Thanksgiving Day 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
It is observed every year in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November, a tradition dating back to the early 17th century. The next day, Black Friday (November 28, 2025), unofficially kicks off the Christmas shopping season across the country.
What Is Thanksgiving Day?
Thanksgiving is one of the most cherished festivals in the United States, symbolizing gratitude, family togetherness, and sharing. Originally a harvest festival, it began as a way to thank God for the bounty of the season and the blessings of the past year.
Today, Thanksgiving transcends religious boundaries — it’s about pausing life’s rush, expressing thankfulness for what we have, and spending meaningful time with loved ones.
Families gather around tables filled with turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. From football games to festive parades, the spirit of Thanksgiving is woven deeply into American culture.
History of Thanksgiving Day
The First Thanksgiving (1621)
The origins of Thanksgiving date back to 1621, when the Pilgrims from England, who had settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, shared a feast with the Wampanoag Native Americans. This meal was held to celebrate the first successful harvest after a harsh winter.
The event lasted for three days and featured roasted fowl, venison, and various vegetables — far from the modern turkey dinner but rooted in gratitude and unity.
Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln (1863)
While several colonies and states celebrated Thanksgiving intermittently, it was President Abraham Lincoln who declared it a national holiday in 1863. Amid the Civil War, he proclaimed a day of “Thanksgiving and Praise” to heal the nation’s divisions.
Since then, Thanksgiving has been celebrated every year in the United States, officially on the fourth Thursday of November, following a law signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941.
Significance of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving stands as a reminder of the power of gratitude — not just for abundance and food, but for relationships, resilience, and peace.
It teaches values of:
- Gratitude: A moment to appreciate blessings, both big and small.
- Togetherness: Strengthening bonds among family and friends.
- Sharing & Generosity: Donating food, volunteering, and supporting the less fortunate.
- Reflection: Looking back at the year’s journey with humility and hope.
The holiday reminds people to pause, disconnect from chaos, and reconnect with what truly matters — thankfulness, compassion, and unity.
Traditional Thanksgiving Foods
No Thanksgiving is complete without its feast — a hearty meal symbolizing prosperity and community.
Here’s what typically graces a Thanksgiving table:
- Roast Turkey: The centerpiece of every dinner; often stuffed and roasted.
- Mashed Potatoes & Gravy: Comforting and creamy side dish.
- Cranberry Sauce: A tangy balance to the rich flavors of the meal.
- Stuffing (or Dressing): A mixture of bread, herbs, and spices baked inside or alongside the turkey.
- Sweet Potatoes or Yams: Often baked with marshmallows or brown sugar.
- Pumpkin Pie: The classic dessert, symbolizing the fall harvest.
Over the years, Thanksgiving menus have evolved with regional variations — from deep-fried turkeys in the South to vegetarian and vegan feasts in modern households.
How Thanksgiving Is Celebrated
1. Family Gatherings and Feasts
Families reunite, sometimes traveling hundreds of miles, to share a meal and memories. The dinner table becomes the heart of the celebration.
2. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Held annually in New York City, the parade features giant balloons, floats, marching bands, and celebrity performances. It’s watched by millions both on-site and on television.
3. Football and Festive Entertainment
Thanksgiving Day football games are a beloved tradition — both professional NFL games and friendly backyard matches.
4. Volunteering and Charity
Many people mark the day by serving food at shelters, donating to food banks, or hosting community meals.
5. Black Friday Shopping
The day after Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday shopping season, with stores offering massive discounts — both in-store and online.
Thanksgiving Celebrations Around the World
While Thanksgiving is primarily an American and Canadian tradition, similar harvest festivals exist worldwide:
- Canada: Celebrated on the second Monday of October to give thanks for a successful harvest.
- Germany: Erntedankfest, a Christian harvest festival held in early October.
- Japan: Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro Kansha no Hi), celebrated on November 23, honors hard work and community gratitude.
- Liberia: Celebrated on the first Thursday of November, inspired by freed American slaves who settled there.
These variations may differ in rituals and origins, but they all share a common theme thankfulness for blessings and abundance.
Modern Thanksgiving: Evolving with Time
In recent years, Thanksgiving has taken on new dimensions:
- Families are becoming more inclusive, celebrating “Friendsgiving” — a casual gathering with friends before or after the main day.
- Many households are adopting eco-friendly celebrations, reducing food waste, and using sustainable decor.
- Digital-age gratitude challenges and online “thanks posts” are now part of modern culture.
Despite the evolution, the essence remains timeless — gratitude, reflection, and love.
Thanksgiving Quotes & Wishes
Inspirational Quotes:
- “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”
- “Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness and gratitude.” – Nigel Hamilton
- “There is always something to be thankful for.”
Wishes to Share:
- “May your Thanksgiving table be filled with love, laughter, and delicious food.”
- “Wishing you a harvest of blessings and heartfelt gratitude this Thanksgiving.”
- “Happy Thanksgiving! May you always find reasons to smile and be thankful.”
Thanksgiving 2025 Summary
| Event | Details |
| Date | Thursday, November 27, 2025 |
| Observed In | United States (and globally in different forms) |
| Origin Year | 1621 |
| Declared National Holiday | 1863 (by Abraham Lincoln) |
| Primary Traditions | Family feasts, gratitude, parades, charity, football, and Black Friday shopping. |
Conclusion: The True Spirit of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day is far more than just a grand feast — it’s a celebration of life, love, and gratitude. In a world often filled with hurry, Thanksgiving invites us to slow down, cherish what we have, and give thanks.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day 2025, may we remember its essence:
To appreciate, to share, and to give — not just on one day, but every day.
Happy Thanksgiving 2025!
