Thanksgiving 2025 in the USA falls on Thursday, November 27th — which is exactly 140 days away from today, July 9th, 2025.
Mark your calendar and start planning your holiday travel and celebrations now!
Thanksgiving is one of the most anticipated holidays in the United States. Whether you’re coordinating family plans, booking flights, or just curious how close it is, you’re not alone in wondering, “How many days until Thanksgiving 2025 in USA?” With school breaks, packed airports, and big feasts on the horizon, timing really matters.
The good news? You’re in the perfect place to get a clear countdown, plus helpful tips to make this holiday stress-free. From key dates and historical context to travel tips and fun trivia, we’ve got you covered. Let’s walk through everything step by step—starting with the exact date and how it’s calculated each year.
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Contents
Thanksgiving 2025 Countdown: How Many Days Left?
As of today, July 9th, 2025, there are 140 days left until Thanksgiving Day, which will be observed on Thursday, November 27th, 2025.
This day changes each year because Thanksgiving in the USA is always celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. That’s why the exact date can shift between November 23 and 29.
If you’re planning family visits, road trips, or holiday shopping, it’s smart to keep this countdown in mind. Booking flights or hotels early can save money and reduce stress. According to AAA Travel, Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest times of the year for road and air travel in the U.S.
To stay on track, consider adding a countdown timer to your calendar or using a holiday planning app. This way, you’ll know exactly how much time you have left to prepare.
When is Thanksgiving 2025 in the USA?
Official Date
Thanksgiving Day in 2025 will be on Thursday, November 27. It is a federal holiday in the United States, meaning most government offices, schools, and businesses will be closed. Families across the country gather to share meals and give thanks, often kicking off the holiday season that leads into Christmas and New Year.
Here’s a quick look at the upcoming Thanksgiving dates for the next few years:
| Year | Thanksgiving Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Thursday, November 27 |
| 2026 | Thursday, November 26 |
| 2027 | Thursday, November 25 |
| 2028 | Thursday, November 23 |
| 2029 | Thursday, November 22 |
You can also check the official federal holiday list from USA.gov for updated information.
Number of Days Remaining
As mentioned above, Thanksgiving 2025 is 140 days away from today. Whether you’re waiting to see family, enjoy a break from school, or simply feast on turkey and pie, knowing the countdown helps you prepare.
Keep in mind that many people start celebrating the whole week, especially if they travel far. That means planning should begin well before the actual Thursday. Travel experts at Travel + Leisure suggest making bookings at least two months in advance to get the best deals.
Why Do We Celebrate Thanksgiving?
Historical Background
Thanksgiving has deep roots in American history, dating back to 1621 when Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people shared a meal in Plymouth Colony. They came together to give thanks for a successful harvest. This event is often seen as the first Thanksgiving, though the idea of giving thanks was practiced in many cultures long before.
The holiday became official much later. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared a national day of Thanksgiving during the Civil War. You can read his original proclamation in the U.S. National Archives.
Since then, Americans have marked this day to show gratitude, enjoy time with loved ones, and reflect on the year.
How the Date Is Chosen
Thanksgiving does not have a fixed calendar date. Instead, it’s set as the fourth Thursday in November. This rule was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941, after Congress passed a bill to make the date official. This move aimed to extend the holiday shopping season during the Great Depression.
Here’s how it works:
- If November starts on a Thursday, Thanksgiving will fall on the 28th.
- If November starts on a Friday, the earliest possible Thanksgiving is the 23rd.
This flexible date system helps balance travel and school schedules while keeping the tradition alive every year.
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What Happens on Thanksgiving in the U.S.?
Traditions
Thanksgiving is filled with warm traditions that bring families and communities together. The most common is the Thanksgiving dinner, where people share roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and other seasonal favorites. For many, it’s the biggest meal of the year.
Families also go around the table sharing what they’re thankful for. This simple tradition helps people reflect on the good things in life, big or small.
Another big part of Thanksgiving is volunteering. Many Americans help serve meals at shelters or donate food to local drives. The Feeding America network plays a huge role in helping communities during the holiday.
Parade and Football
Two more popular traditions are parades and football. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is a national favorite. Millions of people watch it live or on TV. It features giant balloons, marching bands, and performances. You can stream it directly via NBC.com.
NFL games are also a major part of the day. The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving, and fans gather to cheer for their teams while enjoying leftovers.
Common Foods
Thanksgiving food varies by family and region, but some dishes are nearly universal. Here’s a list of the most common items on the table:
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Roast Turkey | The main centerpiece, often oven-baked or deep-fried |
| Stuffing | Bread-based mixture, cooked inside or outside the turkey |
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy and buttery side, often with gravy |
| Cranberry Sauce | Tart and sweet, a perfect balance to savory dishes |
| Pumpkin Pie | A must-have dessert with cinnamon and nutmeg |
| Green Bean Casserole | A classic veggie dish with fried onions |
Travel Tips for Thanksgiving 2025
Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel times in the U.S. Roads, airports, and train stations see a big spike in traffic. But a little planning can help you avoid the worst delays.
When to Book Flights
Experts from The Points Guy recommend booking Thanksgiving flights by early September for the best prices. Last-minute deals are rare during this high-demand period.
Flying on Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving can be less crowded and cheaper than traveling the day before (Wednesday). Return trips on Friday or the following Tuesday tend to be smoother.
Traffic Patterns
If you’re driving, avoid Wednesday afternoon and Sunday evening, which are peak hours for road travel. Apps like Google Maps and Waze offer live updates and alternate routes.
Try to leave early in the day or late at night to skip traffic jams. Also, check local weather forecasts at Weather.com to prepare for snow or rain delays.
Planning early helps you enjoy more of the holiday and less of the hassle.
Thanksgiving 2025 Fun Facts and Trivia
Thanksgiving is full of fun facts that might surprise you. Here are a few to share around the dinner table:
- 46 million turkeys are eaten in the U.S. each Thanksgiving, according to USDA data.
- The first Macy’s parade in 1924 included zoo animals like camels and elephants.
- TV dinners were invented because of Thanksgiving leftovers. In 1953, a company had too much turkey and packed it into trays—creating the first frozen meal.
- Black Friday, the shopping day after Thanksgiving, got its name from police describing the heavy crowds.
- The Presidential Turkey Pardon is a real event. Every year, the U.S. president “pardons” a turkey so it doesn’t end up on the dinner table.
These fun tidbits add more flavor to the holiday and make great conversation starters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thanksgiving always on a Thursday?
Yes, Thanksgiving is always celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. This has been the official rule since 1941, set by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Roosevelt.
Is Thanksgiving a public holiday?
Yes, Thanksgiving is a federal holiday in the United States. That means schools, banks, government offices, and many private businesses are closed. Some stores stay open, especially for early Black Friday sales.
What are the best ways to plan for Thanksgiving?
Start early! Book your flights and hotels by September, create a meal plan in October, and shop for non-perishables by mid-November. Don’t forget to check for weather and travel updates.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving 2025 in the USA will be on Thursday, November 27, and it’s only 140 days away. Now is the perfect time to plan your trip, book tickets, and start thinking about your favorite dishes.
This guide gave you everything you need to stay ahead—from the countdown and date rules to travel tips, traditions, and even trivia. Whether you’re hosting or visiting, this Thanksgiving can be your smoothest and most meaningful yet.
Don’t forget to check back for updates, and feel free to bookmark this page as your go-to Thanksgiving planner.