When Is Thanksgiving Day? Complete Dates 2025-2035 (Ultimate Guide)

Thanksgiving 2025 is Thursday, November 27, 2025. In the United States, thanksgiving day is always celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, making it a cherished thanksgiving celebration for millions of families. With just 30 days remaining until thanksgiving 2025, it's the perfect time to plan your thanksgiving dinner, prepare your thanksgiving recipes, and begin organizing your thanksgiving decorations.

This thanksgiving holiday offers a wonderful opportunity to gather with loved ones, share a memorable thanksgiving meal, and create lasting thanksgiving traditions. Whether you're searching for when is thanksgiving, seeking thanksgiving turkey and side dishes ideas, or planning your thanksgiving travel arrangements, this comprehensive thanksgiving day guide covers everything you need to know about thanksgiving for the next decade.

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When Is Thanksgiving? Complete Dates 2025-2035 Reference Chart

When is thanksgiving celebrated changes yearly because it falls on the fourth Thursday of November. This means thanksgiving day can occur between November 22 and November 28. Here's your complete thanksgiving dates guide:

Understanding the Fourth Thursday Rule: Why Thanksgiving Dates Vary

Many people ask what day is thanksgiving. The answer is always Thursday, but when is thanksgiving shifts annually because it's specifically the fourth Thursday of November, not the last Thursday. This distinction is crucial for understanding thanksgiving day scheduling.

Since November has 30 days, it contains either four or five Thursdays. When thanksgiving occurs on the fourth Thursday, another Thursday remains in the month. This is why thanksgiving dates range from November 22 (the earliest possible thanksgiving day) to November 28 (the latest thanksgiving date). When is thanksgiving 2025? It's November 27, leaving one final Thursday on November 30—a perfect example of this distinction.

The Complete History of Thanksgiving Day: From Pilgrims to Present

Understanding thanksgiving history and thanksgiving meaning reveals how this beloved american thanksgiving became standardized. The evolution of when is thanksgiving celebrated demonstrates fascinating aspects of American history, political decisions, and one remarkable woman's influence.

1621: The First Thanksgiving & the Wampanoag

The first thanksgiving began in 1621 when approximately 50 Pilgrims and roughly 90 Wampanoag people gathered in Plymouth, Massachusetts. However, the actual thanksgiving celebration of 1621 differs significantly from popular mythology. The gathering wasn't originally called thanksgiving—that terminology developed centuries later.

The Wampanoag people were instrumental to this thanksgiving feast. A Wampanoag leader named Massasoit attended this three-day thanksgiving celebration, which included both English and native contributions. Contrary to popular belief, the thanksgiving food served wasn't centered on turkey—historical records indicate the meal featured venison (brought by the Wampanoag), fowl, corn, beans, and various native crops. The Wampanoag contribution of five deer was particularly significant, as venison represented both sustenance and diplomacy in their culture.

A Wampanoag man named Tisquantum proved essential to the Pilgrims' survival. He taught settlers how to cultivate corn, beans, and squash—the "Three Sisters" agricultural system. This knowledge directly enabled the successful harvest leading to the thanksgiving celebration. Without the Wampanoag's generosity and thanksgiving traditions of sharing expertise, the Pilgrims would likely have perished.

1789-1863: Building Toward a National Holiday

President George Washington issued the first official thanksgiving day proclamation in 1789, designating November 26 as a Day of Publick Thanksgivin to honor the new nation's Constitution. This established the foundation for future thanksgiving celebration, though no fixed date yet existed.

For decades, thanksgiving dates varied by state and presidential proclamation. Not until 1863 did President Abraham Lincoln establish standardization. With support from Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of Godey's Lady Book, Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as the national thanksgiving day. Sarah Josepha Hale had campaigned vigorously for 17 years to create this standardized thanksgiving, demonstrating remarkable perseverance. Americans celebrated their first national thanksgiving together on November 26, 1863, ending decades of thanksgiving date confusion.

