Thanksgiving: The Festival of Gratitude

Every November, stores fill their fridges with turkeys, and people everywhere start planning their Thanksgiving feasts. But what exactly is Thanksgiving in 2026? Where did this tradition begin, and what are we really celebrating? More importantly, how can you make your own Thanksgiving this year meaningful and memorable?

Trip.com is here to give you a fresh rundown on the holiday—so you can head into the celebration with a deeper appreciation and maybe even impress your family with a few fun facts at the dinner table!

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Thanksgiving 2026 falls on November 26 (Thursday)

Brief Introduction

In modern times, Thanksgiving is both a cherished celebration and an official federal holiday in the United States. Yet its roots lie in much earlier harvest traditions, when communities gathered to give thanks for a successful season and the blessings of the year.

Though born from religious and cultural customs, Thanksgiving has since evolved into a widely observed secular holiday. So, how has Thanksgiving transformed over the centuries? And how do different countries celebrate Thanksgiving in 2026? Read on to learn more!

What is Thanksgiving all about?

▶Date of Thanksgiving 2026

Thanksgiving 2026 falls on Nov 26, 2026.

Thanksgiving is celebrated on the 4^th Thursday of every Nov in the U.S. Previously, Thanksgiving was celebrated on different dates by different people. However, when President Abraham Lincoln established Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863, he scheduled it to fall on the last Thursday of every Nov.

▶Origins of Thanksgiving

In 1620, the Pilgrims left Plymouth, England to set off for the New World, and they eventually settled down at the place known as Plymouth, Massachusetts today. The Pilgrims established a village here, and they soon formed an alliance with the Wampanoags, a Native American Tribe. In 1621, the Pilgrims harvested corn for the first time, and they had a feast to celebrate this event. The Wampanoags were invited to the feast, and this later became known as America’s "first Thanksgiving". This heart-warming story of the Pilgrim’s Thanksgiving Feast 1621 is the mainstream narrative, but there are controversies regarding its factuality.

The Native Americans share a different side of the story, and the ones to tell the tale are none other than the descendants of the Wampanoag Tribe. According to the article "Truthsgiving: The True History of Thanksgiving" by Jackie Menjivar, there was no evidence showing that the Wampanoag Tribe had been invited to this event. In fact, the relationship between the Pilgrims and Native Americans wasn’t all that harmonious from the beginning.

Wamsutta Frank James is the Wampanoag activist and organizer of the National Day of Mourning, which is a protest against the Thanksgiving celebration. The National Day of Mourning seeks to re-educate the public about the historic event in 1621, which was actually marred with brutal conflicts between the Pilgrims and Native Americans. As quoted in the article, Wamsutta Frank James mentioned that "The Pilgrims had hardly explored the shores of Cape Cod for four days before they had robbed the graves of my ancestors and stolen their corn and beans". Today, not many people know about the origin of Thanksgiving, let alone such controversies. However, Thanksgiving can be a good chance to commemorate both sides of the story.

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Native Americans used to pray for a good harvest on Thanksgiving

▶Thanksgiving as a National Holiday

So, how did this event transform into a national holiday hundreds of years later? The Pilgrims held another Thanksgiving celebration in 1623 at the end of a long drought. Since then, Thanksgiving celebrations have become a common practice, and this practice spread to other New England settlements, too. In 1817, New York State became the first state to recognize Thanksgiving as a national holiday. However, Thanksgiving still wasn’t recognized as a tradition throughout America. This would only be achieved several years later by the "Mother of Thanksgiving", renowned writer Sarah Josepha Hale.

Even if you’re unfamiliar with this name, I’m sure you’ve heard of her works. Sarah Josepha Hale is the writer of the famous nursery rhyme, "Mary Had a Little Lamb". She dedicated 36 years of her life to establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday, and her request was finally needed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. During the midst of the Civil War, President Lincoln established Thanksgiving as a national holiday to be held on the last Thursday of every Nov. He did so in hope that this celebration would help to heal the wounds and divisions caused by the Civil War. This was the start of the Thanksgiving holiday in modern history.

Here’s a fun fact! In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the date for Thanksgiving forward. This change was enacted to increase the duration between Thanksgiving and Christmas such that people would have more time for Christmas shopping, thereby boosting the economy. However, the confusing change met great opposition, and it was eventually rescinded in 1941 when Congress passed a law to establish Thanksgiving’s date on the 4th Thursday of every Nov.

