Thanksgiving 2025 arrives on Thursday, November 27, bringing families and friends together across the United States and inspiring communities around the world. This year marks a return to vibrant, affordable celebrations, new food trends, and record travel, highlighting the enduring spirit of gratitude.
Top Takeaways for Thanksgiving 2025
- Third consecutive year of declining Thanksgiving dinner costs in the United States, making the celebration more accessible for families.
- Record-breaking travel, with airports, rail lines, and highways busier than ever, as people reconnect with loved ones.
- Classic parades and sports are back in full swing, with new stars headlining half-time entertainment and the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Food trends include mushrooms, multicultural flavors, “Friendsgiving” events, and a growing focus on wellness and sustainability.
- The holiday continues to grow outside the U.S., gaining popularity with British Gen Z and millennials, and other international communities.
What is Thanksgiving and Why is It Celebrated?
Thanksgiving is an annual celebration rooted in North America, observed on the fourth Thursday of November in the U.S. and on the second Monday of October in Canada. The day’s history is linked to harvest feasts and gratitude traditions, but today it is best known as a time to gather, share a meal, and give thanks for life’s blessings.
While the heart of the holiday is gratitude, the way it is observed keeps evolving—especially in 2025, as new traditions take root and global influences reshape the table.
Lower Costs and Changing Menus
2025 is the third consecutive year with a drop in Thanksgiving meal prices for Americans, led by lower turkey prices and increased competition among grocery chains. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average cost to host a meal for 10 is down again, with value meals and discount deals drawing budget-conscious shoppers.
This year, the classic menu—roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie—gets an infusion of creativity:
| 2025 Trending Dishes | Notable Details |
|---|---|
| Wild & Exotic Mushrooms | Sautéed or added to stuffing, rich in umami |
| Cold Brew and Craft Beverages | Served alongside dessert and during appetizers |
| Southeast Asian and Latin Flavors | Kimchi, tamarind, and fusion sides |
| “Friendsgiving” Meals | Potluck-style, often with plant-forward plates |
| Plant-Based Options | Meatless mains and sides, more vegan pies |
Wellness is a major focus—smaller portion sizes, healthier desserts, and creative mocktails are now staples of the Thanksgiving table. Many hosts plan charity runs, walking meetups, or outdoor “Turkey Trots” before dinner, emphasizing health and connection over indulgence.
Travel, Parades, and Global Celebrations
Travel for Thanksgiving 2025 is surging higher than pre-pandemic levels. Amtrak, bus operators, and airlines all report record booking numbers. U.S. flight restrictions have been eased just in time, with families and friends enjoying easier journeys.
- Major highways are predicted to be packed, so travel experts advise early departures.
- Community events like turkey trots, charity runs, and city festivals are widespread in both large cities and small towns.
- Internationally, British youth and expats are adopting the “Friendsgiving” tradition, with gatherings often combining American football games, British dishes, and gratitude rituals.
The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York features new balloons, floats, and a diverse array of music stars, including Lil Jon, Post Malone, and Jack White. The parade is broadcast globally, drawing millions of viewers—many tuning in from abroad to enjoy a piece of uniquely American pageantry.
NFL football remains a holiday fixture, with the Dallas Cowboys hosting the Kansas City Chiefs and a star-studded halftime lineup.
Quotes & Reactions
“The 2025 Thanksgiving dinner cost is at its lowest in years, which means more families can celebrate fully. Retailers are responding with fantastic deals and local producers are seeing higher demand.”
— American Farm Bureau Federation
“Thanksgiving is becoming a global moment, especially among younger Brits and expats. Friendsgiving events are more diverse, blending gratitude with global cuisine and fun new traditions.”
— British Culture Analyst
Why This Year Matters
In a year marked by inflation anxiety in other sectors, a more affordable holiday meal brings relief and joy. The drop in food prices has a real impact, especially for larger families and neighborhoods organizing community dinners.
Thanksgiving is also proving its resilience and adaptability. Not only are households gathering in record numbers, but the holiday’s essence—gratitude—now transcends borders.
The Global Spread
Thanksgiving 2025 is a perfect example of cultural blending, as more non-Americans join in:
- International school communities host “thank you” dinners and charity events.
- Global brands promote “Thankful Thursday” sales and community programs.
- Social media is flooded with #Thanksgiving and #Friendsgiving posts, many from countries where the holiday isn’t officially recognized.
Thanksgiving 2025 Fast Facts Table
| Theme | 2025 Highlights |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, November 27, 2025 (U.S.) |
| Travel | Record Amtrak bookings, busy skies, packed highways |
| Entertainment | Macy’s Parade (99th year), NFL games, global TV |
| Food Trends | Mushrooms, cold brew, kimchi, sustainable & fusion dishes |
| Average Dinner Party Size | 9 people |
| Top International Growth | U.K., Germany, Australia, India (urban centers) |
| Weather | Rain/snow mix forecast, especially in Northeast U.S. |
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