Days Until Thanksgiving 2026
Find out exactly how many days until Thanksgiving! Our live countdown shows days, weeks, hours, and minutes until November 26, 2026. Thanksgiving is the biggest family gathering and meal of the year in the United States, and knowing exactly how much time remains helps you plan travel, cooking, and celebrations.
- Thanksgiving 2026 date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Observed: Fourth Thursday of November every year
- Federal holiday: Yes — US federal holiday (OPM)
- Black Friday 2026: Friday, November 27, 2026 (day after Thanksgiving)
- Related: Days until Christmas · Days until New Year · Date Calculator
Thanksgiving 2026 Countdown
Live countdown to Thursday, November 26, 2026
🦃 Thanksgiving Weekend 2026
🎄 Holiday Countdown Comparison
📋 Thanksgiving Planning Timeline
📊 Countdown Details
Thanksgiving 2026 Quick Facts
| Holiday name | Thanksgiving Day |
| 2026 date | Thursday, November 26, 2026 |
| Federal holiday | Yes — one of 11 US federal holidays |
| Black Friday | Friday, November 27, 2026 (next day) |
| Small Business Saturday | Saturday, November 28, 2026 |
| Cyber Monday | Monday, November 30, 2026 |
| NFL Thanksgiving games | 3 games traditionally played on Thanksgiving Day |
| Macy's Parade | Thanksgiving morning, New York City |
Thanksgiving Dates 2024-2030
Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday of November, but the exact date changes each year:
| Year | Thanksgiving Date | Day | Days Away |
|---|
Pro tip: Thanksgiving 2026 falls on November 26, giving you exactly 29 days until Christmas. Plan accordingly for back-to-back holiday preparations!
Thanksgiving Planning Timeline
Stay organized with this week-by-week countdown to Thanksgiving dinner:
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks before | Finalize guest list and plan your menu. Confirm dietary restrictions and decide on recipes. Send invitations if hosting a large gathering. |
| 3 weeks before | Order your turkey (fresh or frozen) and book travel arrangements. Reserve rental cars or flights early to avoid holiday price surges. |
| 2 weeks before | Buy non-perishable ingredients like canned goods, spices, and baking supplies. Finalize your side dish lineup and assign potluck contributions. |
| 1 week before | Buy perishable ingredients like fresh produce and dairy. Deep clean the house, especially the kitchen and dining areas. Confirm guest headcount. |
| 2 days before | Move frozen turkey to the refrigerator to begin thawing (allow 24 hours per 4-5 pounds). Prep make-ahead sides like cranberry sauce and pie dough. |
| Day before | Set the table and arrange seating. Prep appetizers, chop vegetables, and make gravy stock. Bake pies and desserts. |
| Thanksgiving morning | Start the turkey early — allow about 13 minutes per pound at 350°F. Prepare stuffing, mashed potatoes, and warm side dishes. |
| Day of | Enjoy the meal with family and friends! Let the turkey rest 20-30 minutes before carving. Save leftovers for sandwiches and soup. |
Thanksgiving by the Numbers
Thanksgiving is one of the largest annual events in the United States, and the statistics behind it are staggering. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Americans consume approximately 46 million turkeys on Thanksgiving Day alone, making it the single biggest day for turkey consumption in the country.
The cost of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner has been tracked by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) for decades. Their annual survey estimates the average cost of a classic Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people at around $64, which includes turkey, stuffing, cranberries, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, pumpkin pie, and beverages.
Travel is another defining feature of the holiday. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is consistently the busiest travel day of the year in the United States. AAA estimates that roughly 55 million Americans travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving each year, with the majority driving to their destinations. Airports, highways, and train stations see their peak annual volume during this period.
Beyond the meal itself, Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday shopping season. Black Friday — the day after Thanksgiving — generates billions in retail sales, and the four-day Thanksgiving weekend has become a pivotal economic period for retailers nationwide.
