Introduction
It is the ultimate American holiday for food, family, and football. But because the date changes every single year, millions of people search for the exact calendar schedule well in advance to book flights and plan their menus.
So, when is Thanksgiving 2026? In this guide, we cover the official federal holiday date, what it means for the stock market, and when the massive Black Friday sales officially kick off.
When is Thanksgiving 2026?
By federal law, Thanksgiving is always celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November.
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Black Friday: Friday, November 27, 2026
- Cyber Monday: Monday, November 30, 2026
Because November 2026 starts on a Sunday, Thanksgiving falls relatively late in the month (November 26th is just two days shy of the latest possible date).
Is Thanksgiving a Federal Holiday?
Yes. Thanksgiving is one of the most strictly observed US Federal Holidays.
- Government Offices & Courts: Closed.
- Mail: The USPS will not deliver mail.
- Banks: All major banks and the Federal Reserve are closed.
- Schools: Most schools take Thursday and Friday off, with many districts taking the entire week off for a “Thanksgiving Break.”
Is the Stock Market Open on Thanksgiving?
No. The stock market fully observes Thanksgiving.
- Thursday, Nov 26: Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq are CLOSED.
- Friday, Nov 27 (Black Friday): The stock market typically reopens but observes a half-day, closing early at 1:00 PM EST.
Shopping: What is Open on Thanksgiving 2026?
In recent years, the trend of stores opening on Thanksgiving Day for early Black Friday sales has completely reversed.
🚫 Stores CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day
Expect almost all major retailers to be closed on Thursday to give employees time with their families:
- Target
- Walmart
- Best Buy
- Costco
- Macy’s
✅ Stores OPEN on Thanksgiving Day
If you need last-minute ingredients like butter or cranberry sauce, you will need to rely on:
- Local grocery chains (e.g., Kroger, Whole Foods) which usually offer modified, early-closure hours.
- Convenience stores and pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens.
(Note: All major retailers will reopen their doors early on Friday, November 27th for Black Friday).
Conclusion
Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 26, 2026. Whether you are preparing a turkey, waiting for Black Friday deals, or catching the traditional NFL games, enjoy the start of the holiday season!