Thanksgiving Facts & History in US 2025 | Statistics

Thanksgiving Facts and History in America 2025

Thanksgiving stands as one of the most cherished holidays celebrated across the United States, bringing together families and communities every fourth Thursday of November. In 2025, this beloved tradition falls on November 27, continuing a legacy that stretches back over 400 years to the historic gathering between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people in 1621. The holiday represents more than just a day off from work—it embodies gratitude, togetherness, and the preservation of cultural heritage that defines American values.

The celebration has evolved dramatically from its origins as a harvest feast. Today, Thanksgiving 2025 witnesses remarkable participation rates, with 86% of Americans planning to celebrate the holiday. The occasion generates unprecedented economic activity, from travel expenditures reaching $952 per person on average to turkey consumption involving approximately 30 million birds. Beyond the statistics, Thanksgiving serves as a cultural touchstone that unites diverse communities through shared traditions of feasting, football viewing, parade watching, and expressing gratitude for life’s blessings.

Interesting Thanksgiving Facts and History Statistics in the US 2025

The data reveals fascinating insights into how Americans approach Thanksgiving in 2025. The average celebration cost has reached historic levels, yet dinner costs have actually decreased compared to previous years, offering families some financial relief. Travel numbers have shattered records, with 81.8 million people embarking on journeys of 50 miles or more during the holiday period from November 25 to December 1. This represents an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to the previous year, making it the busiest Thanksgiving travel period in recent history.

Turkey remains the undisputed centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal, with 87% of celebrating households including it in their feast. The National Turkey Federation estimates that Americans will consume approximately 30 million turkeys during the holiday, showcasing the bird’s enduring status as the traditional symbol of the celebration. Meanwhile, the economic impact extends beyond the dinner table, as the American Farm Bureau Federation reports that a classic dinner for 10 people costs $55.18, marking a 5% decrease from 2024 and providing welcome news to budget-conscious families facing inflation concerns.

Data sources: American Farm Bureau Federation 2025 Survey, AAA Travel Forecast 2025, National Turkey Federation Consumer Polling 2025, YouGov Survey November 2025, Talker Research October 2025, ReFED Food Waste Analysis 2025

Thanksgiving Travel Statistics in the US 2025

Thanksgiving travel in 2025 has reached unprecedented levels, establishing new records across multiple transportation modes. The AAA projects that 81.8 million Americans will journey at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, making this the busiest Thanksgiving for travel compared to other major holidays like Memorial Day and Independence Day. The increase of 1.6 million travelers over 2024 demonstrates Americans’ strong desire to gather with loved ones despite potential challenges like traffic congestion and weather conditions.

Road travel dominates the Thanksgiving 2025 landscape, with nearly 73 million people choosing to drive to their destinations. This represents approximately 90% of all Thanksgiving travelers, with an additional 1.3 million drivers on the roads compared to last year. Air travel has also seen remarkable growth, as airlines prepare for what they’re calling the busiest Thanksgiving flying period in 15 years. Tuesday is projected to be the single busiest day for air travel, with passengers filling airports across the nation. Transportation experts recommend traveling before noon on Tuesday or after 11 a.m. on Wednesday to avoid the worst congestion on major metropolitan roadways.

Data sources: AAA Thanksgiving Travel Forecast 2025, NPR Travel Report November 2025, Transportation Analytics INRIX 2025

Thanksgiving Dinner Costs and Food Prices in the US 2025

Thanksgiving dinner costs in 2025 present a mixed picture for American families, with significant decreases in some staples offset by increases in others. The American Farm Bureau Federation annual survey reveals that the classic Thanksgiving meal for 10 people costs $55.18, representing a 5% decline from 2024 and marking the third consecutive year of price decreases following the record high of $64.05 in 2022. This translates to approximately $5.52 per person, offering families relief from the inflation pressures that have characterized recent years.

