Thanksgiving is one of America’s most beloved holidays — a time to gather with family, share gratitude, and enjoy hearty meals that mark the beginning of the festive season. Beyond the delicious food and long weekend, Thanksgiving carries deep historical and cultural significance rooted in gratitude, unity, and the celebration of abundance.
If you’re wondering when Thanksgiving falls in 2025, what it stands for, and how it became such an important day, here’s everything you need to know.
When is Thanksgiving in 2025?
In 2025, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27.
By tradition, the United States observes Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November every year. This fixed scheduling ensures a long weekend for most Americans, as the following day — known as Black Friday — is also widely observed with shopping and travel activities.
The date changes slightly each year but always remains in the last week of November. In 2025, the fourth Thursday happens to be the 27th, making it the official Thanksgiving Day.
The Significance of Thanksgiving
At its heart, Thanksgiving is about gratitude. It’s a moment to pause and appreciate life’s blessings — from family, friends, and food to health, safety, and opportunity.
While it’s often symbolised by a festive feast featuring turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and cranberry sauce, the day’s true meaning lies in reflection and togetherness.
Key Themes of Thanksgiving:
- Gratitude: Taking time to appreciate what you have, big or small.
- Family and Friendship: Coming together and sharing a meal with loved ones.
- Generosity: Extending kindness, helping those in need, and volunteering.
- Harvest and Abundance: Celebrating nature’s gifts and seasonal bounty.
Over time, Thanksgiving has grown into a universal reminder to slow down, give thanks, and reconnect with one another.
The History Behind Thanksgiving
The Early Origins
The roots of Thanksgiving go back to the early 17th century. In 1621, English settlers known as the Pilgrims held a harvest feast with members of the Wampanoag tribe in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This three-day gathering celebrated the colony’s first successful harvest in the New World.
While the event is often referred to as the “First Thanksgiving,” it was not originally a national holiday — rather, it was a local harvest celebration that symbolised cooperation and gratitude after a difficult year of survival.
Becoming a National Tradition
For more than two centuries, various colonies and states held their own “days of thanksgiving” at different times. The idea of a national holiday began to take shape in the 19th century, largely thanks to Sarah Josepha Hale, an influential writer and editor who campaigned tirelessly for a unified day of thanks.
In 1863, amid the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be observed annually on the last Thursday in November. His intention was to promote unity and healing in a divided nation.
The Modern Thanksgiving Date
The tradition continued until 1941, when the U.S. Congress passed a law officially establishing Thanksgiving as a federal holiday on the fourth Thursday of November. This decision created a consistent schedule and aligned the celebration with the country’s growing emphasis on family gatherings and economic recovery after the Great Depression.
Modern Traditions and Celebrations
Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated across the United States with warmth, joy, and plenty of food. Common traditions include:
The Feast
The Thanksgiving meal is the highlight of the day. A roasted turkey typically takes centre stage, accompanied by classic side dishes such as:
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Cranberry sauce
- Stuffing or dressing
- Green bean casserole
- Sweet potatoes
- Pumpkin or pecan pie
Families often adapt their menus to include cultural or regional favourites, making every table unique.
Parades and Entertainment
Thanksgiving morning is marked by festive parades, the most famous being the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Floats, balloons, bands, and performances fill the streets while millions tune in from home.
Football and Fun
Football has become an inseparable part of Thanksgiving. The National Football League (NFL) hosts multiple games throughout the day, bringing families together for friendly rivalries and entertainment.
Acts of Kindness
Many people use the holiday to volunteer, donate to food banks, or serve meals to those in need. Thanksgiving reminds us to share our blessings with others.
Thanksgiving Beyond the U.S.
While Thanksgiving is an American tradition, several other countries celebrate similar holidays of gratitude:
- Canada observes Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October.
- Liberia celebrates it on the first Thursday of November, influenced by freed American settlers.
- In parts of Europe and the Caribbean, harvest festivals echo the spirit of giving thanks for abundance and community.
These celebrations may differ in origin and tradition, but they share the universal message of gratitude and appreciation.
The Broader Perspective
While Thanksgiving is widely cherished, it also invites reflection on its historical context. The simplified story of Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a peaceful meal overlooks centuries of hardship and displacement faced by Indigenous peoples.
For many Native American communities, the day is observed as a National Day of Mourning — a time to honour their ancestors and acknowledge historical injustices.
Recognising these perspectives adds depth to the holiday and encourages respect, awareness, and reconciliation.
Why Thanksgiving Still Matters Today
In today’s fast-paced world, Thanksgiving continues to serve an important purpose. It’s a rare moment to disconnect from routine, put aside distractions, and focus on what truly matters — gratitude, family, and togetherness.
Whether you celebrate with a large family gathering, a simple meal, or quiet reflection, the essence remains the same: to give thanks for the good in our lives.
Quick Recap: Thanksgiving 2025
- Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
- Celebrated in: The United States (and similar holidays in other countries)
- Meaning: Gratitude, unity, and harvest celebration
- Origins: Early colonial feasts, officially declared a U.S. national holiday by Abraham Lincoln in 1863
- Modern traditions: Family feasts, parades, football, and acts of giving
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving isn’t just a date on the calendar — it’s a timeless reminder to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the blessings we often overlook. As we head into the 2025 holiday season, may this Thanksgiving bring warmth, gratitude, and meaningful moments to every table.
Whether you celebrate with family, friends, or your community, remember: gratitude is the heart of Thanksgiving — and it’s something worth carrying all year long.
