Experts Reveal the Exact Optimal Time to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving always arrives faster than people expect. You stock up on ingredients, prep a few dishes, and then realize the real question is when dinner should actually start. Some families sit down at noon, others wait until the evening, and everyone has their own idea of what feels right.
Recent guidance from food and nutrition experts offers a helpful middle ground. Their advice makes it easier to plan a meal that feels relaxed, keeps energy steady throughout the day, and still leaves room to enjoy the holiday without turning it into an endless kitchen marathon.
Why Afternoon Wins
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A large group of food, etiquette, lifestyle, and celebration specialists say the sweet spot lands between 1 pm and 3 pm. This timing aligns with how meals used to be scheduled in the United States, where dinner was the midday meal and supper was lighter. Jenny Finke, a metabolic health dietitian, says eating earlier helps your body digest the holiday spread more smoothly. Jenny explains that our systems handle calorie-heavy meals better during the day because metabolism and blood sugar balance run more efficiently before sunset.
Pam Jameson, a celebration strategist, grew up eating much later but now calls 2 pm. the best choice. Pam likes how a midday meal keeps the energy going from morning walks, parades, or turkey trots. Guests have time to linger, chat, and turn cleanup into a casual hang instead of a late-night chore. August Abbott, an etiquette expert, points out that noon is too early for most guests, and that folks show up hungrier and happier when the meal begins a little later. August also notes that evening meals can leave people feeling too tired to drive home afterward.
The Case For Later Plates
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Plenty of people argue that Thanksgiving dinner belongs in the late afternoon, closer to the time most families eat their evening meal. A later start gives everyone a calmer morning, and guests who run behind do not throw the whole plan off. Joanne Gallagher, a recipe developer, likes serving the meal around 4 pm and puts out a few snacks so no one eats a full lunch. She says the timing creates a comfortable break between the main plate and dessert.
Veronica Tegan prefers to begin no earlier than 5 pm and enjoys the warm atmosphere that comes with candles, soft lights, and the cold weather outside. For her, waiting a little longer builds anticipation and brings back the feeling of a traditional dinner.
Health Angle From Gut Experts
Two gastrointestinal specialists also say that eating earlier is ideal if you want to avoid the bloated slump. Marie-Pierre St-Onge from Columbia University says people tend to overeat on Thanksgiving, and timing helps manage the aftermath.
Eating earlier gives your body time to adjust for the rest of the day. A heavy meal close to bedtime can trigger reflux, sluggish digestion, and restless sleep. Marie-Pierre explains that lying down while full causes food to sit in the digestive tract, which can leave you uncomfortable instead of content.
Martha’s 2 pm Spark
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Martha Stewart sparked a lively debate when she suggested 2 pm is the best time. The host told the TODAY Show that guests start circling the kitchen by early afternoon, and eating then lets everyone watch football, sip drinks, and save dessert for later. However, fans were split.
Some said no earlier than 4 pm, while others stuck with parade viewing, dog show watching, cocktails at 5 pm, and dinner at 6:30 pm. Supporters agreed with Martha, saying 12 pm to 2 pm avoids waiting all day. Martha also shared helpful hosting reminders. Plan ahead, order the turkey early, stick to familiar recipes, and use store-bought brioche for stuffing to save time.
Several experts favor a mid-afternoon start, and 2 pm is a popular choice among those who prefer eating earlier, though recommended mealtimes vary based on tradition, convenience, and personal preference. But the winning choice is the one that keeps everyone happy, fed, and relaxed.