Thanksgiving’s celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States, which means it’ll fall between November 22 and 28 each year. The date’s been fixed since 1942 when Congress settled a controversy after President Roosevelt tried moving it earlier. Canada observes Thanksgiving on October’s second Monday, while other countries celebrate on different dates. This floating Thursday creates unique scheduling challenges that affect everything from retail planning to family travel arrangements.
Key Takeaways
- Thanksgiving in the United States is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year.
- In 2024, Thanksgiving falls on November 28, while in 2025 it will be November 27.
- The date always falls between November 22 (earliest) and November 28 (latest).
- Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October, not in November.
- The fourth Thursday was established as the permanent date by federal law in 1942.
The Official Date of Thanksgiving in the United States
While many holidays fall on the same date each year, Thanksgiving follows a different pattern. The United States celebrates Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November, a tradition that’s been consistent since 1942. President Franklin D. Roosevelt solidified this date through federal law, ending years of confusion about when Americans should observe the holiday.
Before 1942, Presidential proclamations determined Thanksgiving’s date annually, creating uncertainty for families and businesses. Roosevelt initially tried moving the holiday earlier in November to extend the Christmas shopping season, but public backlash forced him to reconsider. Congress ultimately passed legislation making the fourth Thursday official.
This fixed schedule has significant retail impacts today. Stores plan Black Friday sales immediately after Thanksgiving, launching the holiday shopping season. The predictable date allows retailers to coordinate inventory, staffing, and marketing campaigns months in advance. It’s become one of the most important commercial periods in the American calendar.
Why Thanksgiving Falls on the Fourth Thursday of November
When President Abraham Lincoln first proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, he chose the last Thursday of November to give Americans a moment of gratitude during the Civil War’s darkest days.
This tradition continued until 1939, when presidential politics shifted the celebration’s timing.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving to November’s third Thursday, hoping to extend the Christmas shopping season during the Great Depression.
His decision sparked nationwide controversy:
- Republicans called it “Franksgiving” in protest
- States split between observing different dates
- Retailers supported the change for increased sales
- Workers complained about calendar confusion
The market impact proved significant as businesses struggled with conflicting state observances.
Congress finally resolved the chaos in 1941, establishing the fourth Thursday as Thanksgiving’s permanent date.
This compromise satisfied merchants who’d gain extra shopping days during five-Thursday Novembers while maintaining tradition.
Today’s date guarantees Americans celebrate together, avoiding the political and economic disruption that once divided the nation’s turkey dinners.
Historical Timeline of Thanksgiving Date Changes
Thanksgiving’s date has shifted dramatically throughout American history. The original colonial celebrations occurred sporadically without fixed dates until President Lincoln established the holiday as the last Thursday of November in 1863.
President Roosevelt’s attempt to move Thanksgiving earlier in 1939 to extend the shopping season sparked national controversy, ultimately leading Congress to officially designate the fourth Thursday of November as the permanent date in 1941.
Original Colonial Celebrations
Before the United States established Thanksgiving as a fixed holiday, colonial communities celebrated harvest festivals on various dates throughout autumn. These early gatherings weren’t standardized events but reflected local customs and agricultural cycles.
Colonial feasting marked these occasions with distinct characteristics:
- Communities held celebrations after completing their harvests, typically between September and November
- Settlers combined European harvest traditions with native rituals they’d observed
- Religious services preceded communal meals featuring local game and crops
- Multiple colonies scheduled their own Thanksgiving days independently
Plymouth’s 1621 feast lasted three days, while Massachusetts Bay Colony declared thanksgiving days sporadically.
Connecticut and New Haven colonies proclaimed their celebrations separately. These scattered observances didn’t follow any unified calendar. Each colony’s leaders chose dates based on successful harvests, military victories, or surviving hardships, creating a patchwork of thanksgiving celebrations across early America.
