Thanksgiving in Canada and the United States: A Tale of Two Traditions

The Origins of Thanksgiving

• Canada: The roots of Canadian Thanksgiving trace back to 1578, when English explorer Martin Frobisher held a ceremony in Newfoundland to give thanks for his crew’s safe arrival after a treacherous journey. Later, the holiday became linked to celebrating a successful harvest.

• United States: In the United States, Thanksgiving is rooted in the 1621 feast shared between the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag people. This gathering symbolized survival, cooperation, and gratitude. By 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, and in 1941, Congress fixed the date as the fourth Thursday in November.

While both holidays grew out of gratitude, Canada’s origins lean more toward safe passage and harvest, while the U.S. holiday is strongly tied to colonial history and Native American traditions.

When Thanksgiving is Celebrated ?

One of the biggest differences is timing.

• Canada: Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. The date was officially set in 1957 to coincide with the earlier harvest season.

• United States: Americans gather for Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November, a date formalized by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 and later confirmed by Congress in 1941.

Why the difference? Simply put: Canada’s harvest comes earlier because of its colder climate, while the U.S. celebrates later, marking the transition into the holiday season.

Food Traditions on the Table

When you peek at Thanksgiving tables in both countries, you’ll notice a lot of similarities yet also some uniquely regional dishes.

Shared favorites:

• Roast turkey

• Stuffing

• Mashed potatoes & gravy

• Pumpkin pie

Canadian favorites:

• Butter tarts

• Nanaimo bars (a no-bake chocolate dessert)

• Maple-flavored dishes

American favorites:

• Sweet potatoes with marshmallows

• Green bean casserole

• Cranberry sauce

• Cornbread

Food tells the story of geography and culture—Canada’s menu leans toward its British and French influences, while American dishes reflect regional creativity and abundance.

Cultural Traditions

Thanksgiving is about more than food—it’s about traditions that bring people together.

• Canada: Families gather for cozy meals, enjoy the long weekend outdoors, and often watch Canadian football. It’s less commercialized and more about simple relaxation.

• United States: Thanksgiving is a national spectacle. From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City to the NFL games watched nationwide, the holiday is filled with big events. The day after, Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season.

The Spirit of Thanksgiving

Despite their differences, both countries embrace the same core values:

• Gratitude for life’s blessings

• Family & togetherness

• Community & generosity

Whether it’s a quiet weekend in Canada or a grand kickoff to the holiday season in the U.S., Thanksgiving reminds people to pause, reflect, and give thanks.

Fun Facts

• Canada actually celebrated Thanksgiving before the United States, thanks to Frobisher’s 1578 ceremony.

• In the U.S., Thanksgiving weekend is the busiest travel period of the year.

• In Canada, Thanksgiving Monday is a public holiday in most provinces, but not all.

Thanksgiving in Canada and the United States may fall on different days and feature different flavors, but the heart of the celebration is the same: a time to gather, reflect, and give thanks.

Whether it’s butter tarts in Toronto or pumpkin pie in Texas, the holiday continues to unite people around a table of gratitude.

When Do Canada and the U.S. Celebrate Thanksgiving?

• Canada: The second Monday in October, marking the end of harvest season.

• United States: The fourth Thursday in November, leading into the winter holiday season.

👉 Why different dates?
Canada’s colder climate means harvest happens earlier, while the U.S. celebrates later to align with its agricultural calendar and cultural traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is Canadian Thanksgiving earlier than American Thanksgiving?
Because Canada’s harvest season ends earlier due to its colder climate, Thanksgiving is celebrated in October.

2. Do Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving the same way Americans do?
Not exactly. Both involve turkey and family gatherings, but U.S. traditions include parades and Black Friday shopping, while Canadian Thanksgiving is quieter and less commercialized.

3. What foods are unique to Canadian Thanksgiving?
Butter tarts, Nanaimo bars, and maple-inspired dishes are uniquely Canadian additions to the Thanksgiving menu.

4. Is Thanksgiving a public holiday in all of Canada?
No. It’s an official holiday in most provinces but optional in some Atlantic provinces.

5. Which country celebrated Thanksgiving first?
Canada (1578) celebrated Thanksgiving before the United States (1621).