Thanksgiving and Black Friday in 2025
Thanksgiving in the United States is observed on the fourth Thursday of November, a tradition formally established in 1942. In 2025, Thanksgiving will fall on November 27, one of the latest possible dates for this holiday.
Timing and History of Thanksgiving
Originally, from the time of President Abraham Lincoln, Thanksgiving was celebrated on the last Thursday in November. The difference between the last Thursday and the fourth Thursday is slight, as the last Thursday could fall between November 23 and 29.
The change to the fourth Thursday was made by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 during the Great Depression. He hoped that setting Thanksgiving earlier would boost business by extending the holiday shopping season before Christmas. This adjustment was made official by Congress in 1942.
Connection to Black Friday
The day after Thanksgiving marks the start of Black Friday, a major shopping day characterized by significant retail discounts. In 2025, Black Friday will occur on November 28, following Thanksgiving on the 27th.
"Roosevelt declared Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November in 1939, at a time when the country was still mired in the Great Depression, and by 1942 Congress had passed a law to formalize that timing."
Today, Thanksgiving not only brings families together but also signals the beginning of the holiday shopping frenzy that continues through Black Friday.
Summary
Thanksgiving in 2025 falls on November 27, starting the holiday shopping season that leads into Black Friday on November 28, as established to support American business growth.
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