🦃 Thanksgiving Countdown
November 26, 2026
About Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a federal holiday observed on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. Its origins trace to a three-day harvest feast shared in autumn 1621 between the Plymouth colonists (Pilgrims) and the Wampanoag people, though historians note the modern holiday bears little resemblance to that original event. For more than two centuries, Thanksgiving was celebrated inconsistently across different states and at different times of year. It was Abraham Lincoln who proclaimed a national Thanksgiving holiday in 1863, during the Civil War, partly in response to a decades-long campaign by writer and editor Sarah Josepha Hale. In 1941, Congress officially set the date as the fourth Thursday of November.
Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving is the most traveled holiday in America — more Americans journey home for Thanksgiving than for any other holiday. The traditional feast centers on roast turkey (about 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving each year), alongside stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, held annually since 1924, draws millions of spectators and is broadcast nationally. NFL football has been a Thanksgiving tradition since 1920. Many Americans close out the day with Black Friday prep and the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Thanksgiving?
In the United States, Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday of November. In Canada, Thanksgiving falls on the second Monday of October. The countdown above reflects the US date.
What is the history of Thanksgiving?
The modern Thanksgiving traces to a 1621 harvest feast between Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag people. President Lincoln proclaimed it a national holiday in 1863. In 1941, Congress established it permanently as the fourth Thursday of November.
Why do we eat turkey on Thanksgiving?
Turkey became the centerpiece of Thanksgiving largely due to its size (enough to feed a crowd), availability in autumn, and cultural reinforcement through 19th-century writings. Alexander Hamilton called turkey the most respectable dish that could be served. Today, about 46 million turkeys are eaten each Thanksgiving in the US.
What is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual tradition in New York City, held every Thanksgiving morning since 1924. It features large character balloons, floats, marching bands, and celebrity performances. It is one of the world's largest parades, drawing about 3.5 million spectators and 50 million television viewers.
Is Thanksgiving always on the same date?
No -- it falls on a different date each year because it is tied to the fourth Thursday of November, not a fixed calendar date. It can fall anywhere between November 22 and November 28. The countdown above always shows the correct date for the current or next occurrence.
What are traditional Thanksgiving foods?
The classic Thanksgiving meal typically includes roast turkey, stuffing (or dressing), cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes with gravy, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie for dessert. Regional variations are common -- cornbread stuffing in the South, tamales in parts of the Southwest.