Thanksgiving 2026: What's Open & Closed

Thanksgiving 2026 is Thursday, November 26 — in 38 days. Federal offices, USPS, banks, and the stock market are all closed. As of October 19, 2026.

📅 Looking for the date and countdown? See Thanksgiving 2026 — date, meaning & countdown.

Contents

• Quick-answer table
• When is Thanksgiving 2026?
• What’s open and closed
• The fourth-Thursday rule
• Banks and money on Thanksgiving
• Mail and packages
• Stock market hours
• History of Thanksgiving
• Thanksgiving travel guide
• Black Friday: what changes
• Thanksgiving 2027 and beyond
• The Thanksgiving meal: timing guide
• Thanksgiving traditions
• Thanksgiving week planning checklist
• FAQ
• How we verified this

Quick-answer table

Question	Answer
Date	Thursday, November 26, 2026
Federal holiday?	Yes
Banks open?	No (Fed closed)
USPS delivery?	No
Stock market?	Closed
Schools?	Closed (most)
Retail stores?	Most closed
Black Friday a holiday?	No

When is Thanksgiving 2026?

Thanksgiving 2026 is Thursday, November 26.

Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November. In 2026, the Thursdays in November fall on the 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th — making the 26th the fourth Thursday.

What’s open and closed

Closed on Thanksgiving

• Federal government offices — All non-essential federal offices closed
• Banks — Closed (Federal Reserve closed, see below)
• USPS — No mail delivery, post offices closed
• Stock market — NYSE and Nasdaq closed
• Public schools — Closed (most districts; some have full week off)
• Libraries — Most public libraries closed
• DMV — Closed in all states

Open (or varying)

• ATMs — Available 24/7
• Mobile/online banking — Available, but transfers won’t process until Friday
• Hospitals/ER — Open (emergency services always operate)
• Gas stations — Most open
• Restaurants — Many open, especially chains; reservations recommended
• Movie theaters — Open (Thanksgiving is a big movie day)
• Retail stores — Most major chains closed; some open limited hours

What about the day before (Wednesday)?

Wednesday, November 25 is a normal business day. However:

• Many offices close early
• Banks may have reduced hours
• Expect heavy travel traffic starting midday

The fourth-Thursday rule

Thanksgiving is defined by federal law as the fourth Thursday in November. This was established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1941, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Before 1941, the date varied:

• 1863–1939: Last Thursday in November (Lincoln’s proclamation)
• 1939–1941: Roosevelt moved it to the third Thursday to extend the holiday shopping season (the “Franksgiving” controversy)
• 1941–present: Fourth Thursday, fixed by law

The fourth Thursday is not always the last Thursday. In years when November has five Thursdays, Thanksgiving falls on the fourth, leaving one Thursday remaining. In 2026, November has exactly four Thursdays, so the fourth is also the last.

How to calculate it

1. Find November 1st of the year
2. Find the first Thursday on or after November 1st
3. Add 21 days (three weeks) to get the fourth Thursday

For 2026: November 1 is a Sunday. The first Thursday is November 5. Adding 21 days: November 26.

Banks and money on Thanksgiving

Banks are closed on Thanksgiving. This is because the Federal Reserve is closed — and banks depend on the Fed’s payment systems (Fedwire, ACH, check clearing) to process transactions.

What this means for you:

• Branches: Closed all day Thursday
• ATMs: Work normally for withdrawals and deposits
• Mobile deposits: Accepted, but won’t process until Friday
• Wire transfers: Cannot be initiated on Thursday; must wait until Friday
• Direct deposit: If your payday is Thanksgiving, check with your employer — many process early

Black Friday (November 27): Banks are open — it is not a federal holiday. However, some branches may have reduced hours or staffing. Call ahead if you need in-branch services.

For more on how bank holidays work, see our guide to whether banks are open today. Bank closure schedules follow the Federal Reserve K.8 calendar.

Mail and packages

USPS: No mail delivery on Thanksgiving. Post offices are closed. Regular delivery resumes Friday, November 27. See the USPS holiday schedule for details.

UPS: No pickup or delivery on Thanksgiving Day. UPS Express Critical is available for urgent shipments.

FedEx: No pickup or delivery on Thanksgiving Day (except FedEx Custom Critical for urgent shipments).

Amazon: Delivery schedules vary. Amazon Logistics may deliver on Thanksgiving in some areas, but expect delays.

If you’re shipping holiday packages, plan around the closure. The week of Thanksgiving is one of the busiest shipping periods of the year.

Stock market hours

Thanksgiving Day (November 26): The NYSE and Nasdaq are closed — no trading. Check the NYSE holiday calendar for the full schedule.

Black Friday (November 27): The market is open but closes early at 1:00 PM ET (instead of the usual 4:00 PM ET).

This early close on Black Friday is a long-standing NYSE tradition. The bond market (SIFMA) also recommends an early close at 2:00 PM ET.

If you’re an investor, note that:

• No after-hours trading on Thanksgiving
• Reduced volume on Black Friday (many traders take the day off)
• Economic data releases are paused on the holiday

History of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of the most widely observed American holidays, with roots in the 1863 proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln establishing it as a national day of thanks.

