How is Thanksgiving calculated in the U.S.?

Thanksgiving in the United States is always the fourth Thursday in November. This was established by Congress in 1941. The date can fall anywhere between November 22 and November 28, depending on what day of the week November 1st falls on. For more information, visit the National Archives .

Does Thanksgiving ever occur in the last week of November?

Yes, Thanksgiving can occur in the last week of November. When November 1st is a Thursday, the fourth Thursday will be November 22nd. When November 1st falls on any day from Thursday through Saturday, Thanksgiving will be in the last week of November (November 22-28).

Was Thanksgiving ever moved historically?

Yes. President Franklin D. Roosevelt temporarily moved Thanksgiving to the third Thursday in November in 1939 and 1940 to extend the Christmas shopping season. However, this was controversial, and Congress passed a law in 1941 making the fourth Thursday in November the permanent date for Thanksgiving, which it remains today.

Thanksgiving Date Calculator (U.S.)

Find the exact date of Thanksgiving for any year. This calculator instantly tells you which day Thanksgiving falls on, based on the U.S. rule: the fourth Thursday in November.