Can You Display the Flag on Thanksgiving? (Yes, and Here’s How)

Thanksgiving is a day centered on gratitude. Toward family, community, and the values that help bring people together. While it is not a designated flag holiday, many choose to display the U.S. flag as part of the day’s meaning.

For some, it reflects appreciation for those who serve or have served. For others, it’s a quiet way to mark the day with respect. Placing the flag thoughtfully, whether on a front porch or outside a place of gathering, can complement the tone of the holiday.

There is no formal requirement to include the flag, and that’s part of what makes it personal. When people take the time to display it with care, it often feels right, especially on a day that centers on awareness and connection.

Whether flown at sunrise or lit through the evening meal, the flag can be a simple addition that fits naturally into the spirit of the day.

Proper Flag Etiquette on Non-Federal Holidays

The U.S. Flag Code allows the flag to be flown every day, including holidays like Thanksgiving. The key is to follow the same respectful guidelines that apply year-round.

On days when the flag is displayed outdoors, it should be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset. If the flag remains out after dark, it should be clearly lit. Solar or electric lights positioned to fully illuminate the flag are ideal.

Maintenance is just as important as timing. Before Thanksgiving, it’s worth taking a few minutes to inspect the flag for wear or damage. Fraying edges, faded color, or missing grommets can be signs that the flag needs care or replacement.

For those unsure about the details, Colonial Flag’s Flag Etiquette page offers clear, straightforward guidance. It’s a helpful resource for anyone looking to display the flag respectfully, whether on a federal holiday or a day of personal significance.

How to Display the Flag with Seasonal Decor

Thanksgiving decorations often include warm tones, natural textures, and harvest elements. The U.S. flag can be part of this setting when positioned thoughtfully. Try placing it near a front door surrounded by pumpkins, lanterns, or fall foliage. Just be sure it remains the focal point, with enough space to hang or fly freely.

Avoid placing objects in front of or on the flag. A well-mounted pole or wall bracket keeps the display tidy and upright, even as other decorations shift with the season. If you're using outdoor lighting to highlight autumn arrangements, make sure the flag is also well lit after dark.

You should aim to create a welcoming atmosphere that includes the flag without overpowering it. Steer clear of over-decorating or placing too many items nearby, which can crowd the display or dilute its tone. When the setting feels balanced and intentional, the flag adds a quiet sense of gratitude that fits the season.

Thanksgiving may not require a flag, but when it’s chosen with intention and displayed correctly, it just feels like a natural part of the occasion.

Respectful Ways to Pair the Flag with Other Symbols

Some households and businesses choose to fly additional banners alongside the U.S. flag, especially around meaningful holidays. For Thanksgiving, service branch flags, heritage flags, or a POW/MIA flag can be respectful additions that complement the tone of the day. These symbols reflect personal and shared histories, grounding the display in gratitude and recognition.

When combining symbols, placement matters. The U.S. flag should always be in the position of highest honor, typically to its own right or at the center when flown with others. Avoid placing flags near political signs or statements, especially during a time meant to reflect on shared values and community.

Visual storytelling is most powerful when it’s clear and intentional. If your display includes family mementos, service emblems, or other meaningful pieces, make sure each item has space to be seen and understood. Colonial Flag offers guidance on thoughtful display combinations that feel personal without becoming overstated. The result is a display that invites connection, honors history, and stays rooted in the spirit of the day.

Weather Readiness: Protecting the Flag in Late Fall

Thanksgiving often brings a mix of weather: cold mornings, gusty afternoons, or lingering rain and snow. These conditions can wear down a flag faster than expected. Before the holiday, take a few minutes to inspect the fabric for fraying, fading, or loose seams. Check the halyard for signs of slippage or stiffness and make sure clips and cleats are secure.

A flag flown in rough weather should be built for it. Colonial Flag offers durable options that hold up to wind, moisture, and temperature shifts. If you’re unsure what condition your flag is in, our How to Care for Your Flag video offers clear guidance.

For deeper care, visit our Resources page, which includes tutorials, maintenance tips, and repair options. Taking time to prepare your display ensures it remains both respectful and resilient as the season shifts.

A Moment of Thanks: Raising the Flag Intentionally

Thanksgiving creates a natural space for reflection. Including a simple moment of gratitude when raising the flag can bring deeper meaning to the day. It doesn’t need to be formal, just a quiet pause to acknowledge service, heritage, or the values you hold dear.

Some families take a moment to thank a veteran. Others offer a few words about community or gratitude before hoisting the flag. These gestures are small but lasting. When done with sincerity, they add emotional depth to the act of display.

The visual of a flag against a crisp autumn sky already says something. Adding a moment of intention makes the occasion even more personal and more memorable. As part of a private tradition or during a public event, raising the flag on Thanksgiving can be a way to share what matters, with care and presence. Colonial Flag is here to support that experience with products and services that help your display reflect both pride and purpose.

Colonial Flag’s Role in Holiday Displays

At Colonial Flag, we work with families, communities, and organizations who want their displays to feel thoughtful and well-prepared. Whether it’s a front porch, a city hall, or a local business, we offer guidance on how to set up flags in a way that reflects the occasion.

Our selection includes flags made for both indoor and outdoor use, with options that can withstand cold, wind, and moisture. We also provide sturdy mounting hardware, lighting, and accessories to support respectful presentation throughout the holiday season.

If your flag has seen better days, our flag repair and rotation services make upkeep easy. You can drop your flag off, mail it in, or schedule a pickup. We’ll take care of the rest; from mending frayed edges to installing a fresh replacement at your next rotation. When the details are taken care of, the display speaks for itself.

A Quiet Statement of Gratitude

Thanksgiving offers a chance to step back and reflect on what we have, what we share, and what we honor. Flying the U.S. flag on this day can be a quiet, respectful way to express that gratitude.

It does not need to be loud or ceremonial to carry meaning. When displayed with care, the flag becomes a gentle reminder of the values that hold us together, such as service, respect, and community.

If you’re preparing a display this season, Colonial Flag is here to help. Whether you need weather-ready products, help with setup, or long-term care services, we’ll walk you through every step.

Reach out with questions or browse our site to find what fits your space and purpose.