Thanksgiving 2025: Dates, Traditions, and Recipes

Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States as a national holiday on the fourth Thursday in November. In 2025, it will be observed on Thursday, November 27. The date for Thanksgiving has shifted each year since 1941, when it was officially fixed on the fourth Thursday of November.

Why the Fourth Thursday?

The choice of the fourth Thursday is often misunderstood. It is not related to the famous Pilgrim feast. Presidents Washington and Lincoln proclaimed days of Thanksgiving for reasons unrelated to that event. In fact, Native Americans had celebrated harvest festivals for centuries before the federal holiday was established. Colonial services marking harvest celebrations date back to the late 16th century, honoring a season of abundant crops.

Historical Changes to the Date

In 1939, President Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving up to the third Thursday in November to extend the holiday shopping season. This change, however, was unpopular and ultimately reversed in 1941, restoring the holiday to the fourth Thursday.

Thanksgiving in Canada

In contrast, Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. In 2025, it falls on Monday, October 13.

“The United States celebrates Thanksgiving as a national holiday on the fourth Thursday in November.”

“President Roosevelt changed Thanksgiving from the fourth Thursday to the third Thursday in November in 1939. However, this was not a very popular move.”

Author’s summary: Thanksgiving’s date and traditions reflect a complex history of harvest celebrations and presidential decisions, distinguishing U.S. customs from Canadian ones.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac — 2025-11-06