1939: The "Franksgiving" Controversy

The most dramatic chapter in thanksgiving day history occurred in 1939 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt attempted to change when is thanksgiving celebrated. FDR moved thanksgiving from the last Thursday of November to the third Thursday, believing the earlier date would stimulate Christmas shopping and economic recovery during the Great Depression.

However, Roosevelt's thanksgiving change triggered enormous public backlash. Americans objected to disrupting thanksgiving traditions. Football coaches complained about lost revenue. The public mockingly termed it "Franksgiving." The situation became chaotic when 32 states adopted Roosevelt's thanksgiving date while 16 states refused, creating two different thanksgiving day celebrations across America for two years.

1941: Congressional Resolution & Today's Standard

To resolve the thanksgiving date crisis, Congress passed legislation in December 1941 establishing thanksgiving day permanently on the fourth Thursday of November rather than the last Thursday or third Thursday. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed this bill into law, creating the thanksgiving standard that persists today.

This compromise ensures thanksgiving always occurs early enough to provide a shopping buffer before Christmas, maximizing commercial opportunities. This practical consideration, born from retail interests during economic hardship, remains embedded in when is thanksgiving celebrated more than 80 years later. Since 1941, the fourth Thursday of November has remained the stable thanksgiving holiday date.

Why November 22-28? Understanding Thanksgiving Date Range

Thanksgiving dates between November 22 and November 28 result from calendar mathematics. November's 30 days create varying Thursday counts. When November begins on Friday through Sunday, the fourth Thursday falls on November 22 (the earliest possible thanksgiving day). Conversely, when November begins Monday through Wednesday, the fourth Thursday reaches November 28 (the latest possible thanksgiving date).

This 6-day variation affects thanksgiving planning significantly. Early thanksgiving years like 2029 (November 22) require compressed preparation timelines, while late thanksgiving years like 2025 (November 27) provide extended planning windows. Understanding when is thanksgiving for your specific year helps optimize thanksgiving shopping, thanksgiving travel booking, and thanksgiving prep schedules.

American Thanksgiving vs. Canadian Thanksgiving: Key Differences

While american thanksgiving and canadian thanksgiving share gratitude themes, they differ markedly in timing and tradition.

American Thanksgiving: November 27, 2025

When is thanksgiving 2025 in America? It's Thursday, November 27, 2025. Thanksgiving day in the United States celebrates on the fourth Thursday of November, following the 1941 congressional standard. The typical american thanksgiving features thanksgiving turkey, thanksgiving stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, thanksgiving recipes, and pumpkin pie or alternative thanksgiving desserts.

American thanksgiving celebration includes watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, enjoying thanksgiving football, playing thanksgiving games, and gathering for thanksgiving dinner. Many Americans use the thanksgiving weekend for thanksgiving travel or thanksgiving getaway plans.

Canadian Thanksgiving: October 13, 2025

Canadian thanksgiving 2025 is Monday, October 13, 2025—over a month earlier than american thanksgiving. When is canadian thanksgiving? It's always celebrated on the second Monday of October, reflecting Canada's earlier autumn harvest and climate. Canadian thanksgiving celebration traditions mirror american thanksgiving with family thanksgiving meals and thanksgiving recipes, yet occur during Canada's harvest season rather than November.

Thanksgiving Holiday Across Different Cultures

Beyond american thanksgiving and canadian thanksgiving, several nations observe similar celebrations on different dates, each reflecting unique harvest seasons and cultural traditions.

