Overall Thanksgiving Celebration Rate in the United States
According to the newest available public survey data, around 87% of Americans plan to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, with the figure holding relatively steady compared with recent years. The celebration rate has stayed within a narrow band for the past decade, reflecting the holiday's deep cultural and calendar role despite shifts in how people gather. Retail and travel industry reports confirm that the vast majority of U.S. households still treat the fourth Thursday in November as a key annual event Forbes.
Survey methodology from major research firms shows that the 87% figure is based on nationally representative samples of U.S. adults, weighted for age, region, and household type. Non-celebration is driven mainly by smaller households, younger adults living alone, and people who report no family ties or cultural connection to the holiday. The remaining percentage includes those who celebrate on a different day or who simply do not observe the occasion Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Demographic Breakdown of Thanksgiving Celebrators
Age Groups and Household Types
Adults aged 35 to 64 report the highest Thanksgiving celebration rate, with roughly 90% planning to mark the holiday, while adults under 30 show a slightly lower rate near 80%. Married couples with children are the most consistent celebrators, and multigenerational households are more likely to host large gatherings than single-person or older couples without children at home.
Regional Variation
Regional differences are modest, with the Northeast and Midwest showing celebration rates close to the national average, while some Southern and Western states report slightly lower participation. Urban, suburban, and rural areas all show strong celebration rates, though urban respondents are more likely to attend events outside their own home, such as restaurants or friends' houses.
Ethnic and Cultural Factors
White and Black households report celebration rates near the national average, while Hispanic and Asian American households show slightly lower but still high participation, often blending Thanksgiving with cultural traditions from their heritage. Immigrant families who have been in the U.S. for multiple generations are more likely to celebrate Thanksgiving than recent arrivals, reflecting adoption of the holiday over time U.S. Census Bureau.
Thanksgiving Spending, Travel, and Economic Impact
Average Spending per Celebrator
The average American celebrating Thanksgiving plans to spend several hundred dollars on food, travel, and decorations, with grocery inflation and airline ticket pricing shaping the exact totals. Retailers and restaurant chains see a significant share of their annual revenue concentrated around the Thanksgiving period, and many companies run targeted promotions in the weeks leading up to the holiday.
Travel Volume and Industry Response
Airline and ground-transportation data show that tens of millions of Americans travel for Thanksgiving, with the busiest days concentrated on the Wednesday before and Sunday after the holiday. Major carriers and booking platforms report higher advance booking rates when consumer confidence and disposable income are stable, and supply-chain data from food producers and retailers confirm large seasonal hiring and inventory builds ahead of the holiday SEC EDGAR.