Thanksgiving 2026: federal holiday date and long weekend
Thanksgiving Day is a U.S. federal holiday on the fourth Thursday in November. In 2026 that date is Thursday, 26 November. This article covers the official federal calendar, what usually closes, and how the long weekend typically works—travel practicalities are in a companion piece.
Key points
- Thanksgiving Day 2026 = Thursday, November 26 (OPM).
- Friday is not a federal holiday.
- Travel and shopping peaks span Wed–Sun around the holiday.
Official 2026 date (OPM)
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) publishes the federal holiday schedule. For 2026, Thanksgiving Day is listed as Thursday, November 26. That matches the statutory rule: Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday in November. Federal employees on a Monday–Friday schedule observe it on that Thursday.
| Date | Day | Status (federal) |
|---|---|---|
| 25 Nov 2026 | Wed | Normal federal workday (unless your agency says otherwise) |
| 26 Nov 2026 | Thu | Thanksgiving Day — federal holiday |
| 27 Nov 2026 | Fri | Not a federal holiday; often a company or school day off |
| 28–29 Nov 2026 | Sat–Sun | Weekend |
What “federal holiday” means in practice
On Thanksgiving Day, most federal agencies and many post offices are closed. Private employers and banks often close or run reduced hours, but that is their policy—not an OPM mandate for the private sector. Retailers frequently stay open for Black Friday prep the next day.
- Schools: many districts close Thursday and Friday; confirm your local calendar.
- Banks and brokerages: often closed Thursday; Friday varies.
- Transit: urban systems usually run, sometimes on a holiday or Saturday pattern—check the operator.
- Hospitals, airports, hotels and emergency services: open, with holiday staffing.
The “Thanksgiving weekend” vs the federal day
Only Thursday is the federal holiday. The long weekend people talk about often includes Wednesday evening travel, Thursday dinner, Friday shopping (Black Friday), and a Sunday return. Friday 27 November 2026 is not on the OPM holiday list; whether you get it off depends on your employer or school.
Planning checklist tied to the date
- If you need a government office or passport appointment, finish it before Thursday 26 November.
- Mail and package deadlines: carriers publish holiday cutoffs separately—use their current notice, not last year’s dates.
- For airport and highway timing, see «Thanksgiving 2026 travel: TSA and highway tips».
- For history and table customs, see «Thanksgiving origins and common traditions».
Federal date from OPM 2026 Holiday Schedule. Last verified 2026-10-15. Private schedules may differ.
FAQ
What day is Thanksgiving 2026?
Thursday, 26 November 2026, per the OPM federal holiday schedule.
Is the Friday after Thanksgiving a federal holiday?
No. OPM lists only Thursday as Thanksgiving Day.
Do all businesses close?
No. Federal offices generally close; retailers and restaurants often stay open.
Where is travel advice?
See our Thanksgiving 2026 travel article in this series.
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About these articles
Drafts are AI-assisted and checked against official announcements. Dates, times and road rules that affect travel are sourced and dated. Rules can change—confirm on official sites before you go. Report corrections by email.