When Is Thanksgiving 2025? Date, History, and Traditions Explained
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When is Thanksgiving 2025? Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 27, 2025. This holiday marks one of the most important celebrations in the United States, bringing families and friends together to share gratitude and a festive meal.
Understanding the Date
The date for when is Thanksgiving follows a consistent pattern each year. Americans observe this holiday on the fourth Thursday of November. This means the date changes annually, but the day of the week remains constant. In 2025, Thanksgiving arrives on November 27, giving people time to prepare their gatherings and travel to be with loved ones.
For many Americans, when is Thanksgiving matters because it determines their holiday schedule and travel plans. The holiday typically creates a four-day weekend, as many employers give workers the day off to celebrate with family. This extended break makes Thanksgiving one of the busiest travel periods of the year, rivaling even the Christmas season for flights and road trips.
The Historical Origins of Thanksgiving
The history of when is Thanksgiving celebrated today traces back centuries. Many people associate the holiday with the Pilgrims and their feast with Native Americans in 1621. However, the actual history is more complex than this popular narrative suggests.
The first Thanksgiving celebrations in North America actually occurred much earlier. In 1578, a Thanksgiving service was held by Europeans in Newfoundland. Later, British settlers in Jamestown gave thanks for their safe arrival in 1607. The Berkley Hundred settlers in Virginia also held a Thanksgiving service in accordance with their colonial charter, which declared that their arrival day should be observed yearly as a day of thanksgiving.
The Pilgrims’ 1621 celebration was not officially called Thanksgiving at the time. It was a multi-day festival prompted by a good harvest, and it included the Wampanoag people who had helped the colonists survive their first winter. The Pilgrims held their celebration without formal religious ceremony, instead using the three days for feasting, playing games, and drinking.
When Thanksgiving became official matters to understanding American history. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863. Historians suggest Lincoln made this declaration to help unite a country torn apart by the Civil War. Later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially signed the day into law, establishing the fourth Thursday of November as the federal Thanksgiving Day.
Modern Thanksgiving Traditions
Today, when is Thanksgiving celebrated involves numerous traditions that Americans hold dear. The holiday has evolved into a celebration focused on family, gratitude, and togetherness rather than its historical roots.
The Thanksgiving Feast
The traditional Thanksgiving meal remains the centerpiece of the celebration. Turkey is almost always the main dish, with 40 million turkeys consumed on Thanksgiving Day alone in 2019. Approximately 85 percent of Americans dine on turkey for this holiday.
Beyond the turkey, traditional side dishes include mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet corn, squash, and fall vegetables. Many families add dishes that reflect their ethnic backgrounds, incorporating cuisines like couscous, pasta, or curries into their Thanksgiving meals.
Dessert typically features fresh-baked pies, with pumpkin, pecan, apple, and sweet potato being the most popular flavors. Families often top their pie slices with whipped cream or ice cream.
Expressing Gratitude
When is Thanksgiving observed, expressing gratitude becomes central to the celebration. Research shows that approximately 69 percent of U.S. adults say things they are thankful for at their Thanksgiving dinner. Around 65 percent say someone at their dinner typically says a prayer or blessing.
Many families begin their meal by saying grace, a prayer before eating. After saying grace, it is common practice for each person to share one specific reason they are thankful that year. This tradition reinforces the spiritual and meaningful purpose of the holiday.
Entertainment and Activities
Thanksgiving celebrations extend beyond the dinner table. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City attracts millions of viewers. The parade features marching bands, floats, performances from Broadway musicals, and giant helium-filled character balloons.
Football is another essential part of the American Thanksgiving experience. Many families watch football games throughout the day, with several major games broadcast nationally. Some families even play football themselves in the backyard or at local parks.
After the meal, families engage in various activities. Some take bike rides or walks, while others enjoy naps or play board and card games together.
Helping Others
Many Americans use when is Thanksgiving arrives as an opportunity to help those in need. Volunteering at homeless shelters, donating to food banks, and participating in canned food drives are common ways people give back during the holiday season.
You might also like to read our detailed guide on lifestyle.
Thanksgiving Around the World
While Americans celebrate when is Thanksgiving in November, other countries observe similar harvest festivals on different dates. Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October. Liberia observes the holiday on the first Thursday of November. Saint Lucia celebrates on the first Monday in October, and Grenada observes Thanksgiving on October 25 each year.
Planning for Thanksgiving 2025
Understanding when is Thanksgiving 2025 helps with holiday planning. With the date set for November 27, families can begin making travel arrangements and preparing their gatherings. Grocery shopping, menu planning, and recipe selection should begin well in advance to avoid the holiday rush.
For those who cannot cook at home, many restaurants across the United States offer Thanksgiving menus. This option works well for travelers and those who prefer dining out during the holiday.
Conclusion
When is Thanksgiving 2025? The answer is Thursday, November 27, 2025. This cherished American holiday continues traditions established over centuries, bringing people together to express gratitude, share meals, and create lasting memories. Whether through traditional feasts, family gatherings, parades, football games, or charitable service, Americans celebrate when Thanksgiving arrives with joy, connection, and appreciation for life’s blessings.