1863: Lincoln’s proclamation

During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise” for the last Thursday in November. This was at the urging of Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor who had campaigned for a national Thanksgiving for decades.

1939–1941: The “Franksgiving” controversy

President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving to the third Thursday in November to give retailers more shopping days before Christmas during the Great Depression. This was deeply unpopular — 23 states kept the traditional date, 22 followed Roosevelt, and 3 celebrated both. The confusion led Congress to act.

1941: Fixed by law

Congress passed a joint resolution establishing Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November. Roosevelt signed it on December 26, 1941.

Today

Thanksgiving remains one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the US, centered on family gatherings, the traditional meal, parades (notably Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York), and the start of the holiday shopping season.

Thanksgiving travel guide

Thanksgiving is the busiest travel period of the year in the US.

Busiest days

• Wednesday, November 25: Busiest outbound travel day. Airports and highways are packed from midday onward.
• Sunday, November 29: Busiest return day. Expect delays at airports and on highways.

Tips for smoother travel

1. Fly early: Morning flights on Wednesday are less likely to be delayed than afternoon/evening flights.
2. Drive off-peak: If driving, leave Tuesday evening or Wednesday before noon. Avoid Wednesday 3–7 PM.
3. Book early: Thanksgiving flights and rental cars sell out. Book as early as possible.
4. Pack patience: Allow extra time at airports (2+ hours for domestic).
5. Check the weather: Late November can bring winter storms. Have a backup plan.
6. Return Monday: If flexible, returning Monday, November 30 instead of Sunday avoids the worst crowds.

Driving distances

If you’re driving, remember that traffic on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving can double or triple normal travel times on major corridors (I-95, I-5, I-80, etc.). Use real-time traffic apps and consider alternate routes.

Black Friday: what changes

Black Friday (November 27, 2026) is NOT a federal holiday. This is a common point of confusion.

What changes on Black Friday:

• Federal offices: Open (normal business day)
• Banks: Open (normal hours, though some branches may be short-staffed)
• USPS: Normal delivery
• Stock market: Open until 1 PM ET (early close)
• Schools: Many closed (most districts extend the break through Friday)
• Retail: Major sales, extended hours, large crowds

Many private employers give Black Friday as a paid day off, but this is a company policy, not a legal requirement. If you’re unsure, check with your employer.

Thanksgiving 2027 and beyond

Year	Date	Day of week
2026	November 26	Thursday
2027	November 25	Thursday
2028	November 23	Thursday
2029	November 22	Thursday
2030	November 28	Thursday

All dates are the fourth Thursday in November, computed from the calendar. For DST-related date changes, see when clocks fall back.

Planning multi-year calendars

If you’re planning events, vacations, or business operations around Thanksgiving:

• The date shifts between November 22 and November 28 depending on the year
• The earliest possible Thanksgiving is November 22 (when November 1 is a Thursday)
• The latest possible is November 28 (when November 1 is a Friday)
• 2026 (November 26) is on the later side, giving a shorter holiday shopping season

The Thanksgiving meal: timing guide

If you’re hosting, timing is everything. Here’s a framework (adjust for your turkey size):

Days before:

• Sunday-Monday: Thaw frozen turkey in refrigerator (24 hours per 4-5 lbs)
• Tuesday: Shop for fresh ingredients, make pie dough
• Wednesday: Prep vegetables, make stock, bake pies, brine turkey if desired

Thanksgiving Day:

• Morning: Get turkey in oven (calculate: ~13 min/lb at 350°F for unstuffed)
• Midday: Prepare side dishes that can be made ahead
• 2-3 hours before serving: Make mashed potatoes, warm rolls
• 30 min before: Make gravy from drippings, warm everything
• Serving time: Most families eat between 2-5 PM

Food safety notes:

• Turkey must reach 165°F internal temperature (check thickest part of thigh)
• Don’t leave perishable food at room temperature more than 2 hours
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; use within 3-4 days

Thanksgiving traditions

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City has run since 1924 (except 1942-1944 during WWII). It starts at 8:30 AM ET on Thanksgiving morning and is broadcast nationally. In 2026, expect the usual route down 6th Avenue to Macy’s Herald Square.

Turkey pardoning

The presidential turkey pardoning is a White House tradition dating to the 1940s (formalized under George H.W. Bush in 1989). Two turkeys are typically pardoned and sent to live out their lives at a farm or university.

Football

The NFL has played games on Thanksgiving since 1920. The Detroit Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving game every year since 1934 (except during WWII). The Dallas Cowboys joined in 1966. In 2026, expect the traditional Lions and Cowboys home games plus a primetime matchup.

Volunteering

Many communities organize Thanksgiving meal services for those in need. If you want to volunteer, sign up early — spots fill up quickly.

State and local variations

While Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, some states have additional observances:

• The day after Thanksgiving is an official state holiday in several states (including California, Texas, and Florida for state employees)
• Some states observe the Friday as a paid holiday for government workers
• Private employer policies vary widely — check your company’s holiday calendar

If you work for a state or local government, verify whether your office observes the Friday after Thanksgiving. Federal employees should note that Black Friday is a normal workday unless they take leave.

