US Holiday Guides

Thanksgiving 2026 Is Thursday, November 26: Traditions and a Complete Preparation Guide

By MayreDukaan Editorial TeamPublished 14 Nov 20262 min read

Photo-style illustration of a Thanksgiving dinner table with roast turkey and sides

Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov 26, 2026, a federal holiday. Start fridge-thawing a large turkey about five days ahead and cook it to 165°F, measured in the thickest part.

Thanksgiving 2026 is Thursday, November 26. It is a federal holiday, always held on the fourth Thursday of November. If you are hosting, the most important early step is the turkey: a frozen bird needs about one day in the refrigerator for every 4–5 pounds, and it must reach 165°F in the thickest part of the breast, thigh and wing to be safe, according to the USDA.

Your Thanksgiving countdown

Countdown timeline for Thanksgiving 2026 preparation — Original MayreDukaan graphic

When	Do this
Early November	Finalize the guest list and menu; order a fresh turkey if you want one
About Nov 21 (for a 16–20 lb bird)	Move the frozen turkey to the refrigerator
Nov 23–24	Shop for fresh produce and dairy; make cranberry sauce
Wed, Nov 25	Bake pies; assemble casseroles; set the table
Thu, Nov 26	Roast the turkey; reheat sides; rest the turkey before carving

How long to thaw your turkey

USDA refrigerator thawing times by turkey weight — Original MayreDukaan graphic based on USDA guidance

Turkey weight	Days in the refrigerator
4–12 lb	1–3 days
12–16 lb	3–4 days
16–20 lb	4–5 days
20–24 lb	5–6 days

Running late? The USDA also allows thawing in cold water, changed every 30 minutes, at about 30 minutes per pound. Cook it right after. Never thaw on the counter.

Cooking safely

Use a food thermometer: 165°F in the thickest part of the breast, the innermost thigh and the wing.
Cook stuffing separately, or check that stuffing inside the bird also reaches 165°F.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

How much food do you need?

A common rule of thumb is about 1 to 1½ pounds of whole turkey per person, which leaves some leftovers. For side dishes, plan roughly ½ to ¾ cup of each side per guest.

Thanksgiving traditions

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday morning.
NFL football — Thanksgiving Day games are a long tradition.
Sharing what you're thankful for before the meal.
Volunteering at a food bank or community dinner.

Make the day easier

Print a checklist and seating plan. Our free tools can help: make a QR code for your Wi-Fi so guests can connect, and combine recipes into one file with the PDF merger.

Frequently asked questions

When is Thanksgiving 2026?

Thursday, November 26, 2026.

How long does it take to thaw a turkey in the fridge?

About 24 hours for every 4–5 pounds, per the USDA.

What temperature should turkey be cooked to?

165°F, measured in the thickest part of the breast, innermost thigh and wing.

Is Thanksgiving a federal holiday?

Yes. It is held on the fourth Thursday of November.

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Sources

Facts last checked against these sources on Nov 13, 2026, 9:14 PM ET.

Images: Illustration created for MayreDukaan (not a news photo) · Original MayreDukaan graphic