Thanksgiving Canada 2025: Complete Guide

Are you wondering exactly when Thanksgiving happens in Canada, what to cook, where to go, and how to keep costs down in 2025? You’re in the right place. This easy, practical guide is built for adults 30+ and seniors across the US, UK, and Canada who want simple recipes, clear timelines, and money-saving tips. You’ll find the date, a step-by-step plan, a budget-friendly menu, travel ideas, and safety pointers—plus smart ways to save using memberships and benefits you may already have.

By the end, you’ll know how to plan a stress-free long weekend, shop efficiently, and serve a delicious, traditional meal without overspending. We also include options for small gatherings, solo diners, and mobility-friendly hosting so everyone can enjoy the holiday comfortably.

What is Thanksgiving Canada? Key Overview

Thanksgiving in Canada is a federal holiday that celebrates the harvest and blessings of the past year. It’s observed on the second Monday in October, creating a three-day weekend for many. In 2025, Thanksgiving Day in Canada falls on Monday, October 13, 2025.

Observed in 2025: Monday, October 13
Weekend: Saturday, October 11 to Monday, October 13
Theme: Gratitude, harvest, and time with family and friends
Traditions: Roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, seasonal vegetables, pumpkin pie, fall hikes, and visiting loved ones

Is everything closed? As a federal holiday, many offices and banks close. Retail hours vary by province and territory. Always check local listings before you head out.

Real-world example: John (58) in Toronto planned a simple turkey dinner for 8 with a $120 budget. By buying a 14 lb turkey on sale and using PC Optimum points, he shaved $22 off his bill and came in at $98—enough savings for a pumpkin pie and coffee. Sarah (52) from California visited family in Vancouver; by booking flights six weeks ahead and using a Costco membership for bulk sides, she saved about $180 on food and travel extras.

Complete Guide to Thanksgiving Canada 2025 – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Lock in the Date, Time Off, and Budget

Thanksgiving Canada 2025 is Monday, October 13, 2025. If you’re hosting, start planning 2–3 weeks ahead. If traveling, aim to book 30–60 days in advance for better availability and prices.

Set your guest count: 2, 4, 8, or 12+
Choose a meal time: 2 pm for midday feasts or 5–6 pm for dinner
Budget targets (food only):
- 2 people: $35–$55
- 4 people: $60–$95
- 8 people: $100–$150
- 12 people: $150–$220
Sample total cost control: Keep turkey to $25–$40 (on sale), sides to $30–$60, dessert to $8–$20. Look for “buy more/save more” promos and points offers.

Unexpected insight: If you spread holiday savings across the year—meal planning for 10 special occasions and saving $100 each time—you’re looking at roughly $1,000 back in your pocket by the end of 2025.

Step 2: Pick a Simple, Delicious Menu (Easy Recipes Included)

Plan a menu you can actually execute stress-free. Mix one centerpiece, 2–3 sides, and a make-ahead dessert. Keep oven time realistic and lean on sheet-pan shortcuts.

Option A: Small Gathering (2–4 people)

Main: Sheet-Pan Turkey Breast with Vegetables
Sides: Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans with Almonds
Dessert: No-Bake Pumpkin Pie

Option B: Family Crowd (6–12 people)

Main: Classic Roast Turkey (12–16 lb), simple gravy
Sides: Herbed Stuffing, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Maple-Roasted Carrots, Cranberry Sauce
Dessert: Pumpkin Pie, Apple Crisp

Recipe 1: Sheet-Pan Turkey Breast with Vegetables (serves 4)

Ingredients:

1 bone-in turkey breast (2.5–3 lb)
1 lb baby potatoes, halved
3 carrots, sliced
1 onion, wedges
2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a sheet pan.
Toss vegetables with oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
Rub turkey breast with 1 tbsp oil, salt, and pepper. Place in the center; surround with vegetables.
Roast 55–70 minutes until the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Recipe 2: Classic Roast Turkey (12–16 lb, serves 10–12)

Ingredients:

1 turkey (12–16 lb), thawed
3 tbsp softened butter or oil
Salt and pepper
1 onion, halved; 1 lemon, halved; a few herb sprigs (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Pat turkey dry. Season inside and out.
Tuck onion, lemon, and herbs in cavity. Rub butter or oil over skin.
Roast breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Estimate 13–15 minutes per lb for an unstuffed turkey.
Check temps in breast and thigh. Target 165°F (74°C). Rest 20–30 minutes under foil before carving.

Tip: Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy and less stress.

