Thanksgiving (US) 2026 — How Many Days Until Thanksgiving (US)?

Name: Thanksgiving (US)
Location: United States

About Thanksgiving (US)

Thanksgiving is one of America's most beloved national holidays, observed on the fourth Thursday of November. It originated with a three-day harvest feast held in 1621 between the Wampanoag people and the English Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony — a meal that has since become the symbolic foundation of the holiday. Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 during the Civil War, as a day of unity and gratitude.

The centrepiece of Thanksgiving is the family meal: roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie appear on virtually every American table. It is consistently the most-travelled holiday weekend in the US, with over 50 million people taking trips. The day before Thanksgiving — informally known as "Blackout Wednesday" — is the busiest night for bars in the country.

The day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday — the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, held annually in New York City since 1924, is watched by around 50 million viewers and features giant character balloons, floats, and live performances.

Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November every year in the United States
Around 46 million turkeys are consumed in the US on Thanksgiving each year
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been held every year since 1924 (except 1942–1944)
The day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day in the US
Canada celebrates its own Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Thanksgiving in the US?

US Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November every year. In 2026 that is 26 November.

Is Thanksgiving a public holiday?

Yes — Thanksgiving is a federal public holiday in the United States. Most businesses, schools, and government offices close. Many also close on the Friday after.

Why is turkey the traditional Thanksgiving food?

Turkey became the centrepiece of Thanksgiving partly because it was practical — large enough to feed many guests — and partly from historical accounts of the 1621 Plymouth feast. It was cemented by Sarah Josepha Hale's campaign and Lincoln's proclamation.

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving and the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season. It is one of the busiest shopping days of the year in the US, with major sales both in-store and online.