Thanksgiving 2025: Date, History, and Significance
Thanksgiving 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27. This traditional American holiday centers around gratitude, food, and gathering with loved ones, especially over turkey and pumpkin pie.
Origins and Evolution
Thanksgiving originated as a harvest festival, a time to express thanks for food and survival. While it historically marked a seasonal bounty, today the holiday emphasizes bringing together family, friends, and neighbors for a shared meal.
Date and Calendar
- Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday of November, never on a fixed date.
- In 2025, it lands on November 27.
- The following day is Black Friday, known as the unofficial start of the U.S. holiday shopping season.
Historical Background
The tradition is often traced back to 1621, when Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts, held a harvest celebration. By the late 1600s, many New England communities observed annual days of thanks.
George Washington called for a national Thanksgiving in 1789, but it was President Abraham Lincoln who officially established it in 1863.
Depending on the year’s calendar, Thanksgiving can fall as early as November 22 or as late as November 28.
Author’s Summary
Thanksgiving, rooted in harvest gratitude, is now a cherished celebration of family, history, and thankfulness observed every fourth Thursday of November in the U.S.