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Thanksgiving 2026 is a day of celebration and a time for get-togethers

Thanksgiving Traditions and Activities

▶Thanksgiving 2026 Feast

One of the most important traditions on Thanksgiving 2026 is the feast! Bring in the turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts, and of course, pumpkin pie for desserts. The celebration isn’t complete until you’ve stuffed yourself full, and we’ll elaborate more on how to do so later on.

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Turkey is the classic Thanksgiving dish

▶The Thanksgiving Turkey Wishbone

When you’ve devoured the turkey, don’t throw away the bone! The wishbone is a Y-shaped turkey bone found at the base of a turkey’s sternum, and it is filled with superstitions! The tradition of breaking the turkey wishbone can be traced back to ancient Italy when the Romans believed that this particular bone had given birds access to divine powers. Since we’re celebrating traditions, why not join in the fun? When you’ve carved out the wishbone, set it aside for it to dry. Next, two people will make their wish and hold onto each end of the Y-shaped bone. Lastly, they will pull it apart and the person who ends up with the larger piece will have her/his wish come true.

Here at Trip.com, we’ll also teach you a little trick to, ahem, take charge of your own fate! First, strive to cling onto the thicker end of the bone. Secondly, dry your hands for a firm grip and remember to use your dominant hand. Thirdly, try to inch as close to the base of the bone as possible without rousing any suspicions. Lastly, and most importantly, grip firmly but pull... weakly. Yes, weakly! Let’s bring science into the myth for a moment and explain why. The bone is more likely to break on the end which is being tugged harder. With these useful tricks in mind, you may just become the lucky one this year!

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Make a wish and break a wishbone!

▶Why turkeys?

By the way, you may be wondering why do we always eat turkeys during Thanksgiving? Turkeys were native to America, and they were found in abundance when the Pilgrims celebrated Thanksgiving in the 17^th century. In addition, turkey is larger than chicken and it can feed many more people. Hence, the consumption of this bird rose in popularity, and it eventually became a must-have during Thanksgiving feasts!

▶The 96^th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Let’s take a look at some other traditions which don’t involve food. If you’re in New York City, don’t miss out on Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! The parade first took place in 1924, and it’s been an annual attraction ever since. This 3-hour parade takes place from 09:00 to 12:00, and it is held in Manhattan. However, people from other states can tune in to the NBC channel to watch it on television.

The famous parade is organized by Macy’s department store — and Thanksgiving 2026 will mark the 100th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Keep an eye out for the giant balloons drifting above the crowds! In past years, those balloons have included characters like SpongeBob, Spider-Man, Pikachu, and many more.

Giant balloons featuring popular characters are a highlight during Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

▶National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation

We know we said that we’re leaving food aside for now, and we certainly are! The National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation is when a live turkey is presented to the president of the U.S. by the National Turkey Federation. While these turkeys used to be slaughtered and eaten, a new tradition formed during President George H. W. Bush’s era, when pardoning the turkey became a permanent feature.

Since then, succeeding presidents have pardoned the turkeys during the annual presentation, and it has become a Thanksgiving tradition. This presentation usually takes place a few days before Thanksgiving, so do keep an eye out for it for Thanksgiving 2026.

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Pardoning the turkey has become a tradition during the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation

▶Turkey Trot

Just to be clear, we’re still not talking about food! Turkey trots are long-distance footraces, and people usually dress themselves up in turkey costumes for this race. The distance is usually about 5 km (3.1 miles), but it can be longer or shorter depending on the organizer. Turkey Trots are held across various states in the U.S., and they may also be held before or after Thanksgiving 2026. Join the nearest Turkey Trot to shed some calories before (or after) the feast!

One popular example is the Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race held in Cincinnati, Ohio. This year, the race will be held on Thanksgiving Day — and 2026 marks the 118th annual Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race. The event typically includes a 10 km (6.2 miles) run (and often a shorter 5 K option), and registration comes with race perks like running gloves and a gift bag — great for kicking off Thanksgiving morning with good vibes and a sense of community.

If you’re hoping to join the largest Thanksgiving Day race in the U.S., the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot is the one to beat! Thanksgiving 2026 marks the 22nd Annual Silicon Valley Turkey Trot, offering three race categories for participants: the 5K Run, 10K Run, and the Kid’s Fun Run.

▶Give Thanks on Thanksgiving

When you’re having all the fun, don’t forget the theme of the day: Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving 2026 is a chance for you to show gratitude for everything you’ve had over the past year. Remember to say thanks to family members who have helped you out and reflect on the wonderful things in life.

