When Is Thanksgiving 2026? US Date, Canada Difference, and Black Friday
Thanksgiving 2026 in the United States is Thursday, November 26, 2026 — the fourth Thursday in November. It is a federal holiday: government offices, many schools, and numerous businesses close or shorten hours. If you searched "when is thanksgiving," "thanksgiving day 2026," or "what date is thanksgiving," November 26 is the U.S. answer.
This guide explains the fourth-Thursday rule, contrasts Canadian Thanksgiving in October, notes how Black Friday follows in the U.S., and offers planning tips for travel and meals.
Quick Answer: Thanksgiving 2026 (United States)
| Detail | Answer |
| --- | --- |
| US date | Thursday, November 26, 2026 |
| Rule | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Holiday type | Federal holiday |
| Black Friday (day after) | Friday, November 27, 2026 |
| Canada Thanksgiving 2026 | Second Monday in October — October 12, 2026 (different holiday) |
Thanksgiving is an official U.S. holiday — not an informal "national day."
How the Fourth-Thursday Rule Works
Since 1941, U.S. Thanksgiving has been fixed by law to the fourth Thursday of November. Recent and upcoming dates:
| Year | Fourth Thursday of November | US Thanksgiving |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2024 | November 28 | November 28 |
| 2025 | November 27 | November 27 |
| 2026 | November 26 | November 26 |
| 2027 | November 25 | November 25 |
The holiday can fall on November 22 through November 28 depending on the year.
Canada Thanksgiving — Different Month, Different Rule
Canadian Thanksgiving is not in November. It is observed on the second Monday in October:
- Thanksgiving 2026 in Canada: Monday, October 12, 2026
Canada’s holiday has harvest-season roots and separate historical development from the U.S. narrative. When Canadians search "Thanksgiving," they mean October; when Americans search, they mean November. Cross-border families should mark both calendars to avoid confusion.
Canadian Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in most provinces, with closures similar to a federal day off, though details vary by province.
What Closes on US Thanksgiving?
Expect widespread closures on Thursday, November 26, 2026:
- Federal offices — closed
- USPS — no regular mail
- Many banks — closed Thursday; some close Friday too
- Stock markets — U.S. markets closed Thursday; early close Friday often applies
- Schools — commonly closed Thursday–Friday for break
- Grocery stores — may close early Wednesday; limited hours Thursday morning
- Retail — increasingly closed Thanksgiving Day; sales shift to Black Friday
Confirm local transit, airports (busy all week), and employer policies.
Black Friday — The Day After US Thanksgiving
Black Friday 2026 is Friday, November 27, 2026 — the day after U.S. Thanksgiving. It is not a federal holiday, but many workers take the day off, creating a four-day weekend with Thanksgiving Thursday.
Retailers run major sales; online deals often start Thanksgiving week. See our dedicated Black Friday date guide for shopping-planning tips framed as general consumer guidance, not financial advice.
How People Celebrate and Plan Thanksgiving 2026
Travel
Thanksgiving week is the busiest U.S. travel period:
- Book flights by early fall 2026 — prices spike in November.
- Wednesday, November 25 and Sunday, November 29 are peak airport days.
- Drive during off-peak hours; highway congestion is heavy nationwide.
Meals and hosting
- Order turkey early — fresh birds and specialty sizes sell out.
- Delegate dishes — potluck coordination reduces host stress.
- Food safety — thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator with ample lead time (roughly 24 hours per 4–5 pounds).
- Dietary accommodations — label allergens; offer non-alcoholic options.
Traditions
- Parades — Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York is the best-known broadcast event.
- Football — NFL games on Thanksgiving Day are a long-standing tradition.
- Gratitude rituals — round-robin thanks before dinner; charity volunteering earlier in the week.
Four-day weekend planning
| Day | Date (2026) | Typical activity |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Thanksgiving | Nov 26 (Thu) | Dinner, family, parades |
| Black Friday | Nov 27 (Fri) | Sales, leisure, travel home |
| Saturday | Nov 28 | Leftovers, local events |
| Sunday | Nov 29 | Return travel peak |
Volunteering and giving
Many families start Thanksgiving week by volunteering at food banks or soup kitchens — shifts fill early, so sign up in early November. Charitable drives often publish most-needed item lists (canned protein, cooking oil, diapers) rather than only leftover Halloween candy.
College students and empty seats
Thanksgiving is a major college travel weekend. If you host, confirm who is actually arriving before buying a 20-pound turkey for four people. Flexible hosts offer Friendsgiving-style seats to neighbors or international students staying on campus.
FAQ: Common Mix-Ups
Is Thanksgiving always November 26?
No. It is always the fourth Thursday in November. November 26 applies to 2026 only.
Is Thanksgiving a federal holiday?
Yes in the United States.
When is Canadian Thanksgiving 2026?
Monday, October 12, 2026 (second Monday in October).
Is Black Friday a holiday?
Not a federal holiday, though many treat it as part of Thanksgiving break. Black Friday 2026 = November 27.
What about Friendsgiving?
Friendsgiving is an informal friends-only meal, often held weeks before official Thanksgiving — no fixed date.
Does the UK celebrate US Thanksgiving?
Not as a public holiday. Expat communities and American-themed restaurants may host dinners in late November.
Bottom Line
US Thanksgiving 2026 is Thursday, November 26 — a federal fourth-Thursday-in-November holiday. Canada’s Thanksgiving is Monday, October 12, 2026 — a separate October observance. Black Friday follows on November 27. Book travel and groceries early, respect closure schedules, and keep the October vs. November distinction clear when planning with international friends.