The star of the show—turkey—has seen the most dramatic price reduction, with 16-pound frozen turkeys averaging $21.50, down 16.3% from the previous year. This decrease stems from abundant grain supplies that make feeding turkeys more economical, combined with early contracting between grocery chains and turkey producers. Major retailers have aggressively discounted turkeys as loss leaders to attract customers, with some stores advertising frozen birds for as low as $0.27 per pound with qualifying purchases. However, not all items followed this downward trend. Sweet potatoes jumped 37% due to Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on North Carolina, which produces over 50% of the nation’s sweet potato supply. Similarly, fresh vegetables saw price increases, with veggie trays rising 61.3%, demonstrating how regional weather events can significantly affect food costs.

Data sources: American Farm Bureau Federation 2025 Thanksgiving Survey, USDA Market Reports, NPR Food Price Analysis November 2025

Turkey Production and Consumption Statistics in the US 2025

Turkey consumption during Thanksgiving 2025 demonstrates the enduring centrality of this traditional bird to American holiday celebrations. The National Turkey Federation estimates that approximately 30 million turkeys will grace American tables on Thanksgiving Day alone, representing roughly 15% of annual turkey production. This staggering figure underscores turkey’s status as the quintessential Thanksgiving food, with 87% of celebrating households incorporating it into their feast, and 74% specifically opting for a whole bird presentation rather than turkey breasts or other cuts.

The turkey industry has undergone significant transformations over recent decades, with selective breeding and improved farming practices resulting in dramatically larger birds. The average turkey size has nearly doubled since the 1960s, growing from 17.7 pounds in 1960 to 32.9 pounds in 2024. However, per capita turkey consumption has declined from 26.8 pounds in 1996 to 19.3 pounds in 2024, reflecting changing dietary preferences including increased adoption of plant-based diets and concerns about meat consumption. Despite this long-term trend, Thanksgiving remains the single biggest day for turkey consumption, with the holiday accounting for a disproportionate share of annual sales. Production remains concentrated in specific states, with North Carolina and Minnesota leading the nation, together producing the majority of America’s 200 million turkeys raised annually.

Data sources: National Turkey Federation Consumer Polling 2025, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Economic Research Service Turkey Sector Report 2025

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Statistics in the US 2025

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 continues its reign as America’s premier holiday spectacle, marking its 99th edition with record-breaking viewership and attendance. This iconic tradition draws over 3.5 million spectators who line the streets of New York City, while more than 50 million viewers watch from home, making it the most-watched entertainment broadcast of the year. The parade’s cultural significance extends beyond mere entertainment—it serves as the official kickoff to the holiday season and has become an integral part of how millions of Americans experience Thanksgiving morning.

The 2025 parade features an impressive lineup of entertainment elements that showcase both traditional favorites and exciting new additions. With 34 character balloons (including beloved figures like Snoopy and SpongeBob, plus newcomers like Mario celebrating the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros.), 28 spectacular floats, 11 marching bands, and performances from 28+ celebrities, the parade delivers non-stop entertainment. The Radio City Rockettes make their appearance while celebrating their 100th anniversary, adding historical significance to the festivities. Opening the show is Cynthia Erivo from the blockbuster film “Wicked: For Good,” delivering what NBC promises will be a “show-stopping opening number.” Behind the scenes, over 5,000 volunteers work tirelessly to bring this massive production to life, using 2,000 gallons of paint and 300 pounds of glitter to create the dazzling floats constructed at the Macy’s Parade Studio in Moonachie, New Jersey.

Data sources: Macy’s Parade Press Room 2025, NBC Entertainment 2025, The Hollywood Reporter, Yahoo Entertainment November 2025

Black Friday Shopping Statistics Following Thanksgiving in the US 2025

Black Friday 2025 is projected to shatter previous records, with online sales expected to reach $11.7 billion, representing an 8.3% increase over the already impressive 2024 figures. The shopping event has evolved far beyond a single day, transforming into an extended season that generates massive economic activity across multiple channels. The National Retail Federation forecasts that Americans will spend over $1 trillion on holiday gifts, food, and decorations for the first time in history, with Black Friday and the surrounding Cyber Week period driving a significant portion of this spending.

