Thanksgiving FAQ
Quick answers to the most-asked questions about the holiday.
Thanksgiving 2026 falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year in the United States.
Congress fixed the date in 1941 to give retailers more shopping days before Christmas. Before that, the holiday floated on the last Thursday of the month.
Thanksgiving traces to a 1621 harvest feast shared by Pilgrims and the Wampanoag at Plymouth Colony. It became a national holiday in 1863 when Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a day of thanks.
A traditional Thanksgiving dinner centers on roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and pie — often pumpkin, pecan, or apple.
Turkey was a practical choice: large enough to feed a crowd, native to North America, and affordable. By the 19th century it had become the holiday's iconic centerpiece.
Roast a turkey at 325°F (165°C) for about 13–15 minutes per pound, until a thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C). A 12 lb bird takes roughly 3 hours; a smoked turkey takes 6–7 hours.
Classic Thanksgiving side dishes include mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, dinner rolls, and roasted Brussels sprouts.
Start with a make-ahead menu: a simple roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing from a mix upgraded with fresh herbs, canned-then-doctored cranberry sauce, and a store-bought pumpkin pie. Prep as much as possible the day before.
Yes. Canada celebrates its own Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October. Similar harvest festivals exist worldwide, including Germany's Erntedankfest and Japan's Labor Thanksgiving Day.
An annual parade in New York City since 1924, featuring giant character balloons, floats, marching bands, and musical performers — a kickoff to the holiday season.
Forage branches, gourds, and leaves; use candles and a runner you already own; print free printable Thanksgiving place cards and a banner; and repurpose white mini pumpkins as a centerpiece.
Thanksgiving crafts for preschoolers (handprint turkeys, leaf rubbings), free printable Thanksgiving coloring pages, a gratitude jar, a backyard touch-football game, and simple Thanksgiving games for all ages.