Thanksgiving Day

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Last updated: July 14, 2026
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November 26, 2026Thanksgiving Day 2026Thursday48109
November 25, 2027Thanksgiving Day 2027Thursday47473
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Thanksgiving in the United States: Gratitude & Traditions

Thanksgiving Day is one of the most cherished holidays in the United States, celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and a strong focus on giving thanks. This holiday, observed on the fourth Thursday in November, brings people together across the country to enjoy longstanding traditions and reflect on gratitude.

A golden-brown roasted Thanksgiving turkey on a platter with sliced citrus and herbs
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What is Thanksgiving Day?

Thanksgiving Day, originating as a harvest festival, has evolved into a beloved national holiday in the United States. It’s a day where families and friends gather to share a meal, often centered around a roasted turkey, and express gratitude for the blessings of the past year.

The History of Thanksgiving

The Pilgrims and Native Americans

The origins of Thanksgiving date back to 1621 when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people shared a feast to celebrate the Pilgrims’ first successful harvest. This moment of unity and sharing has become the foundation of the modern holiday.

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Establishing a National Holiday

Thanksgiving became a national holiday in 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it during the Civil War as a way to bring the country together. Since then, the fourth Thursday in November has been a consistent date for the holiday.

How is Thanksgiving Celebrated Today?

Modern Thanksgiving traditions vary widely, but some elements remain the same across the country:

  • Family Gatherings: Thanksgiving is a time for family reunions, with many people traveling long distances to be with their loved ones.
  • Thanksgiving Dinner: A traditional meal usually includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
  • Parades and Festivities: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is one of the most famous parades, attracting millions of viewers.
  • Football Games: Watching football has become a beloved Thanksgiving tradition, with NFL games aired throughout the day.

The Significance of Gratitude on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is more than just a meal or a holiday—it’s a time to reflect on the year’s blessings and foster an attitude of gratitude. Many people use the holiday as an opportunity to volunteer, donate to charities, and reach out to those less fortunate.

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Thanksgiving Traditions Across the United States

While Thanksgiving is celebrated nationwide, each region has its unique customs:

  • Southern States: You might find dishes like cornbread stuffing and pecan pie alongside the traditional turkey.
  • New England: Some families incorporate seafood into their Thanksgiving meals, paying homage to the Pilgrims’ coastal origins.
  • Midwest: Many Midwesterners add casseroles and jello salads to their Thanksgiving feasts.

Thanksgiving Dinner: A Feast of Flavor

The Star of the Table: Turkey

Roasting a turkey is one of the most iconic Thanksgiving traditions. Many families follow their own recipes, seasoning and cooking the turkey to create the perfect centerpiece for the meal.

Classic Side Dishes

Side dishes are essential to the Thanksgiving table. Common sides include:

  • Mashed Potatoes: Smooth, creamy potatoes with gravy.
  • Stuffing: A flavorful mix of bread, herbs, and sometimes sausage.
  • Cranberry Sauce: Tart and sweet, cranberry sauce adds a unique flavor.

Desserts to Finish the Meal

Pumpkin pie is the traditional dessert, but apple pie and pecan pie are also popular choices.

Thanksgiving Day Parades: A Celebration of Culture

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a highlight of the holiday, featuring elaborate floats, giant character balloons, and performances. Smaller parades also take place in cities and towns across the country, making it a truly festive day.

Volunteering and Giving Back

Thanksgiving is a time to give back, and many Americans volunteer at shelters, donate to food banks, or help prepare meals for the homeless. The spirit of gratitude and generosity extends beyond family and friends to include the community.

Interesting Thanksgiving Day Facts

  1. The First Thanksgiving: The first feast lasted three days, featuring foods like deer, fish, and berries.
  2. Turkey Pardon: Every year, the U.S. president pardons a turkey, sparing it from becoming part of a Thanksgiving meal.
  3. Travel: Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel holidays in the United States.
  4. Black Friday: The day after Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday shopping season with major sales.

Thanksgiving Day is more than just a holiday. It’s a time to celebrate family, share a meal, and remember the importance of gratitude. Through various traditions and a rich history, Thanksgiving has become a symbol of American culture and values, bringing people together in a shared expression of thanks.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Thanksgiving in 2026?

In 2026, Thanksgiving Day in the United States is celebrated on Thursday, November 26, 2026. In Canada, Thanksgiving falls on Monday, October 12, 2026.

When is Thanksgiving in 2027?

In 2027, Thanksgiving Day in the United States will be on Thursday, November 25, 2027. In Canada, the holiday will take place on Monday, October 11, 2027.

When is Thanksgiving in 2028?

In 2028, Thanksgiving Day in the United States will be on Thursday, November 23, 2028. In Canada, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Monday, October 9, 2028.

When is Thanksgiving in 2029?

In 2029, Thanksgiving Day in the United States will be on Thursday, November 22, 2029. In Canada, Thanksgiving will fall on Monday, October 8, 2029.

Why is Thanksgiving celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the US?

The US holiday date was standardized by a 1941 act of Congress signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This legally fixed the date to the fourth Thursday of November to establish a consistent, predictable holiday shopping window before Christmas, avoiding years where a fifth Thursday would shorten the retail season.

Why does Canadian Thanksgiving happen earlier than US Thanksgiving?

Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October. Because Canada is located further north, its agricultural harvest season occurs much earlier in the autumn than the harvest season in the United States. Celebrating in October aligns with the natural completion of the Canadian fall harvest.

What foods are typically served on Thanksgiving?

The centerpiece of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner is almost always a roasted turkey. It is accompanied by classic side dishes such as stuffing (or dressing), mashed potatoes with gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls. For dessert, pumpkin pie, apple pie, and pecan pie are the traditional favorites.

What is the purpose of the Thanksgiving Day Parade?

The most famous event, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, began in 1924 to celebrate the expansion of the flagship store and to kick off the Christmas shopping season. Today, these parades are a cultural tradition featuring giant helium balloons, marching bands, floats, and performance groups, drawing millions of viewers both in-person and on television.

What is the significance of the presidential turkey pardon?

The presidential turkey pardon is a lighthearted annual tradition at the White House where the President of the United States formally spares a presentation turkey from being processed for Thanksgiving dinner. While the roots of the tradition trace back to Abraham Lincoln or Harry Truman, it became a formalized annual ceremony during George H.W. Bush’s presidency in 1989.

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