Thanksgiving Guide
Date, dinner math, and travel timing for the fourth Thursday of November - planned out so the holiday cooks itself.
Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday of November: November 26 in 2026, November 25 in 2027, November 23 in 2028, and November 22 in 2029. It is the biggest travel and eating day of the US calendar, so the plan starts weeks before the meal.
Upcoming Thanksgiving Dates
| Year | Date | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Thursday, Nov 26 | Late-season Thanksgiving |
| 2027 | Thursday, Nov 25 | Average timing |
| 2028 | Thursday, Nov 23 | Early - short holiday ramp |
| 2029 | Thursday, Nov 22 | Second-earliest possible |
Travel: The Week Before Is the Week That Wins
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving (the US travel peak) and the Sunday after are the busiest travel days of the year. Book flights 4-8 weeks out, drive at off-peak hours, and give yourself a full buffer day. If your destination involves another time zone, convert arrival and dinner times before you buy.
Dinner Math for a Crowd
The classic counts speed everything up:
- Turkey: ~1.25 pounds (about 570 g) per person raw weight.
- Mashed potatoes: ~0.5 pound per person.
- Brussels/green beans: ~0.3 pound per person.
- Stuffing: ~0.75 cup dry per person.
- Pie: one pie per 6-8 guests.
The Two-Week Run Plan
Two weeks out: confirm guests, settle the menu, and order the turkey if it needs to be special.
One week out: shop non-perishables and freezer items; set the serving-time plan.
Day before: pick up fresh produce, prep what can be prepped, and set the table.
Turkey day: keep a printed timeline by the stove and follow it - the timer helps for basting schedules.
Season Kickoff
Thanksgiving is the on-ramp to Christmas events: markets open the following weekend and the holiday season genuinely begins. Use the printed 2026 calendar approach and mark the whole final stretch first.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Thanksgiving date each year?
Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday of November: Nov 26, 2026; Nov 25, 2027; Nov 23, 2028; Nov 22, 2029.
When should I buy flights for Thanksgiving?
Book 4-8 weeks in advance for the best prices on the Wednesday and Sunday travel peak. Bookmark flexible times and set a price alert.
How much turkey do I need per person?
Plan about 1.25 pounds (570 g) of raw turkey per adult, which accounts for bone weight and leftovers. For bigger eaters or heavy leftovers, go 1.5 pounds.
When should I start cooking?
Start the marinade/brine 1-2 days ahead, bake pies the day before, and begin the bird early on the day - a 15-18 lb turkey can take 4+ hours with resting time.
What happens when Thanksgiving is early in November?
The Christmas ramp shortens. 2028’s Nov 23 Thanksgiving leaves less than a month before Christmas, so start gift planning immediately after the meal.