List of Top 6 Countries That Celebrate Thanksgiving the Most

Nov 25, 2025, 13:46 IST

Thanksgiving is celebrated globally, extending beyond the US and Canada. While traditions vary from the American feast and parade to Canada's focus on harvest, Liberia's church services, Germany's Erntedankfest, and Japan's Labor Thanksgiving Day, the core idea remains giving thanks for life's blessings and community.

Top 6 Countries That Celebrate Thanksgiving the Most
Top 6 Countries That Celebrate Thanksgiving the Most

Thanksgiving is a holiday primarily linked to the US and Canada, but the core of gratitude, family gatherings, and celebrating the harvest is observed in various ways around the globe. While traditions or dates may vary from country to country, the essential idea remains giving thanks for blessings of life! While some countries are harvest festivals, some may honor workers or a historical event, or just some focus on community and family togetherness

 It can be interesting to see how different countries observe Thanksgiving, as it often provided us insight into other cultures and their customs. From feasting and parades to sacred observances and public holidays, the world initiatives are honorable in various ways to acknowledge gratitude.

Check Out: List of Top 10 Inspirational Thanksgiving Quotes for Students

 Top 6 Countries That Celebrate Thanksgiving the Most

Here are the top 6 countries that celebrate thanksgiving the most: 

Rank

Country

When They Celebrate

1

United States

Fourth Thursday of November

2

Canada

Second Monday of October

3

Liberia

First Thursday of November

4

Grenada

October 25

5

Saint Lucia

First Monday in October

6

Norfolk Island

Last Wednesday of November

1. United States

Thanksgiving Day | Meaning, History, & Facts | Britannica

Thanksgiving is integral to the United States. It celebrates a feast from 1621 between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe, and is now celebrated each year on the fourth Thursday of November. 

The day is marked with a family meal featuring turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, as well as parades, football games, and even the presidential pardon of a turkey. Along with being the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season, it also encourages giving to charitable causes and gathering with friends and family.

2. Canada

Canadian Thanksgiving: Origins, Traditions and Recipes - Maple from Canada

Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October, following their harvest season in the north. Thanksgiving in Canada is a time for families to gather for a meal, such as turkey or roast beef. A focus on gratitude for the harvest is central to the event and, for many Canadians, includes going for a hike or a scenic drive to view the fall colours.

 The holiday is marked throughout Canada as a day of Thanksgiving, but without the commercial frenzy or public events than Americans experience on Thanksgiving.

3. Liberia

Marking a Different Thanksgiving Tradition, From West Africa - The New York  Times

Liberia is a West African country settled following freed American slaves. Thanksgiving is a four-day celebration that occurs on the first Thursday of November, although it is influenced by American traditions in celebration and expression of thanks given to God in the form of church services and family gatherings during the holiday.

 People will often enjoy rice, chicken, and fish as part of their Thanksgiving meal. Thanksgiving in Liberia is also a time of reflection and gratitude for their blessings and freedom.

4. Germany

Erntedankfest: How Germans Celebrate Thanksgiving | CuddlyNest Travel Blog

Germany commemorates Erntedankfest, or the "harvest festival," usually at the end of September or beginning of October. While it may not be referred to as Thanksgiving or anything like it, it embodies the same idea of giving thanks.

 During this time, Germans decorate their homes and churches with fruit, vegetables, and grains, and they attend religious services to give thanks for their harvest. Traditional foods include sausages, breads, and seasonal vegetables, making this truly a celebration of the year's bountiful harvest for their community.

5. Japan

What Do You need to Know About Labor Thanksgiving Day in Japan? – Sugoi Mart

Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinrō Kansha no Hi) takes place in Japan on November 23 of each year. Initially, it was a harvest celebration but has changed into a day to thank laborers and the act of production, which is consistent with Japanese culture that values work in society. 

Schools and workplaces hold ceremonies or parades to celebrate workers, and citizens express thanks to co-workers, family, and society as a whole.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving has its roots in North America, but it has been adopted by diverse cultures around the world.  The United States' Thanksgiving celebration features massive meals and a parade.  Germany's Erntedankfest focuses on harvest celebration with traditional foods.  In Liberia, Thanksgiving celebrations are held in churches.  


Ayukta Zisha
Ayukta Zisha

Content Writer

    Ayukta Zisha is a Content Writer and Published Author with a Master’s degree in English Literature. She also holds a certification in Digital Marketing from IIT Delhi. Deeply passionate about art, aesthetics, and literature, Ayukta brings a unique creative flair to her writing. A dedicated bibliophile, she continues to explore and share her love for words through engaging and insightful content. You can reach out to her at ayukta.zisha@jagrannewmedia.com

    ... Read More

    Get here current GK and GK quiz questions in English and Hindi for India, World, Sports and Competitive exam preparation. Download the Jagran Josh Current Affairs App.

    Trending

    Latest Education News