Lincoln’s 1863 Proclamation
Although scattered thanksgiving observances had occurred for centuries, President Abraham Lincoln transformed the holiday into a unified national celebration through his October 3, 1863 proclamation. He’d established the last Thursday of November as a day for national thanksgiving, aiming to unite a fractured nation during the Civil War.
| Year | Key Development |
|---|---|
| 1863 | Lincoln proclamation issued October 3rd |
| 1864 | First nationally unified celebration |
| 1865 | Tradition continued post-Civil War |
| 1870 | All states officially recognized holiday |
The Lincoln proclamation emerged from Civil gratitude for Union victories, particularly at Gettysburg and Vicksburg. Sarah Josepha Hale’s persistent lobbying influenced Lincoln’s decision. His words emphasized healing and unity rather than military triumph. This presidential decree created consistency where states had previously chosen different dates, establishing Thanksgiving’s modern framework that’d endure for decades.
Roosevelt’s Date Controversy
Roosevelt’s decision ignited nationwide calendar politics:
- Twenty-three states followed FDR’s November 23rd proclamation
- Twenty-two states kept the traditional November 30th date
- Texas celebrated both days, creating double holidays
- Football teams scrambled to reschedule rivalry games
Critics dubbed it “Franksgiving” while the nation split between dates. Republicans accused Roosevelt of executive overreach.
Democrats defended economic recovery efforts. Businesses didn’t know which date to honor. Families couldn’t coordinate gatherings across state lines.
Congress finally intervened in 1941, establishing Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday of November. They’d permanently resolved America’s most unusual holiday dispute.
Canadian Thanksgiving Date and Differences
Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October, marking a distinctly different timeline from its American counterpart.
The Canadian holiday’s roots trace back to harvest festival traditions brought by European settlers, who gave thanks for successful crops before winter’s arrival.
This earlier date reflects Canada’s northern climate, where harvests conclude weeks before those in the United States.
Second Monday October
While Americans celebrate Thanksgiving in November, Canadians gather for their harvest celebration on the second Monday of October. This October observance aligns with Canada’s earlier harvest season and cooler climate. The holiday weekend creates opportunities for families to reunite during the extended school breaks.
The Second Monday timing offers several advantages:
- Earlier harvest celebrations match Canada’s agricultural calendar
- Pleasant fall weather allows for outdoor October events
- Three-day weekend provides ample travel time
- Distinct separation from American Thanksgiving avoids confusion
Canadian provinces observe this federal holiday uniformly, except for Atlantic provinces, which don’t always recognize it provincially. Most businesses close, and schools schedule breaks around this weekend.
The timing reflects Canada’s unique geography and cultural identity, establishing their Thanksgiving as an independent celebration rather than an American holiday extension.
Harvest Festival Origins
Harvest celebrations have shaped Canada’s Thanksgiving traditions since early colonial times, drawing from both European customs and Indigenous practices. The nation’s harvest rituals reflect centuries of agricultural dependence and cultural exchange.
| Era | Harvest Practice | Crop Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1600s | Indigenous ceremonies | Three Sisters crops |
| 1600-1700s | French harvest masses | Wheat and grain |
| 1800-1900s | British autumn festivals | Corn and squash |
Canada’s Thanksgiving differs from America’s November celebration. While Americans link their holiday to Pilgrims, Canadians connect theirs directly to successful harvests. The October timing aligns with Canada’s earlier harvest season when farmers’ve gathered their final crops before winter’s arrival.
Modern Canadian Thanksgiving maintains agricultural roots through decorative cornucopias, autumn leaves, and harvest vegetables. These symbols honor the country’s farming heritage and the season’s bounty.
How to Calculate Thanksgiving’s Date Each Year
How can someone quickly determine when Thanksgiving falls in any given year? The United States celebrates Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November, making it straightforward to calculate using basic calendar algorithms. Unlike holidays with fixed dates, Thanksgiving’s floating date requires weekday calculation to pinpoint accurately.
Here’s the simple method anyone can use:
- Count all Thursdays in November starting from the 1st
- Identify the fourth Thursday (falls between November 22-28)
- Mark this as Thanksgiving Day
- Remember it’s always exactly one week after the third Thursday
Canada’s formula differs entirely—they celebrate on the second Monday of October. For quick mental math, if November 1st falls on a Friday, Thanksgiving lands on November 28th. If it’s a Thursday, the holiday occurs on November 22nd. Most digital calendars automatically display these dates, but understanding the calculation helps with long-term planning.
This predictable pattern hasn’t changed since Congress established it in 1941.
Earliest and Latest Possible Thanksgiving Dates
Since Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November, the holiday’s date shifts within a specific range each year.
