Wondering, "When is Thanksgiving 2024?" Mark your calendar and get ready with 15 joyful celebration ideas to make this holiday unforgettable!
National Thanksgiving Day is one of those special days we look forward to each year—a federal holiday dedicated to gathering with loved ones, sharing a delicious meal, and taking time to feel grateful. It is officially observed on the fourth Thursday of November, a holiday rich in history and beloved traditions that bring joy and warmth to millions. If you’re wondering when is Thanksgiving 2024, curious about its origins, or searching for new ways to celebrate, you’re in for a great read!
When Is Thanksgiving 2024?
Let’s get straight to the big question! Thanksgiving in 2024 falls on Thursday, November 28. The earliest date Thanksgiving can occur is November 22, and it varies each year. It’s always celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November here in the United States, kicking off the cozy holiday season and giving us all a chance to gather, relax, and spend a great time with loved ones.
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a hearty Thanksgiving meal featuring traditional favorites like roasted turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and the iconic pumpkin pie. Each dish is a nod to family recipes and a celebration of tradition that makes Thanksgiving Day truly special. The feast also includes a variety of drinks like apple cider and wines that enhance the meal’s rich flavors.
Quick History Behind Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving celebrations have long symbolized the closing of the harvest season, bringing people together in gratitude for the year’s bountiful harvest. The tradition traces back to the first Thanksgiving in 1621, when Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe gathered in Plymouth to share a meal in thanks for their successful harvest. Various Thanksgiving traditions, such as family gatherings, community involvement, and historical practices, continue to be an integral part of the holiday.
In 1789, President George Washington declared a day of Thanksgiving, and later, President Abraham Lincoln established it as a national holiday on the fourth Thursday of November—a tradition Congress reaffirmed in 1941 as a United States federal holiday. Today, Thanksgiving unites families across the country through shared Thanksgiving meals, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Thanksgiving football game.
15 Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving 2024
Thanksgiving is such a versatile holiday—you can celebrate it in so many fun, memorable ways! Thanksgiving weekend can include various traditions and events such as college football games and even Black Friday shopping. Here are the best ideas to make your Thanksgiving 2024 unforgettable and special.
Host a Thanksgiving Feast
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to bring family and friends together for a comforting, homemade meal featuring everyone’s favorite dishes, from roasted turkey to pumpkin pie. Not much of a chef? Make it a potluck and invite each guest to bring a beloved dish, creating a warm, welcoming table to gather around. As you enjoy the meal, take a moment to share favorite stories or past Thanksgiving memories—whether funny, touching, or a little nostalgic. Storytelling adds a warm, intimate atmosphere and keeps family traditions alive.
Play Thanksgiving Games
Inject some fun into the day with Thanksgiving-themed games that everyone can enjoy. Try Thanksgiving trivia to test family knowledge, or play a game of charades with holiday-inspired prompts. Games are a great way to get everyone laughing and feeling connected. Speaking of games, Avia is offering special Thanksgiving-themed events in their game apps! Come and check them out below!
Harvest Pass
Jump into the Thanksgiving spirit with Avia’s Harvest Pass, where players of Solitaire Clash, Bingo Tour, Blockolot, and Bubble Buzz can unlock exclusive gems, bonus cash, and premium rewards by completing fun seasonal tasks! Watch your progress meter fill up as you level up from 1 to 3, each stage unveiling bountiful treasures and colorful rewards in special treasure boxes. Don’t miss out—download these Avia games now and make your Thanksgiving season even more rewarding!
Harvest Bundle
Celebrate Thanksgiving with the Harvest Bundle in 8 Ball Strike! From November 22, 2024, to December 6, 2024, you can get $10 Bonus Cash (valid only for cash games, non-withdrawable), and the exclusive Autumn Cue for just $10 by purchasing the special Thanksgiving-themed Gift Package. Claim this limited-edition cue designed in rich autumn colors with detailed leaves and golden accents, capturing the cozy essence of the season. Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer and enjoy these festive rewards!
Decorate for Fall Together
Set the scene for a cozy Thanksgiving by decorating your home together. Gather pumpkins, add a splash of autumn colors, and light a few warm-scented candles to create the perfect holiday atmosphere. Decorating as a family can be a fun way to kick off the celebration and make everyone feel at home.
Start a Gratitude Jar Activity
Bring the focus back to gratitude with a simple but meaningful gratitude jar. Have each person write down something they’re grateful for and place it in the jar. At the end of the day, read the notes aloud—it’s a lovely way to reflect on life’s blessings together.
Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Start your Thanksgiving morning with the much-anticipated tradition of watching the 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, set to be the largest yet! Taking place on Thursday, November 28, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 12 Noon, EST, this iconic event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday. Settle in with coffee or hot chocolate and enjoy the colorful floats, huge balloons, and musical performances. The parade’s festive energy is a fantastic way to start the day with everyone gathered around. For an in-depth look at this year's spectacular lineup, dive into more details here.
Watch a Thanksgiving Football Game
Thanksgiving and football go hand-in-hand for many families. This year, the 2024 NFL Thanksgiving games bring even more excitement, taking place on Thursday, November 28. Kick off the day with Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions at 12:30 PM ET on CBS, followed by New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys at 4:30 PM ET on FOX, and wrap up the night with Miami Dolphins vs. Green Bay Packers at 8:20 PM ET on NBC. For the latest news and updates, you can tune in to FOX Sports for more information about the 2024 NFL Thanksgiving Football Games.
Plan an Outdoor Activity
Take a refreshing break from the Thanksgiving table and head outside for some family time. Plan a scenic hike, enjoy a neighborhood walk, or play a friendly game of flag football. A bit of fresh air and movement adds energy to the day, giving everyone a chance to bond, share laughs, and balance out the meal waiting indoors.
Give Back to the Community
Add deeper meaning to Thanksgiving by giving back to the community. Volunteer at a local shelter, organize a mini food drive, or help a neighbor in need. Small gestures like these embody the spirit of the season, creating memories of kindness and generosity that will last beyond the holiday. Not only does this tradition bring joy to others, but it also fosters a shared sense of gratitude and connection within your family.
Prepare for Black Friday Together
Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season, particularly with Black Friday shopping following the holiday. Gather with family, browse deals online, and make a shopping plan. Look for great sales from popular outlets and online brands like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Macy’s, where Black Friday deals cover everything from electronics to fashion and home goods. It’s also an ideal opportunity to secure amazing Christmas deals early, making the holiday season even more exciting and budget-friendly!
Host a Pie-Baking Contest
Bring a little friendly competition to the kitchen by hosting a family pie-baking contest. Set up a few simple rules—like each person must use a seasonal ingredient—and let everyone’s creativity shine. After the pies are baked, enjoy sampling each one and voting for the most delicious or creative pie. It’s a fun way to involve everyone, and you’ll have a variety of pies to enjoy after the main feast!
Create a Thanksgiving Time Capsule
Capture this Thanksgiving's memories by creating a time capsule. Have each family member write down their favorite precious Thanksgiving moments, hopes for the coming year, or even a small wish. Seal these memories in a box to be opened at a future Thanksgiving—maybe next year or in five years. It’s a heartwarming way to reflect on how everyone grows and changes over time.
Organize a Virtual Family Gathering
If some family members can't make it in person, set up a virtual family gathering. Send out invites, coordinate a meal time, and share Thanksgiving stories or even play games together online. Apps like Zoom and Google Meet can help everyone feel connected, no matter the distance, making the holiday even more inclusive.
Create a Thanksgiving Photo Booth
Set up a Thanksgiving-themed photo booth with props like pilgrim hats, faux mustaches, mini turkeys, and fall leaves. Get creative with a festive backdrop, and encourage everyone to take turns snapping silly photos. A dedicated photo booth adds a lighthearted element and creates lasting memories everyone can look back on.
Have a Thanksgiving Talent Show
Encourage family members to showcase their talents, whether it’s singing, dancing, telling jokes, or showing off a hidden skill. A talent show brings everyone together with laughter and admiration for each other's unique abilities, creating a lively and memorable evening.
Thanksgiving-Themed Movie Marathon
Wind down after the meal with a Thanksgiving movie marathon. Classic films like 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving', 'Planes', 'Trains and Automobiles', and 'Home for the Holidays' are perfect for the occasion. Gather blankets, popcorn, and settle in for a cozy movie night to wrap up the holiday.
Make the Most of Thanksgiving 2024
Thanksgiving 2024 is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate in a way that brings you joy. Whether you’re preparing a classic Thanksgiving feast, spending quality time with loved ones, or simply reflecting on what you’re grateful for, make the most of this special day. When is Thanksgiving 2024, again? This coming November 28, the fourth Thursday of November 2024.
Mark your calendar and dedicate this day to cherish traditions, meaningful connections, and the spirit of gratitude. However you choose to spend it, may Thanksgiving 2024 be filled with warmth, laughter, and memories that last well beyond the holiday.