What day is Thanksgiving 2024? You might be looking at this question and thinking, well, duh, Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday! Yes, but what is the date of Thanksgiving? The actual date changes from year to year. It could be as early as November 22nd, as late as November 28th, or any day in between. But, it always falls on the fourth Thursday in November. Dates can be important so you know when to start preparing for your Thanksgiving day feast!

This year, 2024, Thanksgiving falls on the latest date it could be, November 28th.

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Why Is Thanksgiving On The Fourth Thursday In November?

In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln wanted a national day for people to give thanks. He decided it should be on the last Thursday of every month. However, when the last Thursday was the fifth Thursday of the month, it limited time for retailers to sell items for Christmas, which would hurt business. So, in 1941, Congress passed a law stating Thanksgiving would always be the fourth Thursday in November, regardless if there were four or five Thursdays in the month.

Why Thursday?

Deciding to celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursdays could go way back to the Puritans. They wanted to keep the day from being too close to the Sabbath (Sunday).

The Main Course

In the Thanksgiving feast, we face a tasty decision: do we go for the big turkey or the yummy ham? The turkey is big and proud, promising juicy meat with crispy skin and a smell of herbs. But then there’s the ham, shiny and sweet from honey, with a delicious smoky taste. It’s a tough choice! Stick with the classic turkey or try something new with the tasty ham? That’s the question we face for Thanksgiving! Here are some options to make your decision even tougher!

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Bacon Wrapped Turkey
If you really want to impress your friends and family this Thanksgiving, walk out with (don’t drop it!) a turkey that is covered in crispy bacon. You really need everyone to see this beautiful display before you cut into it. And, I am happy to say that Bacon Wrapped Turkey tastes as great as it looks!
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Herb Roasted Turkey
Herb Butter Roast Turkey is easy, flavorful, and no-fail! Don’t be intimated by preparing Turkey for your Thanksgiving feast, this recipe is actually pretty darn easy!
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Air Fryer Turkey Breast on a white platter on a wooden table.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Get ready, food enthusiasts! This Thanksgiving, we're diving into the world of air fryer turkey breast. Say goodbye to the usual oven roasting and hello to a new level of convenience and flavor. Imagine tender turkey breast cooked just right, surrounded by a crispy, golden skin that's a feast for the eyes and taste buds. With the air fryer's magic, we're opening up a whole new way to enjoy our holiday meal.
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A honey glazed ham on a white plate overhead
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Honey Glazed Ham
This Thanksgiving, let's add a touch of sweetness to our feast with a classic honey-glazed ham. Say goodbye to the usual turkey and hello to a comforting, flavorful option that's sure to please. Imagine a tender ham, gently coated in a delicious honey glaze, offering a perfect blend of savory and sweet notes. With each slice, you'll savor the comforting flavors of tradition, making this holiday meal one to remember.
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Cut into Apple Butter Honey Glazed Ham.
Apple Butter Honey Glazed Ham
This Thanksgiving, switch it up with apple butter honey glazed ham. Enjoy a mix of sweet and savory flavors. Picture tender ham coated in apple butter and honey glaze, a tasty twist on tradition. It's a delicious addition to your holiday table.
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Whole cooked Brown Sugar Glazed Ham on a Platter with fresh greens.
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a bone-in ham topped and roasted with a sweet, tangy, and spiced brown sugar glaze that creates a caramelized coating.
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Side Dishes