The shopping landscape has fundamentally shifted toward digital channels, with mobile devices accounting for 56.1% of all online purchases during Black Friday 2025. This represents a continuation of the multi-year trend toward smartphone shopping, as consumers increasingly prefer the convenience of browsing and purchasing from their mobile devices. However, physical retail maintains significant relevance, with 81.7 million people shopping in stores during Black Friday 2024, demonstrating that brick-and-mortar experiences remain valuable. The average Black Friday shopper spent $235 during the 2024 Thanksgiving weekend, an $8 increase from the previous year, with 24% of shoppers planning to spend $1,000 or more on their holiday purchases. Amazon dominates as the go-to destination, with 94% of shoppers planning to make purchases there, while Walmart leads physical retail with 71% of in-person shoppers planning to visit their stores. These figures highlight the importance of omnichannel strategies for retailers competing in the modern Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping environment.

Data sources: Adobe Analytics 2025, Salesforce Holiday Insights, National Retail Federation 2025, Capital One Shopping Research, Queue-it Holiday Statistics

Food Waste Statistics During Thanksgiving in the US 2025

Food waste during Thanksgiving 2025 represents a sobering counterpoint to the holiday’s celebration of abundance, with Americans expected to discard approximately 320 million pounds of food valued at $550 million. This staggering waste occurs on a single day, making Thanksgiving the most wasteful meal of the entire year. The environmental consequences extend far beyond the landfill—the wasted food consumed 105 billion gallons of water during production, equivalent to approximately 156,980 Olympic-sized swimming pools, highlighting the massive resource expenditure that goes to waste alongside the food itself.

The human cost of this waste becomes particularly stark when considering food insecurity. The 267 million meals’ worth of food that Americans will throw away could provide five meals each to the 47.4 million food-insecure people in the United States. Analysis by ReFED, a nonprofit tracking food waste, reveals that over 90% of Thanksgiving hosts intentionally prepare more food than needed, with the expectation of abundant leftovers becoming part of the holiday tradition itself. While nearly half (45%) send guests home with leftovers and many transform them into new meals like sandwiches (46%) or soups and casseroles (31%), a concerning 12% of hosts have no plan for managing leftovers, potentially leading to massive waste. The environmental impact includes 811,726 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions and 4,800 metric tons of methane—a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period—released when the food decomposes in landfills. With 58% of the waste coming from just turkey and milk, and turkey alone accounting for the equivalent of 8.2 million whole birds (representing 4% of annual US production), the scale of waste demands greater awareness and action from consumers.

Data sources: ReFED Food Waste Analysis 2025, NielsenIQ Survey Data, National Resources Defense Council, University of Minnesota Office of Sustainability

Historical Origins of Thanksgiving in the US 2025

The historical origins of Thanksgiving trace back to 1621, when English colonists known as Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people gathered for a three-day harvest celebration in Plymouth, Massachusetts. However, the commonly taught narrative of this “First Thanksgiving” oversimplifies a complex historical reality. The harvest feast brought together approximately 52 English colonists—survivors of a brutal first winter that killed half their group—and 90 Wampanoag men led by their sachem Massasoit (whose actual name was Ousamequin). This gathering was as much a diplomatic event marking a political alliance as it was an agricultural celebration of a successful harvest.

The survival of the Plymouth colonists depended heavily on assistance from Tisquantum (Squanto), a member of the Patuxet people who had been kidnapped by English sailors in 1614, sold into slavery in Spain, escaped to England, and returned to his homeland in 1619 only to find his entire village wiped out by disease. His knowledge of both English language and local agricultural practices proved vital to the colonists’ survival. Contrary to popular belief, the 1621 feast was not called a “Thanksgiving” by participants—that designation came much later, in 1841, when editor Alexander Young described it as the “first Thanksgiving.” Earlier thanksgiving observances occurred in El Paso, Texas in 1598 and Virginia in 1619, though these lacked the cultural resonance of the Plymouth story. The modern federal Thanksgiving holiday emerged during the Civil War when President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation on October 3, 1863, establishing the last Thursday of November as a day of thanksgiving, hoping to help unite a war-torn nation. The date was controversially moved to the third Thursday by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 to extend the holiday shopping season during the Great Depression, but Congress permanently fixed it to the fourth Thursday in 1941, where it remains today.