Thanksgiving Weekend Timeline 2026
The Thanksgiving holiday stretches into a long weekend of shopping, small business support, and online deals:
| Day | Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | November 26 | Thanksgiving Day | Family dinner, NFL games, Macy's Parade |
| Friday | November 27 | Black Friday | Biggest in-store shopping day; major retailer sales |
| Saturday | November 28 | Small Business Saturday | Support local and independent businesses |
| Sunday | November 29 | Rest & Leftovers | Turkey sandwiches, football, and relaxation |
| Monday | November 30 | Cyber Monday | Biggest online shopping day of the year |
Turkey Cooking Time Guide
The centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner is the turkey. According to the USDA, here's how long to cook your turkey at 325°F (163°C):
| Turkey Weight | Unstuffed Time | Stuffed Time |
|---|---|---|
| 8-12 lbs (3.6-5.4 kg) | 2.75 - 3 hours | 3 - 3.5 hours |
| 12-14 lbs (5.4-6.4 kg) | 3 - 3.75 hours | 3.5 - 4 hours |
| 14-18 lbs (6.4-8.2 kg) | 3.75 - 4.25 hours | 4 - 4.25 hours |
| 18-20 lbs (8.2-9.1 kg) | 4.25 - 4.5 hours | 4.25 - 4.75 hours |
| 20-24 lbs (9.1-10.9 kg) | 4.5 - 5 hours | 4.75 - 5.25 hours |
Important: Always use a meat thermometer. The turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the turkey rest 20-30 minutes before carving for juicier meat.
Traditional Thanksgiving Sides
Complete your Thanksgiving feast with these classic side dishes:
| Dish | Key Ingredients | Make Ahead? |
|---|---|---|
| Stuffing/Dressing | Bread cubes, celery, onion, sage, broth | Prep 1 day ahead; bake day of |
| Mashed Potatoes | Potatoes, butter, cream, salt | Best made fresh; can hold 1 hour |
| Gravy | Turkey drippings, flour, broth | Stock ahead; finish with drippings |
| Cranberry Sauce | Cranberries, sugar, orange zest | Make 3-5 days ahead; refrigerate |
| Green Bean Casserole | Green beans, cream of mushroom, fried onions | Assemble day before; bake day of |
| Sweet Potato Casserole | Sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, marshmallows | Prep day ahead; add topping and bake |
| Pumpkin Pie | Pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, spices, pie crust | Bake 1-2 days ahead; refrigerate |
| Dinner Rolls | Flour, yeast, butter, milk | Dough can freeze; bake fresh |
Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving is rich with traditions that bring families together year after year:
- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Since 1924, this New York City parade has featured giant character balloons, floats, and performances. It airs Thanksgiving morning on NBC and draws 50 million TV viewers.
- NFL Thanksgiving Games: The Detroit Lions (since 1934) and Dallas Cowboys (since 1966) host games every Thanksgiving. A third primetime game was added in 2006.
- Presidential Turkey Pardon: The President "pardons" a turkey each year, sparing it from the dinner table. This tradition became official under George H.W. Bush in 1989.
- Wishbone Tradition: Two people pull the turkey's wishbone apart. Whoever gets the larger piece gets their wish (or gets to make a wish).
- Saying Grace: Many families say a prayer or go around the table sharing what they're thankful for before the meal.
- Volunteering: Many communities organize food drives and serve meals at shelters on Thanksgiving, embodying the holiday's spirit of gratitude and giving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thanksgiving 2026 falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026. It is the fourth Thursday of November, as established by federal law. The date shifts each year but always lands between November 22 and November 28.
Yes. Since 1941, Thanksgiving has been fixed by federal law as the fourth Thursday in November. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the legislation after briefly moving the date earlier to extend the holiday shopping season during the Great Depression.
Yes, Thanksgiving Day is one of 11 official US federal holidays recognized by the Office of Personnel Management. Federal offices, banks, post offices, and most businesses close for the day. Many employers also give employees the following Friday off.
Black Friday 2026 is on Friday, November 27, 2026, the day after Thanksgiving. It marks the traditional start of the holiday shopping season. Many retailers begin offering deals on Thanksgiving evening, with major doorbuster sales continuing through the weekend.
The live countdown at the top of this page shows the exact number of days remaining until Thanksgiving 2026. The counter updates automatically each day and also displays weeks, hours, weekdays, and weekend days remaining.
A general guideline is 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an unstuffed turkey. A 12-pound turkey takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, while a 20-pound bird needs 4 to 4.5 hours. Always use a meat thermometer and cook until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.
Thanksgiving 2027 falls on Thursday, November 25, 2027. The date table on this page lists Thanksgiving dates from 2024 through 2030 so you can plan ahead for future years.