Thanksgiving 2025: what day it is, what’s happening today, and last-minute tips for the holiday

Bassyonni

ago 9 minutes

Thanksgiving 2025

Thanksgiving in the United States falls on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The day centers on gratitude, time with family and friends, and a table that typically features turkey, sides, and desserts—alongside parades in the morning and football throughout the afternoon and evening. Below is a concise, up-to-the-minute guide to what’s new this year, what to watch, and how to navigate travel and hosting without stress.

What’s new around Thanksgiving this year

A message of unity and gratitude: On the eve of the holiday, the pope praised Thanksgiving as a “beautiful feast” that invites people of all beliefs to practice gratitude and seek peace. The note underscores a broad, inclusive spirit for the day.
Where to watch classic specials: The Peanuts staple “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” is not airing on traditional broadcast TV this year; it’s streaming instead. New viewers can still access it with a standard trial.
Fresh cultural conversations: Schools and community groups continue to host teach-ins and alternative programs that highlight Indigenous perspectives on the holiday’s origins. If you’re attending public events, you may see acknowledgments of Native lands or sessions devoted to broader historical context.

When is Thanksgiving, and what typically happens?

Date: Always the fourth Thursday in November in the U.S. (Nov 27 this year).
Morning: Large parades step off in major cities, with giant balloons, marching bands, and performance numbers.
Afternoon & night: The NFL runs a three-game slate across daytime and primetime. Expect a special Black Friday game tomorrow as well.
Community events: Food drives, free community meals, and volunteer shifts at shelters often fill up quickly—check locally if you want to serve or donate.

Is Thanksgiving a federal holiday? What’s open and closed

Closed or limited: Federal offices, most banks, courts, many local government services, and most non-essential offices.
Transit & services: City transit runs on holiday/Sunday schedules in many metros; rideshare demand spikes around mealtimes and late evening.
Retail & grocery: Some large stores open with limited hours, many smaller shops close. Pharmacies may keep reduced hours—call ahead for prescriptions.

TV and streaming on Thanksgiving Day

Parades: Morning coverage typically starts around 9:00 a.m. local time in major markets.
Football: The traditional triple-header spans early afternoon through late evening (ET), with a Friday game tomorrow.
Family viewing: If your tradition includes the Peanuts special, plan to stream it this year rather than channel-surf for a broadcast slot.

Hosting or attending? Last-minute playbook

Kitchen & timing

Roast schedules slip—build in 30–45 minutes of buffer and a 20-minute rest for turkey before carving.
If the bird’s behind: spatchcock for faster, even cooking; or finish pieces separately (legs/thighs back in the oven, breast tented to rest).
Sides that save the day: sheet-pan green beans, stovetop stuffing, and quick pan gravy using drippings, stock, and a cornstarch slurry.

Table & flow

Set up a drink station away from the kitchen pass to reduce traffic.
Put small knives and serving spoons at every two place settings to speed service.
For mixed diets, label platters V / VG / GF and keep a dedicated utensil with each.

Conversation & gratitude

Try a one-minute round: each person names one thing they’re grateful for and one person they appreciate at the table.
For kids, place gratitude cards at each setting; read a few aloud between courses.

Travel & pet reminders

Driving: Peak outbound traffic hits late Wednesday evening and Thursday morning; returns surge late Sunday. Use live traffic apps and consider leaving before sunrise or after the evening rush.
Flying: Arrive 2 hours before domestic flights; pack patience for security lines and gate changes.
Pets: Holiday boarding and sitters book out; if you’re bringing animals along, prep a quiet room, water, and a familiar blanket to cut stress amid visitors.

Quick answers to top searches

When is Thanksgiving 2025? Thursday, Nov 27, 2025 (U.S.).
Is Thanksgiving today? If you’re reading this on Nov 27, yes.
What time are parades? Most begin around 9:00 a.m. local in big cities.
Are there NFL games on Thanksgiving? Yes—three games Thursday, plus a Black Friday matchup tomorrow.
Where can I watch “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”? Streaming, not broadcast TV, this year.

However you celebrate—around a crowded table, volunteering, streaming a classic, or catching kickoffs—take a moment to name what you’re grateful for and who helped you reach this day. Happy Thanksgiving.