When Thanksgiving and Black Friday Occur in 2025
Thanksgiving in 2025 falls on November 27, one of the latest possible dates for the holiday, followed immediately by Black Friday on November 28.
The Timing of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States, a practice established by law in 1942. This places Thanksgiving between November 22 and November 28 each year.
Historical Background
Before 1942, Thanksgiving was observed on the last Thursday of November, a tradition dating back to President Abraham Lincoln’s era. Although this often coincided with the current timing, it could sometimes fall later in November.
“President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November in 1939, at a time when the country was still mired in the Great Depression, hoping that the earlier date would boost American businesses by providing more shopping days before Christmas.”
By 1942, Congress officially codified this change into law.
Thanksgiving’s Role and Connection to Black Friday
Thanksgiving is a day for family, gratitude, and feasting, but it also serves as the gateway to the holiday shopping season. Black Friday, which takes place the day after Thanksgiving, marks the beginning of major retail discounts and sales events.
Modern Significance
In recent decades, the day after Thanksgiving has evolved into a celebrated shopping holiday known for its deals and promotions, signaling the start of the Christmas shopping rush.
Summary
Thanksgiving’s fixed placement on the fourth Thursday of November since 1942 supports consistent holiday planning and retail scheduling, with 2025’s Thanksgiving occurring on November 27, immediately followed by Black Friday.
Author’s Summary
Thanksgiving's fixed date since 1942 balances tradition and commerce, marking late November as a time for gratitude and the start of the holiday shopping season.