Thanksgiving 2025: Date, History, and Meaning
Thanksgiving in 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27. This cherished American holiday brings together families and friends to share a meal, often centered around turkey, and to reflect on gratitude for the year gone by.
Origins and Evolution
Thanksgiving’s beginnings trace back more than four centuries. It started as a harvest celebration focused on giving thanks for survival and food, but over time, it has evolved into a broader tradition of gathering and appreciation.
According to Britannica, many trace Thanksgiving’s origins to 1621, when the Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts, held a harvest feast.
By the late 1600s, communities throughout New England marked annual days of thanks. In 1789, George Washington declared a national day of Thanksgiving, yet it wasn’t until 1863 that Abraham Lincoln officially established it as a national holiday.
Modern Celebration
Today, Thanksgiving embodies connection and gratitude more than just a harvest festival. Families come together to share dinner, watch football, and enjoy the iconic pumpkin pies and parades.
Timing of the Holiday
Thanksgiving is observed every year on the fourth Thursday of November, though the exact date varies. In some years, it falls as early as November 22 or as late as November 28, as noted by Time and Date.
Following Day Festivities
The day after Thanksgiving ushers in Black Friday, often viewed as the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season in the United States.
Author’s Summary
Thanksgiving 2025 is celebrated on November 27, honoring a tradition of gratitude that began in 1621 and continues as a symbol of unity and reflection across America.