As we gather around the table this holiday season, let’s not forget the delicious array of side dishes that complement our main course. From creamy mashed potatoes to savory stuffing, and from tangy cranberry sauce to buttery green beans, the options are endless. Whether you’re a traditionalist or looking to shake things up with some creative twists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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Close up of Creamy Country Mashed Potatoes.
Country Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving side dish made by boiling potatoes until tender, then mashing them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. They're the ultimate comfort food, velvety in texture and rich in flavor, making them a beloved addition to any holiday meal.
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Skins On Mashed Potatoes
Skins-on mashed potatoes offer a rustic twist on the classic side dish, incorporating the earthy flavor and texture of potato skins into every bite. With their hearty appeal and added nutrients, these mashed potatoes bring a wholesome touch to the Thanksgiving table.
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overhead of sweet potato casserole with a spoonful being taken out
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect holiday side dish. Savory and sweet combine in such a unique way! Creamy mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, topped with a homemade marshmallow meringue!
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Overhead of skillet filled with world's worst stuffing.
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World’s Worst Stuffing Recipe
So you actually came here looking for a GOOD stuffing recipe, right? Well, you are in the right place. This stuffing recipe is one that has been perfected over many years of trial, error, and feedback from family and friends.
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Overhead of bacon stuffing in baking dish with spoon
Thanksgiving Bacon Stuffing
Thanksgiving Bacon Stuffing is a simple yet delicious take on the oh-so-popular Thanksgiving Stuffing. With bacon as the star of the show, what is not to love?
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Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving staple, consisting of green beans coated in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy fried onions. Its simple yet satisfying combination of flavors and textures has made it a beloved dish at holiday gatherings for generations.
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Spoon picking up a spoonful of Bacon Green Bean Casserole .
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Bacon Green Bean Casserole is a classic holiday side dish made with fresh green beans, crispy bacon, and a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with homemade fried onions. It’s a flavorful upgrade to the Campbell’s green bean casserole you have probably had many times!
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iambaker.net
Easy Dinner Rolls
This Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe is the perfect addition to any meal with the rolls’ golden brown exterior and soft, pillowy center. Then, melted butter is brushed over the warm rolls with an optional sprinkling of kosher salt on top. My mouth is watering describing them, they are so good!
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overhead basket of sweet potato rolls
Sweet Potato Rolls
Sweet potato rolls are a delightful twist on traditional dinner rolls, enriched with the natural sweetness and earthy flavor of sweet potatoes. Soft and pillowy, these rolls add a subtle hint of sweetness to the Thanksgiving table, making them a comforting accompaniment to savory dishes and a favorite among guests.
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piece of cornbread with honey on top
Homemade Cornbread
Cornbread quietly enhances the Thanksgiving spread with its simple golden hue and crumbly texture. Its modest sweetness and rustic appeal add a comforting touch to the meal, inviting memories of cozy gatherings and cherished traditions.
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Gravy and Sauces

Let’s talk about the unsung heroes of Thanksgiving: gravy and sauces! As we gather around the table to celebrate this cherished holiday, it’s the rich, velvety gravy and tangy cranberry sauce that bring the feast together. With their ability to elevate every bite, these delectable accompaniments add depth and flavor to the main course and side dishes alike.

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Bowl of Homemade Brown Gravy Mix on a table from overhead.
Homemade Brown Gravy Mix
Homemade Brown Gravy Mix is a dry gravy mix that combines pantry staples that you probably already have on hand to create a flavorful base for rich brown gravy. There is no need to go out and buy a packet of dry gravy mix when you can make a batch to have on hand for up to a year!
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spoon filled and dripping with bacon gravy over a bowl of gravy
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Bacon Gravy
Bacon gravy is a savory delight that combines the rich flavors of bacon and turkey drippings, enhanced by a touch of butter, flour, salt, and pepper. With its velvety texture and smoky essence, this indulgent sauce adds a decadent twist to Thanksgiving dishes, bringing a burst of deliciousness to every spoonful.
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Overhead of a bowl of homeamde cranberry sauce with a spoon
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a quintessential Thanksgiving condiment, featuring tart cranberries cooked with sugar and often flavored with orange zest or spices. Its vibrant hue and sweet-tangy flavor add a burst of brightness to the holiday meal, perfectly complementing the savory dishes on the table.
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Desserts

Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth and indulge in a delightful array of Thanksgiving desserts! From the classic pumpkin pie to the decadent pecan pie and everything in between, the dessert table is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you’re craving something creamy, fruity, or downright decadent, these desserts are sure to add a deliciously festive finale to your Thanksgiving celebration. So, save room for dessert and get ready to treat yourself to a slice (or two) of holiday happiness!

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iambaker.net
Perfect Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert featuring a creamy, spiced pumpkin custard filling encased in a flaky pie crust. With its warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, pumpkin pie is a beloved symbol of fall and a staple on holiday dessert tables.
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slice of pecan pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top
iambaker.net
Pecan Pie Recipe
With its indulgent sweetness and nutty flavor, pecan pie is a cherished dessert that embodies the warmth and comfort of the holiday season, making it a must-have on any Thanksgiving table.
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iambaker.net
Classic Apple Pie
Apple pie is a classic American dessert, filled with thinly sliced apples seasoned with cinnamon and sugar, baked until golden brown in a flaky pastry crust. Its comforting flavors and nostalgic charm make it a cherished addition to any Thanksgiving feast, evoking memories of cozy gatherings and fall afternoons spent with family and friends.
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one piece of cranberry cheesecake on a white plate with whipped topping
iambaker.net
Cranberry Cheesecake
Cranberry cheesecake offers a festive twist on the classic dessert, combining creamy cheesecake with tart cranberry topping. With its luscious texture and tangy-sweet flavor, this indulgent treat adds a delightful burst of seasonal freshness to the Thanksgiving dessert spread.
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side picture of one piece of cherry vanilla heaven dessert
iambaker.net
Cherry Vanilla Heaven Dessert
Cherry Vanilla Heaven Dessert is an angel food cake layered with cherries, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream! This light and fluffy dessert is easy to make and will be a favorite to share at a potluck or holiday gathering.
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