Thanksgiving weekend travel is skyrocketing this year, creating one of the busiest holiday rushes the country has seen in years. More than 81.8 million Americans are expected to take to the highways, airports, and rail lines, each traveling at least 50 miles from home to reunite with loved ones. Whether people are driving through packed interstates or squeezing through bustling airport terminals, the energy of the holiday season is unmistakably in the air.

And once everyone finally arrives—suitcases unpacked, kitchens bustling, and that familiar Thanksgiving food coma slowly taking over—the real traditions begin. For many households, the holiday officially starts with the timeless Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, complete with its giant character balloons, marching bands, and festive performances that fill living rooms across the country.

Next comes another beloved ritual: The National Dog Show, an event that blends lighthearted entertainment with friendly competition. Families gather around to admire the beautifully groomed dogs as they prance across the stage, adding a dose of fun and charm to the holiday afternoon.

Of course, Thanksgiving wouldn’t feel complete without a marathon of NFL football. With Detroit, Green Bay, Dallas, Kansas City, Baltimore, and Cincinnati all taking the field, fans are guaranteed a full day of action. This year is especially nostalgic, as the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys mark 48 years of hosting Thanksgiving Day football—a tradition that has become just as iconic as the turkey itself.

From the record travel surge to the time-honored holiday rituals, the Thanksgiving weekend continues to blend excitement, tradition, and connection, creating memories that families look forward to year after year.