- Fourth Thursday of November
- National holiday since 1863
- Turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie
- United States
Where it began
Giving thanks for a good harvest is an old custom in many lands. In early America, settlers held days of prayer and thanks when things went well.
The best known story is the feast of 1621 at Plymouth, in what is now Massachusetts. The Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people shared a harvest meal over about three days. This meal is often called the first Thanksgiving, though days of thanks were kept in other places too.
How it grew over time
1621
The Plymouth settlers and the Wampanoag shared a harvest feast.
1600s and 1700s
Colonies and later states named their own days of thanksgiving.
1789
President George Washington called for a national day of thanks.
1863
President Abraham Lincoln made the last Thursday of November a national day of thanksgiving.
1941
Congress fixed the day as the fourth Thursday of November.
Today
It is one of the busiest travel times of the year as families go home.
How it is celebrated in different places
New York City
A famous parade with giant balloons moves through the city on Thanksgiving morning.
Homes across the US
Families share turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.
Plymouth, Massachusetts
The town remembers its history, and many also honour the Wampanoag people.
Canada
Canadians keep their own Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October.
Thanksgiving moments
Thanksgiving today
People travel to be with family, cook a large meal together and often say what they are thankful for. Many watch American football, and many give time or food to people in need.
