Thanksgiving in the United States — Exact Date
Thanksgiving in the United States in 2025 falls on Thursday, November 27, 2025. This is the fourth Thursday of November, which is how the U.S. federal holiday is scheduled
Canadian Thanksgiving — Exact Date
Canadian Thanksgiving in 2025 is on Monday, October 13, 2025. In Canada the holiday is observed on the second Monday in October.
Why Thanksgiving Falls When It Does
U.S. Rule: The Fourth Thursday in November
Thanks to a 1941 federal law, Thanksgiving in the United States is officially observed on the fourth Thursday of November every year — which means the holiday always lands between November 22 and November 28. That legal standard stabilized earlier variations (it used to be the last Thursday, or set by presidential proclamation). So when someone asks “when is Thanksgiving?”, you can compute it quickly: find the fourth Thursday in November — in 2025 that gives you November 27.
Canada’s Rule: Second Monday in October
Canada fixed its Thanksgiving as the second Monday in October (a law formalized by proclamation decades ago). That timing reflects a different agricultural calendar up north, where harvests finish earlier than in many parts of the U.S. — hence an October Thanksgiving in Canada.
A Short History of Thanksgiving
The 1621 Harvest Feast at Plymouth
The event often labeled “the First Thanksgiving” was a three-day autumn harvest celebration in Plymouth Colony in 1621 where Pilgrims and members of the Wampanoag nation shared food and games. Contemporary sources suggest the gathering occurred sometime between late September and early November 1621, and it looked very different from the modern holiday. The word “Thanksgiving” wasn’t necessarily used then; it was more of a harvest celebration with meats, fowl, and communal sharing.
From Regional Observances to a National Holiday
For centuries different states and communities in America set days of thanksgiving at various times. It wasn’t until President Abraham Lincoln — urged on by campaigner Sarah Josepha Hale — that a national Thanksgiving proclamation was issued in 1863, during the Civil War, asking the nation to set aside a day of “thanksgiving and praise.” Over time, the date shifted until Congress fixed it as the fourth Thursday in November in 1941.
Lincoln, Sarah Josepha Hale, and the Civil War Era
Sarah Josepha Hale, editor and writer, lobbied for decades to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation established a regular national observance, partly to create unity during wartime. That 19th-century push is why modern Thanksgiving carries the symbolic weight of nationhood and family reunions.
FDR, 1941, and the Final Date Fixing
In the 1930s and early 1940s there was confusion when President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday earlier in November to extend the holiday shopping season; backlash led Congress to legislate the current date — the fourth Thursday — in 1941, settling the perennial “when is Thanksgiving?” argument once and for all.
Common Thanksgiving Traditions and Where They Come From
The Thanksgiving Meal: Why Turkey?
Turkey became the centerpiece of Thanksgiving meals gradually. Early accounts mention wild fowl and venison at the 1621 gathering, but turkey’s association gained traction in the 19th century and was reinforced by cultural depictions and commercial production. By the 1800s, turkey had become the practical, symbolic centerpiece for a large family meal — large enough to feed a group and domestically available.
Parades, Football, and the Modern Rituals
Parades (like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade) and football games are deeply woven into modern Thanksgiving culture. Parades began as city spectacles and became televised national events; football on Thanksgiving dates back to college rivalries and later NFL traditions, offering a casual, collective pastime on a day centered around family and food.
Religious and Community Observances
For many, Thanksgiving still has a religious or spiritual dimension — church services of gratitude, community dinners, and charitable meal programs that feed those in need. The day often combines private family rituals with public acts of giving.
Regional and Cultural Variations
Native American Perspectives and Alternative Observances
Many Native American communities view Thanksgiving as a complex, painful reminder of colonization, loss, and resilience rather than a simple feast day. For some, November observances are days of mourning and protest, and alternative commemorations focus on Indigenous survival and history. Including these perspectives when discussing Thanksgiving helps make the conversation more respectful and nuanced.
Canadian Differences: Foods and Feel
Canadian Thanksgiving shares family and harvest themes with the U.S. holiday but often has different seasonal flavors and regional dishes. Because it falls in October, many Canadian tables highlight root vegetables and early-harvest produce; the overall vibe can feel more autumnal than late-November cozy.
Other Countries with Thanksgiving-like Days
Other places observe harvest festivals or “days of thanks” — from Liberia’s Thanksgiving (which has historical ties to American settlers) to harvest festivals in parts of Europe and Asia. These are culturally distinct celebrations but echo similar themes of gratitude and community.
