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Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October. It's celebrated to give thanks for the previous harvests of the year.

Upcoming Dates & Where They Are Celebrated

Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the second Monday of every October. The celebration date has been changed over the years, but has been steady since 1957. Here are the upcoming dates for your holiday calendar:

  • Monday, October 9, 2017 - National holiday except in: NB, NL, NS, PE (observance)
  • Monday, October 8, 2018 - National holiday except in: NB, NL, NS, PE (observance)
  • Monday, October 14, 2019 - National holiday except in: NB, NL, NS, PE (observance)
  • Monday, October 12, 2020 - National holiday except in: NB, NL, NS, PE (observance)
  • Monday, October 11, 2021 - National holiday except in: NB, NL, NS, PE (observance)
  • Monday, October 10, 2022 - National holiday except in: NB, NL, NS, PE (observance)
  • Monday, October 9, 2023 - National holiday except in: NB, NL, NS, PE (observance)
  • Monday, October 14, 2024 - National holiday except in: NB, NL, NS, PE (observance)
  • Monday, October 13, 2025 - National holiday except in: NB, NL, NS, PE (observance)

Where Is Thanksgiving Day Considered A Holiday?

Thanksgiving Day is a holiday in all of Canada, although it is a mere observance in some. There are no public or government offices open. There many be the occasional shop, but it is rare. Many people have the day off work, giving them a three day weekend. Public transportation is often unavailable, or limited. Schools are all closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Festivities & Events During Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day is celebrated with a large meal, shared between family members. This meal usually involves roasted turkey and pumpkin, as it's part of the seasonal produce. Since it is a three day weekend, many families plan a vacation. It's one of the last chances to experience a summer home or weekend of camping, before winter arrives. It's a great chance to walk through the falling leaves and enjoy the scenery.

A Brief History Of Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving has been celebrated in Canada and many other countries over a long period of indeterminable time. The tradition dates back to the Native American celebrations of harvest. Originally, it was celebrated every year with a different theme. Then in 1930 it became a day of Thanks. Although, prior to being moved to October, it was celebrated on the Monday closest to November 11, coinciding with Armistice Day. Then, Armistice Day was renamed to Remembrance Day and Thanksgiving was moved to October in 1957.