URGENT UPDATE: Thanksgiving will be celebrated on November 27 this year, marking the second-latest date possible for the holiday. As Halloween festivities wrap up, many are already looking ahead, and this year’s Thanksgiving feels especially distant.
This holiday’s late arrival means families will have to wait longer for their traditional turkey dinners and festive gatherings. The last time Thanksgiving fell this late was in 2024, when it landed on November 28. However, the earliest Thanksgiving can occur is November 22, a date we won’t see again until 2029.
Why does Thanksgiving shift so dramatically on the calendar? The holiday’s date is tied to the fourth Thursday of November, a decision cemented by Congress in 1941. The fluctuating dates throughout history stem from various proclamations by U.S. presidents since the holiday’s inception in 1789.
“Thanksgiving has a long and varied history, with dates changing based on presidential proclamations,” said a representative from The Center for Legislative Archives.
Initially proclaimed by President George Washington on November 26, Thanksgiving saw different dates over the years, including proclamations from President James Madison on September 9, 1813, and March 16, 1815. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln standardized the holiday to the last Thursday of November. Still, in 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it to the second-to-last Thursday to extend the Christmas shopping season during the Great Depression.
While some states adopted FDR’s new date, others resisted, leading to a split until Congress officially established the fourth Thursday as the Thanksgiving date in 1941. This year’s late Thanksgiving means families will have to wait longer to gather, share meals, and express gratitude.
Looking ahead, Thanksgiving 2025 will occur on an earlier date of November 26, providing a slight relief for those eager for the holiday spirit. Stay tuned for more updates on Thanksgiving celebrations and holiday deals as the date approaches!
