When is Thanksgiving 2024? Here’s what you need to know about the holiday

On November 18, 2024By Littum

Thanksgiving is approaching, bringing with it a flurry of activity as people prepare meals and travel to spend time with friends and family.

Thanksgiving was the nation’s most celebrated holiday in 2023, and with this year’s celebration on the horizon, you can expect even more festivities and cheers.

The holidays give Americans a reason to gather with family and friends; spend time appreciating each other; and eat delicious food like turkey, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.

But why do we celebrate like this?

Here’s everything to know about the November holiday, including when it is and why it’s celebrated in the US.

When is Thanksgiving Day 2024?

Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. This year, that day falls on November 28.

Is Thanksgiving a federal holiday?

Yes, Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, which means federal offices will be closed and mail will not be delivered. Banks and their branches will also be closed.

Because it is a federal holiday, schools will be closed that day. Many will also be closed the following day.

Expect busy airports, roads on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving week is historically one of the peak travel times in the United States. Last year experienced airports record setting numbersthe busiest since the pandemic.

While Thanksgiving Day itself is one of the least-trafficked travel days of the holiday season, the days leading up to and following Thanksgiving are often some of the worst travel days of the entire year.

The days just before Thanksgiving and the Sunday that ends the holiday weekend are routinely ranked among the worst days to fly.

Why is Thanksgiving celebrated? What is the origin of the holiday?

Americans generally believe their Thanksgiving is modeled on a 1621 harvest festival shared by English colonists.

People tend to believe that the Pilgrims of Plymouth shared a meal with the native Wampanoag people of the area.

The traditional food at a Thanksgiving meal typically includes turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie.

Grab the reporter at [email protected] or at X at @ZachBradshaw14.