Thanksgiving 2026: Date, History & Everything to Know
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Thanksgiving 2026 is Thursday, November 26 — the fourth Thursday of November, as fixed by Congress in 1941. It's a federal holiday: banks, post offices, and the stock market close. Black Friday follows on November 27, and Cyber Monday on November 30.
Thanksgiving is America's most traditional holiday — a day for turkey, family, and gratitude. Here's everything you need to know about Thanksgiving 2026, from the date and history to what's open and the shopping days that follow.
When Is Thanksgiving 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Thanksgiving 2026 | Thursday, November 26, 2026 |
| Black Friday 2026 | Friday, November 27, 2026 |
| Cyber Monday 2026 | Monday, November 30, 2026 |
| Next: Thanksgiving 2027 | Thursday, November 25, 2027 |
Why the Fourth Thursday of November?
The tradition traces to the 1621 Plymouth feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, during the Civil War. Congress formally fixed the date as the fourth Thursday in November in 1941 — a rule that has held ever since.
Is Thanksgiving a Federal Holiday?
- 🏛️ Closed: Federal/state offices, banks, post offices, stock markets (NYSE/NASDAQ), most schools
- 🛒 Open: Most grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, gas stations (reduced hours)
- 🏈 Traditions: NFL Thanksgiving games, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC, the White House turkey pardon
Thanksgiving Traditions
- 🦃 Roast turkey with stuffing — the centerpiece
- 🥧 Pumpkin pie for dessert
- 🥔 Sides: mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes
- 🎈 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade — New York City, broadcast nationally
- 🏈 NFL Thanksgiving games — the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys host annually
- 🦅 White House turkey pardon — the president spares a ceremonial turkey
Thanksgiving vs. Black Friday & Cyber Monday
Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday shopping season. Black Friday (Nov 27, 2026) features the biggest in-store deals of the year, and Cyber Monday (Nov 30, 2026) brings the online deals. Many retailers start their sales online on Thanksgiving evening itself.
