Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday in the United States, celebrated with family feasts, parades, and football games. Many people wonder why the date of Thanksgiving changes each year. This year, Thanksgiving falls on November 28th, 2024, which is later in November than some might expect. Let’s explore why Thanksgiving is on this specific date in 2024.
Thanksgiving 2024: A Later Date in November
In 2024, Thanksgiving is observed on Thursday, November 28th. Looking back, Thanksgiving was on November 23rd in 2023 and November 24th in 2022. This shows that the date does shift slightly from year to year. The reason for this variation lies in the fixed rule that determines when Thanksgiving is celebrated each year.
A bountiful Thanksgiving dinner table laden with a roasted turkey, side dishes, and autumnal decorations, representing the traditional Thanksgiving feast celebrated in the United States.
The Fourth Thursday of November Rule
Thanksgiving in the United States is officially set for the fourth Thursday of November. This consistent rule, established by law, is why the calendar date changes annually. November 2024 begins on a Friday, meaning the first Thursday of the month is November 7th. Counting forward, the fourth Thursday lands on November 28th.
The position of the days of the week at the start of November dictates the Thanksgiving date. Because the calendar shifts slightly each year, and considering leap years like 2024, the fourth Thursday can fall anywhere from November 22nd to November 28th. A November 28th Thanksgiving, like in 2024, represents the latest possible date for the holiday. This last occurred in 2019 and will happen again in 2030.
In conclusion, Thanksgiving is on November 28th in 2024 because of the annual tradition of celebrating it on the fourth Thursday of November. This fixed-Thursday rule leads to the date fluctuating within the last week of November each year.