Recipe 3: Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes (serves 6)

Ingredients:

2 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 tbsp butter
1/2 cup milk (warm), salt and pepper

Instructions:

Boil potatoes in salted water 12–15 minutes until tender. Drain.
Mash with butter and warm milk. Season to taste.
Make up to 2 days ahead; reheat covered at 300°F (150°C) for 20–30 minutes, adding a splash of milk.

Recipe 4: 10-Minute Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup water or orange juice

Instructions:

Simmer all ingredients 10 minutes until berries burst and sauce thickens. Cool.

Recipe 5: No-Bake Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients:

1 ready graham crust
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 pkg instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz)
1 tsp pumpkin spice
1 1/2 cups cold milk

Instructions:

Whisk pudding mix, milk, pumpkin, and spice for 2 minutes.
Pour into crust; chill 2–3 hours. Serve with whipped cream.

Step 3: Shop Smart and Save (Without Sacrificing Taste)

This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Where to save:

Grocery flyers and apps: Compare prices with Flipp and your local store apps. Look for “Spend $50, get 10,000 PC Optimum points” (worth $10) offers at Loblaw banners.
Costco membership: Bulk potatoes, butter, and bakeware can cut costs for larger groups. A basic membership often pays for itself in a few holiday shops.
Credit card offers: The Chase Freedom card 5% cashback often rotates categories each quarter. If groceries or online retail fall in your Q4 categories for 2025, you could earn 5% on up to $1,500 in combined spending—check current details at chase.com. Typical approval favors a credit score of 650+.
AARP benefits (US, age 50+): Look for dining and travel discounts that can stack with seasonal promos. See aarp.org for up-to-date offers.

Affiliate picks to simplify cooking:

Sturdy roasting pan with rack (easy lifting and even browning): Amazon.com roasting pan search
Instant-read thermometer (fewer overcooked turkeys): Amazon.com thermometer search
Glass meal-prep containers for leftovers: Amazon.com containers search

Sample price breakdown for 8 people (target $120–$140):

Turkey, 14 lb on sale: $25–$40
Potatoes (10 lb): $5–$8
Carrots, onions, green beans: $8–$12
Stuffing mix + add-ins: $6–$10
Butter, milk, broth: $8–$12
Cranberries and sugar: $5–$8
Pie + whipped cream: $8–$15
Spices, foil, disposables: $8–$15

Look for up to 50% off turkey promos (often with a minimum spend). Plan sides around what’s in-season and discounted that week.

Case study: Marie (61) in Winnipeg stacked a store promo (spend $150, get $20 off) with PC Optimum points and used a Costco membership for butter and cream. She fed 10 guests for $134 and still had leftovers for lunches—about $18 per person.

Thinking ahead: If you’re upgrading kitchen basics, a full mid-range kitchen refresh (appliances, cabinets, counters) can run $15–30K. Not necessary for Thanksgiving, but it’s smart to plan big purchases well before the holidays.

Step 4: Hosting Timeline, Thawing, and Food Safety

Turkey thawing in the fridge: Allow 24 hours per 4–5 lb. For a 16 lb turkey, plan 4 days. For Monday, October 13, 2025, move a 16 lb bird from freezer to fridge on Thursday morning (October 9).

Quick cold-water thaw: Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes per lb. Cook immediately after thawing.

Day-before prep (60–90 minutes total):

Chop vegetables and refrigerate in labeled bags
Make cranberry sauce and dessert
Set the table and lay out serving spoons
Confirm oven rack positions and temperature

Cooking day flow (for a 5–6 pm dinner):

10:30 am: Preheat oven, start turkey
1:30 pm: Check temps, baste if desired
3:30 pm: Turkey should be nearing safe temp; tent and rest by 4 pm
4:10 pm: Reheat mashed potatoes and stuffing
4:30 pm: Roast green beans/carrots
5:00 pm: Carve turkey, make gravy, serve

Food safety musts (2025):

Cook turkey to 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part
Don’t wash raw poultry (prevents cross-contamination)
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
Eat leftovers within 3–4 days; freeze for longer

Guidance: See Health Canada’s food safety basics and safe cooking temperatures at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-safety.html

Step 5: Travel, Activities, and Giving Back

Activities for the long weekend:

Local trails and parks: Find national sites at Parks Canada: https://parks.canada.ca
Fall markets: Buy pumpkins, apples, and pies from local growers
Volunteer or donate: Verify charities at Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/charities-giving.html

Getting there:

