Thanksgiving Eve dinner is Wednesday, November 25, 2026. Find your weight. That is your move date.
Cooking on Thanksgiving Day instead? Every date moves one day later: when to take the turkey out of the freezer for Thanksgiving.
Common sizes: 12 lb on Sunday, November 22; 14 lb and 16 lb on Saturday, November 21; 18 lb and 20 lb on Friday, November 20; 22 lb and 24 lb on Thursday, November 19. These dates are for a 5 PM Thanksgiving Eve dinner.
Fridge thawing takes about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. Keep the fridge at 40 F or below. Count back from Wednesday and you land on the dates above.
Start early: a thawed turkey keeps 1 to 2 days in the fridge. Start late, and 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? Cook it from frozen. USDA says it is safe, and 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 microwave 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.