Practical Things to Know for Thanksgiving 2025
Travel and Peak Times
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods in the U.S. and Canada. If you’re flying or driving for Thanksgiving 2025 (U.S.: Nov 27; Canada: Oct 13), expect peak traffic on the days immediately before and after the holiday. Book early, check airline advisories, and allow extra time for security lines and congestion.
Retail and Black Friday Timing
Black Friday traditionally follows Thanksgiving Day in the U.S., so expect major sales starting late Thursday night or early Friday morning — and extended “holiday weekend” promotions throughout. Many retailers now start deals earlier in November, so compare prices if you’re shopping. (Black Friday 2025 will be the day after Thanksgiving — Friday, November 28, 2025.)
Work, School, and Government Closures
Thanksgiving is a federal holiday in the U.S., so many government offices, schools (often), and financial markets close on that day; businesses may also close or operate on limited hours. Canada’s Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in many provinces, so check local calendars and employer policies for specifics.
Tips for Planning a Memorable Thanksgiving 2025
Menu Planning and Timelines
Start by listing must-have dishes and time-sensitive items (like the turkey). A simple timeline: order or thaw the turkey several days ahead, plan side dishes that can be prepped a day early, and schedule oven and stove usage. Make a checklist for grocery pickups (or delivery) by at least a week before the holiday to avoid sold-out items.
Hosting on a Budget
Trim costs by pooling dishes potluck-style, choosing seasonal produce, and using bulk staples. Consider roasting a smaller turkey or a heritage bird if you want the experience without the expense. Coupons, early sales, and bulk-buying staples (stuffing, canned goods) help too.
Keeping the Day Meaningful
Beyond the meal, introduce rituals: a gratitude round-table where everyone says one thing they’re thankful for, a volunteer slot for serving meals to those in need, or a quiet reflective walk. These small actions preserve the spirit of thanksgiving beyond the plates.
How to Talk About Thanksgiving Respectfully
Acknowledging History and Complexity
Thanksgiving brings joy—and contested historical narratives. A respectful conversation recognizes both the early harvest traditions and the later, painful consequences of colonization for Indigenous peoples. Awareness opens space for empathy.
Including Diverse Voices at Your Table
Invite stories from different family members and guests, include dishes from various cultural backgrounds, and if appropriate, learn and share perspectives from Indigenous communities. That way your gathering becomes a richer, more honest celebration.
Fun Facts & Quick Trivia
- The date of U.S. Thanksgiving can only fall between November 22 and November 28.
- The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade dates back to 1924 and helped popularize modern parade traditions.
- Turkey may not have been the main course at 1621’s harvest gathering — venison and other fowl were likely prominent.
Conclusion
So — when is Thanksgiving 2025? If you live in the United States, mark your calendar for Thursday, November 27, 2025. If you’re in Canada, Thanksgiving is Monday, October 13, 2025. These dates are set by long-standing rules (fourth Thursday of November in the U.S.; second Monday of October in Canada), and each holiday carries layers of history: harvest celebrations, national proclamations, and evolving cultural meanings. Whether you’re traveling, hosting, volunteering, or simply taking time to rest, planning ahead will make your Thanksgiving 2025 smoother — and more meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When is Thanksgiving each year — does it fall on the same date?
A1: No — Thanksgiving’s date shifts because it’s scheduled by weekday rules. In the U.S. it’s the fourth Thursday in November (so between Nov 22–28). In Canada it’s the second Monday in October (so between Oct 8–14).
Q2: Why does the U.S. Thanksgiving move around (and sometimes seems “late”)?
A2: Because the holiday is fixed to a weekday ordinal (the fourth Thursday of November) rather than a calendar date. That keeps the day on a Thursday each year and creates a long holiday weekend for many.
Q3: Was Thanksgiving always celebrated as a national holiday?
A3: No. Various states and communities observed days of thanksgiving at different times until Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation encouraged a national observance, and Congress later set the modern date in 1941.
Q4: Is Thanksgiving the same in the U.S. and Canada?
A4: They share themes of gratitude and family, but they differ in date, seasonal foods, and cultural context. Canada’s earlier date reflects a different harvest season; traditions and local flavors also vary.
Q5: How can I acknowledge Indigenous perspectives on Thanksgiving respectfully?
A5: Learn and listen: include Indigenous voices when possible, recognize the complex history of colonization, consider alternative ways to observe the day (such as days of remembrance or service), and avoid romanticized narratives that erase local Indigenous experiences.