As the air turns crisp and the holiday spirit starts building, Americans begin asking the same question every fall — when is Thanksgiving this year?
In 2025, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27.
Every year, this cherished holiday brings together families, friends, and communities to share food, gratitude, and tradition. While the date shifts slightly each year, the meaning behind Thanksgiving remains the same: pausing to appreciate life’s blessings.
Why Thanksgiving Falls on the Fourth Thursday of November
Thanksgiving hasn’t always been on a fixed date. In the 19th century, different states celebrated it at various times, typically in late November. That changed in 1941, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed legislation officially establishing the fourth Thursday in November as the national holiday.
Roosevelt’s decision was partly economic. During the Great Depression, he moved Thanksgiving up one week to lengthen the holiday shopping season. After some public debate, Congress settled on the current rule, balancing both tradition and practicality.
So, in 2025, Thanksgiving will fall on Thursday, November 27 — giving Americans a long weekend that marks the unofficial start of the winter holidays.
Thanksgiving 2025 at a Glance
| Event | Date (2025) | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | November 27 | Thursday |
| Black Friday | November 28 | Friday |
| Small Business Saturday | November 29 | Saturday |
| Cyber Monday | December 1 | Monday |
| Giving Tuesday | December 2 | Tuesday |
This lineup shows how Thanksgiving anchors an entire week of national activity — from family gatherings and football to travel and the country’s largest shopping events.
The Historical Roots of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving’s origins trace back more than four centuries. The first widely recognized “Thanksgiving feast” took place in 1621 in Plymouth Colony (present-day Massachusetts), where English settlers and the Wampanoag people shared a three-day harvest meal.
The idea of setting aside a day for gratitude took deeper hold during the Civil War. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared a national Thanksgiving Day, urging Americans to give thanks and find unity despite the conflict dividing the nation.
Since then, Thanksgiving has evolved into a secular celebration embraced by people of all backgrounds — a time not only to honor history but also to focus on gratitude, generosity, and connection.
The Meaning of Thanksgiving in Modern America
Today, Thanksgiving is less about the historical feast and more about what it represents: gratitude, family, and reflection.
Across the country, families gather for dinner, friends host “Friendsgiving” parties, and communities organize food drives to help those in need.
For many, it’s also the calm before December’s holiday rush — a moment to slow down and reconnect. In a fast-moving, digital world, Thanksgiving continues to remind Americans of the importance of being present.
Travel Expectations for Thanksgiving 2025
Thanksgiving is the busiest travel holiday of the year, and 2025 will likely set new records. The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects that more than 57 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home during the long weekend — a 5–7 percent increase from last year.
Air Travel:
Airports such as Atlanta (ATL), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), and Houston (IAH) will experience the heaviest passenger loads between Wednesday, Nov. 26, and Sunday, Nov. 30. The TSA recommends arriving two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international departures.
Road Travel:
Drivers should prepare for congestion on Wednesday afternoon and Sunday evening, particularly on interstates leading into and out of major cities.
Traffic experts suggest leaving early in the morning or after 8 p.m. to avoid gridlock.
Pro Tip: If you can, travel on Thanksgiving morning — roads and airports tend to be far quieter.
Traditional Thanksgiving Foods and Regional Twists
The star of the Thanksgiving table remains the roast turkey, served alongside comforting favorites like stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. But regional tastes keep the holiday menu exciting:
- South: Cornbread dressing, collard greens, and pecan pie.
- Northeast: Oyster stuffing and homemade cranberry relish.
- Midwest: Green bean casserole and buttery dinner rolls.
- West Coast: Plant-based entrées and fusion-inspired side dishes.
This year, the American Farm Bureau Federation estimates that the average cost of a traditional Thanksgiving meal for 10 people will be around $67, reflecting minor price increases for turkey and fresh produce.
Regardless of menu or budget, the meal’s purpose remains the same: gathering around the table to share gratitude and good food.
Thanksgiving Day Parades and National Events
Thanksgiving morning is famous for its colorful parades and beloved television broadcasts that bring the country together before the big meal.
