Why Thanksgiving Dinner Should Happen Mid-Afternoon/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Thanksgiving dinner is traditionally eaten in the mid-afternoon, not evening.
Experts say this early timing supports better digestion and food preparation. Midday meals also help avoid discomfort, heartburn, and poor sleep quality.
Best Thanksgiving Dinner Time + Quick Looks
- Early Thanksgiving meals (2–4 p.m.) are ideal for both cooking logistics and health.
- Chef Danielle Vauthy says prepping in the morning and serving mid-afternoon ensures hot, fresh dishes.
- Resting time for turkey is best used to finish sides and warm casseroles.
- Dietitian Dawn Menning notes that eating earlier helps digestion and allows time for physical activity.
- Heavy meals eaten late can lead to bloating, heartburn, and disrupted sleep.
- Dr. Omer Awan recommends eating by 4 or 5 p.m. to help manage blood sugar.
- Experts advise listening to hunger cues, eating slowly, and taking breaks before seconds.
- Traditional early dinner time blends health, preparation flow, and family comfort.
Deep Look
When Should You Eat Thanksgiving Dinner?
Experts Recommend Mid-Afternoon for a Healthier, Tastier Holiday
While the Thanksgiving feast is often referred to as “dinner,” most Americans eat it well before sunset — usually between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. And according to chefs, doctors, and dietitians, that early start time makes more sense than ever.
Chef Danielle Vauthy, of Hungryroot, explains that mid-afternoon is the perfect time for a big holiday meal. With turkey taking most of the morning and early afternoon to cook and rest, and a full spread of casseroles, sides, and desserts to finish, timing is everything.
“Think of it like a restaurant kitchen,” she said. “You want all dishes hitting the table hot and ready, not sitting around getting cold.”
The early start helps home cooks plan smarter. Cold or room-temperature dishes can be prepped ahead, while hot sides — mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casseroles — can finish in the oven while the turkey rests.
“The turkey needs to rest before carving,” Vauthy added. “That’s your window to crisp, heat, and reassemble everything else.”
But this schedule isn’t just about flavor — it’s also about how your body handles a massive holiday meal.
Registered dietitian Dawn Menning says eating earlier in the day allows your body more time to digest heavy food.
“A Thanksgiving meal is rich — often high in fats, carbs, and sugar. Eating early gives your system time to process it before bed.”
And that post-meal walk? It’s more than a tradition — it helps regulate blood sugar and prevents post-dinner crashes. Eating later in the evening, especially after 6 or 7 p.m., increases the risk of bloating, gas, acid reflux, and poor sleep.
Menning’s advice? “Slow down. Eat in courses if you can. Pause before seconds and really ask yourself if you’re hungry — or just tempted.”
Dr. Omer Awan, a physician at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, backs the early dinner schedule as well. He recommends aiming for 4 p.m., or no later than 5 p.m.
“This timing gives the body a few hours to metabolize before sleep,” he said. “It also aligns better with your body’s insulin sensitivity, which naturally decreases later in the evening.”
Add in the social and emotional benefits of gathering earlier — more time to connect, less rushing, and room for dessert later — and it becomes clear: mid-afternoon Thanksgiving dinner isn’t just tradition. It’s smart.
So whether you’re deep-frying a turkey, roasting it, or just showing up for the pie, start eating earlier for a smoother, healthier holiday.
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