A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Year: 1973

Runtime: 25 mins

Language: English

Director: Phil Roman

AnimationFamilyComedy

Charlie Brown hosts a Thanksgiving feast that spirals into chaos when Peppermint Patty and her friends turn up demanding a turkey. With only cereal and toast on hand, Charlie seems doomed, but Linus, Snoopy and Woodstock rally to save the day. Amid turkey, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie, the Peanuts gang shows why gratitude and friendship make the holiday truly special.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

Trace every key event in A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Lucy teases Charlie Brown with the Thanksgiving football

In the opening scene, Lucy encourages Charlie Brown to try and kick her football to honor the Thanksgiving football tradition. Just as he approaches, she pulls the ball away at the last moment, dismissing the tradition as something that fades away. This recurring joke highlights Charlie Brown's good-hearted but unlucky nature.

2

Brown siblings prepare for Thanksgiving at grandmother's house

The Brown siblings get ready to travel to their grandmother's house for Thanksgiving dinner. Charlie Brown receives a phone call from Peppermint Patty, who invites herself and friends to join them, disrupting the usual family plans. Charlie Brown's anticipation of a quiet dinner is therefore replaced with social chaos.

3

Friends arrive at Charlie Brown's house

Peppermint Patty, Marcie, and Franklin arrive at the Browns' house, despite Charlie Brown not planning to host a Thanksgiving dinner. Charlie Brown, who can only make simple snacks like toast, feels overwhelmed but tries to be a gracious host. The gathering sets the stage for a non-traditional celebration.

4

Linus suggests preparing a homemade Thanksgiving feast

Linus proposes that they prepare their own Thanksgiving meal for their friends before heading to their own family dinner. He recruits Snoopy and Woodstock to help with the preparations, emphasizing kindness and friendship over traditional food. Snoopy sets up a makeshift outdoor dining area with a ping pong table.

5

The friends prepare a simple, unconventional meal

Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock, and Linus create a modest feast consisting of toast, pan-fried popcorn, pretzel sticks, jelly beans, and sundaes. This unique meal reflects their resourcefulness and simplicity, contrasting with traditional Thanksgiving fare. Snoopy manages the serving, and Woodstock assists cheerfully.

6

Guests arrive, and Linus leads a prayer

When Peppermint Patty, Marcie, and Franklin arrive, Linus leads everyone in a prayer honoring the First Thanksgiving. Snoopy then serves the unconventional meal. The scene emphasizes gratitude and friendship, even with a non-traditional gathering.

7

Peppermint Patty is upset about the food

Peppermint Patty becomes angry and yells at Charlie Brown because she expected a traditional Thanksgiving feast with turkey. Charlie Brown feels upset and leaves the table feeling dejected, highlighting the disappointment of unmet expectations and his good-natured frustration.

8

Marcie and Peppermint Patty apologize

Marcie suggests Peppermint Patty was too harsh on Charlie Brown and asks her to apologize. Eventually, Peppermint Patty admits her fault and apologizes directly to Charlie Brown, illustrating themes of forgiveness and understanding among friends.

9

Charlie Brown’s family dinner plans change

Realizing he and Sally are late for his grandmother’s Thanksgiving dinner, Charlie Brown calls to invite his friends to join. His grandmother welcomes them all, demonstrating the importance of sharing and friendship during the holiday.

10

Journey to grandmother’s house

Charlie Brown and friends drive to his grandmother’s house, singing 'Over the River and Through the Wood' along the way. They reach her condominium, which Charlie Brown humorously notes is different from the traditional house setting.

Grandmother's condominium
11

Snoopy and Woodstock prepare their own Thanksgiving meal

Meanwhile, Snoopy and Woodstock go to Snoopy's doghouse and cook their own traditional Thanksgiving meal. They break the wishbone, with Woodstock receiving the larger piece, and later enjoy pumpkin pie together, symbolizing their close friendship.

Snoopy's doghouse

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:13

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Gentle Holiday Chaos movies like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Heartwarming stories where festive plans go comically wrong but end in togetherness.If you liked the playful mishaps and warm resolutions of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, you'll enjoy these movies. This collection features family-friendly stories where holiday plans go hilariously awry, but the spirit of friendship and gratitude always saves the day, leaving you with a comforting and joyful feeling.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a predictable but satisfying arc: an initial plan for a perfect holiday is upended by an unexpected complication or guests. A period of comedic improvisation and mild panic ensues, leading to a moment of potential disappointment. This is quickly resolved through teamwork, an apology, or a change of perspective, culminating in a celebration that values community over perfection.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a specific blend of gentle humor, low-stakes conflict, and a deeply comforting, wholesome resolution. They capture the essence of holiday spirit—not through grandeur, but through the messy, heartfelt connections that arise when things don't go as planned.

Comforting Animated Whimsy films similar to A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Nostalgic and gentle animated stories that feel like a warm, reassuring hug.Looking for more movies with the cozy, nostalgic feel of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving? This list features gentle animated stories that are perfect for relaxation. These films share a light tone, steady pacing, and heartwarming messages about friendship and simple joys, making them ideal for a comforting viewing experience.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread are straightforward and character-driven, focusing on minor interpersonal challenges that are resolved with kindness and understanding. The emotional journey is gentle, avoiding high drama or genuine peril. The animation style and musical scores often contribute significantly to the overall feeling of warmth and whimsical comfort.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their primary function as a source of visual and emotional comfort. They share a specific aesthetic and tonal quality—whimsical, gentle, and nostalgic—that elicits a feeling of safety and warmth. The similarity is less about plot and more about the consistent, soothing vibe they provide.

Unlock the Full Story of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Spoiler-Free Summary

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A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Spoiler-Free Summary

More About A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

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