NC Thanksgiving traditions: How to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and more
Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 23. Americans have so many traditions, and in North Carolina watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a big one. How many of these NC Thanksgiving traditions does your family enjoy?
How to watch the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the most popular NC Thanksgiving traditions. Live parade coverage from New York City begins on NBC/WRAL at 8:30 a.m. ET on Thanksgiving Day.
The first Macy's parade debuted in 1924, and the parade is approaching its 100th year. This year's parade features 31 floats, 25 giant balloons, and celebrities like Cher, Brandy, Jon Batiste, Pentatonix and others. The parade typically lasts around three hours and is followed immediately by the National Dog Show.
How to watch the National Dog Show
The National Dog Show will air on NBC/WRAL and Peacock on Thanksgiving Day at 12 p.m., immediately following the parade. NBC News reports the telecast will be hosted by John O'Hurley and David Frei, with NBC Sports analyst Mary Carillo providing commentary.
The dog show is a big NC Thanksgiving tradition, especially for animal lovers. Watch 2,000 dogs from 209 American Kennel Club registered breeds compete for best in show from the comfort of your couch! Cute dogs and Thanksgiving food -- what's not to love?
Thanksgiving football schedule
For sports loving families, Thanksgiving means football, with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys always on the schedule.
In 2023, there is a third game at night to carry you through the meal, your nap and your second wind. Thanksgiving football schedule for Thursday is as follows:
- Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions: 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX
- Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys: 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: 8:20 p.m. on NBC (coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET with Football Night in America)
Wake up early and eat early
How early do you wake up on Thanksgiving Day? If you're feeding a crowd, probably before 7 a.m. That's because, in North Carolina, many families prefer to eat their Thanksgiving meal at lunchtime or in the early afternoon, so it's important to get that turkey in the oven hours before the doorbell rings!
Chefs advise cooking turkeys 13 minutes per pound. That means a 16-pound turkey would need to be in the oven for 3.5 hours, but make sure to get a meat thermometer. Turkeys should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
A turkey should rest at least 20 minutes before carving. Chefs also have to plan ahead when cooking sides with limited oven space.
The most popular Thanksgiving sides in North Carolina are:
- Stuffing
- Green bean casserole
- Sweet potato casserole
- Mashed potatoes
- Rolls
- Cranberry sauce
Go for a hike
Fall leaves are at peak color in North Carolina in November, and it's a tradition for many families to walk off (a portion) of the calories from a Thanksgiving feast. We love the leaves at William B. Umstead State Park, Lake Johnson, Eno River State Park, Hemlock Bluffs and the North Carolina Museum of Art and other Triangle parks. It can also be a great afternoon to visit a playground, because many families will still be inside eating.
Here's a guide to some of our favorite playgrounds.
Take a nap
Taking a nap after your Thanksgiving feast is a popular NC Thanksgiving tradition, especially for people who don't have to go to work. Whether you nap in a bed or in a recliner in front of the football game, this tradition is a staple.
Black Friday shopping
Black Friday online deals are already live. WRAL's Smart Shopper has a guide to deals at Macy's, Kohl's, Target, Walmart and other stores. If Black Friday shopping is on your list of NC Thanksgiving traditions, make sure to arrive at stores early and pack patience, because lines can be long.
Make a leftover turkey sandwich
Quality bread – or leftover Thanksgiving rolls – make a great post-Thanksgiving turkey sandwich. Try loading your sandwich with cranberry sauce (or raspberry jam), turkey, stuffing, collards and cheese.
Put up the Christmas tree
For many people, it's a fun NC Thanksgiving tradition to put up Christmas decorations the very next day. Not an artificial tree person? According to Christmas tree growers, purchasing a real tree Thanksgiving weekend or the first week of December is your best bet, because the longer cut trees sit, the less fresh they will be when you bring them home.
