Thanksgiving is a major holiday in the United States and Canada, centred on family meals and gratitude. Unlike Christmas, it does not fall on a fixed date, which often confuses people outside North America. This guide explains when Thanksgiving falls and why, with a live countdown on our Days Until Thanksgiving page.
US Thanksgiving
In the United States, Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday of November. It can fall anywhere from 22 to 28 November.
Canadian Thanksgiving
In Canada, Thanksgiving is the second Monday of October, earlier because the harvest season ends sooner in the north.
Upcoming US Thanksgiving dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 November |
| 2027 | 25 November |
| 2028 | 23 November |
| 2029 | 22 November |
| 2030 | 28 November |
History
The holiday is linked to a 1621 harvest feast shared by English colonists at Plymouth and the Wampanoag people. Days of thanksgiving were declared at various times afterwards. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving in 1863, and in 1941 Congress fixed it as the fourth Thursday of November.
Why it matters outside the US
- Many Pakistani families have relatives in the US and Canada and plan calls or visits.
- Freelancers and remote workers with US clients should expect slow replies on Thursday and Friday.
- The day after is Black Friday, a huge shopping event; see Days Until Black Friday.
Time zones
When planning calls with US relatives, check the time difference with the Time Zone Converter. For example, New York is usually 10 hours behind Pakistan during US standard time in November.
The long weekend
Many Americans take Friday off, making a four-day weekend. Businesses often close or run limited hours.
Finding any “nth weekday” date
To find a date like the fourth Thursday of a month, use the Date Calculator (Add or Subtract Days) or a Year Calendar. For planning tips for remote workers, read Thanksgiving week for freelancers.
Frequently asked questions
When is US Thanksgiving in 2026?
On Thursday, 26 November 2026.
Is Canadian Thanksgiving on the same day?
No, it is the second Monday of October.
Why does the date change?
It is fixed to the fourth Thursday of November, not a calendar date.