How the date is set
Since a 1941 federal law, U.S. Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday in November. That puts it anywhere between November 22 and November 28. Canadian Thanksgiving is a different holiday, on the second Monday of October.
Upcoming Thanksgiving dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Thursday, November 26, 2026 |
| 2027 | Thursday, November 25, 2027 |
| 2028 | Thursday, November 23, 2028 |
| 2029 | Thursday, November 22, 2029 |
A cooking timeline
- Thawing: the USDA advises allowing about 24 hours in the refrigerator for every 4 to 5 pounds of frozen turkey, so a large bird needs several days.
- Two days out: make pie dough, cranberry sauce, and anything else that keeps.
- Thanksgiving morning: plan oven time carefully. The turkey usually takes the most of it.
On the day, use the kitchen timers to keep track of each dish.
Questions
When is Thanksgiving this year?
U.S. Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday of November. The table on this page lists the dates for the next several years.
When is Canadian Thanksgiving?
The second Monday of October. This countdown tracks U.S. Thanksgiving.
Can I put this countdown on a big screen?
Yes. Open the page on a TV, projector, or laptop and use your browser's full-screen mode. The counter keeps updating while the page is open.
More countdowns
Counting down to something else? Use the custom date countdown.