Thanksgiving Day 2027 Countdown

In 2027, Thanksgiving Day in the United States falls on Thursday, November 25. The holiday always lands on the fourth Thursday of November, and in 2027 the traditional date and the observed date are the same, so there is no separate "observed" holiday to track. Knowing the exact date helps with booking travel, arranging time off, and planning school or childcare coverage.

Because Thanksgiving Day 2027 is on a Thursday, many people try to turn it into a four-day weekend. Some workplaces may give the Friday after Thanksgiving as an additional day off, while others remain open with smaller staffs. Travelers often see the busy period start the Tuesday or Wednesday before November 25 and continue through the Sunday afterward, so it is worth planning early if you expect to be on the road or in the air.

Thanksgiving Day, often shortened simply to "Thanksgiving," is rooted in harvest traditions and early colonial history in what is now the United States. One widely cited reference point is a 1621 harvest gathering in Plymouth, where English settlers and Wampanoag people shared a meal after the first successful growing season. Over time, regional days of thanks, church services, and harvest festivals gradually evolved into a broader custom of setting aside a specific day for gratitude.

The modern national Thanksgiving Day took shape in the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving to foster unity, helping to standardize the practice across states. Later, in 1941, federal law fixed Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November to create a predictable holiday near the start of the winter shopping season. For many Indigenous peoples, however, the day is also a time of mourning and reflection on the impact of colonization, so the meaning of Thanksgiving in the United States can feel very different depending on community and perspective.

Thanksgiving Day is a federal public holiday in the United States, and that status also applies in 2027. Many government offices, such as federal agencies and local administrative buildings, are closed on Thursday, November 25, and most schools schedule a break that includes Thanksgiving Day and often the surrounding days. Banks and post offices typically do not operate normal customer hours, while essential services like hospitals and emergency responders continue to function.

For private businesses, what stays open on Thanksgiving Day 2027 can vary widely by location and sector. Large chain supermarkets and convenience stores may open for limited hours, whereas many small retailers and offices choose to close so staff can observe the holiday. Restaurants sometimes offer special Thanksgiving meals, particularly in urban areas and hotel districts, but reservations are often needed. Public transportation systems may switch to a Sunday or holiday schedule, so checking local timetables before traveling on November 25 is a sensible step.

Across the United States, Thanksgiving Day is commonly centered on family and shared meals. Many households prepare a traditional turkey dinner with side dishes such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin or pecan pie, though regional and cultural variations are common. Some families emphasize gratitude by going around the table to share what they are thankful for during the past year, while others approach the gathering in a more casual, social way.

Public and media traditions play a noticeable role as well. Televised events such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and nationally broadcast American football games are part of many people’s routines. In addition, some communities organize charity runs or "turkey trots," and many individuals volunteer at food banks or community kitchens. Religious services of thanksgiving also take place in some congregations, but for many people, the day is primarily a secular, family-focused observance.

Thanksgiving Day 2027 falls in the middle of the workweek, so planning ahead can make the days before and after November 25 smoother. If you need to travel, the busiest times are usually the afternoon and evening of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after, so shifting your trip by a day or adjusting to off-peak hours may reduce stress. Booking flights, train tickets, or rental cars several weeks or months in advance can help manage both cost and availability.

Daily errands and appointments are also worth scheduling carefully. Because many offices and schools close, and store hours can change, it is wise to complete banking, prescription refills, and key shopping earlier in the week. If your workplace remains open on the Friday after Thanksgiving, coordinating time off with colleagues well ahead of time can prevent staffing gaps. Families with children may want to check their school district’s calendar for the exact length of the Thanksgiving break in 2027, as some districts extend it to a full week while others keep it closer to a long weekend.

Visitors in the United States on Thanksgiving Day 2027 will notice a different rhythm to everyday life. City centers with many office buildings can feel quieter because so many workplaces are closed, while residential neighborhoods and intercity routes may be busier as people gather for meals. Restaurants in tourist areas, especially in larger cities, may offer special Thanksgiving menus, but they often require advance reservations or may fill up quickly.

Tourists should also be aware of how Thanksgiving connects to the broader holiday season. The Friday after Thanksgiving, often called Black Friday, is associated with heavy retail activity, extended store hours, and significant crowds at shopping centers. Public attractions such as museums may adjust hours or close on Thanksgiving Day itself, then reopen with normal or extended hours over the weekend. Checking the websites of specific sites, transit agencies, and events before November 25 can help visitors build a realistic and enjoyable itinerary.