Canadian Thanksgiving vs. American Thanksgiving: What Makes Them Different?
Every fall, families in Canada and the United States gather to share meals, gratitude, and togetherness. But did you know that the Canadian and American Thanksgiving holidays are celebrated at different times of year — and with different traditions? Whether you’re Canadian, American, or simply curious, here’s everything you need to know about what sets these two holidays apart.
When are they celebrated?
- Canadian Thanksgiving takes place on the second Monday in October.
- American Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.
The earlier Canadian date reflects its roots as a harvest festival, while the American holiday is tied to the 1621 feast shared by Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people.
Food traditions: Same turkey, different flavors
Both holidays center around big family feasts, but there are some tasty differences:
- Canadians often serve roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie — similar to their southern neighbors — but also include regional dishes like butter tarts or Nanaimo bars.
- Americans enjoy turkey too, but with sides like sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, and cornbread.
How they’re celebrated
- Canada: A long weekend often spent outdoors, giving thanks, and enjoying the fall harvest.
- United States: A bigger emphasis on parades (like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade) and the start of the holiday shopping season with Black Friday.
How Canadians and Americans abroad celebrate
From London to Sydney, expats recreate Thanksgiving meals with friends, share recipes online, and often send support back home to help loved ones cover seasonal costs.
Staying connected: Send money across borders, simply and securely
Whether you’re helping family with groceries, sending a festive gift, or covering travel costs, Paysend makes it easy to send money directly to bank accounts, cards, or wallets in both Canada and the U.S. With low fees, fast delivery, and no need for the recipient to set up an account, it’s the easiest way to share gratitude across borders.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving — wherever you celebrate
No matter which Thanksgiving you observe, the heart of the holiday is gratitude and togetherness. If you’re sending love (and support) home this season, do it the simple, secure way — with Paysend.
Останні дописи
For millions of families across Latin America and the Caribbean, sending money home isn’t just about finances, it’s about connection. It’s how parents support children’s education, how siblings help one another through milestones, and how entire communities stay linked across borders.
At Paysend, we understand that these everyday remittances carry deep emotional and cultural meaning. That’s why our new partnership with JetBlue feels so special. Together, we’re connecting financial and travel experiences, giving customers the chance to earn TrueBlue points when they send money home to the Dominican Republic.
Now through March 30, 2026, customers in the United States who send a transfer of $100 or more to the Dominican Republic with Paysend will receive 5,000 TrueBlue points.* It’s a simple way to turn everyday remittances into travel rewards, helping families get one step closer to reuniting in person.
*For U.S. residents only. USD → USD transfers excluded. Offer valid through March 30, 2026. Limited to one (1) award of 5,000 TrueBlue points per customer. Paysend reserves the right to modify or cancel the promotion at any time. Third-party fees may apply. FX rates are determined by Paysend and may include a margin. Terms and conditions apply.
By Lisa Navarro, Head of Enterprise Operations at Paysend
In the world of cross-border payments, onboarding isn’t just a procedural step — it’s the foundation of a successful partnership. At Paysend Enterprise, our clients trust us with their most valuable asset: their ability to move money globally, securely, and efficiently. For me, that trust starts with how I bring them into our ecosystem.
As Head of Enterprise Operations, I see every onboarding journey — which we’re proud to typically complete in an impressive 2 weeks — as an opportunity to set the tone for the relationship, where operational excellence and true collaboration come together. I take this part of the process personally, because it’s where operational excellence and true collaboration first come together.