Thanksgiving week planning checklist

The week of Thanksgiving requires planning across multiple areas:

Two weeks before:

• Confirm travel bookings (flights, hotels, rental cars)
• Order turkey if buying fresh (or ensure frozen turkey is purchased)
• Plan the menu and create a shopping list
• Confirm guest count and dietary restrictions

One week before:

• Start thawing frozen turkey (refrigerator method)
• Shop for non-perishables and beverages
• Confirm pet care arrangements if traveling
• Check weather forecast for travel days

Days before:

• Shop for fresh produce and dairy
• Prep make-ahead dishes (pies, cranberry sauce, stock)
• Charge devices, pack bags if traveling
• Confirm restaurant reservations if dining out

Thanksgiving Day:

• Get turkey in oven early (allow extra time — ovens vary)
• Set the table before guests arrive
• Keep appetizers simple (guests will fill up)
• Designate someone to make gravy while turkey rests
• Enjoy the meal — you’ve earned it

After:

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
• Send guests home with food (you’ll thank yourself later)
• Plan Black Friday shopping strategy if participating

International perspective

Thanksgiving is primarily a US holiday, but similar harvest celebrations exist worldwide:

• Canada: Thanksgiving is the second Monday in October (October 12, 2026)
• Germany: Erntedankfest (harvest thanksgiving) in early October
• Japan: Labor Thanksgiving Day (November 23)
• UK: No equivalent national holiday, though harvest festivals occur in churches

If you have international colleagues or business partners, remember that Thanksgiving week is a normal work week in most other countries. Schedule meetings accordingly and don’t expect replies from US contacts on Thursday. For businesses with global operations, plan for reduced US staffing. See our Veterans Day 2026 guide for another federal holiday example on Wednesday afternoon through Friday, even though only Thursday is the official holiday.

Time zone considerations for virtual gatherings

If you’re hosting a virtual Thanksgiving with family in different time zones:

• East Coast to West Coast: 3-hour difference. A 3 PM ET dinner is noon PT — plan for a time that works for everyone.
• US to Europe: 6-9 hour difference. A US evening meal is late night in Europe.
• US to Asia: 12-16 hour difference. Consider a virtual “dessert” or “cocktail” hour instead of the full meal.

Use our time zone converter to find a time that works across zones. For planning calls with family, our meeting planner can help coordinate.

The key to a successful virtual Thanksgiving is keeping it simple. Don’t try to replicate the full in-person experience — instead, focus on connection. A 30-minute video call where everyone shares what they’re grateful for can be more meaningful than a complicated multi-hour virtual dinner. And if the technology fails, a simple phone call works just as well.

FAQ

When is Thanksgiving 2026? Thanksgiving 2026 is Thursday, November 26. It is always the fourth Thursday in November.

Is Thanksgiving a federal holiday? Yes. Thanksgiving has been a federal holiday since 1941. Federal offices, banks, and the USPS are closed.

Are banks open on Thanksgiving? No. Banks are closed on Thanksgiving because the Federal Reserve is closed. ATMs and mobile banking still work, but transfers won’t process until Friday.

Is there mail delivery on Thanksgiving? No. USPS does not deliver mail on Thanksgiving. UPS and FedEx also suspend most services. Regular delivery resumes Friday.

Is the stock market open on Thanksgiving? No. The NYSE and Nasdaq are closed on Thanksgiving. They also close early (1 PM ET) on Black Friday.

Are stores open on Thanksgiving? Most major retailers are closed on Thanksgiving Day itself. Many open early on Black Friday. Check specific store hours as policies vary.

Why is Thanksgiving always on Thursday? President Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving in 1863 for the last Thursday in November. In 1941, Congress set it as the fourth Thursday by law.

Is Black Friday a federal holiday? No. The day after Thanksgiving is not a federal holiday. Federal offices and banks are open, though many people take the day off and many schools are closed.

What is the busiest travel day for Thanksgiving? The Wednesday before Thanksgiving (November 25, 2026) is typically the busiest outbound travel day. The Sunday after (November 29) is the busiest return day.

When is Thanksgiving 2027? Thanksgiving 2027 is Thursday, November 25.

How we verified this

Verified against official sources:

• Thanksgiving date (November 26, 2026): Computed as the fourth Thursday in November 2026; confirmed against OPM federal holiday calendar
• Federal holiday status: OPM 2026 federal holidays list
• Bank closures: Federal Reserve K.8 holiday schedule (banks follow the Fed)
• USPS closures: USPS holiday schedule
• NYSE closures: NYSE holiday calendar (closed Thanksgiving, early close Black Friday at 1 PM ET)
• 1941 law: Congressional joint resolution establishing fourth Thursday

General knowledge:

• Retail store policies vary by chain and are described qualitatively
• Travel patterns (busiest days) are based on widely reported trends
• Historical narrative (Lincoln, Franksgiving) is well-documented history

What we removed:

• No specific sales figures or discount percentages (would need sourcing)
• No “busiest travel day” statistics with specific numbers (trends described qualitatively)