November 26: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
In 1922, the world stood still as Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon stepped into the long-lost tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun for the first time in three millennia.
About November 26
While November 26 is often synonymous with the warmth of Thanksgiving in the United States, its historical tapestry is woven with much more diverse threads. From the formal establishment of the holiday by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 to the modern celebration of National Cake Day, the date offers a blend of seasonal gratitude and sweet indulgence. It is a day where tradition meets the palate, inviting families to gather around a table of abundance.
Beyond the dinner table, this date has been a stage for world-altering milestones. It has seen the dawn of the space age with the launch of the Curiosity Rover to Mars, the sudden birth of the NHL, and even the strange moment in 1977 when a mysterious hijacker hijacked a British television signal. Whether through the lens of ancient archaeology or modern technological leaps, November 26 serves as a remarkable intersection of human achievement and curiosity.
Holidays & Observances on November 26
- Christian feast days: Alypius the Stylite
- Christian feast days: Basolus (Basle)
- Christian feast days: Bellinus of Padua
- Christian feast days: Conrad of Constance
- Christian feast days: Ethelwine of Athelney
- Christian feast days: Blessed Gaetana Sterni
- Christian feast days: John Berchmans
- Christian feast days: Pope Siricius
Fun & National Days on November 26
- National Cake Day — Celebrate this delicious occasion by slicing into your favorite frosted masterpiece!
- Turkey-Free Thanksgiving — Shake up tradition by serving a delicious alternative to the classic holiday bird.
- Day of the Covenant
- Family Health History Day
- Good Grief Day
- National Day of Mourning
- Thanksgiving Day
- Unthanksgiving Day
On This Day in History
- 1161 — During the Jin–Song Wars, a Song dynasty naval fleet engaged in a significant maritime battle on the Yangtze River.
- 1778 — Captain James Cook became the first European explorer to set foot on the island of Maui in the Hawaiian archipelago.
- 1789 — At the request of Congress, President George Washington proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day for the United States.
- 1812 — The harrowing Battle of Berezina took place as Napoleon's forces attempted a difficult retreat from Russian territory.
- 1863 — President Abraham Lincoln established Thanksgiving as an annual event to be observed on the final Thursday of November.
- 1917 — The National Hockey League was founded, featuring original teams like the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Arenas.
- 1922 — After three thousand years of silence, the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun was finally entered by Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon.
- 1942 — The cinematic masterpiece Casablanca, featuring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart, made its premiere in New York City.
- 1965 — France joined an elite group of nations by successfully launching the Astérix satellite into orbit using its own booster.
- 2003 — The era of supersonic passenger travel drew to a close as the Concorde completed its final flight over Bristol.
- 2011 — NASA's Mars Science Laboratory successfully launched, carrying the Curiosity Rover on its journey to the Red Planet.
Famous Birthdays on November 26
- 1607 — John Harvard, An English minister whose philanthropic legacy provided the namesake for Harvard University.
- 1876 — Willis Carrier, The visionary American engineer who revolutionized modern living by inventing air conditioning.
- 1909 — Eugène Ionesco, An influential Romanian-French playwright and a major figure in the Theatre of the Absurd.
- 1922 — Charles M. Schulz, The beloved American cartoonist who brought the iconic Peanuts gang to life.
- 1939 — Tina Turner, The legendary American-Swiss singer and actress known for her powerhouse performances.
- 1975 — DJ Khaled, The famous American rapper and producer known for his energetic presence in music.