VIA Rail: Seniors 60+ often see discounted fares—check current offers at https://www.viarail.ca
Driving: Top up washer fluid, check tire pressure, pack a small cooler and a car charger
Border crossings: If shopping in the US, see wait times at the CBSA page: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html

For US seniors visiting family in Canada: Consider flu shot timing with your Medicare plan before travel. Quick check: Step 1: Visit Medicare.gov → Step 2: Click “Find Plans” → Step 3: Enter ZIP code to compare coverage and pharmacies: https://www.medicare.gov

Charitable giving and taxes (US): If you donate during the holiday season, check if an organization is eligible and how deductions work at IRS.gov: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/charitable-contribution-deductions

Budgeting help: If your household income is under $50K and grocery costs are tight, call 211 for community resources across Canada (food banks, holiday hampers): https://211.ca

Thanksgiving Canada 2025 Tips & Checklist

Common mistakes to avoid:

Starting the turkey late: count back from mealtime and add a 20–30 minute rest
Under-thawing: give the fridge enough time (24 hours per 4–5 lb)
Skipping a thermometer: the only reliable way to nail doneness
Over-stuffing the oven: sides cook poorly when the oven is jammed
Trying 6 new recipes: mix 1 new dish with 3–4 reliable favorites

Pro tips:

Pre-cut vegetables and measure spices the day before—label with painter’s tape
Set 3 phone timers: oven, rest time, and sides
Seat older guests away from drafts and near exits for easy mobility
Use a roasting rack so heat circulates and the bottom doesn’t steam
Plan leftovers: containers ready, labels out, and a marker at the table

Quick quantities guide:

Turkey: 1–1.25 lb per person (whole turkey)
Mashed potatoes: 1/2 lb raw potatoes per person
Stuffing: 1/2–3/4 cup per person
Gravy: 1/3–1/2 cup per person
Dessert: 1 standard 9-inch pie per 6–8 servings

Mobility-friendly hosting:

Keep frequently used items at counter height
Use lighter cookware and silicone grips
Offer chairs with arms for easier sit-to-stand
Shorten cleanup with a 20-minute routine: scrape, soak, stack; wipe surfaces; take out trash

Allergy-aware steps:

Ask guests about allergens in advance
Use separate utensils and serving spoons for nut-free and gluten-free dishes
Label dishes clearly

Unexpected insight: A simple leftover plan saves money. Package lunches in single-serve containers right after dinner—guests love it, and you’ll waste less food. Even 6 saved lunches at $8 each means $48 back instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When is Thanksgiving in Canada in 2025?
A1. It’s on Monday, October 13, 2025 (the second Monday in October).

Q2. Is Thanksgiving a statutory holiday across Canada?
A2. It’s a federal holiday. Many services close; retail hours vary by province or territory—check local notices.

Q3. What do Canadians typically eat for Thanksgiving?
A3. Roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, seasonal vegetables, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are classics.

Q4. Can I cook turkey the day before?
A4. You can roast and carve a day ahead, then reheat with broth and foil. For best texture, many prefer cooking the day of and resting 20–30 minutes.

Q5. What’s different from the US Thanksgiving?
A5. Canada celebrates in October; the US observes in late November. Menus are similar, but schedules and sales cycles differ.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving Canada 2025 lands on Monday, October 13, giving you a cozy, long weekend to relax, reconnect, and enjoy seasonal food. Keep it simple: choose an easy menu, shop smart, and follow a clear timeline. A thermometer, a sturdy roasting pan, and make-ahead sides remove the last-minute scramble. Seniors and budget-conscious hosts can lean on memberships, discounts, and points to trim costs without trimming flavor. If you’re traveling, plan early, check border times, and consider a low-key hike or local market to round out the weekend.

Bookmark this guide, share it with your guests, and print the checklist. Ready to cook? Start by confirming your guest count and thawing plan, then pick one main and two sides you know you’ll nail. A warm, memorable Thanksgiving is absolutely doable in 2025—delicious made simple.

Authoritative resources cited:

Government of Canada – Important days and holidays: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/important-commemorative-days.html
Health Canada – Food safety and safe cooking temperatures: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-safety.html
Parks Canada: https://parks.canada.ca
VIA Rail: https://www.viarail.ca
CBSA Border Wait Times: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html
Canada Revenue Agency – Charities and giving: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/charities-giving.html
Medicare (US): https://www.medicare.gov
IRS (US): https://www.irs.gov
Amazon (US): https://www.amazon.com

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