UPDATE: Thanksgiving 2024 will be celebrated on November 27, the second-latest date possible in the holiday’s history. With Halloween now behind us, many Americans are looking ahead to this significant holiday, which is still weeks away.
This year’s Thanksgiving is set to be one of the latest, following the latest possible Thanksgiving in 2024 when the holiday will fall on November 28. The earliest Thanksgiving can occur is November 22, a date that hasn’t been seen since 2018 and won’t return until 2029.
Why does Thanksgiving’s date fluctuate each year? The answer lies in the calendar, which shifts as the years progress. Thanksgiving has been a national holiday since its establishment by President George Washington in 1789, and back then, it fell on November 26.
“Thanksgiving has evolved significantly since its inception, with various presidents setting different dates over the years,” said a spokesperson from The Center for Legislative Archives.
President Lincoln officially proclaimed Thanksgiving would be celebrated on the last Thursday of November in 1863. However, this did not last without complications. In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday to the second-to-last Thursday to extend the Christmas shopping season during the Great Depression. While 32 states accepted this change, 16 others did not, leading to confusion.
It wasn’t until 1941 that Congress finally standardized Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November, ending years of debate. Next year, Thanksgiving will arrive slightly earlier on November 26.
This year, as families prepare for Thanksgiving celebrations, many may feel the urgency to finalize their plans with the holiday approaching fast. The emotional significance of Thanksgiving—bringing families together and expressing gratitude—remains timeless, even as the date shifts.
As we count down the days to Thanksgiving, expect more announcements regarding local events, parades, and community gatherings. Stay tuned for updates on how different cities are planning to celebrate this cherished holiday.
