Thanksgiving Day 2026

Learn about Thanksgiving Day 2026 in United States, including its date, history, significance, observances, activities, and long weekend.

Thanksgiving Day

Thursday, November 26, 2026 Bank Holiday

This is a bank holiday. Banking and public services may follow a holiday schedule.

Overview

Thanksgiving Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the fourth Thursday of November. It grew from harvest and religious thanksgiving traditions and is now centered on shared meals, family and community gatherings, gratitude, and charitable service.

Also known as: Thanksgiving
Observed by: United States
Type: Bank Holiday
Celebrations: Shared meals, Family gatherings, Community service, Parades
2026 Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026

Explore the day

A closer look at Thanksgiving Day

Origins and National Development Thanksgiving grew from harvest and religious thanksgiving traditions. A 1621 harvest gathering between English colonists and the Wampanoag is part of the national narrative. Following various presidential proclamations, including Abraham Lincoln's 1863 proclamation, Congress established the federal holiday on the fourth Thursday of November in 1941. Read the history Meals, Service, and Reflection The holiday is shaped by family meals, community service, and religious observance. Many households participate in secular traditions like televised parades and football. Observances also include travel, regional food traditions, and historical reflection through museums and tribal educators regarding Wampanoag history and colonialism. See the traditions Gather, Serve, and Learn People often engage in family visits, community meals, and autumn outings. You can support local food programs by donating items or volunteering. Meaningful gatherings may include gratitude practices, games, or shared stories. Using Wampanoag-led resources also helps provide context for the 1621 gathering. Explore ideas

Related Holidays

View all holidays in November

Common questions

Thanksgiving Day FAQ

Clear answers about the date, meaning, and observance.

When is Thanksgiving Day in 2026?

Thanksgiving Day in 2026 is Thursday, November 26, 2026.

Did Thanksgiving begin in 1621?

The 1621 Plymouth harvest gathering became part of the national story, but thanksgiving and harvest traditions have a broader and more complex history.

When was the federal date established?

Congress set Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November in 1941.

How do people observe Thanksgiving?

Many gather for meals, travel to see family or friends, volunteer, watch parades or sports, and reflect on gratitude and history.