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City will celebrate its 99th year in 2025. Millions of viewers nationwide will tune in to see larger-than-life balloons, Broadway performances, and marching bands.
- Philadelphia’s 6ABC Dunkin’ Parade and Chicago’s State Street Parade will also return with floats and family entertainment.
- Immediately after the parades, NBC will air the National Dog Show, now a Thanksgiving staple for animal lovers across the country.
And of course, NFL football remains a key part of the holiday. The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys will host their traditional Thanksgiving Day games, followed by a prime-time matchup to close out the evening.
The Black Friday and Cyber Monday Rush
Thanksgiving is quickly followed by Black Friday, the day that marks the official start of the holiday shopping season. In 2025, Black Friday falls on November 28.
Major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon will offer both online and in-store deals. However, more stores are shifting toward extended week-long promotions and online-only discounts to reduce crowds.
The online shopping surge continues through Cyber Monday (December 1), which last year broke U.S. e-commerce records. Experts predict 2025 will see even higher sales, especially in electronics and apparel.
While deals dominate the weekend, many Americans use Giving Tuesday (December 2) to give back — donating to charities and community causes in the spirit of gratitude.
Thanksgiving Traditions That Bring People Together
Beyond the turkey and shopping, Thanksgiving’s traditions create lasting memories.
- Volunteering: Food banks and shelters nationwide rely on volunteers who serve hot meals to families in need.
- Turkey Trots: Cities across the U.S. host fun-run events on Thanksgiving morning, helping participants earn their dinner.
- Friendsgiving: A growing trend where friends gather before or after Thanksgiving Day to celebrate together.
- Family Games: Board games, card matches, and backyard football remain staples after dessert.
Whether quiet or festive, these rituals remind people that Thanksgiving is as much about connection as it is about tradition.
Thanksgiving Dates for the Next Few Years
| Year | Thanksgiving Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | November 27 |
| 2026 | November 26 |
| 2027 | November 25 |
| 2028 | November 23 |
| 2029 | November 22 |
The holiday always falls between November 22 and November 28, depending on how the calendar aligns.
Preparing for Thanksgiving 2025
If you’re hosting, now is the time to plan. Experts recommend ordering turkeys by early November to ensure availability, as frozen supplies often sell out quickly near the holiday.
Airlines have also reported that booking flights three to six weeks ahead yields the best fares for Thanksgiving travel. For drivers, checking weather forecasts and planning alternative routes can help avoid delays.
Those planning large gatherings should start coordinating menus early, assigning dishes to family members to balance the workload — and keep stress low on the big day.
Thanksgiving and the Spirit of Gratitude
At its core, Thanksgiving is about appreciation. Whether expressed through prayer, conversation, or quiet reflection, gratitude remains the heart of the holiday.
In recent years, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have turned gratitude into a public movement. Many families share daily “thankful posts” during November, while influencers showcase creative table designs and heart-warming traditions.
Still, the true essence of Thanksgiving is timeless — taking a moment to recognize what truly matters.
Fun Thanksgiving Facts
- 94% of Americans celebrate Thanksgiving in some way each year.
- Over 46 million turkeys are eaten across the U.S. on Thanksgiving Day.
- The first Macy’s Parade in 1924 featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo instead of balloons.
- The average person consumes about 3,000 calories during the holiday meal.
- Minnesota produces more turkeys than any other state — about 40 million birds annually.
These numbers highlight just how deeply Thanksgiving is woven into American culture.
Looking Ahead to Thanksgiving 2025
As November 27 approaches, homes will soon fill with the scent of roasting turkey and cinnamon pies, while parades, football, and family laughter set the tone for the season. Whether you spend the day cooking, traveling, volunteering, or simply resting, Thanksgiving 2025 offers a much-needed pause before the end-of-year rush.
It’s a day that brings people together — not through gifts or grand gestures, but through gratitude.
How are you planning to celebrate Thanksgiving 2025? Share your favorite traditions or travel plans in the comments and stay tuned for more holiday updates!