Thanksgiving
2025Monday, December 1
Quick Facts
- Date
- Monday, December 1, 2025
- Observed in
- Austria, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Switzerland +10 more
- Type
- Cultural Holiday
What is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is an annual harvest festival celebrated primarily in the United States (fourth Thursday of November) and Canada (second Monday of October). It is a time for families to gather, express gratitude, and share a traditional feast.
In the United States, Thanksgiving is one of the most important holidays of the year, often considered the start of the holiday season. It commemorates the 1621 harvest feast shared between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people.
The holiday centers around a large family meal featuring roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Beyond the feast, Thanksgiving is associated with parades, American football, and the beginning of the Christmas shopping season with Black Friday.
When is Thanksgiving 2025?
Thanksgiving is on Monday, December 1 in 2025. Check the dates and days for other years in the table below.
History & Origin
The history of Thanksgiving in America begins with the Pilgrims, English settlers who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 and established Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. After a harsh first winter that killed nearly half the colonists, the Wampanoag people taught them agricultural techniques.
The first Thanksgiving celebration occurred in autumn 1621, when the Pilgrims held a three-day harvest feast to give thanks for their first successful crop. About 90 Wampanoag people, including Chief Massasoit, joined the approximately 50 surviving Pilgrims.
Thanksgiving became a national holiday in the United States in 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it during the Civil War to promote national unity. The date was fixed to the fourth Thursday of November by Congress in 1941.
Canadian Thanksgiving has different origins, often traced to explorer Martin Frobisher's 1578 celebration in Newfoundland, giving thanks for safe passage. It became a national holiday in 1879.
How It's Celebrated
Turkey Dinner: The centerpiece of Thanksgiving is roasted turkey, often accompanied by stuffing (or dressing), cranberry sauce, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and rolls.
Pumpkin Pie: The quintessential Thanksgiving dessert, along with apple pie and pecan pie.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Since 1924, this iconic parade in New York City features giant balloons, floats, marching bands, and performances, watched by millions.
Football: Watching NFL games on Thanksgiving is a beloved American tradition. The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys have hosted games since 1934 and 1966 respectively.
Expressing Gratitude: Many families go around the table sharing what they are thankful for.
Wishbone: Two people pull the dried turkey wishbone; whoever gets the larger piece gets their wish.
Black Friday: The day after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season with major sales.
Volunteering: Many Americans volunteer at soup kitchens or food banks to help those in need.
Where It's Observed
Thanksgiving is a public holiday in 5 countries. In 2025, it falls on Monday, December 1.
Fun Facts
- About 46 million turkeys are consumed in the United States on Thanksgiving Day
- The first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924 featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo
- The tradition of the president pardoning a turkey became official under George H.W. Bush in 1989
- Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey, not the bald eagle, to be the national bird
- The average American consumes about 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day
- TV dinners were invented to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey
- Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for plumbers due to kitchen disposal problems
- The first NFL Thanksgiving game was played in 1920, just four days after the league was formed
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we eat turkey on Thanksgiving?
While we cannot be certain turkey was served at the first Thanksgiving, wild fowl was documented. Turkey became the traditional centerpiece because it was native to North America, large enough to feed a gathering, and more economical than other meats. By the 19th century, turkey had become synonymous with the holiday.
When is Thanksgiving in the US vs Canada?
In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. In Canada, it falls on the second Monday of October, coinciding with the earlier harvest season in the northern country.
What was the first Thanksgiving really like?
The 1621 celebration was a three-day harvest festival, not a single meal. It included about 50 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag people. They likely ate wild fowl, deer, corn, and shellfish rather than the modern traditional menu.
Why is Thanksgiving always on a Thursday?
Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 and set it for the last Thursday of November. In 1941, Congress officially moved it to the fourth Thursday to extend the Christmas shopping season.
What is Black Friday?
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving and marks the unofficial beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Retailers offer major discounts, and it is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. The name originated from the point when retailers' accounts went from red (loss) to black (profit).
Do other countries celebrate Thanksgiving?
Besides the US and Canada, similar harvest festivals exist elsewhere: Germany has Erntedankfest, Japan has Kinro Kansha no Hi, and Liberia celebrates Thanksgiving due to American heritage. However, the US-style Thanksgiving is uniquely American.
Travel Inspiration
Planning a trip around Thanksgiving? Explore our travel guides for destinations where this holiday is celebrated.
