Discover everything you need for Thanksgiving 2025, from delicious recipes to festive decor ideas. Make this holiday unforgettable with our expert tips!
Current Date: November 24, 2025
Topic: Thanksgiving Day 2025 Latest Updates
Here is a comprehensive update on Thanksgiving Day 2025, written as a “latest news” digest for the week of November 24th.
Thanksgiving 2025: The Final Countdown
Record-Breaking Travel, A Looming Winter Storm, and The 99th Macy’s Parade
As we kick off the week of Thanksgiving (Monday, Nov. 24, 2025), the holiday landscape is shaping up to be one of the most intense in recent memory. With the holiday falling on Thursday, November 27, Americans are bracing for a mix of record-high travel numbers and a potentially disruptive winter storm system.
Here are the latest updates you need to navigate the week ahead.
1. 🚨 Weather Alert: Winter Storm Disruptions
Meteorologists are currently tracking a major winter storm system expected to impact the Midwest and Western U.S. just as peak travel begins.
- The Forecast: A significant storm is predicted to bring blizzard-like conditions to parts of Iowa and the Midwest, with heavy snowfall and high winds. The Western mountains are also expecting snow, while the Northeast is currently looking at rain rather than snow, which may still slow down I-95 traffic.
- Travel Impact: Airlines have already begun issuing waivers for travel through hubs like Chicago and Denver. If you are flying Tuesday or Wednesday, check your flight status now.
- Driving Hazard: The “bomb cyclone” conditions in some areas could lead to whiteouts. Travelers in affected zones are urged to leave early (today, Monday) or wait until Thanksgiving morning to avoid the worst of the storm.
2. ✈️ Travel: A Record-Breaking Year
Despite the weather, Americans are moving in unprecedented numbers. AAA projects a historic 81.8 million people will travel 50+ miles from home this year.
- Busiest Days: Tuesday, Nov. 25 (12 PM – 9 PM) and Wednesday, Nov. 26 (11 AM – 8 PM) are projected to be the absolute worst times to be on the road.
- Best Times to Drive: Thanksgiving Day itself (Thursday) sees minimal traffic, and Friday morning (before 11 AM) is generally clear.
- Airport Crunch: The TSA expects to screen over 18 million passengers this week. Sunday, Nov. 30 is projected to be the busiest air travel day ever.
- Pro Tip: With flights running full, overhead bin space will be non-existent. Gate-check your bag if offered to speed up your boarding process.
3. 🦃 The Feast: Cheaper Turkeys, Pricier Sides
There is mixed news for your grocery budget this year. The American Farm Bureau Federation reports a “mixed bag” for the cost of the classic dinner:
- The Good News: The price of the centerpiece turkey is down ~16% from last year due to a stable supply and softening demand.
- The Bad News: Extreme weather events earlier this year (including hurricanes in the Southeast) have driven up the cost of fresh produce. Expect to pay significantly more for sweet potatoes (+37%) and veggie trays (+61%).
- Dining Out: For those skipping the cooking, chains like Applebee’s, Cracker Barrel, and Waffle House have confirmed they will be open on Thursday.
4. 🎈 The Parade: The 99th Annual Spectacle
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade returns to NYC on Thursday at 8:30 AM ET. This is a milestone “pre-centennial” year (the 99th edition), and excitement is high.
- Hosts: In a heartwarming twist, Hoda Kotb is returning to co-host alongside Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker, despite her departure from NBC earlier this season.
- New Balloons & Floats: Look out for the new “K-Pop Demon Hunters” balloon and floats featuring performances from Buena Vista Social Club and Ragtime.
- Where to Watch: The parade airs on NBC and streams on Peacock.
5. 🛍️ Black Friday & Cyber Monday
Retailers are preparing for a massive turnout. The National Retail Federation (NRF) expects 186.9 million shoppers from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday.13
- Trend: While Black Friday (Nov. 28) remains the peak, “Early Access” deals started dropping this past weekend.
- Hot Items: Tech remains king, but there is a surge in “experience” gifts (travel vouchers, concert tickets) as inflation makes consumers more selective about physical goods.
Thanksgiving 2025: Summary Checklist for This Week
| Category | Status | Action Item |
| Travel | 🔴 Heavy Delays | Leave before Tuesday afternoon; download airline apps for gate changes. |
| Weather | ❄️ Storm Warning | Check forecasts if driving through the Midwest/Rockies. |
| Shopping | 🟢 Deals Live | Turkey prices are down; buy produce last-minute to ensure freshness. |
| Parade | 📺 8:30 AM ET | Set DVR or Peacock profile for Thursday morning. |
Happy Thanksgiving 2025! Stay safe on the roads and warm in the storm.
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