🦃 Thanksgiving
The fourth Thursday in November — the traditional lead-in to the holiday shopping season.
Next date: Thursday, November 26, 2026 (recalculated automatically every year)
What is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a US federal holiday held on the fourth Thursday of November. Beyond the holiday meal itself, it has become the traditional starting line for the holiday shopping season: many retailers open their Black Friday deals early, some as soon as Thanksgiving evening.
Because Thanksgiving sits right before Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the three days are often treated by shoppers as one continuous stretch of deals rather than three separate events — a good reason to plan purchases across the whole weekend instead of a single day.
What to Watch For With Thanksgiving
- Check which retailers open their Black Friday deals on Thanksgiving Day itself so you don't miss an early sale.
- Build a shopping list before the holiday — the run-up to Thanksgiving is a good time to compare prices calmly, before the weekend rush.
- If a store is closed on Thanksgiving Day, its online deals may still go live at midnight — check store hours and site status separately.
- Pace yourself across the full holiday weekend: some of the best deals land on Small Business Saturday or Cyber Monday, not on Thanksgiving itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving
Is Thanksgiving the same date every year?
No, it's always the fourth Thursday in November, so the calendar date shifts from year to year.
Are stores open on Thanksgiving Day?
It varies by retailer. Many physical stores close for the holiday, while online stores typically stay open and often launch early deals.
What's the difference between Thanksgiving deals and Black Friday deals?
They're increasingly the same sale spread over more days — many retailers now treat Thanksgiving as the opening day of Black Friday week rather than a separate event.
Deals for Thanksgiving
No day-of deal has been added for Thanksgiving yet. As retailers announce their promotions (usually shortly before the date above), they'll show up here.