What is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving Day is a harvest festival. Popular in the United States and
Canada, it is generally seen as a day of feasting and expressing gratitude. The origins of Thanksgiving are often contended -- it is generally accepted that the first Thanksgiving was held in 1621 at
Plymouth Plantation, but some argue it was first held in 1565 in St. Augustine, Florida.
When Is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving Day is the fourth Thursday in
November.
- 2011: Thursday, November 24, 2011
- 2012: Thursday, November 22, 2012
- 2013: Thursday, November 28, 2013
What You Should You Know About Thanksgiving
- Thanksgiving marks the official beginning of the Christmas holiday season in the United States.
- Thanksgiving is probably the most widely celebrated American holiday.
- Most Americans spend Thanksgiving with their families.
- Thanksgiving is a popular travel time in the U.S., so you may find flights and hotels to be expensive.
- Thanksgiving is a U.S. Federal Holiday.
- Schools, banks and post offices are closed on Thanksgiving.
- Many restaurants, most stores and attractions are closed on Thanksgiving.
What To Do on Thanksgiving Day in New York City
