Thanksgiving: US vs Canada - What's the Difference?
Compare American and Canadian Thanksgiving traditions, dates, and history. Learn why these neighboring countries celebrate on different days.
While both the United States and Canada celebrate Thanksgiving, these holidays are as different as their spelling of 'colour.' Here's everything you need to know about how these two North American traditions compare.
When Do They Occur?
American Thanksgiving: Fourth Thursday of November
Canadian Thanksgiving: Second Monday of October
Canada's earlier date makes sense given the country's northern location - the harvest season ends earlier, and waiting until late November would mean celebrating after winter has already arrived in many regions.
Historical Origins
American Thanksgiving traces back to 1621 when Pilgrims and Wampanoag people shared a harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It became a national holiday in 1863 when Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it during the Civil War.
Canadian Thanksgiving has roots in 1578 when English explorer Martin Frobisher held a ceremony in Newfoundland to give thanks for surviving his voyage. It became a national holiday in 1879.
The Food
Both countries serve turkey as the centerpiece, but Canadians are more likely to include regional favorites like butter tarts and pumpkin pie made with real pumpkins rather than canned filling. Americans typically include iconic sides like green bean casserole and sweet potato with marshmallows.
Cultural Significance
In the US, Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays of the year, kicking off the holiday shopping season with Black Friday. Canadian Thanksgiving is more low-key - many businesses remain open, and there's no equivalent shopping frenzy.
2026 Dates
- Canadian Thanksgiving: Monday, October 12, 2026
- American Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26, 2026