UPDATE: Thanksgiving is set to arrive on November 27 this year, marking the second-latest date in history for the holiday. As the festivities approach, many Americans are feeling the pinch of anticipation, with just weeks left until the celebration of gratitude.
Why does Thanksgiving fluctuate in timing? The holiday has a rich history, with its date shifting over the years due to various presidential proclamations. The earliest Thanksgiving can fall is November 22, a date we haven’t seen since 2018 and won’t see again until 2029.
The tradition of Thanksgiving dates back to 1789 when President George Washington established the first national day of thanks. The date of celebration has seen considerable change since then, with some years not even featuring Thanksgiving in November at all. For instance, President James Madison proclaimed Thanksgiving on September 9 in 1813 and March 16 in 1815.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared that Thanksgiving would be observed on the last Thursday of November, a practice that held until 1939. That year, President Franklin D. Roosevelt shifted the holiday to the second-to-last Thursday to extend the Christmas shopping season during the economic recovery from the Great Depression. However, this change was met with resistance; 32 states complied while 16 states kept the original date.
Finally, in 1941, the U.S. Congress officially established Thanksgiving to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November—a decision that has remained in place.
This year’s later-than-usual date adds a sense of urgency for Thanksgiving preparations. Families are already planning their festive meals and shopping for ingredients, anticipating the holidays with excitement.
Looking ahead, Thanksgiving 2025 will see a slightly earlier celebration, landing on November 26. As we embrace this year’s Thanksgiving, many will reflect on the importance of family, gratitude, and togetherness during this cherished holiday.
Stay tuned for more updates as Thanksgiving approaches, including special events and community celebrations!
