Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day 2026 falls on Thursday, November 26. In 2027, Thanksgiving Day falls on Thursday, November 25.
The dates of Thanksgiving Day, this year and in the years ahead.
When is Thanksgiving Day?
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Thursday, November 27, 2025 |
| 2026 | Thursday, November 26, 2026 |
| 2027 | Thursday, November 25, 2027 |
| 2028 | Thursday, November 23, 2028 |
| 2029 | Thursday, November 22, 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, November 28, 2030 |
| 2031 | Thursday, November 27, 2031 |
Dates calculated from the statutory rules. Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management: federal holidays. More about our sources
What is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the past year. Americans often trace it back to the harvest feast that the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony shared with the Wampanoag people in the fall after their first year in America. Days of thanksgiving were held in many colonies and states after that.
During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving in November, and it has been celebrated every year since. Congress later fixed the date by law on the fourth Thursday of November.
When is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November, so always between November 22 and 28. As it is always on a Thursday, it never needs an observed date. Many people also have the Friday after off, which gives a four-day weekend, and schools often close for part or all of the week.
In 2026 it falls on Thursday, November 26.
Turkey, parades and football
At the heart of Thanksgiving is a family dinner with roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. In New York, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade draws huge crowds and a large television audience, and NFL games are played throughout the day. At the White House, the president traditionally 'pardons' a turkey.
The days around Thanksgiving are among the busiest travel days of the year. The day after, Black Friday, marks the start of the holiday shopping season.
Frequently asked questions
When is Thanksgiving Day 2026?
In 2026, Thanksgiving Day falls on Thursday, November 26.
Is Thanksgiving Day a day off?
Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday: federal offices are closed and federal employees have the day off. Whether state offices, schools and private businesses close depends on the state and the employer; private employers are not required to give the day off.
Why is Thanksgiving on a Thursday?
Presidential proclamations traditionally set it on a Thursday in late November. Congress later fixed it by law on the fourth Thursday of November.
Is the day after Thanksgiving a federal holiday?
No. The Friday after Thanksgiving is not a federal holiday, but many states, schools and employers give the day off.
Is Thanksgiving in Canada on the same day?
No. Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October.