How many days until Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving 2026 is on Thursday, November 26, 2026. The live countdown below updates every second, and the planning timeline after it shows exactly what to do each week so dinner day feels calm instead of rushed.
When is Thanksgiving 2026?
In the United States, Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday of November. In 2026 that is November 26. Many people also get Friday, November 27 off, which makes it a four-day weekend.
Thanksgiving countdown by month
| Date | Days until Thanksgiving |
|---|---|
| October 18, 2026 | 39 days |
| October 31, 2026 | 26 days |
| November 1, 2026 | 25 days |
| November 12, 2026 | 14 days (two weeks) |
| November 19, 2026 | 7 days (one week) |
| November 25, 2026 | 1 day |
Thanksgiving dates for the next 5 years
| Year | U.S. Thanksgiving | Canadian Thanksgiving |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Thursday, November 26 | Monday, October 12 |
| 2027 | Thursday, November 25 | Monday, October 11 |
| 2028 | Thursday, November 23 | Monday, October 9 |
| 2029 | Thursday, November 22 | Monday, October 8 |
| 2030 | Thursday, November 28 | Monday, October 14 |
Week-by-week Thanksgiving planning timeline
5–6 weeks before (mid-October)
- Decide who is hosting and send invitations.
- Ask about allergies and diets (vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free).
- Book travel if you are flying — Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel times of the year.
4 weeks before
- Plan the menu and choose who brings which dish.
- Order a fresh or heritage turkey if you want one.
- Check you have enough chairs, plates and serving dishes.
3 weeks before
- Buy pantry items: flour, sugar, stock, canned pumpkin, cranberries, spices.
- Plan table decor and buy candles, napkins and a centerpiece.
2 weeks before
- Make freezer-friendly dishes: pie dough, rolls, soups.
- Clean out the fridge to make space.
1 week before
- Buy a frozen turkey now — it needs about 24 hours in the fridge for every 4–5 pounds to thaw.
- Write a cooking schedule for the big day.
2–3 days before
- Start thawing the turkey (if not already), shop for fresh produce and make cranberry sauce.
- Set the table the night before.
Thanksgiving Day
- Put the turkey in the oven first, then bake sides while it rests.
- Take a moment to say thanks — our Thanksgiving prayers are short enough to read at the table.
Fun things to do while you wait
- Plan a Friendsgiving with friends the weekend before.
- Choose your Thanksgiving captions for photos.
- Send early Thanksgiving wishes to family far away.
- Read the full Thanksgiving 2026 guide for the long weekend dates.
FAQ
How many days until Thanksgiving 2026?
Use the live counter at the top of this page. From November 1, 2026 there are 25 days left.
Is Thanksgiving always on a Thursday?
Yes. U.S. Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November, so the date changes each year.
Is the day after Thanksgiving a holiday?
It is not a federal holiday, but many employers and schools give the Friday off. It is also Black Friday, one of the biggest shopping days of the year.
How many weeks until Thanksgiving?
Divide the days on the counter by seven. In mid-October there are about five and a half weeks to go.
