100th Macy's Parade Sets November 26
The federal holiday falls on the fourth Thursday of November, closing banks and schools across the United States.
By Charlotte Dubois ·
Thanksgiving 2026 will be observed on November 26, which marks the fourth Thursday of the month. This date serves as the official federal holiday, a designation that shifts annually based on the calendar. The 2026 observance coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. across all U.S. time zones on Thursday, November 26. Organizers announced a record production featuring 100 inflatable elements. The lineup includes figures that have not appeared in decades alongside new additions. Preparations for the event are set to begin on November 25 in the Upper West Side of New York.
Federal regulations dictate that the holiday falls on the fourth Thursday of November. This tradition traces back to 1621, when English colonists shared a meal with the Wampanoag people to celebrate the harvest. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the fourth Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving in 1863 during the Civil War. Congress later codified this date in 1941 under the administration of Franklin Roosevelt.
On November 26, major financial institutions including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank will close their doors. The United States Postal Service and most federal offices will also suspend operations. Schools in the three districts reviewed for this report will not hold classes on the holiday. The status of the following day, Friday, November 27, varies by local district.
Several major restaurant chains will remain closed on Thanksgiving Day. These include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, In-N-Out Burger, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, and Panera Bread. Some locations may operate on modified hours, requiring customers to verify specific schedules in advance.
The holiday also marks the start of Black Friday sales on November 27. The Office of Personnel Management lists November 26 in its official 2026 calendar. For many families, the day involves a traditional turkey dinner, often accompanied by the presidential pardon of a turkey.
Residents are advised to complete bank transactions and grocery shopping before the holiday. Confirming school calendars and store hours is recommended to ensure a smooth transition into the day of rest and family gatherings.