Data sources: National Archives Museum, Wikipedia Thanksgiving History, PBS Historical Analysis, Britannica Historical Records, History.com Archives

Consumer Spending Behavior on Thanksgiving in the US 2025

Consumer spending behavior during Thanksgiving 2025 reveals a holiday under significant financial pressure, with Americans navigating competing desires to maintain traditions while managing rising costs. The average person celebrating Thanksgiving will spend approximately $952 on all aspects of the holiday including food, beverages, decorations, travel, and miscellaneous expenses, according to research by Talker Research surveying 2,000 Americans. This substantial expenditure underscores the holiday’s importance in American culture, as families prioritize gathering despite economic headwinds.

However, financial realities are forcing adjustments to traditional celebrations. A striking 35% of Americans plan to cut their Thanksgiving spending compared to previous years, reducing budgets by an average of 41%. These cutbacks manifest in various strategies: 31% are hosting smaller gatherings with fewer guests, 28% are implementing potluck-style meals where attendees contribute dishes, and 24% are forgoing travel entirely to save money. The challenge is particularly acute as 63% of survey respondents report finding it expensive to gather with family during Thanksgiving, highlighting the tension between the holiday’s emphasis on togetherness and the financial barriers to achieving it. Generational differences emerge in attitudes toward cost-sharing, with 33% of baby boomers believing hosts should cover all expenses—reflecting older traditions of single-household hospitality—while an equal 33% of Gen Z advocate for splitting costs evenly among all attendees, demonstrating how younger Americans facing different economic pressures approach shared celebrations. Despite these challenges, 43% of Americans set a Thanksgiving budget in advance, with millennials leading at 53%, and 39% begin planning and saving months ahead, demonstrating the strategic financial planning required to participate in this beloved American tradition.

Data sources: Talker Research Survey October 2025, YouGov Thanksgiving Survey November 2025, StudyFinds Analysis 2025

Thanksgiving Celebration Trends and Preferences in the US 2025

Thanksgiving celebration trends in 2025 showcase how Americans balance tradition with modern realities, maintaining core elements while adapting to contemporary circumstances. An overwhelming 86% of Americans plan to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, demonstrating the holiday’s enduring cultural significance across demographic groups. Half of all celebrants (50%) will host the holiday at their own homes, while 35% travel to family members’ residences, and smaller percentages gather at friends’ homes (5%), partners’ family homes (5%), or restaurants (4%). The shift toward Friendsgiving and multiple celebrations has transformed the holiday into an extended season, with 59% of Americans now attending more than one Thanksgiving gathering, reflecting changing social dynamics and dispersed family networks.

Traditional home cooking remains dominant, with 74% of Americans preparing their Thanksgiving meals from scratch rather than relying on pre-made options (4%) or restaurants (3%). Gender patterns in meal preparation persist, with 29% of women indicating they will do all or most of the cooking compared to 19% of men, though these gaps are gradually narrowing as household roles evolve. The Thanksgiving menu maintains remarkable consistency, with 69% planning to eat turkey, 61% serving both stuffing and mashed potatoes, 60% offering pie, and 58% including bread or rolls. Regional variations emerge, particularly in the South where diners are more likely to enjoy green beans (50% vs 38% elsewhere), sweet potatoes (49% vs 36%), macaroni and cheese (46% vs 29%), and ham (41% vs 26%). An interesting modern challenge surfaces in the data: approximately 30% of Americans believe politics will be discussed at their Thanksgiving table.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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