Every fall, millions of Americans gather with family and friends to celebrate a day full of gratitude, turkey, and cozy traditions. But have you ever wondered exactly when is Thanksgiving in the US and why it’s such a big deal? The answer isn’t as simple as a date—it’s a window into American culture, history, and values. Keep reading and you’ll not only discover the exact date, but also the fascinating reasons why we celebrate it on a Thursday and how this beloved tradition came to be.
What Day Is Thanksgiving in the United States?
Thanksgiving is celebrated every year in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. That means the exact date changes from year to year. For example:
- In 2024, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 28
- In 2025, it will be Thursday, November 27
- In 2026, it will be Thursday, November 26
So while it’s always a Thursday, you’ll need to check the calendar to know the exact date each year.
Why Do Americans Celebrate Thanksgiving Day?
Thanksgiving is a day rooted in gratitude and community. The holiday traces its origins back to 1621, when English Pilgrims and Native Americans gathered to share a harvest meal in Plymouth, Massachusetts. They came together after a difficult year to give thanks for the harvest and their survival.
But Thanksgiving as we know it today wasn’t made an official holiday until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving during the Civil War. He set the date as the last Thursday of November. Later, in 1941, Congress passed a law making Thanksgiving officially fall on the fourth Thursday of November—a date we still follow.
Quick Timeline of Thanksgiving:
- 1621: The «First Thanksgiving» in Plymouth
- 1863: Lincoln declares Thanksgiving a national holiday
- 1941: Congress sets it as the fourth Thursday of November
Why Is Thanksgiving on a Thursday?
You might ask: Why not a Friday or a weekend when everyone is off work?
Thanksgiving was intentionally placed on a Thursday because in colonial times, Thursdays were often days of church gatherings and public prayer. It also allowed people to travel on Wednesday, spend time with family on Thursday, and then be ready for church on Sunday—leaving Friday and Saturday in between.
President Lincoln and later Congress kept this Thursday tradition to make it easier for families to come together without disrupting the workweek too much.
How Is the Date of Thanksgiving Determined in the US?
Here’s how it works:
Thanksgiving doesn’t have a fixed date like Christmas. Instead, it’s based on the calendar week. Specifically, it’s set to occur on the fourth Thursday of November.
This method means:
- If November 1 is a Thursday, Thanksgiving will fall on November 22.
- If November 1 is a Friday, Thanksgiving will fall as late as November 28.
So the holiday always lands between November 23 and November 29.
Thanksgiving Traditions in the US
Now that you know when and why Thanksgiving is celebrated, let’s talk about how it’s celebrated.
Typical Thanksgiving Day traditions include:
- Family Gatherings: Large meals with relatives, often hosted at someone’s home.
- The Turkey Feast: Turkey is the main dish, often served with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
- Watching the Macy’s Parade: A famous parade that’s been held in New York since 1924, broadcast across the country.
- Football: Many families watch NFL games together after the big meal.
- Giving Thanks: Some families go around the table sharing what they’re thankful for.
What Do People Wear on Thanksgiving?
While some people dress up for the dinner table, others prefer a comfy look to enjoy their food. And that’s where thanksgiving outfit ideas come into play.
Fall colors like rust, beige, olive green, burgundy, and cream dominate the Thanksgiving fashion palette. Popular outfit pieces include:
- Knit sweaters
- Corduroy skirts
- Turtlenecks
- Maxi dresses
- Oversized cardigans
- Over-the-knee boots
Whether you’re going for a cute or cozy look—or both—Thanksgiving outfit ideas are everywhere. In fact, we’ve got a full post with 30 Thanksgiving outfit ideas you’ll love.
Is Thanksgiving a Religious Holiday?
Not exactly. While it has religious roots—giving thanks to God—it’s considered a secular holiday in modern America. People of all faiths and backgrounds celebrate Thanksgiving as a day to appreciate what they have and spend time with loved ones.
Thanksgiving Beyond the US
While Thanksgiving is a major holiday in the US, it’s not exclusive. Countries like Canada also celebrate Thanksgiving (on the second Monday in October), though the traditions and history differ. Other countries like Germany, Japan, and Liberia have similar harvest festivals, but none are quite like the American Thanksgiving.
Why Thanksgiving Still Matters
In a world moving fast, Thanksgiving remains one of the few days in the year dedicated to slowing down, coming together, and appreciating life. It’s not about gifts or shopping (even though Black Friday follows)—it’s about gratitude.
So whether you’re planning your menu, prepping your house for guests, or just looking for the perfect Thanksgiving outfit, now you know exactly when to mark your calendar—and why.
