Thanksgiving 2023 to Fall on Second-Latest Date: November 27

UPDATE: Thanksgiving will occur on November 27, 2023, marking the second-latest date possible for the holiday. With Halloween just behind us, many are now eagerly anticipating the next major celebration. This year’s Thanksgiving is particularly noteworthy as it follows closely behind the latest possible Thanksgiving date, which will be November 28, 2024.

Why does Thanksgiving shift around? It’s a question many may ask as they look at their calendars. The holiday, celebrated since 1789 under President George Washington’s first proclamation, has seen its date move due to various historical decisions and changes in public sentiment. The earliest Thanksgiving can fall is November 22, a date that hasn’t happened since 2018 and won’t occur again until 2029.

Historically, Thanksgiving has been a fluid holiday. It originally fell on different dates for decades, with notable shifts under various presidents. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared it would be celebrated on the last Thursday of November. However, in 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it to the second-to-last Thursday to extend the Christmas shopping season during the Great Depression, a change that met with mixed reactions across the states.

As of 1941, Congress established Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November, a decision that has stuck. This year, families across the U.S. will gather to celebrate on the 27th, just a day away from the latest Thanksgiving possible next year.

What does this mean for holiday planning? With the date approaching, families are busy preparing their menus and making travel arrangements. The emotional weight of tradition looms large as many look forward to gatherings filled with food, family, and gratitude.

Looking ahead, next year’s Thanksgiving will be slightly earlier, falling on November 26, 2024. As holiday preparations ramp up, expect conversations around Thanksgiving dinners to heat up, especially with major retailers announcing their holiday deals.

Keep an eye on local events and promotions as Thanksgiving approaches—many businesses, including Amazon, are already rolling out special offers for festive meals.

As people gear up for the holiday, now is the time to share your plans and favorite Thanksgiving recipes. What will your celebration look like this year?