What Is Thanksgiving? The Date, the Meal and Sending Cards from the UK

Quick answer: Thanksgiving 2026 is on Thursday 26 November in the US. It's always the fourth Thursday in November, so the date changes each year. Canadian Thanksgiving 2026 was Monday 12 October. It isn't a holiday in the UK.

Thanksgiving is marked on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States, and on the second Monday in October in Canada. It is a family meal rather than a gift occasion, and it is the busiest travel week of the American year.

It matters here mainly if you have family, friends or colleagues in the States. A card posted from the UK needs a good two weeks to be safe, so it is worth thinking about in early November.

Here is what the day is, what happens on it, and what to write if you're sending something across.

Thanksgiving dates

Planning ahead is essential when you have loved ones living across the Atlantic. This handy overview suits anyone in the UK with friends or family in North America, helping you pinpoint exactly when to send your warm wishes each year. A practical tip is to note these upcoming dates in your calendar now so you always beat the international post.

• 2026: Thursday 26 November (US).
• 2027: Thursday 25 November (US).
• 2028: Thursday 23 November (US).
• Canada 2026: Monday 12 October.

The dates

Understanding how this autumn holiday is scheduled is perfect for UK residents who want to stay connected with global friends. Use this guide when organising your autumn mailing schedule to ensure you never miss the celebrations. As a practical tip, we recommend checking the latest Royal Mail international posting deadlines online to make sure your greetings arrive in time.

• United States: the fourth Thursday in November.
• Canada: the second Monday in October.
• The Friday after is Black Friday, the start of the US shopping season.
• Post from the UK around two weeks ahead for international delivery.

What actually happens

This guide to traditional customs suits curious onlookers or anyone attending their very first celebrations with American hosts. It is best to read this before the big day so you know exactly what to expect from the festivities. Our practical tip is to offer to help your hosts in advance, perhaps by volunteering to wash up or prepare a side dish.

• A large lunch or early dinner: turkey, stuffing, sweet potato, pumpkin pie.
• Family travel, often long distance, to eat together.
• American football on the television all afternoon.
• Going round the table saying what you're thankful for.
• Leftovers, eaten in sandwich form for several days.

What to write in a Thanksgiving card

Finding the right words suits anyone wanting to send warm wishes across the miles to friends and family. Use these ideas when sitting down to write your greeting cards in early November. A practical tip is to gather your address book and stamps beforehand, allowing you to write, address, and post your messages in one organised session.

• Thinking of you all today and wishing we could be round the table too.
• Happy Thanksgiving. Save us some pie.
• Grateful for you this year, even from a few thousand miles away.
• Happy Thanksgiving to the whole family — have a brilliant one.
• Wishing you a house full of people and a very full plate.

Key things to remember

• Send a thank you card rather than a themed one; it travels better.
• Write the address in the US format, with the state abbreviation and ZIP code.
• Post by mid-November for the fourth Thursday.

Frequently asked questions

When is Thanksgiving?

The fourth Thursday in November in the United States, and the second Monday in October in Canada.

Is Thanksgiving celebrated in the UK?

Not traditionally. Some families with American connections mark it, and a growing number of restaurants run a Thanksgiving menu.

How early should I post a Thanksgiving card to the US?

Around two weeks ahead. Posting in the first half of November gives international post enough room.

What is a good example of what is Thanksgiving? The date, the meal and sending a card from the UK?

"United States: the fourth Thursday in November." is one of 14 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.

Why does Thanksgiving change date every year?

It's fixed to the fourth Thursday in November rather than a set date.

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