When Is Thanksgiving 2025? Exact Date, History, and Must-Know Travel Deals

Thanksgiving 2025: the exact date and why it changes Thanksgiving in the United States always lands on the fourth Thursday of November, a rule set by Congress in 1941. In 2025 that places the holiday on Thursday, November 27 — giving Americans a long weekend that runs from Thursday through Sunday for travel, feasting and retail events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Quick date checklist • Thanksgiving 2024: Thursday, November 28 • Thanksgiving 2025: Thursday, November 27 • Thanksgiving 2026: Thursday, November 26 Why the date matters this year Because November 2025 begins on a Saturday, the fourth Thursday arrives later in the month than usual. That means a shorter window between Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping deadlines—something retailers, travelers and hosts should factor into their planning. Countdown and travel planning tips • Book flights and rail tickets at least six weeks out; airfare searches show the Tuesday before Thanksgiving as the most expensive day to depart. • Expect peak highway congestion from 2-7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26. Consider leaving before dawn or after 8 p.m. to avoid gridlock. • If you’re hosting, reserve fresh turkeys by November 20; grocery data from past years shows sell-outs begin the weekend before the holiday. Key traditions to schedule • Wednesday night “Friendsgiving” gatherings continue to surge, especially among Gen Z. Plan headcounts early. • NFL triple-header: Lions in the early slot, Cowboys in the late afternoon, and the NFL’s primetime game—times will be confirmed in April 2025 schedules. • Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade steps off at 8:30 a.m. ET in New York City; network coverage begins an hour earlier for pre-parade performances. Canadian vs. U.S. Thanksgiving Don’t mix up the holidays if you’re coordinating international teams. Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October—October 13 in 2025—so cross-border colleagues will not share the November break. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) What is the formula for the Thanksgiving date? Count four Thursdays from November 1; the fourth one is Thanksgiving. How often does Thanksgiving fall on November 27? It repeats on a five-, six- or eleven-year cycle depending on leap years; after 2025, the next November 27 Thanksgiving will be in 2031. Is Friday, November 28, 2025 a federal holiday? No, but many government offices and private employers offer the day off as a courtesy; check your workplace calendar. When should I mail holiday packages? The U.S. Postal Service recommends shipping standard-ground parcels by December 11 for Christmas arrival in 2025. Because Thanksgiving is late this year, that leaves only two full weeks between the holidays. Bottom line Searches spike every autumn for “When is Thanksgiving?”—and in 2025 the answer is Thursday, November 27. Mark the date now so you can grab the best airfares, secure a turkey that fits your oven, and lock in PTO before everyone else does.