UPDATE: Thanksgiving is set for November 27, 2024, marking the second-latest date the holiday can occur. With the calendar already shifting toward major celebrations, many are feeling the urgency of the holiday season as Thanksgiving approaches.
Just last year, Thanksgiving was on November 24, but this year’s late date is igniting discussions about holiday planning and traditions. The earliest Thanksgiving can be celebrated is November 22, a date last seen in 2018 and not expected again until 2029.
Why does Thanksgiving fluctuate? The answer lies in its historical roots. The U.S. has honored Thanksgiving since 1789, when President George Washington declared the first official “Day of Publick Thanksgiving.” The date has changed numerous times since, with some years even seeing celebrations outside of November.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln established Thanksgiving as the last Thursday of November. However, this was altered in 1939 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it to the second-to-last Thursday to extend the Christmas shopping season, a decision that led to confusion among states. Ultimately, in 1941, Congress solidified Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November.
As families and friends prepare for this year’s gathering, the late date could impact travel plans, meal preparations, and holiday shopping. With celebrations just around the corner, many are already discussing plans for festivities and family reunions.
Looking ahead, Thanksgiving 2025 will return to a more familiar timeline, landing on November 26. This year’s late Thanksgiving serves as a reminder of the holiday’s evolving history and its significant place in American culture.
Stay tuned for more updates as the holiday approaches, and prepare for a Thanksgiving that promises to be both memorable and reflective of its storied past.
