Thanksgiving is a traditional holiday in both Canada and the United States. But who exactly are people thanking, and for what? And what makes Canadian and American Thanksgiving different?
The roots of the two holidays are almost identical. Yet their traditions and history developed in different ways.
Thanksgiving in Canada
The first Canadian Thanksgiving took place in 1578. That year, the expedition of an Arctic explorer ended tragically for half of the crew. The holiday was held in honor of the survival of the others and the good harvest. That is why it was usually celebrated in autumn—but not always.
The idea of giving thanks was flexible, and so the date varied. People thanked God for anything they considered meaningful. For example, in 1872 Thanksgiving was celebrated on April 15 to mark the recovery of the Prince of Wales from a serious illness.
Later, the tradition became simply to thank God for everything people had. The official date was set on January 31, 1957: Thanksgiving would be celebrated on the second Monday of October. In 2025, that date falls on October 13.
In Canada, Thanksgiving is recognized as an official holiday. It always comes with a long weekend when people can go out of town and spend time with family. However, there are a few provinces where it is not a statutory holiday:
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
Unlike in the U.S., there are no grand parades in Canada. It is more of a private, family-centered holiday.
Thanksgiving in the U.S.
In the United States, the holiday is called Thanksgiving Day. It is marked by parades, fairs, and lavish feasts shared with family and friends. It is the most celebrated holiday after Independence Day.
The history goes back to the first settlers in North America. Local Native Americans helped the colonists survive their first winter, and later the land rewarded them with a good harvest. A celebratory feast was held, and the Native Americans were invited to join.
Today, gratitude is expressed to America’s Founding Fathers and the early settlers. The centerpiece of the holiday meal is roast turkey, served with cranberry sauce. Another staple is pumpkin pie.
Thanksgiving is not only about traditions and parades—it also kicks off the holiday shopping season. In the U.S., it is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, followed immediately by the world-famous Black Friday.
On that day, stores offer massive discounts, and for many Americans it’s the best or only chance to buy expensive items at lower prices. It is also the time to shop for Christmas gifts.
Other countries are trying to adopt this tradition, but none have matched the American scale. Still, Canada and the U.S. share much in common when it comes to Thanksgiving.
In Canada too, the holiday table features turkey and pumpkin pie. Churches in both countries hold services, and it is a key day for charity.
Homes are decorated with autumn produce and symbols of harvest. Canadians living abroad also celebrate the holiday, whether by decorating their homes or simply gathering for a festive family dinner.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, it’s a wonderful occasion to give thanks for everything life has to offer.