Your Complete Thanksgiving Planning Guide

Eight Weeks Before: Planning Phase

Begin your thanksgiving planning guide:

• Research your thanksgiving day date for the year

• Collect thanksgiving recipe ideas and thanksgiving recipes options

• Plan your thanksgiving celebration style

• Start thanksgiving decorations inspiration gathering

• Book thanksgiving travel if visiting family

Four Weeks Before: Preparation Phase

As thanksgiving holiday approaches:

• Finalize your thanksgiving dinner menu

• Purchase non-perishable thanksgiving recipe ingredients

• Send thanksgiving invitations to guests

• Plan thanksgiving decorations and thanksgiving table setting themes

• Research thanksgiving movie options

Two Weeks Before: Active Preparation

With thanksgiving day nearing:

• Purchase thanksgiving turkey and proteins

• Gather thanksgiving side dishes ingredients

• Confirm thanksgiving dinner guest details

• Set up initial thanksgiving decorations

• Plan thanksgiving activities and thanksgiving games

One Week Before: Final Arrangements

In the week before thanksgiving day:

• Begin thawing thanksgiving turkey

• Prepare make-ahead thanksgiving recipes

• Create your thanksgiving table setting and thanksgiving centerpiece

• Finalize thanksgiving travel arrangements

• Complete thanksgiving decorations setup

Thanksgiving Day: Execution

On thanksgiving day itself:

• Start thanksgiving turkey cooking

• Coordinate thanksgiving side dishes timing

• Serve thanksgiving appetizers as guests arrive

• Share thanksgiving wishes, thanksgiving messages, and thanksgiving blessings

• Enjoy thanksgiving traditions with family

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Dinner Menu & Recipes

When is thanksgiving dinner typically served? Usually in the afternoon (2-4 PM). Your thanksgiving dinner menu might include:

Main Courses:

• Thanksgiving turkey - The traditional protein centerpiece

• Alternative proteins for diverse thanksgiving dinner options

Essential Thanksgiving Sides:

• Thanksgiving stuffing - The beloved thanksgiving side dish

• Mashed potatoes - Universal favorite side dishes thanksgiving

• Sweet potato casserole - Popular thanksgiving side dish

• Green bean casserole - Classic thanksgiving side dishes

• Cranberry sauce - Traditional tart complement

Starters & Appetizers:

• Thanksgiving appetizers set the festive tone

Desserts:

• Pumpkin pie - The iconic thanksgiving dessert

• Thanksgiving desserts alternatives for variety

• Creative thanksgiving recipes for modern twists

Strategic Thanksgiving Recipe Timing

Successful thanksgiving dinner requires coordinated thanksgiving recipes:

• Make-Ahead Items (1-2 days before): Thanksgiving desserts including pumpkin pie, stocks, and cranberry sauce

• Day-Before Prep: Sweet potato casserole assembly, thanksgiving stuffing preparation

• Thanksgiving Morning: Prepare thanksgiving appetizers, final thanksgiving side dishes prep

• Thanksgiving Day Execution: Start thanksgiving turkey cooking, time all side dishes thanksgiving for simultaneous readiness

Thanksgiving Traditions: Celebrations Beyond Food

Thanksgiving celebration encompasses far more than thanksgiving dinner and thanksgiving recipes:

Entertainment & Viewing

• Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - The iconic NYC event

• Thanksgiving parade alternatives in your city

• Thanksgiving football - NFL afternoon games

• Thanksgiving movie marathons

• Thanksgiving activities and thanksgiving games

Gratitude Practices

• Share happy thanksgiving wishes with family

• Speak thanksgiving messages of appreciation

• Thanksgiving blessings before the meal

• Exchange thanksgiving quotes about gratitude

• Send thanksgiving greetings and thanksgiving greeting cards

Friendsgiving: Modern Thanksgiving Tradition

Friendsgiving represents a 21st-century thanksgiving celebration evolution. Friends gather for friendsgiving dinner around official thanksgiving dates, often with modified thanksgiving recipes and casual thanksgiving traditions.

Thanksgiving Shopping & Black Friday Impact

Thanksgiving date significantly affects thanksgiving shopping timing. When is thanksgiving 2025? On November 27, meaning black friday follows immediately on November 28, 2025, creating a crucial thanksgiving shopping window.

