Thanksgiving Dinner Could Be Cheaper This Year. Here Are Some Deals.

· Investopedia

Key Takeaways

  • The average price of a Thanksgiving dinner will be 5% lower than in 2024.
  • However, prices for Thanksgiving meal items are still almost 20% higher than in 2019.
  • Walmart, Target, and Aldi are among the retailers offering Thanksgiving meal deals for those hoping to plan a feast on a budget.

Good news for American eaters: Thanksgiving dinner could be cheaper this year.

The price of a Thanksgiving feast serving 10 people will cost $58.08, down 5% from 2023, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. That includes turkey, cubed stuffing, sweet potatoes, dinner rolls, frozen peas, fresh cranberries, celery, carrots, pumpkin pie mix and crusts, whipping cream, and whole milk.

While declining for the second consecutive year, costs are still 19% higher than those of pre-pandemic 2019, the survey found. 

Turkey Prices Fall; Retailers Offer Deals 

The average Thanksgiving turkey is 6% cheaper than a year ago, though 2024 is the year with the fewest turkeys raised since 1985. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said lower U.S. demand for turkey this year has caused prices to fall.

Several retailers are offering Thanksgiving deals, looking to attract value-minded shoppers.

Walmart (WMT) is offering a Thanksgiving meal package the company says serves eight people for about $50, or $6.25 per person. The deal includes items like a whole frozen turkey, Great Value brand sides, a Marie Callender’s Southern Pecan Pie and a Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix.

The Target (TGT) Thanksgiving shopping list offers a four-person meal for $20, $5 cheaper than the company’s 2023 package. This price covers a Good & Gather brand frozen turkey and russet potatoes, Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup, and Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce, among other items. 

Aldi is selling a meal that the company says feeds 10 people for less than $47. It consists of a Butterball turkey, macaroni and cheese, stuffing, pumpkin pie and the ingredients for various sides.

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