday. Some people have complicated feelings about Thanksgiving, given its history, and some simply do not celebrate it for personal or religious reasons.
Therefore, as a non-profit, it helps to promote your event as a community gathering amongst students. Use ideals about gratitude and celebration rather than as a traditional American holiday. Make space for everyone to participate in ways that feel right to them.
Do: Take Dietary Requirements Seriously
Nothing ruins an event faster than people showing up hungry and leaving hungry because there’s nothing they can eat. Vegetarian options should not be an afterthought. Vegan dishes need to be actual meals and not just side salads. Any potential food allergies and other dietary preferences must also be taken into account.
Label everything clearly and list your ingredients. If you’re working with caterers, find ones who understand cross-contamination and can safely prepare food for people with allergies. In case you need halal or kosher options, research local vendors who specialize in these preparations. International students will notice and appreciate the effort.
Don’t: Spend Money You Don’t Have
Let’s be real: non-profit university groups aren’t swimming in cash. Hence, attempting to throw an elaborate feast on a very tight budget is not a great idea. In fact, as organizers, you may have little to be grateful for or celebrate after.
Be honest about what you can afford. If you cannot afford catering, try a potluck where everyone brings something. Local restaurants or grocery stores might donate food or offer student discounts. Many universities have special event grants sitting there waiting for groups to apply. Do your homework and find the funding sources available to you.
Do: Make Everyone Feel Welcome
Walk into your event space and ask yourself: would I feel comfortable here? Arrange seating so people can actually talk to each other. Mix up table sizes to give people options. Some folks just love big communal tables and others prefer smaller, quieter spaces. Give them both.
Name tags help. Simple icebreakers work if they’re optional and attendees are not forced to participate. Keep the music volume modest so that people can hear each other talk. These little details add up to an atmosphere where people actually want to stay and interact.
Don’t: Schedule The Thanksgiving Event During Academic Crunch Time
November is brutal for students with papers due and projects piling up. If exams or other important academic events are coming up, it is better not to host events on days right before them. Check the University’s academic calendar before locking a date. Avoid scheduling the event right before major deadlines or during peak study periods.
Weekends usually work better than weekdays during this time. If you must do a weekday event, aim for early evening, maybe 5:00 to 8:00 PM. But remember that some students work evening shifts. Quite honestly, there is no perfect time, but some times are definitely worse than others. Try and strike a balance, take an opinion poll from your potential attendees if needed.
Do: Think About Students Who Can’t Go Home
For international students and those from far away, Thanksgiving can be very lonely. Going home isn’t always financially possible or logistically feasible and your event might be the only community gathering they have access to all week.
Promote specifically to international student offices and residence halls. Consider partnering with host family programs. If your group can swing it, plan activities for the whole Thanksgiving weekend, not just one meal. You might be surprised how much this matters to someone spending their first Thanksgiving away from home.
Don’t: Forget About Getting People There
Campus shuttles run on holiday schedules, which usually means reduced service or none at all. Students without cars need a way to get to your event. If your venue isn’t walking distance from residence halls, you need to solve the transportation puzzle.
Arrange shuttles or coordinate carpools. For evening events, think about getting home safely after dark. Partner with campus security for safe ride programs or make sure your event ends during regular transportation hours. Don’t make attendance impossible for people who want to come.
Do: Make Thanksgiving Mean Something
Food is great, but Thanksgiving is supposed to be about more than just eating. What makes your event meaningful? Create a gratitude wall where people can post what they’re thankful for. Offer a sharing circle for those who want to speak up. Try and organize a service component, such as packing care packages for people in need.
Maybe invite a professor or community leader to share brief thoughts about gratitude or service. Keep it short though, maybe 10 to 15 minutes maximum. Nobody comes to a leisurely gathering to sit through a lecture.
Don’t: Ignore the Cleanup
Everyone focuses on making the event happen and then forgets that someone has to clean up afterward. It is important to make time for clearing up later. Host cleanup volunteers before your event starts and brief them on exactly what they’ll be doing. Make sure you have plans for food waste, recycling and composting according to campus rules.
Take photos during the event (get permission first). You’ll need these for promoting future events and reporting to whoever funds you. Send thank-you notes to volunteers and donors and meet with your team afterward to talk about what worked and what didn’t. Learn from this one to make the next one better.
Do: Care About the Environment While You Host the Thanksgiving Event
Using disposables for everything creates mountains of trash. Use real plates and glasses if the venue has them. If you absolutely must use disposables, get compostable ones and set up clearly marked bins. Work with campus sustainability offices; they’ll usually have guidance and great resources to help.
Buy local food when you can or partner with the University’s dining services itself. They might already have ties to some sustainable suppliers. Figure out realistic portion sizes so you’re not wasting food and arrange ahead of time so that you may donate leftovers should your local health codes allow it.
Don’t: Take Your Volunteers for Granted
Volunteers make your event possible. Period. Treat them well. Feed them before or after their shifts. Thank them publicly during the event and make sure to send them some personal thank-you messages later.
Give clear instructions and be supportive throughout. When volunteers have good experiences, they come back and they tell their friends. When they have bad experiences, they don’t, and they tell their friends anyway.
Do: Ask for Feedback
Hand out quick surveys at the event or right after, when everything is still fresh. Ask specific questions about the food, the atmosphere, the timing, and the overall experience. Include open-ended questions where people can make suggestions.
Actually use this feedback. Share positive comments with your team. Address criticisms in next year’s planning. This is how you get better at what you do.
Making It All Come Together
Hosting a Thanksgiving event for your campus non-profit doesn’t have to keep you up at night. With the do’s and don’ts in this article, the effort you put into creating a thoughtful, well-organized event will pay off as you see your campus community coming together on Thanksgiving. And isn’t that what Thanksgiving is supposed to be about anyway?