When is Thanksgiving? What to Know in 2025
The November holiday is quickly approaching, offering a moment to gather with family and friends. With Halloween behind us, many are turning their attention to the next big celebration of the season — Thanksgiving.
Some people may already be decorating for Christmas and enjoying the festive winter spirit, but Thanksgiving remains an important tradition just before the December celebrations. It is a time associated with delicious food, football games, and the iconic Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade.
When Thanksgiving Falls in 2025
Thanksgiving in 2025 falls on Thursday, November 27. The holiday takes place every year on the fourth Thursday of November. It is both a state and federal public holiday, which means that most banks, government offices, and postal services will be closed across the United States.
While many retail stores close for the day, some grocery stores and essential businesses stay open. The following day, known as Black Friday, is not an official holiday, yet many people take the day off, turning it into a four-day weekend.
Historical Origins
Thanksgiving has deep roots in American history. According to the National Archives, President Abraham Lincoln officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 during the Civil War. The decision, historians note, was made to promote unity across a divided nation.
“Lincoln wasn't the first president to issue a Thanksgiving proclamation — George Washington did so in 1789.”
Modern Traditions
Over time, Thanksgiving has come to symbolize gratitude, togetherness, and national tradition, celebrated through shared meals, parades, and football gatherings across the country.
Author’s summary: Thanksgiving in 2025 falls on November 27, marking a national occasion rooted in history and cherished for its traditions of gratitude, food, and family connection.