When is Thanksgiving in 2025?
Thanksgiving in 2025 falls on Thursday, November 28. The holiday is observed on the fourth Thursday of November each year.
What to Expect During Thanksgiving
The holiday often stretches into a four-day weekend for many, as the day after Thanksgiving is commonly taken off, although it is not an official state or federal holiday. Schools, banks, and government offices in Michigan will be closed, and there will be no mail delivery. Many stores close for the day, while grocery stores often remain open.
Traditions and Significance
- Thanksgiving is widely associated with football games and enjoying traditional meals.
- The famous Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade is a key event.
- Many people begin to embrace the winter holiday season, putting up decorations and looking forward to Christmas.
Historical Background
"President Abraham Lincoln declared a national Thanksgiving holiday in 1863, according to the National Archives. It was a gesture, say historians, meant to reconcile a deeply divided country in the midst of the Civil War."
"Lincoln wasn't the first president to issue a Thanksgiving proclamation — George Washington did so in 1789."
Holiday Status
Thanksgiving is recognized both as a state and federal holiday in Michigan, which results in closures of government offices and financial institutions.
The Thanksgiving holiday offers a meaningful pause in late November, blending tradition, family time, and national history into a cherished American custom.