A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving: Original Soundtrack Recording (50th Anniversary Special Edition) received positive reviews from music critics.
Pitchfork's Vanessa Ague praised Guaraldi's ensemble arrangements, describing the score as a "lithe, funky counterpart to the wintry, wistful moods of
A Charlie Brown Christmas" (1965). Ague further noted that "
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving reminds us of the full breadth of his scores," concluding that "the genius of Guaraldi's scores was the way he mapped the many emotions that erupted in a
Peanuts comic strip, and on
Thanksgiving, he shows them all." James Aren of
All About Jazz highlighted the inclusion of alternate takes, stating that they reveal Guaraldi's creative process and the band's serious but playful approach. He noted that while the brief cues may leave jazz purists wanting more, the concise format helped broaden its appeal. Aren also pointed to the influence of Stevie Wonder on "Peppermint Patty," especially through Guaraldi's use of the clavinet and layered fusion textures. Steven Wine of
The Independent described the music as driven by upbeat, youthful melodies and "skittering, deceptively funky grooves," which he said felt spontaneous and natural, like "the rhythms of a playground." He called both the special and its music enduringly timeless.
The Cornell Daily Sun noted that Guaraldi's music remains integral to the emotional impact of the television special. The review gave particular attention to "Little Birdie," which underscores a comedic sequence featuring Snoopy battling a sentient lawn chair. The moment, supported by Guaraldi's playful crooning, was highlighted as adding warmth and musical humor to the scene, illustrating the broader role his music plays in shaping character tone and narrative rhythm. When interviewed by WCB Jazz Vinyl Collector, Sean Mendelson described the music as "little nuggets of melodic candy," asserting that there is sufficient musical substance to satisfy listeners and evoke memories of their childhood. ==Track listing==