The earliest possible date occurs when November 1st falls on a Thursday, placing Thanksgiving on November 22nd. Conversely, the latest possible date happens when November 1st falls on a Friday, pushing Thanksgiving to November 28th.
Earliest Possible Date
Because Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November, the holiday’s date shifts from year to year within a specific range. The earliest possible date for Thanksgiving is November 22nd, which occurs when November 1st falls on a Friday. This calendar mechanics phenomenon happens roughly every seven years.
The earliest traditions of Thanksgiving’s scheduling have evolved since President Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation. Understanding when Thanksgiving can occur helps with:
- Planning travel arrangements well in advance
- Scheduling family gatherings and reunions
- Preparing for shorter holiday shopping seasons
- Coordinating workplace schedules and time off
When Thanksgiving lands on November 22nd, it creates the longest possible stretch between Thanksgiving and Christmas—33 days. This extended period affects retail strategies, decorating timelines, and holiday preparations across America.
Latest Possible Date
The latest Thanksgiving can occur is November 28th, which happens when November 1st falls on a Thursday.
This late date markedly impacts holiday logistics, as retailers have only twenty-six days between Thanksgiving and Christmas for their busiest shopping season. Travel peaks become more compressed, with airports and highways experiencing intense congestion as millions rush to reach destinations before the shortened holiday window closes.
Regional menus often adapt when Thanksgiving arrives late, incorporating more winter produce like root vegetables and hearty stews alongside traditional fare. Retail trends shift dramatically during these years, with Black Friday sales starting earlier and cyber promotions extending longer to compensate for the abbreviated shopping period. Hotels and airlines typically increase prices due to the concentrated demand, while businesses scramble to adjust fourth-quarter strategies around the modified calendar.
State-Specific Thanksgiving Observances and Variations
While most Americans celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November, several states maintain unique traditions and observances that set them apart. State proclamations often highlight local agricultural products and historical connections that shape their celebrations.
Different states showcase distinct regional menus reflecting their cultural heritage:
- Alaska celebrates with fresh-caught salmon, crab, and venison alongside traditional turkey
- Louisiana incorporates Creole and Cajun dishes like cornbread dressing, mirliton casserole, and deep-fried turkey
- Hawaii features kalua pig, poi, and haupia alongside conventional Thanksgiving fare
- New Mexico serves posole, green chile stuffing, and biscochitos with their holiday spread
Texas issued one of the earliest state proclamations recognizing Thanksgiving in 1849, while Alaska didn’t officially observe it until achieving statehood in 1959. Some states like Maine and Vermont emphasize locally-sourced ingredients in their proclamations, encouraging residents to support regional farmers. These variations demonstrate how America’s diverse communities have adapted the national holiday to reflect their unique identities.
International Thanksgiving Celebrations and Their Dates
Countries around the world have adopted their own versions of Thanksgiving, each with distinct dates and cultural significance that reflect their unique histories.
Canada celebrates its Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October, marking the harvest season earlier than its southern neighbor.
Germany observes Erntedankfest, typically the first Sunday in October, combining religious services with cultural feasts featuring local produce.
Japan’s Labor Thanksgiving Day occurs on November 23rd, honoring workers’ contributions while expressing global gratitude for the year’s accomplishments.
Liberia celebrates on the first Thursday of November, maintaining traditions from its American founders.
Norfolk Island observes Thanksgiving on the last Wednesday of November, commemorating the arrival of Pitcairn Islanders in 1856.
These international celebrations demonstrate how thanksgiving concepts transcend borders.
While dates and customs vary, the core themes of harvest appreciation, community gathering, and gratitude remain universal.
Each nation’s adapted these traditions to align with their agricultural cycles and cultural values.
Impact of Thanksgiving’s Floating Date on Holiday Planning
Across corporate boardrooms and family dining tables, Thanksgiving’s variable date creates unique scheduling challenges that ripple through American society from early November through December. Since Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November, it can occur anywhere between November 22nd and 28th, forcing planners to adapt annually.
