Thanksgiving Arrives on Second-Latest Date Possible: What to Know

UPDATE: Thanksgiving will be celebrated on the second-latest date possible this year, falling on November 27, 2023. With Halloween now behind us, many are starting to look ahead to the next major holiday. This year’s Thanksgiving is particularly noteworthy as it approaches the latest possible date in a decade, just a day shy of the record set in 2024 when Thanksgiving will land on November 28.

The earliest possible Thanksgiving occurs on November 22, a date we haven’t seen since 2018 and won’t see again until 2029. This shifting schedule raises a question: why does Thanksgiving move around so much?

Thanksgiving has a long and complex history in the United States, dating back to 1789 when President George Washington proclaimed the first official Thanksgiving on November 26. Over the years, the holiday’s date has fluctuated significantly, with various presidents declaring Thanksgiving on different days.

The most significant change came in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln established Thanksgiving as the last Thursday of November. This tradition continued until 1939, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt changed it to the second-to-last Thursday in an effort to extend the Christmas shopping season during the Great Depression. The decision was met with mixed reactions; while 32 states adopted the new schedule, 16 states refused to change.

Finally, in 1941, Congress officially settled the date, declaring Thanksgiving to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. This year’s late Thanksgiving means families and friends will have a shorter time between the holiday and Christmas, which adds urgency for those planning their celebrations.

As Thanksgiving approaches, many are also looking forward to traditional events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year’s lineup promises to bring joy and excitement, especially for families gathering together.

What does this mean for you? With Thanksgiving just around the corner, now is the time to finalize your plans and prepare for your gatherings. Expect busy grocery stores and a flurry of online deals as households across the nation gear up for the holiday.

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach this unique Thanksgiving celebration!