Thanksgiving Day in Vietnam 2024 is set to be a time of gratitude, family gatherings, and memorable feasts. This cherished holiday is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It brings people together to give thanks, enjoy comforting food, and celebrate traditions. In 2024, Thanksgiving is on November 28th. Let’s GTrip provide you with essential information about this holiday.

Origin of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving originated in 1621 when English Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts, shared a feast with the Wampanoag people to celebrate their first successful harvest. After a year of hardship, the Pilgrims wanted to express their gratitude. The Wampanoag, who had helped them learn essential farming and fishing skills, joined in a three-day celebration. This event laid the foundation for what would become the Thanksgiving tradition.
Over time, Thanksgiving grew in significance, becoming a regional event and, eventually, a national holiday during the Civil War. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday each November, hoping it would promote unity and reflection. Nowadays, Thanksgiving traditions are more popular in many parts of the world, not only in America and Canada. Although it is unclear when Thanksgiving was imported to Vietnam, it is often celebrated according to traditions from America and has now become a popular holiday.

Thanksgiving is an annual event focused on reflection and gratitude

Meaning of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday rooted in gratitude and togetherness, offering a time to reflect on life’s blessings and appreciate family and friends. It’s a meaningful pause in the year, encouraging generosity and mindfulness. Beyond festive meals, Thanksgiving holds cultural and historical significance, uniting Americans across generations. Many extend this spirit of thanks through acts of service, emphasizing the holiday’s message of compassion and community.
In Vietnam, Thanksgiving is primarily celebrated among Christian communities and those who appreciate the holiday’s spirit of gratitude. For Christians, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to express thanks to God and reflect on life’s blessings, similar to how it’s observed in the U.S.
For others, Thanksgiving represents a time to appreciate family and friends, adopting elements of the holiday like shared meals and moments of gratitude. Overall, Thanksgiving in Vietnam is less formal but still captures the holiday’s essence of togetherness, gratitude, and celebration.

Thanksgiving's enduring message of unity

Activities on Thanksgiving Day in Vietnam

Thanksgiving Day is filled with cherished activities that bring family and friends together. This day is not very popular with all Vietnamese, just with Christians. 

Family gatherings and Thanksgiving meal

Thanksgiving Day is an opportunity for family and friends to gather and reconnect. For many families, it’s one of the rare occasions each year when everyone can come together. The celebration is filled with laughter, storytelling, and shared memories, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.

Family and friends usually gather to celebrate Thanksgiving

A central tradition is the Thanksgiving meal, featuring classic dishes like roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Families often spend hours preparing these dishes together, with recipes passed down through generations. The meal itself is a time to gather around the table, share food, and express gratitude, making it one of the most meaningful parts of the day.

Thanksgiving’s meal is full of joy and gratitude

Traditional Thanksgiving dishes can be found in Western-style restaurants or larger dining establishments in cities in Vietnam. Most families, however, celebrate at home with local dishes, featuring ingredients like chicken, duck, pork, or beef. 

Worshiping

In Vietnam, churches and communities also observe Thanksgiving, inspired by traditions from the United States. Worshippers gather at church for a service and then join their families for a special dinner. For Christian families, attending church on Thanksgiving is an opportunity to show reverence to God and offer prayers for blessings. Some churches organizing Thanksgiving include Notre-Dame Cathedral, Tan Dinh Church, Tay My Church, Huyen Si Church, etc.

Worshippers gather at church and pray for blessing

Black Friday shopping

Black Friday is held on the first Friday after Thanksgiving. Although it does not take place during Thanksgiving, Vietnamese are really looking forward to it. It attracts millions of shoppers with a series of discounts, and promotions from many different brands of clothes, household appliances, cosmetics and especially outlets. People will go shopping together to prepare for the end of the year and also Tet holiday.

Black Friday attracts a lot of shoppers

Thanksgiving remains one of the most cherished holidays, symbolizing gratitude, unity, and tradition. As Thanksgiving 2024 approaches, may it be a time for all to appreciate life’s blessings, honor traditions, and create lasting memories with loved ones. Book a Vietnam tour with us to enjoy the atmosphere in Vietnam on Thanksgiving Day.