Thanksgiving 2025: The History, Meaning, and Date Behind America’s Beloved Holiday
So, as we get closer to the end of the year, one of the most anticipated holidays in the United States is about to make its way onto the calendar — Thanksgiving. And if you’re already thinking about turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and that irresistible pumpkin pie, here’s something to keep in mind: Thanksgiving 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27 .
Now, for anyone wondering — yes, Thanksgiving always lands on the fourth Thursday of November. That means the exact date shifts from year to year. It can fall as early as November 22 or as late as November 28, but never beyond that. In fact, by law, Thanksgiving can’t happen on the 29th or 30th. This year’s date is pretty late in the month, though not the latest possible.
The tradition of Thanksgiving runs deep in American history. It all started way back in 1621 , when the Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts, shared a harvest feast with the Wampanoag people. It was a celebration of survival, gratitude, and community — lasting three days! That event would later inspire what we know today as Thanksgiving.
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Fast-forward to 1789, when George Washington proclaimed the first official national day of Thanksgiving, calling it a “Day of Publick Thanksgivin.” But back then, the date wasn’t fixed — states celebrated on different days, and sometimes even in different months. It wasn’t until 1863 , during the height of the Civil War, that Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving an official national holiday, setting it for the last Thursday of November. His goal was to bring unity and healing to a divided nation.
Then came Franklin D. Roosevelt , who in 1939 decided to move Thanksgiving one week earlier to give retailers a longer Christmas shopping season — a controversial move at the time. Some states followed the new date, while others stuck to the old one, creating a strange two-Thanksgiving situation. Finally, in 1941 , Congress settled the matter by passing a law that permanently placed Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November , just as it remains today.
Beyond the history, Thanksgiving has evolved into a day that celebrates not just harvest and gratitude but also family, peace, and togetherness. According to Encyclopedia Britannica , it now symbolizes intercultural harmony and the importance of home and family.
Travel-wise, the holiday is famously one of the busiest travel periods of the year . Last year, over 79 million Americans were on the move for Thanksgiving, and this year is expected to be no different. For states like Delaware and much of the Northeast, forecasts suggest chilly but mostly clear weather — perfect for cozy gatherings and, of course, watching NFL games after dinner.
So whether you’re traveling across the country or just across town, Thanksgiving 2025 will once again be a moment for reflection, gratitude, and a hearty feast. Mark your calendars for November 27 — and maybe start planning that menu now!
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