Thanksgiving 2026: What It Is, When It Is, and How Americans Celebrate — Food, Traditions and Gratitude Ideas
Every year, on the fourth Thursday of November, millions of Americans sit down together for one of the biggest family meals of the year. In 2026, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26 . It is a day built around three simple things: good food, time with loved ones, and a moment to be grateful. Here is what it is, where it came from, and how people celebrate it. What Is Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States dedicated to giving thanks — for the harvest, for family, for health, and for the good things of the past year. It is not tied to one religion, so people of all backgrounds celebrate it in their own way. The usual pattern is simple: people travel home, cook a big meal together, and eat in the afternoon or early evening. The day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday, the famous shopping day that kicks off the Christmas season. Our Bonfire Night guide covers another autumn tradition from the UK. A Short History: From 1621 to a National Holiday The...