Thanksgiving Day 2025 in Canada

Thanksgiving Day in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday of October, marking a time to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. It has roots in European harvest festivals and indigenous traditions, with families gathering for festive meals, often featuring turkey and seasonal dishes.

Thanksgiving Day: A Public Holiday?

Thanksgiving Day is a public holiday in Canada, except in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, where it is not a statutory holiday. Most businesses, offices, and schools are closed, allowing people to spend time with family, enjoy festive meals, and celebrate the holiday.

Thanksgiving Day

The origins of Thanksgiving in Canada date back to 1578 when English explorer Martin Frobisher held a feast in Newfoundland to thank his crew for safe arrival after a long and difficult journey. This was one of the earliest recorded Thanksgiving celebrations in North America. Later, French settlers under Samuel de Champlain also held feasts of thanks, often inviting Indigenous peoples to join them. These gatherings included food, music, and expressions of gratitude, marking the beginning of a tradition that blended European and Indigenous customs.

Over time, Thanksgiving evolved and spread across Canada, influenced by various harvest festivals. The holiday was celebrated on different dates in different provinces, with a strong focus on giving thanks for a successful harvest. In 1957, the Canadian government officially declared the second Monday of October as Thanksgiving Day. This date aligns with the earlier harvest season in Canada compared to the United States, making it a fitting time to celebrate nature's abundance and the blessings of the year.

Thanksgiving Day Celebration in Canada

Thanksgiving in Canada is a time for family, gratitude, and festive meals. Families and friends gather for a special dinner, usually featuring turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Some people also prepare ham, roast beef, or vegetarian dishes. The holiday provides a break for relaxation, bonding, and reflection on the past year's blessings. Unlike in the U.S., Canada's Thanksgiving does not involve major shopping events, making it a more personal and quiet celebration.

The holiday is also a time for giving. Many Canadians volunteer at food banks, homeless shelters, or community centers, ensuring that those in need can also enjoy a warm meal. Churches and charities organize special meals and donation drives. Some communities hold local events like parades, harvest festivals, or outdoor activities, taking advantage of the beautiful fall season.

Thanksgiving holds cultural and emotional significance. It is a moment to appreciate family, friendships, and life's blessings. The celebration reminds people of the importance of gratitude and sharing. As autumn begins to set in, Thanksgiving brings warmth and togetherness, making it one of Canada's most cherished holidays.

Thanksgiving Day Observances