As the holiday season approaches, many Americans are asking one specific question: how many days until Thanksgiving and Christmas. As of today, November 17, 2025, the countdown is officially in motion. There are 10 days until Thanksgiving and 38 days until Christmas, marking the beginning of one of the busiest and most celebrated stretches of the year.
These countdowns are more than simple numbers. They shape travel plans, shopping schedules, family traditions, and the overall rhythm of the holiday season in the United States. With both holidays approaching quickly, Americans are already deep into planning for gatherings, meals, decorations, and celebrations.
This in-depth guide breaks down the current countdowns, explains how the 2025 holiday calendar impacts the season, and offers a detailed look at how Americans prepare for both major celebrations during this tight end-of-year timeframe.
Thanksgiving 2025: Only 10 Days Away
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 27, 2025, placing the holiday just 10 days from today. Since Thanksgiving always lands on the fourth Thursday of November, this year’s date aligns naturally within the traditional holiday pattern.
The 10-day countdown puts Americans in a high-preparation mode. With time moving quickly, households across the country are balancing travel arrangements, meal planning, and last-minute shopping.
Thanksgiving’s Importance in American Culture
Thanksgiving is often described as one of the most meaningful U.S. holidays. For many families, it represents:
- Togetherness and gratitude
- Annual traditions that stretch back decades
- Home-cooked meals shared across generations
- The unofficial start of the winter holiday season
Because Thanksgiving weekend also brings major travel, sporting events, and early holiday shopping promotions, its arrival affects nearly every corner of American life.
What 10 Days Means for Planners
With Thanksgiving arriving in just over a week, here are the key areas many Americans are focused on:
- Travel decisions: Booking final flights or preparing for long drives
- Menu finalization: Organizing ingredients and selecting recipes
- House preparation: Cleaning and decorating before guests arrive
- Event coordination: Planning parades, charity runs, or community gatherings
- Grocery timing: Securing key items before stores become crowded
Each of these tasks becomes more urgent as the countdown hits single digits.
Christmas 2025: 38 Days Remaining
Christmas arrives on Thursday, December 25, 2025, leaving 38 days until the holiday. Although this date remains the same every year, the countdown influences travel, shopping, budgeting, and the overall holiday atmosphere.
The 38-day window offers more time than Thanksgiving, but it still moves quickly—especially since the two holidays are less than a month apart in 2025.
Christmas Traditions and Activities
Christmas celebrations in the U.S. often include:
- Gift-giving among family and friends
- Holiday light displays in neighborhoods and city centers
- Winter festivals and church programs
- Large family gatherings or seasonal vacations
- Decorating homes with trees, wreaths, and lights
As the countdown moves from 38 days into the low 30s and eventually the 20s, Christmas preparation becomes more fast-paced and widespread.
How Americans Use the 38-Day Countdown
With Christmas just over a month away, these activities dominate planning:
- Early gift shopping: Avoiding last-minute shortages
- Decorating homes and yards: Outdoor lights, indoor trees, and themed displays
- Coordinating holiday travel: Booking flights earlier for better pricing
- Scheduling events: Work gatherings, school concerts, and community celebrations
- Preparing winter plans: Managing time off and setting family schedules
This countdown period is when the holiday season feels both exciting and time-sensitive.
Holiday Countdown Snapshot
To make tracking simple, here is the updated countdown as of November 17, 2025:
| Holiday | Date | Days Remaining |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | November 27, 2025 | 10 days |
| Christmas | December 25, 2025 | 38 days |
These numbers will continue to decrease daily, heightening the sense of anticipation across the country.
A Tight Holiday Window in 2025
One unique element of this year’s holiday season is how close the two celebrations are. Thanksgiving and Christmas are separated by only 28 days, making the 2025 calendar particularly compact. This narrow window influences nearly every aspect of holiday preparation.
Shopping Trends in a Compressed Season
A shorter gap between Thanksgiving and Christmas typically leads to:
- Faster holiday shopping cycles
- Earlier retail promotions
- More crowded stores in late November
- Increased online shopping and package deliveries
- Tighter budgets for families planning two major celebrations
As a result, many households begin preparing for Christmas even before Thanksgiving arrives.
Travel Impacts of a Short Holiday Gap
Both Thanksgiving and Christmas are considered peak travel periods. With less than a month between them, travel trends include:
- Consolidated holiday trips for families traveling long distances
- Increased demand for flights around both holidays
- Heavier roadway traffic across densely populated regions
- Earlier planning for December vacations and holiday gatherings
Those traveling for both holidays will likely finalize plans sooner than usual.
Why Knowing the Countdown Matters
Knowing precisely how many days until Thanksgiving and Christmas helps families organize everything from budgets to menus. Time plays a major role in how smoothly the season unfolds.
For Thanksgiving
A 10-day countdown affects:
- Grocery preparation
- Dining schedules
- Travel timing
- Hosting responsibilities
- School holiday breaks
Completing tasks now reduces stress during one of the busiest weeks of the year.
For Christmas
The 38-day countdown shapes:
- Financial planning for gift-giving
- Holiday shipping deadlines
- Decorating timelines
- Family event scheduling
- Vacation planning for winter break
With Christmas falling on a Thursday in 2025, many families may enjoy an extended weekend or combine it with additional time off.
How Households Stay Organized Through Both Countdowns
With two major holidays approaching quickly, organization becomes essential. Here are strategies many families use to stay ahead.
1. Creating a Combined Holiday Checklist
Because the holidays are close together, many people create one master checklist that includes:
- Travel arrangements
- Shopping lists
- Gift budgets
- Meal plans
- Event reminders
This reduces the stress of switching from Thanksgiving mode to Christmas mode.
2. Budget Planning Early
The short gap encourages families to:
- Set spending caps
- Spread purchases across November and December
- Track gift expenses gradually
- Take advantage of early deals to avoid last-minute costs
A little preparation goes a long way in a packed holiday season.
3. Decorating in Phases
Many households start with:
- Seasonal décor for Thanksgiving
- Neutral fall themes
- Outdoor lighting ready to activate after the holiday
Then, once Thanksgiving ends, Christmas decorations roll out quickly.
4. Travel Planning With Buffer Days
Because holiday traffic increases significantly:
- Travelers plan arrival and departure times earlier
- Families choose off-peak travel windows
- Some remain with relatives from Thanksgiving through Christmas
Planning early helps avoid weather-related or last-minute delays.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Holiday Experience
The energy of the 2025 holiday season is building quickly. With Thanksgiving just 10 days away and Christmas only 38 days out, the excitement is clear across communities, stores, schools, and households nationwide.
This time of year brings joy, tradition, warmth, and anticipation. It also brings busy schedules, travel, celebrations, and cherished moments with loved ones.
As the countdowns continue, each day brings the holiday season a little closer—reminding families everywhere to prepare, enjoy, and make the most of this festive stretch.
Share your holiday plans, travel schedules, or countdown traditions in the comments — we’d love to hear how you’re getting ready for the season.