Thanksgiving Shopping Strategy

• Early thanksgiving years (November 22-24): Extended thanksgiving shopping window before Christmas

• Late thanksgiving years (November 27-28): Compressed shopping timeline requiring earlier planning

• Thanksgiving weekend shopping becomes the unofficial Christmas season start

Retail Considerations

• Stores open thanksgiving - Check which retailers operate thanksgiving day

• Restaurants open thanksgiving - Book or prepare dining options

• Walmart thanksgiving hours - Extended hours around thanksgiving

• Thanksgiving dinner restaurants - Reserve early

• Black friday deals and cyber monday sales

• Thanksgiving sale events extend shopping opportunities

Creating Your Thanksgiving Atmosphere

Thanksgiving Decorations

• Fall decorations thanksgiving theme (pumpkins, corn stalks, chrysanthemums)

• Thanksgiving wreath on front door

• Thanksgiving centerpiece arrangements

• Thanksgiving table setting with coordinated colors

• Thanksgiving decor throughout your home

• Thanksgiving crafts for personal touches

Design Elements

• Thanksgiving centerpiece focal points for dining tables

• Thanksgiving table setting principles and arrangement

• Color coordination across all thanksgiving decor

• Seasonal runners, placemats, and tablecloths

• Name cards and thoughtful seating arrangements

Thanksgiving Travel & Vacation Planning

Thanksgiving travel requires advance planning, especially for thanksgiving vacation and thanksgiving getaway arrangements:

• Book thanksgiving travel accommodations early

• Plan thanksgiving destinations based on interests

• Coordinate thanksgiving trip timing with your thanksgiving date

• Research thanksgiving travel 2025 options

• Understand thanksgiving weekend traffic patterns

• Consider thanksgiving vacation activities

Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Dates

When is Thanksgiving 2025?

Thanksgiving 2025 is Thursday, November 27, 2025. This fourth Thursday of November represents the thanksgiving day 2025 celebration date.

When is Thanksgiving in 2025?

The answer is identical: Thursday, November 27, 2025. This thanksgiving 2025 november 27 date marks the official thanksgiving holiday.

What Day is Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving day is always a Thursday—specifically the fourth Thursday of November. This rule has remained constant since 1941.

When is Canadian Thanksgiving 2025?

Canadian thanksgiving 2025 is Monday, October 13, 2025—over a month before american thanksgiving.

What is the Earliest Thanksgiving Date?

The earliest possible thanksgiving day date is November 22. Both 2029 and 2035 celebrate thanksgiving on this date.

What is the Latest Thanksgiving Date?

The latest possible thanksgiving day date is November 28. 2030 features thanksgiving on this date.

How Does the Fourth Thursday Rule Work?

The fourth Thursday of November means counting four Thursdays from the first. Thanksgiving dates therefore range between November 22-28.

Why Did FDR Move Thanksgiving?

President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved thanksgiving to the third Thursday in 1939 to stimulate Christmas shopping and economic recovery during the Great Depression.

How Does Thanksgiving Date Affect Black Friday?

When is thanksgiving 2025 on November 27, black friday is November 28, directly following thanksgiving day.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Thanksgiving 2025

When is thanksgiving 2025? It's Thursday, November 27, 2025—just 30 days away from October 28, 2025. This thanksgiving day marks the beginning of the holiday season for millions of Americans.

Whether you're planning your thanksgiving dinner menu, organizing thanksgiving recipes, arranging thanksgiving travel, shopping for thanksgiving decorations, or simply marking your thanksgiving date on your calendar, this comprehensive thanksgiving guide provides everything needed for a successful celebration.

From thanksgiving appetizers to thanksgiving desserts, from happy thanksgiving wishes to thanksgiving messages, from thanksgiving games to thanksgiving movies, from macy's thanksgiving day parade viewing to thanksgiving football enjoyment, this thanksgiving day 2025 promises connection, gratitude, and celebration.

Happy Thanksgiving 2025!