Friendsgiving is a Thanksgiving-style meal people share with friends instead of, or in addition to, a family dinner. It is usually informal. Many are potlucks. Many happen on a different day than the official holiday. The word is widely used in the United States, especially among people who travel for Thursday, have friends who cannot go home, or simply want a second meal with their own chosen table. This page explains the idea. For the practical plan, use how to host a Friendsgiving and the Friendsgiving guide.
What it usually looks like
There is no official Friendsgiving rulebook. Some hosts cook a full turkey dinner. Many ask guests to bring a side, a dessert, drinks, or plates and ice. The menu can look like a classic Thanksgiving spread, or it can be a mix of turkey, a vegetarian main, and whatever people actually like to eat. The tone is closer to a potluck dinner party than to a formal holiday. For how that compares with the Thursday meal, see Friendsgiving vs. Thanksgiving.
When it happens
U.S. Thanksgiving in 2026 is Thursday, November 26. Friendsgiving often lands on a nearby weekend, either before or after, so people can still attend a family meal. Some groups gather earlier in November. There is no required date. When to host Friendsgiving walks through the tradeoffs.
What it is not
Friendsgiving is not a replacement holiday with its own legal date, and you do not need a perfect origin story to host one. Keep any history modest: it is a social meal that became a common name for friends sharing Thanksgiving food. Some people use it as their only Thanksgiving dinner; others add it to a family Thursday and keep the friends’ meal smaller on purpose. If you are ready to plan, start with the date, a guest list that fits your space, and a sign-up so you do not end up with four desserts and no main. Potluck sign-up ideas and invitation wording can help with that next step.
Helpful extras if you are hosting
- Everyday White 16-Inch Porcelain Turkey Platter — A large platter is often enough if the meal is a casual potluck.
- Pyrex Deep 9×13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid — A 9×13 with a lid is the dish most guests can travel with.
- BEDELITE Fleece Throw Blanket, Burnt Orange, 50 by 60 Inches — A spare throw can make an extra chair or sofa seat feel finished without formal decor.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Friendsgiving an official holiday?
No. It is an informal Thanksgiving-style gathering with friends. The U.S. holiday remains the fourth Thursday in November.
Does a Friendsgiving have to include turkey?
No. Many do, but a potluck or a vegetarian main is common. The point is a shared meal, not a required menu.
Is Friendsgiving always a potluck?
Often, but not always. Some hosts cook everything. A sign-up just makes the work easier to share.