### Thanksgiving Dinner Costs Decline: A Welcome Relief for Shoppers This year, the cost of preparing a traditional Thanksgiving dinner has seen a notable decrease, with estimates suggesting a drop of approximately 2-5% compared to previous years. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) attributes this decline primarily to significantly lower turkey prices, which have fallen by double digits. Despite this positive trend, many consumers continue to feel the strain of rising prices on other grocery items, indicating a mixed economic landscape for holiday shoppers. *While the overall cost is down, the persistent inflation in certain food categories remains a concern for many families* [https://www.wrvo.org/2025-11-21/report-shows-thanksgiving-dinner-costs-down-this-year][https://www.nbc39.com/news/national/farm-bureau-says-thanksgiving-prices-down-but-not-enough/article_9ebc3fbd-34f6-5448-bc3b-7ebefb2822e6.html]. ### Overview of Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Trends 1. **Cost Reduction**: The average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for ten people has decreased for the third consecutive year, with estimates ranging from a 2% to a 5% reduction [https://www.wgrz.com/article/life/food/cost-of-thanksgiving-dinner-down/71-ebe5e685-9a8b-470b-a71f-2b5a60802515][https://www.fox61.com/article/money/consumer/cost-of-thanksgiving-drop-5-despite-rising-grocery-prices/520-516296db-0fe6-42f2-8be1-6f2193cd0b6d]. 2. **Key Ingredient Impact**: The significant drop in turkey prices has been a major factor in lowering overall meal costs, with some reports indicating a decrease of around 16% for a 16-pound turkey [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3703455-update-1-us-shoppers-find-thanksgiving-relief-on-turkey-but-feel-the-pinch-on-pricier-side-dishes]. 3. **Consumer Sentiment**: Despite the overall decrease in meal costs, many consumers are still feeling the pinch from rising prices on side dishes and other staples, which have been affected by labor shortages and weather-related issues [https://www.newsday.com/business/thanksgiving-dinner-cost-2025-nxb5t1af][https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/thanksgiving-dinner-turkey-farm-bureau-b2868136.html]. ### Supporting Data on Thanksgiving Dinner Costs - **Average Cost**: The average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for ten people is reported to be approximately **$55.18**, down from previous years [https://www.fox61.com/article/news/nation-world/thanksgiving-dinner-slightly-lower-this-year/507-11987c7e-22c3-46d7-88e6-48d4c1f259df]. - **Turkey Price Drop**: The price of turkey has decreased significantly, contributing to the overall reduction in meal costs [https://thepaper1901.com/2025/11/turkey-prices-help-lower-thanksgiving-meal-costs]. - **Consumer Experience**: Retailers like Walmart have adjusted their Thanksgiving meal offerings to keep costs low, indicating a strategic response to consumer price sensitivity [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3703455-update-1-us-shoppers-find-thanksgiving-relief-on-turkey-but-feel-the-pinch-on-pricier-side-dishes]. ### Conclusion: A Mixed Bag for Thanksgiving Shoppers In summary, **the cost of Thanksgiving dinner has decreased this year**, primarily due to lower turkey prices, providing some relief to consumers. However, **the ongoing rise in prices for other food items continues to challenge household budgets**. 1. **Cost Reduction**: Thanksgiving dinner costs are down 2-5% this year. 2. **Turkey Prices**: Significant drops in turkey prices have driven the overall cost reduction. 3. **Consumer Sentiment**: Many shoppers still face high prices on side dishes, reflecting ongoing inflationary pressures. As families prepare for the holiday, the mixed economic signals highlight the importance of smart shopping strategies to maximize savings during this festive season [https://www.wrvo.org/2025-11-21/report-shows-thanksgiving-dinner-costs-down-this-year][https://www.nbc39.com/news/national/farm-bureau-says-thanksgiving-prices-down-but-not-enough/article_9ebc3fbd-34f6-5448-bc3b-7ebefb2822e6.html].