Thanksgiving Day
Gather with family and friends to give thanks on Thanksgiving Day! This beloved American holiday is all about gratitude, delicious food, and spending quality time with loved ones. From the traditional turkey dinner to football games and parades, Thanksgiving brings communities together to celebrate the blessings in our lives. Discover new recipes, learn about the holiday's history, and create lasting memories.
About Thanksgiving Day
Gather with family and friends to give thanks on Thanksgiving Day! This beloved American holiday is all about gratitude, delicious food, and spending quality time with loved ones. From the traditional turkey dinner to football games and parades, Thanksgiving brings communities together to celebrate the blessings in our lives. Discover new recipes, learn about the holiday's history, and create lasting memories.
History & origins
Thanksgiving Day is an American holiday rooted in harvest celebrations that are often traced to a 1621 feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag. The modern national holiday was formalized in the United States in 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a yearly Thanksgiving during the Civil War. Earlier Thanksgiving proclamations also appeared in the U.S., including one issued by George Washington in 1789.
Why it matters
Thanksgiving Day remains one of the most important U.S. family holidays because it centers gratitude, shared meals, and time with loved ones. It also has major cultural and economic impact through travel, grocery spending, football, and events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, while many communities use the day to volunteer or support food banks.
How to celebrate
Prepare a traditional Thanksgiving feast with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Go around the table and share what you're grateful for this year. Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade or football games. Volunteer at a local food bank or homeless shelter. Take a family walk or play outdoor games together. Send thank-you notes to people who have made a difference in your life.
Facts
- The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 and lasted three days
- Americans eat about 46 million turkeys on Thanksgiving
- The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade started in 1924
- Thanksgiving became a national holiday in 1863 when Abraham Lincoln declared it
- The average Thanksgiving meal contains about 3,000 calories
Upcoming dates
- Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Friday, November 26, 2027
- Sunday, November 26, 2028
- Monday, November 26, 2029
- Tuesday, November 26, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is Thanksgiving Day in 2026?
Thanksgiving Day in 2026 is on Thursday, November 26, 2026. In the United States, it falls on the fourth Thursday in November each year.
What is Thanksgiving Day?
Thanksgiving Day is a U.S. holiday focused on giving thanks, sharing a meal, and spending time with family and friends. It is commonly associated with turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, parades, and football.
Who started Thanksgiving Day?
There is no single founder of Thanksgiving Day. The holiday’s roots are in early colonial harvest celebrations, and President Abraham Lincoln later made it a nationwide annual observance in 1863.
How do people celebrate Thanksgiving Day?
People usually celebrate with a holiday meal, time with family, and gratitude traditions such as sharing what they are thankful for. Many also watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, attend football games, volunteer, or send thank-you notes.
Is Thanksgiving Day 2026 an official U.S. holiday?
Yes, Thanksgiving Day is an official U.S. federal holiday. Most federal offices, schools, and many businesses close, though essential services and many stores may still operate on modified schedules.
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