Thanksgiving 2025: Dates, Traditions, and Recipes
When Is Thanksgiving Celebrated?
The United States marks Thanksgiving as a national holiday on the fourth Thursday of November each year. In 2025, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 27. This date changes annually, with the earliest possible date being November 22 and the latest November 28.
Since 1941, Thanksgiving has consistently been observed on the fourth Thursday of November. However, in 1939, President Roosevelt moved it temporarily to the third Thursday, a change that proved unpopular and was later reversed.
In contrast, Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. For 2025, Canadian Thanksgiving will be observed on Monday, October 13.
Historical Background of Thanksgiving
Contrary to some popular beliefs, Thanksgiving is not solely about the Pilgrim feast. Native Americans in North America held harvest festivals long before the establishment of the federal holiday. Records show that colonial harvest services date back to the late 16th century, celebrating crops gathered after a season of growth.
Why the Fourth Thursday?
"Why is Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November? What were the real reasons both Washington and Lincoln proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving?"
The choice of the fourth Thursday reflects historical proclamations by Presidents Washington and Lincoln, who set aside days of thanks for various reasons, not merely to commemorate the Pilgrim feast.
Summary
Thanksgiving’s date and traditions have evolved, rooted deeply in harvest celebrations predating Pilgrim tales, with the current U.S. date standardized since 1941 after a brief 1939 change faced resistance.
Author's Summary
Thanksgiving 2025 continues a long tradition of harvest gratitude established before the Pilgrims, celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November, with rich historical roots beyond popular myths.