The question "What day is Thanksgiving?" is one of the most searched queries as the autumn leaves begin to fall. While the answer is simple, the story behind it is rich with history and nuance. Unlike fixed-date holidays like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving floats on the calendar, creating an annual puzzle for planners, travelers, and holiday enthusiasts alike.
This comprehensive guide will not only answer "What day is Thanksgiving?" for this year and beyond but also delve into the fascinating history of how the date was chosen, explore the differences between American and Canadian celebrations, and provide a helpful timeline for your holiday planning.
The Simple Answer: When is Thanksgiving in the United States?
In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.
This means the date changes every year, but it always falls between November 22nd and November 28th. This federal holiday is a day for families and friends to gather, enjoy a feast, and express gratitude.
- Thanksgiving 2024: Thursday, November 28, 2024
- Thanksgiving 2025: Thursday, November 27, 2025
- Thanksgiving 2026: Thursday, November 26, 2026
This pattern continues, always following the "fourth Thursday" rule established in 1941.
The Historical Journey: How Did the Fourth Thursday Become the Rule?
The story of how America settled on the fourth Thursday is a tale of presidential proclamations, economic concerns, and a bit of calendar confusion.
1. Early Proclamations and Variable Dates: While the origins of the harvest feast between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag tribe in 1621 are well-known, Thanksgiving was not an annual national holiday for centuries. Different colonies and states celebrated on various days. The first national proclamation was issued by President George Washington in 1789, but it was a one-time event. Later, President Abraham Lincoln, influenced by a decades-long campaign by author Sarah Josepha Hale, proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day in 1863. He set it for the final Thursday in November. For decades, subsequent presidents followed this precedent.
2. The Roosevelt Controversy of 1939: The trouble began in 1939 when November had five Thursdays. Thanksgiving would have fallen on November 30th, leaving a shorter Christmas shopping season. Fearing an economic downturn during the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt made the controversial decision to move Thanksgiving a week earlier, to the fourth Thursday.
This created nationwide confusion. Some states adopted the new date, dubbed "Franksgiving," while others refused to abandon the traditional last Thursday. For two years, the country was divided, with families in different states celebrating on different days.
3. The Congressional Fix of 1941: To end the chaos, Congress stepped in. On December 26, 1941, they passed a law officially establishing Thanksgiving as a federal holiday to be observed on the fourth Thursday of November. This date was a compromise, as it is sometimes the last Thursday (in years when November has four Thursdays) and sometimes the second-to-last (when November has five). President Roosevelt signed the bill into law, finally creating the uniform national date we know today.
What Day Is Thanksgiving in Canada?
It's crucial to know that our neighbors to the north celebrate Thanksgiving on a different day. In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October.
This earlier date aligns with the earlier harvest season in Canada. The Canadian Thanksgiving has its own unique history, influenced by European harvest traditions and explorers' journeys. So, when you're asking "what day is thanksgiving," remember:
- Canadian Thanksgiving 2024: Monday, October 14, 2024
- Canadian Thanksgiving 2025: Monday, October 13, 2025
A Handy Thanksgiving Date Chart (2024-2030)
Bookmark this chart for easy reference in the coming years.
| Year | United States (Fourth Thursday) | Canadian (Second Monday in October) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Thursday, November 28 | Monday, October 14 |
| 2025 | Thursday, November 27 | Monday, October 13 |
| 2026 | Thursday, November 26 | Monday, October 12 |
| 2027 | Thursday, November 25 | Monday, October 11 |
| 2028 | Thursday, November 23 | Monday, October 9 |
| 2029 | Thursday, November 22 | Monday, October 8 |
| 2030 | Thursday, November 28 | Monday, October 14 |
Why Is Thanksgiving Always on a Thursday?
The tradition of a Thursday Thanksgiving has deep roots. It likely stems from the Puritan tradition of holding "lecture days" and days of fasting or thanksgiving in the middle of the week. Thursday was a common day for these observances, as it did not interfere with the Sabbath preparations for Saturday (for the Pilgrims) or Sunday. It provided a buffer between the weekly routine and the weekend, allowing for a day of reflection and worship without encroaching on market days, which were often on Saturdays.
The Ripple Effect: Key Dates Around Thanksgiving
Knowing what day Thanksgiving falls on helps you plan for the entire holiday season. Several other key dates are directly tied to the Thanksgiving calendar.
- Black Friday: The day after Thanksgiving. This marks the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season with massive retail sales.
- Small Business Saturday: The Saturday after Thanksgiving, encouraging shoppers to support local merchants.
- Cyber Monday: The Monday after Thanksgiving, focused on online deals and discounts.
- Giving Tuesday: The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, a global day dedicated to generosity and charitable giving.
Thanksgiving Traditions: More Than Just a Meal
While the date is important, the essence of Thanksgiving lies in its traditions. The centerpiece is, of course, the Thanksgiving feast, typically featuring roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Beyond the meal, common traditions include:
- Watching Football: NFL games have become a staple of the holiday.
- The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: A televised spectacle watched by millions in the morning.
- Volunteering: Many people spend part of their day serving meals at local shelters.
- Expressing Gratitude: Families often go around the table sharing what they are thankful for.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Day
Why does the Thanksgiving date change?
It changes because it is based on a day of the week (Thursday) within a month, rather than a fixed calendar date. This is similar to how Mother's Day or Easter are determined.
Is Thanksgiving a federal holiday?
Yes. In the United States, it is a federal holiday, meaning federal government offices, banks, and many businesses are closed.
What is the earliest and latest Thanksgiving can be?
The earliest possible date is November 22. The latest possible date is November 28.
How can I easily find out the date for next year?
You can search "what day is thanksgiving [year]" online, or remember the simple rule: the fourth Thursday of November.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Date
So, the next time you or someone else asks, "What day is Thanksgiving?" you'll know it's more than just a mark on the calendar. It's the fourth Thursday of November, a date born from history, compromise, and tradition. It's a day that kick-starts the festive holiday season in the U.S., a time for gratitude, family, and reflection. Now that you know how to find the date and the story behind it, you can focus on what truly matters: enjoying the company of loved ones and the warmth of the season.