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Thanksgiving 2026 is a chance for you to say thank you

▶Don’t forget your friends!

While Thanksgiving 2026 is a family celebration, this is also a chance for you to say "thank you" to your friends and colleagues, too. Drop them a text or give them a call to show appreciation for the times they’ve been there for you.

▶Volunteering

There’s no better to show gratitude than giving back to society! Volunteering is a popular way to commemorate this special day, and you can check out your local charity organizations to find out the ways you can help out during this festive season.

▶Gear Up for Black Friday

Black Friday takes place the day after Thanksgiving, and in 2026 it will fall on November 27. This is one of the biggest shopping events in the U.S., with major stores offering some of the most enticing discounts of the year. After enjoying your Thanksgiving feast, don’t forget to check out the latest promotions at your favorite stores!

▶Game Night

The party doesn’t end with the meal, and it’s time for some party games! Charade, card games, or puzzles, do prepare plenty of options for entertainment!

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The Thanksgiving feast is undoubtedly the highlight of the day

Recommendations for Thanksgiving Dinner and Thanksgiving Desserts

Now, let’s delve into the preparations for the highlight of this festival: the Thanksgiving dinner! Whether you’re a newbie hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for the first time or a veteran searching for new inspirations, Trip.com is here to help you plan out an impressive meal for your Thanksgiving 2026.

Thanksgiving Dinner Source: Pro Church Media / unsplash

Mains and Side Dishes

▶Turkey

First up on the menu is the iconic dish of Thanksgiving 2026: turkeys! The most classic way of serving this delicious poultry is to roast it, and it’s also the easiest way to prepare it. After you’ve stuffed the turkey and marinated it, all you need to do is to roast it in an oven. A perfectly roasted turkey also makes a wonderful centerpiece on your dining table. If you’re celebrating just among a few people and a whole turkey is too much for you, feel free to explore modern interpretations. Braised turkey thighs and crispy turkey cutlets are some options you can dish up!

▶Mashed Potatoes

Old but gold, the best accompaniment to turkey is none other than mashed potatoes! Turkey meat can be a little dry, and this is when the smooth mashed potatoes and savory gravy come.

▶Cranberry Sauce

This sweet and sour sauce also goes with the turkey meat, and it will bring more depth to the flavor of your roasted turkey. Homemade cranberry sauce always impresses with its freshness and customizability, but if you’re tight on time, remember to stock up on canned ones.

▶Green Bean Casserole

This is another iconic Thanksgiving 2026 dish, and it was released in 1955 by Campbell Soup Company. The main ingredients are of course green beans and Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup. This dish is estimated to appear in 20 million Thanksgiving dinners every year.

▶Roasted Vegetables

Before you close the oven door for your roasted turkey, remember to throw in some vegetables! Brussels sprouts, carrots, and red onions are some of the most popular choices.

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Toss some brussels sprouts into the oven when you roast your turkey

Desserts

▶Pumpkin Pie

Just like how turkey is the star of the mains, pumpkin pie definitely takes the limelight when it comes to desserts for Thanksgiving 2026! It is believed that the Pilgrims had received pumpkins from the Native Americans back in the 17^th century, and pumpkins were also eaten during the Pilgrim’s Thanksgiving Feast of 1621. Today, this traditional ingredient is represented in the form of a pie at Thanksgiving 2026, and it’s a beloved treat after a hearty meal.

▶Pecan Pie

Another popular pie seen at festive meals is the pecan pie! The crunchy pecan nuts and crispy crust make it an addictive snack that will draw people in for second servings.

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Hear the crunch when you bite into the pecan pie!

▶Apple Hand Pies

You can have too many mains, but you can never have too many desserts! Apple pies are an all-time favorite seen in most celebrations, and Thanksgiving 2026 is no exception. To add a little twist, why not prepare apple hand pies? Instead of baking a large apple pie, you can bake smaller, individual apple hand pies. This makes it easier to be passed around during the meal, and it can also be a great snack during gaming activities later on.

Get Ready for an Extraordinary Thanksgiving 2026 With Trip.com

From Thanksgiving traditions to popular mains for the Thanksgiving feast, we’ve presented all the information you need to organize a magnificent Thanksgiving 2026 this year. Don’t hesitate to play host to your family and friends during this festive season and create some unforgettable memories together!