Thanksgiving, a cherished holiday synonymous with family gatherings, bountiful feasts, and autumnal spirit, is just around the corner. As November progresses, many are eagerly anticipating this special day. Perhaps it’s the aroma of roasting turkey, the excitement of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, or simply the joy of connecting with loved ones over a delicious meal. Whatever your reason, knowing the exact date for Thanksgiving each year is essential for planning and anticipation.
If you’re wondering, “What Day Is Thanksgiving On This Year?”, you’re in the right place. It might be later than you expect! Beyond just the date, we’ll also delve into why Thanksgiving falls on a Thursday, uncover some fascinating historical facts about this holiday, and provide the dates for Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2024, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the holiday season.
Thanksgiving Day 2024: Mark Your Calendars
In 2024, Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated on Thursday, November 28th.
Yes, you read that correctly! Thanksgiving always occurs on the fourth Thursday of November. Due to the calendar alignment this year, Thanksgiving arrives a bit later in the month, maximizing the anticipation and giving us a little more time to prepare our menus and travel plans.
For those who like to plan ahead, last year Thanksgiving was on November 23rd, and in 2025, it will be on November 27th. Understanding this pattern helps you anticipate the holiday each year.
The Thursday Tradition: Why Thanksgiving Lands on the Fourth Thursday
A Thanksgiving feast being shared, symbolizing the tradition of family and gratitude on this holiday.
The tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving on a Thursday has a fascinating historical journey. While the idea of giving thanks for a bountiful harvest dates back centuries, the establishment of a national Thanksgiving holiday in the United States evolved over time.
Over two centuries ago, in 1789, President George Washington proclaimed November 26th as a National Day of Thanksgiving. However, the roots of Thanksgiving celebrations in America stretch even further back. Colonists had been observing days of thanks for successful harvests long before national recognition. Some historians even suggest Thanksgiving feasts were held as early as 1565 by settlers in other parts of the country.
While November 26th was an early date of observance, it was President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 who significantly shaped our modern Thanksgiving. Amidst the Civil War, Lincoln declared Thanksgiving to be observed on the last Thursday of November. This decision aimed to create a fixed day of national unity and gratitude, distinct from movable dates.
Lincoln’s proclamation held sway until 1939. In that year, the last Thursday of November fell on the very last day of the month. This late date concerned retailers, who worried about a shortened Christmas shopping season impacting the nation’s economic recovery from the Great Depression.
To address these economic concerns, President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially declared the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day in 1941. This resolution, signed into law, cemented the fourth Thursday tradition that we still observe today, balancing historical precedent with modern economic considerations.
Fun Facts to Share Around the Thanksgiving Table
A lavish Thanksgiving table setting, showcasing the abundance and festive spirit of the holiday.
Impress your family and friends this Thanksgiving with some intriguing historical tidbits! Many people associate the Pilgrims’ arrival in America with Plymouth Rock, but their initial landing in 1620 was actually in Provincetown, located on Cape Cod. According to the Boston Globe, the Mayflower pilgrims spent over five weeks exploring Cape Cod before determining the sandy soil was unsuitable for farming and moving on to Plymouth.
The famous first Thanksgiving feast, shared between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans in 1621, was quite different from our modern turkey-centric celebrations. Historical accounts suggest that venison, goose, duck, fish, and corn porridge were likely on the menu, a far cry from today’s elaborate spreads. This three-day gathering was a significant moment of intercultural exchange and cooperation.
If you’re eager to learn more fascinating Thanksgiving trivia, explore resources that delve into the details of this holiday’s rich past. You might be surprised by what you discover!
Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024: Post-Thanksgiving Shopping
Promotional image for Black Friday, indicating the start of holiday shopping deals after Thanksgiving.
Now that you know exactly when to gather for Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll also want to mark your calendars for the biggest shopping days of the year!
Black Friday, the traditional kickoff to the holiday shopping season, always falls on the Friday immediately after Thanksgiving. Therefore, in 2024, Black Friday will be on Friday, November 29th.
Cyber Monday, the online shopping counterpart, follows shortly after. In 2024, Cyber Monday will be on Monday, December 2nd.
With Thanksgiving falling later in November this year, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is shorter. This means holiday shoppers will have a tighter window to take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals and complete their gift lists before Christmas arrives. It’s wise to start planning your shopping strategies early!
Knowing “what day is Thanksgiving on this year” is just the first step in preparing for the holiday season. From planning your family feast to strategizing your holiday shopping, we hope this guide has been helpful. Get ready to enjoy the traditions, gratitude, and delicious food that Thanksgiving brings!