This floating date markedly affects:
- Travel arrangements – Airlines adjust pricing strategies based on each year’s specific dates
- Venue booking – Event spaces face compressed reservation windows between Halloween and Christmas
- Menu budgeting – Grocery stores and caterers can’t standardize promotional cycles
- Work schedules – Companies must recalculate project deadlines around varying holiday weeks
Retailers particularly struggle with Black Friday placement, as Thanksgiving’s position determines the shopping season’s length. When Thanksgiving arrives late, merchants lose vital selling days before Christmas. Conversely, early Thanksgivings stretch the holiday shopping marathon, affecting inventory management and staffing decisions. These annual variations force businesses and families to remain flexible in their November planning strategies.
Relationship Between Thanksgiving and Other November Holidays
As November unfolds its calendar of observances, Thanksgiving‘s position creates a complex interplay with Veterans Day, Election Day, and various cultural celebrations that share the month.
Veterans Day on November 11th often serves as the unofficial start of holiday preparations, while Election Day’s first Tuesday placement can shift workplace schedules and travel plans leading up to Thanksgiving week.
The month’s progression from honoring veterans to expressing family gratitude creates a natural emotional arc that many Americans navigate annually. Some communities blend these observances through community feasting events that honor service members while previewing Thanksgiving traditions.
Cultural celebrations like Diwali occasionally overlap with Thanksgiving preparations, requiring families to balance multiple traditions.
Retail businesses strategically position Black Friday promotions around these November milestones, while schools coordinate fall breaks considering both Veterans Day and Thanksgiving proximity. This clustering of holidays transforms November into America’s most concentrated period of civic recognition and familial celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Some People Call Thanksgiving “Turkey Day”?
People call Thanksgiving “Turkey Day” because turkey’s become the meal’s centerpiece since the holiday’s historical origins.
The bird’s dominated American family traditions for generations, with millions of families roasting turkeys every fourth Thursday of November.
This nickname emerged naturally as turkey’s the most iconic dish served, representing the feast itself.
While the holiday celebrates gratitude and harvest, the turkey’s prominence in celebrations made this playful alternative name stick in popular culture.
What Time Do Most Families Eat Thanksgiving Dinner?
Most families eat Thanksgiving dinner between late afternoon and early evening, typically from 2 PM to 6 PM.
They’ll often start earlier than regular dinnertime since preparing the traditional feast takes several hours.
Many households serve the meal around 3 or 4 PM, which allows time for appetizers beforehand and dessert later.
Some families who’ve traveled long distances might eat earlier, while others wait until everyone’s arrived before sitting down together.
Is Thanksgiving a Paid Federal Holiday for All Workers?
No, Thanksgiving isn’t a paid federal holiday for all workers. While it’s a federal designation, paid leave depends on employment status and employer policies.
Federal employees receive holiday pay, but private sector workers don’t have guaranteed compensation. Many companies offer it as a benefit, though retail and service workers often work without extra pay.
Part-time and contract workers typically don’t receive holiday pay unless their employers voluntarily provide it.
Can Vegetarians and Vegans Celebrate Thanksgiving Traditionally?
Vegetarians and vegans can absolutely celebrate Thanksgiving traditionally by focusing on plant based sides like roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.
They’ll often serve tofurkey alternatives as the centerpiece, including options made from seitan, lentils, or mushrooms.
Many traditional Thanksgiving dishes are naturally vegetarian or easily adapted.
The holiday’s emphasis on gratitude and gathering with loved ones doesn’t require meat, making it accessible for everyone’s dietary preferences.
Why Is Football Associated With Thanksgiving Day?
Football became linked with Thanksgiving when colleges started hosting games on the holiday in the 1870s, creating annual football traditions that families embraced.
The NFL’s joined in 1920, with the Detroit Lions establishing their Thanksgiving game in 1934.
These matchups developed fierce game rivalries over decades, and watching football while dinner’s cooking became America’s routine.
Networks capitalized on captive audiences, making football broadcasts as essential as turkey and pie.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving’s floating date on the fourth Thursday of November shapes America’s holiday season. While the U.S. celebrates in late November, Canada’s October observance shows how different nations interpret this tradition. The date’s flexibility affects everything from travel planning to retail strategies. Whether someone’s calculating next year’s date or comparing international celebrations, they’ll find that Thanksgiving’s timing reflects each country’s unique history and values, making it more than just a calendar marking.
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