Thanksgiving dinner is Thursday, November 26, 2026. Find your weight. That is your move date.
| Turkey weight | Move to the fridge | Fridge thaw time |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 12 lb | Monday, November 23 | 3 days |
| 13 to 16 lb | Sunday, November 22 | 4 days |
| 17 to 20 lb | Saturday, November 21 | 5 days |
| 21 to 24 lb | Friday, November 20 | 6 days |
Common sizes, exactly: a 12 lb turkey goes in Monday, November 23. 14 lb and 16 lb go in Sunday, November 22. 18 lb and 20 lb go in Saturday, November 21. 22 lb and 24 lb go in Friday, November 20.
These are the same dates the ThawDay calculator gives for a 5 PM Thanksgiving dinner. Dinner at a different hour? The move date stays the same. The calculator stamps your exact time.
Fridge thawing takes about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. That is the USDA rule. Keep the fridge at 40 F or below. Count back from Thursday and you land on the dates above.
An early start is safe. A thawed turkey keeps 1 to 2 days in the fridge. A late start is the problem: a half-frozen bird roasts unevenly.
Use cold water today. Seal the turkey in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge it in cold tap water. It takes about 30 minutes per pound. Change the water every 30 minutes, and cook the turkey right after it thaws. Full steps: thawing a turkey in cold water.
No time at all? You can cook a turkey from frozen. USDA says it is safe. It takes at least half again as long.
Never thaw a turkey on the counter. Use the fridge or cold water. Microwave thawing is USDA-safe too: follow your oven manual, and cook the turkey right after it thaws.
The calculator adds the buy date, the brine start, and the oven time. It makes a calendar file for your phone. Or ask in your own words and get the whole plan on one page.