Thanksgiving 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27, 2025—a date anchored in tradition, gratitude, and the shared joy of gathering with loved ones. As a holiday fixed to the “fourth Thursday of November,” its timing shifts slightly each year, but its core purpose—honoring abundance, community, and thankfulness—remains unwavering. Whether you’re planning a feast, traveling, or curious about the holiday’s origins, this guide covers everything you need to know about Thanksgiving 2025.
The Exact Date of Thanksgiving 2025
The most straightforward answer to “When is Thanksgiving 2025?” comes from a 1941 U.S. Congress ruling: Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November. For 2025, counting the Thursdays in November confirms the date:
- First Thursday: November 6
- Second Thursday: November 13
- Third Thursday: November 20
- Fourth Thursday: November 27
This consistency ended decades of confusion. Before 1941, states observed Thanksgiving on varying dates—some the third Thursday, others the last. President Abraham Lincoln standardized it as a national holiday in 1863 (choosing the last Thursday of November), but Congress finalized the “fourth Thursday” rule to align with retail and travel needs. Today, the date is uniform across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
Why Thanksgiving Falls on the Fourth Thursday of November
You might wonder: Why not a fixed date like July 4th? The “fourth Thursday” rule balances history and practicality:
- Historical Roots: The 1621 Plymouth Colony harvest feast (often called the “first Thanksgiving”) took place in late October/early November, timed to the fall harvest. Early presidents like George Washington and John Adams proclaimed Thanksgiving in November to honor agricultural traditions.
- Modern Convenience: By the 20th century, retailers pushed for a consistent date to extend the Christmas shopping season. The fourth Thursday (rather than the last) guaranteed at least one full weekend of shopping before December—birthing “Black Friday” as the next day’s retail kickoff.
While the date’s logic evolved, its meaning did not. Thanksgiving 2025 will still be a day to pause, reflect, and give thanks—regardless of the calendar.
A Brief History of Thanksgiving in the U.S.
To appreciate Thanksgiving 2025, it helps to trace its origins (and redefinitions):
- 1621: The Wampanoag tribe and English Pilgrims shared a harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This event—mythologized as the “first Thanksgiving”—celebrated survival (the Pilgrims endured a brutal winter) and cooperation (the Wampanoag taught them to farm corn and hunt game).
- 1789: President George Washington declared the first national Thanksgiving on November 26, 1789, calling for “prayer and thanksgiving” for the new nation.
- 1863: Amid the Civil War, Lincoln made Thanksgiving a permanent national holiday on the last Thursday of November, aiming to unify a divided country.
- 1941: Congress codified the “fourth Thursday” rule, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This ended state-by-state date chaos.
Today, Thanksgiving is a living tradition—though for many Indigenous communities, it’s also a “National Day of Mourning,” recognizing the displacement and violence faced by Native peoples post-colonization. This duality invites reflection on gratitude and justice.
Traditional Thanksgiving Celebrations
Thanksgiving 2025 will feel familiar to anyone who’s celebrated before—filled with comforting rituals:
The Feast
The centerpiece is turkey (roasted, brined, or deep-fried), paired with classics like mashed potatoes (with gravy), stuffing, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and sweet potatoes (often topped with marshmallows). Pumpkin pie dominates dessert, though apple, pecan, or chess pie are popular alternatives.
Family & Connection
Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year for a reason: it’s about reunion. Millions drive or fly to gather with family, spending hours cooking together or watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (a 1924 tradition featuring giant balloons and celebrity performances).
Gratitude Rituals
Many families include a “gratitude circle” during the meal—going around the table to share one thing they’re thankful for. Others donate food to shelters, volunteer at soup kitchens, or write thank-you notes. These small acts keep the holiday’s spirit alive.
Sports
Football is a Thanksgiving staple. The NFL has hosted games on the holiday since 1920, with classic matchups (like the Detroit Lions vs. a rotating opponent) becoming part of the day’s rhythm. College football rivalries (e.g., the Ohio State vs. Michigan “Game of the Century”) add to the excitement.
Modern Thanksgiving Trends
While traditions endure, Thanksgiving 2025 will reflect evolving values:
- Plant-Based Feasts: More families are swapping turkey for vegan alternatives (Tofurky, seitan roasts, or stuffed squash) to accommodate dietary needs or reduce their environmental footprint.
- Smaller Gatherings: Post-pandemic, many prefer intimate “micro-Thanksgivings” with close family over large parties.
- Digital Connections: For those who can’t travel, video calls (Zoom, FaceTime) let loved ones “join” the meal from anywhere.
- Sustainable Celebrations: Reducing food waste (via leftovers or composting), using reusable tableware, and buying local produce are growing trends—aligning gratitude with care for the planet.
How to Prepare for Thanksgiving 2025
Ready to plan? Here are quick tips:
- Book Travel Early: Flights and hotels fill up fast—book by summer 2025 for the best deals.
- Coordinate the Menu: Avoid duplicate dishes (no one needs three pumpkin pies!) by asking family about dietary restrictions (gluten-free, vegan, nut allergies) ahead of time.
- Prep Ahead: Make cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, or pie crusts a day or two early to reduce stress on Thanksgiving morning.
- Set a Gratitude Intent: Decide on a ritual (e.g., a gratitude jar where everyone writes a note) to keep the focus on thanks, not just food.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Thanksgiving can be overwhelming—take 10 minutes to step outside, meditate, or call a friend if you need a break.
Final Thoughts on Thanksgiving 2025
Thanksgiving 2025—November 27—will be a day of warmth, laughter, and shared moments. Whether you’re cooking, watching parades, or volunteering, remember: the holiday’s magic isn’t in the date or the food—it’s in the people you love and the gratitude you feel. So mark your calendar, reach out to loved ones, and get ready to celebrate—because Thanksgiving 2025 is just around the corner.