You’ve probably looked at your calendar and wondered exactly what’s going on with late November. It’s that awkward middle ground. Most people are either hyper-focused on defrosting a turkey or they’re already arguing about when it’s socially acceptable to blast Mariah Carey. But if you zoom in on one specific day, things get interesting. What day is November 24th in the grand scheme of things?
Honestly, it depends on which year you’re standing in.
In 2026, November 24th lands on a Tuesday. If you’re looking back at 2025, it was a Monday. And if you’re a history nerd, you might remember that in 2022, it was actually Thanksgiving Day in the United States. It’s one of those "chameleon" dates that shifts its vibe based on the day of the week and how close it sits to the holiday madness.
The Chaos and History of November 24th
History has a funny way of picking random days to go absolutely sideways. November 24th is a prime example. On this day in 1971, a man known to the world as D.B. Cooper jumped out of a Boeing 727 with $200,000 strapped to his body. He vanished into a freezing rainstorm over Washington state, and we still don't really know who he was or if he survived the fall. It remains the only unsolved skyjacking in commercial aviation history.
But it’s not all mystery and crime.
Science took a massive leap on November 24th, 1859. That’s when Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species. Think about that for a second. The entire way we understand our existence and the natural world shifted because of a book released on a random Tuesday in November. It was controversial then, and let's be real, it still sparks a lot of heated debates today.
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Then there’s the dark side of the date. In 1963, only two days after the assassination of JFK, Lee Harvey Oswald was shot and killed by Jack Ruby on live television. It was a moment of pure, unscripted American trauma. People were watching their TV sets, expecting a routine prisoner transfer, and instead, they saw a murder.
A Mix of Birthdays and Losses
Pop culture is all over the place on this date. You’ve got the birth of legendary "King of Ragtime" Scott Joplin in 1868. Without him, we might not have the foundation for modern American music. Fast forward a bit, and you find the birth of Katherine Heigl, Sarah Hyland, and the "Office" favorite, Brian Baumgartner (Kevin Malone himself).
On the flip side, November 24th, 1991, was a devastating day for music fans. Freddie Mercury, the powerhouse frontman of Queen, passed away from AIDS-related pneumonia. It was just 24 hours after he had publicly confirmed his diagnosis. The world lost one of the greatest voices to ever hit a stage on this specific day.
The Strange Holidays You Didn't Know About
If you’re not into the heavy historical stuff, maybe you’ll appreciate the "National Days." Did you know November 24th is National Sardines Day? Yeah, those tiny, oily fish have their own 24-hour celebration. People either love them on crackers or can't stand the smell, but they’re officially recognized today.
There's also Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day. It’s a bit of a "participation trophy" holiday, but it’s a good excuse to show off that weird thing you can do with your elbows or your ability to recite the alphabet backward in four seconds.
- D.B. Cooper Day: Fans of the mystery often gather to discuss theories.
- National Fairy Bread Day: A huge deal in Australia—basically white bread, butter, and sprinkles (hundreds and thousands).
- Brownielocks Day: A day for brunettes to be proud of their hair color.
What Day Is November 24th for You?
If you’re in the U.S., this date is usually the "calm before the storm." You’re either working a short week or you’re already traveling. It sits in that pocket of time where the air smells like woodsmoke and everyone is just a little bit more stressed than usual because of the impending family gatherings.
It’s a day of transition.
By the time the sun sets on November 24th, the Christmas lights are usually starting to flicker on in neighborhood windows. It represents the point of no return for the autumn season. Winter isn't officially here, but it's definitely knocking on the door.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to make the most of this date, stop treating it like just another square on the calendar. Use it as a marker for your year-end goals.
- Check your 2026 calendar: Since it's a Tuesday, it’s a perfect "Deep Work" day before the holiday distractions kick in.
- Try something weird: Buy a tin of sardines or make some Australian Fairy Bread. Why not?
- Read a chapter of Darwin: Or at least a summary. It’s a good way to honor a book that changed the world.
- Audit your "Unique Talent": Take five minutes to actually practice that hobby you’ve been ignoring.
Whether you're looking for a specific day of the week or trying to understand why your history book keeps mentioning this date, November 24th carries a lot of weight. It’s a mix of world-altering science, unsolved mysteries, and very small fish.