Thanksgiving 2025 is one of the most cherished annual celebrations in the United States. The day brings millions together for family gatherings, travel, and traditional meals. While modern celebrations include streaming holiday specials and preparing for Black Friday shopping, the heart of Thanksgiving remains rooted in gratitude and togetherness.
What Is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a harvest-inspired celebration recognized as a National Holiday in the United States. It centers on giving thanks for blessings, family, and community. Historically, its origins date back to early gatherings between English settlers and Indigenous communities. Over the centuries, it evolved into a nationwide observance marked by feasting, reflection, and cultural traditions. For many today, Thanksgiving represents a moment to pause, reconnect with loved ones, and acknowledge the positive moments and challenges of the year.
When Is Thanksgiving in 2025?
In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year. In 2025, the holiday falls on Thursday, November 27th, 2025. The weekday-based rule means the date changes annually but always remains within the last full week of November.
Is Thanksgiving a Federal Holiday?
Yes. Thanksgiving is a federally recognized National Holiday. Federal offices, schools, banks, and most businesses close for the day. In recent years, more major retailers have also opted to remain closed on Thanksgiving, allowing employees to spend time with their families.
When Did Thanksgiving Become a National Holiday?
Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. Later, in 1941, U.S. Congress established the official date as the fourth Thursday of November, a rule still followed today.
Why Do We Celebrate Thanksgiving?
Americans celebrate Thanksgiving for several reasons:
- To express gratitude for the year’s blessings
- To honor early harvest traditions and historic observances
- To spend quality time with family and friends
- To enjoy traditional meals and shared cultural practices
- To participate in charitable activities and community service
Over time, Thanksgiving has also become a moment of reflection on American history, including the experiences and challenges of Indigenous communities, while still emphasizing gratitude and unity.
How Americans Celebrate Thanksgiving 2025
Americans celebrate Thanksgiving 2025 through a mix of long-standing traditions and modern habits:
- Traditional dinner: Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and seasonal pies are central to the holiday meal.
- Parades and TV specials: Many families enjoy Thanksgiving Day parades, holiday movies, and classic animated specials.
- Football games: Watching professional and college football has been a Thanksgiving tradition for decades.
- Travel: Millions travel across the country to spend the holiday with family, making it one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
- Community service: Food drives, soup kitchens, and volunteer events play a major role in Thanksgiving activities.
- Black Friday preparation: Many people use the day to plan or begin holiday shopping, though most major stores remain closed until Friday.
Key Detail
- Date: Thursday, November 27th, 2025
- Status: Federal National Holiday
- Purpose: Gratitude, family gatherings, cultural traditions, and community service
- Rule: Always observed on the fourth Thursday of November
Disclaimer
The information provided is based on commonly observed practices, historical records, and publicly available data. Holiday traditions may vary by household, region, and community. Readers should check local schedules for event-specific updates.
FAQs
Q1. When is the holiday of Thanksgiving 2025?
Thanksgiving 2025 will be observed on Thursday, November 27th, 2025, following the rule that it falls on the fourth Thursday of November.
Q2. Is Thanksgiving 2025 a National Holiday?
Yes. Thanksgiving is a federal National Holiday, meaning government offices, banks, schools, and most businesses will be closed.
Q3. How do Americans celebrate Thanksgiving 2025?
Most Americans celebrate with a traditional meal, family gatherings, parades, football, travel, and charitable activities. Many also use the day to reflect on gratitude and the meaning of the holiday.
