Lions vs Packers: How to prepare for the big Thanksgiving Day rivalry
From appetizers to table decor to setting the perfect ambience, we have your get-ready guide for the Lions vs. Packers Thanksgiving Day game.
Thanksgiving 2025 will be an epic one for fans of the Lions NFL team. Not only is the day of thanks one to indulge in mashed potatoes and gravy (oh, and let’s not forget the pumpkin pie), but it’s also one for the record books with an epic Lions vs. Packers football game showdown.
With the game kicking off at 1:00 p.m., there is still plenty of time to prep for the big day. From appetizers to table decor to setting the perfect ambience, we have your get-ready guide for the Lions vs. Packers Thanksgiving Day game. (Just don’t forget to save me some snacks…)
1. Prep with the perfect placemat
To kick things off, a good host needs to set the perfect table for guests. Along with the right snacks (more on that later), the right decor can set a game-ready mood. There are a lot of Lions-specific placements you can choose from online, but if you’re walking the line of hosting a formal Thanksgiving day dinner and turning on the big game, it is nice to have the option for some dressier decor.
This option from Amazon hits both sides with a lovely fall-inspired leaf and pumpkin design that also incorporates footballs. Plus, they’re washable and reusable, making them ideal for hosting all kinds of future football parties.
2. Light your lucky candle
Speaking of setting that perfect autumnal, football-y mood, this lucky candle is sure to set the scene. The design proudly proclaims that the candle smells “like a Lions win,” and if you’re a Lions fan, you’d have to agree.
Made by an Etsy shop that specializes in vegan and soy candles, you can choose a delicious scent for the backdrop to the game. For instance, we’re already swooning over Pumpkin Spice Buttercream, Autumn Sky, Apple Harvest, or Leather and suede.
3. Cozy up in your favorite crew
Whether your group has a casual vibe for Thanksgiving dinner or you just need something comfy to change into post-dinner, there’s nothing better than a cozy crewneck. Well, I take that back—the only thing that could make it better is if that crew sweatshirt was Lions’ Lions-themed and happened to be made in Michigan.
Check and double-check with this crewneck shirt. It ships from Fenton, Michigan, so you’re getting authentic Michigan merchandise and Mitten pride. You can also choose your base color and thread colors, and the shirt comes in sizes small through 3X.
4. Open up a can of Dan
In Lion’s country, there’s only one man in whom we trust, and that man is Dan. I can’t predict what the outcome of the game will be, but I do know that when you crack open a can coated in Dan, you just can’t go wrong.
Choose from ready-made can coolers disguised as “Knee Cap” soup, or go the digital download road, or get the (adults-only) printable can label that will be sure to make your guests chuckle. (In between rooting for the Lions, of course!)
5. Whip up a batch of cupcakes
Every good party needs a delicious dessert to top off the night. For this year’s Thanksgiving Day dinner, may we suggest serving up some individual desserts topped with Detroit Lions decor?
Dispatched from Michigan, these blue-and-back dessert toppers come in a 12 or 24-pack, and can be customized for a variety of sweet treats. Think cupcakes, mini cheesecakes, cannolis, cookies, or brownies. Yum!
6. Color your worries away
For most Michiganders, we all hope that our beloved Lions will conquer the field on Thanksgiving Day against the Packers, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be some anxieties along the way. Fortunately, you can color your stress away with these downloadable coloring pages from Etsy.
All of the designs are hand-drawn by Etsy shop owner Shannon Semizian (@tigerwolfstudios), making them unique and the perfect activity for any younger guests at your gathering, too.
7. Get crafty with a digital download
I am not a crafty individual, but if you happen to be, you can purchase pre-made digital files from other crafty individuals who can make your creative life even easier. For instance, this Lions bundle comes complete with SVG, EPS, PNG, PDF, and DXF files full of hand-drawn Detroit Lions-themed art.
You can use the art to create your own printables, table decor, table settings, signs, or even large products like sweatshirts and cups.
8. Make it a party with printables
The Lions vs. Packers game may be the main event, but there will more than likely be other guests looking for something to do. Or, maybe you just want a way to keep guests busy in between quarters or before and after the game.
That’s where the genius of printable party games comes in. This convenient printable pack designed for Detroit Lions lovers includes 10 Lions Game Day Bingo boards in two sizes, Lions football trivia games, prediction sheets for the game winner, a Watch Party Superlatives Ballot (vote for the loudest fan, best dressed, and more), Scrambled Player Name Game, and a Lions Word Search. It’s the perfect way to make game day even more fun.
Shop owner Hannah Kelley, a Michigander herself, also granted Gander readers a special 25% off with code THEGANDER entered at checkout.
9. Serve up Lion’s Mane meatballs
Last but not least, while Thanksgiving is certainly a day you’ll probably all have plenty of food options, may we suggest adding a little Lions-themed to your menu as well? You can consider serving up some “Lion’s Mane” meatballs, a savory meat and cabbage dish aptly named because it’s said to resemble the mane of a Lion.
The dish uses ground beef or pork with spices like ginger and sesame oil, and can be eaten on its own or served with a bed of rice. If you and your guests prefer, you could also go the gameday route of burgers, served Lion’s Head style.
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