Thanksgiving 2025: Date, History, and Meaning
Thanksgiving 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27. This traditional American holiday is a time for people to gather, enjoy festive meals, and reflect on the past year.
Origins and Historical Background
Thanksgiving originated as a harvest celebration, first held by the Pilgrims in 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Early New England communities adopted similar days of thanks by the late 1600s. While George Washington called for a national Thanksgiving in 1789, it was Abraham Lincoln who officially established the holiday in 1863.
How Thanksgiving is Observed Today
Today, Thanksgiving serves as a day to come together with family, friends, and neighbors to share a meal. Traditions often include eating turkey, watching football games, and enjoying parades.
Date and Timing
- Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November each year, so the date varies.
- In 2025, it will occur on November 27.
- The following day marks Black Friday, the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season.
- The holiday can fall as early as November 22 or as late as November 28, depending on the calendar.
"Thanksgiving is, at heart, a harvest holiday. It began as a moment to give thanks for food and survival, but today it is more about gathering - family, friends, neighbors - and pausing for a shared meal."
Thanksgiving remains a meaningful occasion that has evolved from its humble beginnings into a cherished moment of gratitude and connection.
Author’s Summary: Thanksgiving 2025 on November 27 marks a historic harvest celebration transformed into a modern day of gratitude, family gatherings, and tradition across America.