As the holiday season approaches, one question is on everyone’s mind: when is Thanksgiving this year? In 2025, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27. The date may shift each year, but the rule never changes — Thanksgiving in the United States always falls on the fourth Thursday of November.
It’s the time when families come together, tables overflow with food, and gratitude takes center stage. Here’s everything you need to know about Thanksgiving 2025, from travel forecasts to favorite traditions.
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The Date and Meaning of Thanksgiving 2025
Thanksgiving is one of America’s most beloved holidays — a day to gather with family and friends, enjoy a hearty meal, and give thanks for the year’s blessings.
In 2025, the holiday falls on November 27, giving Americans a long weekend that stretches from Thursday through Sunday. Federal offices, banks, schools, and most businesses will close for the day, while many retailers will prepare for Black Friday, which starts the very next morning.
The President’s annual turkey pardon is expected to take place earlier that week at the White House — a lighthearted tradition that marks the official start of the holiday season.
Why Thanksgiving Is on the Fourth Thursday in November
Thanksgiving wasn’t always held on a fixed date. In the early years, states celebrated it at different times. That changed in 1941, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a law officially designating the fourth Thursday of November as the national Thanksgiving holiday.
Roosevelt’s decision came during the Great Depression to help boost retail sales by giving Americans an extra week of shopping before Christmas. The change stuck, and the tradition continues today.
Holiday Calendar Around Thanksgiving 2025
Here’s a quick look at how the Thanksgiving week in 2025 will line up:
| Holiday or 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 |
Thanksgiving officially kicks off the winter holiday season in the U.S., followed closely by a flurry of shopping events and community celebrations.
The Origins of Thanksgiving
The roots of Thanksgiving go back to 1621, when English settlers in Plymouth, Massachusetts, shared a three-day feast with the Wampanoag people to celebrate a successful harvest. That event is often remembered as the first Thanksgiving, although harvest festivals existed long before across many cultures.
In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday to encourage unity and gratitude during a time of great division. Since then, the celebration has evolved — from a harvest feast to a national day of reflection, thankfulness, and togetherness.
Travel Outlook for Thanksgiving 2025
Travel is always a big part of Thanksgiving, and 2025 will be no exception. The American Automobile Association (AAA) expects over 57 million Americans to travel at least 50 miles from home during the long weekend, making it one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The TSA is preparing for record airport crowds at hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), and Houston (IAH). To avoid long lines, travelers are encouraged to arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international departures.
For those driving, the heaviest traffic will likely be:
- Wednesday afternoon (Nov. 26) before Thanksgiving
- Sunday evening (Nov. 30) after the holiday weekend
Leaving early in the morning or late at night can help beat the rush.
What Americans Eat on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is as much about the food as it is about the meaning behind it. The centerpiece of nearly every Thanksgiving meal is roast turkey, often served with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
Regional favorites also bring local flavor to the holiday:
- South: Sweet potato casserole, cornbread dressing, and pecan pie
- Northeast: Oyster stuffing and homemade cranberry relish
- Midwest: Green bean casserole and fresh dinner rolls
- West Coast: Plant-based dishes and modern fusion sides
The American Farm Bureau Federation projects the average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people in 2025 to be around $67, up slightly from last year due to rising poultry and produce prices.
Thanksgiving Parades and National Events
Thanksgiving morning is famous for its parades and televised events that bring the country together before the big meal.
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is the most watched of all, featuring giant balloons, marching bands, and celebrity performances. The 2025 parade will mark its 99th year.
- Philadelphia’s 6ABC Dunkin’ Parade and Chicago’s Thanksgiving Parade will also return with strong crowds and live TV coverage.
- The National Dog Show, airing immediately after the Macy’s Parade, remains a favorite for millions of viewers across the U.S.
Of course, no Thanksgiving would be complete without NFL football. The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys will host their traditional games, followed by an evening matchup that brings fans together across time zones.
Black Friday: The Day After Thanksgiving
The day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday, the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. Stores like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy are preparing early deals both in-store and online, while many shoppers plan their gift lists weeks in advance.
Retailers are increasingly blending in-store experiences with online sales, ensuring customers can shop however they prefer. In 2025, Cyber Monday — held on December 1 — is expected to set new online sales records once again.
While Black Friday is often associated with crowds and doorbusters, it has also evolved into a day for family-friendly shopping and early holiday cheer.
Thanksgiving’s True Spirit
Beyond the food and festivities, Thanksgiving is about gratitude — pausing to appreciate family, friends, and community. Across the country, volunteers will spend the day serving meals at shelters, organizing food drives, and supporting neighbors in need.
Many families also use the long weekend to decorate for Christmas, watch classic holiday movies, or enjoy outdoor traditions like Turkey Trots and backyard football games.
Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube will once again fill with festive recipes, home décor ideas, and creative ways to express gratitude in 2025.
Thanksgiving Dates for the Next Five Years
Planning ahead? Here’s when Thanksgiving will fall in the coming years:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | November 27 |
| 2026 | November 26 |
| 2027 | November 25 |
| 2028 | November 23 |
| 2029 | November 22 |
The holiday always lands between November 22 and November 28, depending on how the calendar aligns.
Celebrating Thanksgiving 2025
As Thanksgiving 2025 approaches, millions of Americans are preparing to travel, cook, and gather with loved ones. Whether it’s a traditional family feast, a “Friendsgiving” potluck, or a quiet day of reflection, the heart of the holiday remains the same — gratitude.
It’s a reminder to slow down, look around, and appreciate the blessings of another year.
How will you be celebrating Thanksgiving 2025? Share your plans or favorite traditions in the comments and stay tuned for more holiday season updates.