Thanksgiving 2026 in the United States is on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday of November, which in 2026 is the latest possible week — giving you a little extra time to plan. In Canada, Thanksgiving 2026 is on Monday, October 12. Here are the key dates, the long weekend schedule, the history of the holiday, and a four-week planning checklist so your Thanksgiving 2026 goes smoothly.
When Is Thanksgiving 2026?
| Country | Thanksgiving 2026 | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Thursday, November 26, 2026 | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Canada | Monday, October 12, 2026 | Second Monday in October |
Thanksgiving weekend 2026 at a glance (USA)
| Wednesday, Nov 25 | Busiest travel day; “Friendsgiving” night for many |
| Thursday, Nov 26 | Thanksgiving Day – parade, football, dinner |
| Friday, Nov 27 | Black Friday |
| Saturday, Nov 28 | Small Business Saturday |
| Monday, Nov 30 | Cyber Monday |
| Tuesday, Dec 1 | Giving Tuesday |
Thanksgiving dates for upcoming years
| Year | US Thanksgiving |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Thursday, November 26 |
| 2027 | Thursday, November 25 |
| 2028 | Thursday, November 23 |
Is Thanksgiving a Federal Holiday?
Yes. Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday in the United States, so federal offices, banks, schools and the stock market close. Many employers also give Friday off. Most shops close or open late on Thanksgiving Day itself.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2026
The parade in New York City starts on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, and is broadcast nationally. First held in 1924, the 2026 event marks a major milestone — the 100th parade (it was paused from 1942 to 1944 during World War II), so expect a special celebration with giant balloons, floats and Broadway performances.
Why Is Thanksgiving Celebrated?
- 1621: Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag people shared a harvest feast lasting three days, often called the “first Thanksgiving”.
- 1863: President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving to be held on the last Thursday of November, after a long campaign by writer Sarah Josepha Hale.
- 1939: President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it a week earlier to lengthen the holiday shopping season, a change nicknamed “Franksgiving”.
- 1941: Congress fixed Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November, where it remains.
Today the holiday is about gratitude, family and food — and, for many Native Americans, also a time of remembrance; some observe a National Day of Mourning on the same day.
Thanksgiving 2026 Planning Checklist
4 weeks before (by October 29)
- Confirm the guest list and who is hosting.
- Book flights or trains – prices climb closer to the date.
- Order a fresh or heritage turkey if you want one.
2 weeks before (by November 12)
- Plan the menu and assign potluck dishes.
- Buy non-perishables, drinks and table decor.
- Count chairs, plates and serving dishes.
Week of Thanksgiving
- Sunday/Monday: start thawing a frozen turkey in the fridge (about 24 hours per 4–5 lb).
- Tuesday: make cranberry sauce and pie crusts.
- Wednesday: bake pies, prep vegetables, set the table.
- Thursday: roast the turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F, and enjoy.
Thanksgiving Traditions to Try This Year
- Gratitude jar – everyone writes what they are thankful for and reads them at dinner.
- Turkey trot – join a local 5K on Thanksgiving morning.
- Football and the parade – NFL games have been a Thanksgiving tradition for decades.
- Say grace – a short blessing before the meal.
- Volunteer at a food bank or deliver meals.
Send greetings with our happy Thanksgiving wishes and messages, share our Thanksgiving blessings, and before then enjoy autumn with our best places to visit in October.
Thanksgiving 2026 FAQ
What date is Thanksgiving 2026?
Thursday, November 26, 2026, in the United States.
When is Canadian Thanksgiving 2026?
Monday, October 12, 2026.
Why is Thanksgiving so late in 2026?
November 1, 2026 is a Sunday, so the fourth Thursday lands on November 26 — one of the latest possible dates.
Is Black Friday 2026 on November 27?
Yes, Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving: Friday, November 27, 2026.
Read Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation and more history at the U.S. National Archives.
