The 91st annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade will take place on Thursday, marking the start of a major holiday weekend as visitors and residents prepare for several days of celebrations across the city and surrounding suburbs. The long-running event, known for drawing tens of thousands of spectators, will once again fill the downtown corridor with floats, dancers, marching bands, specialty performers and an array of local and national talent. Organizers expect a strong turnout as families make

Thousands of volunteers across Austin are preparing for one of the city’s most recognizable Thanksgiving traditions as Operation Turkey enters its 26th year of serving holiday meals to people in need. The annual event has grown into one of the largest community-led efforts in Texas, with organizers expecting an even bigger turnout this year. The volunteer-run nonprofit began its holiday preparations with a significant donation of 2,200 turkeys, a contribution that organizers say will help s

Thanksgiving travel across Texas entered one of its busiest periods of the year on Wednesday as millions of residents began their holiday journeys by road and air. Throughout the day, major highways experienced slow-moving traffic, service stations saw extended waits, and North Texas airports handled a steady flow of passengers preparing to depart for destinations across the country. The surge was widely expected, but the volume of travelers underscored how significant the holiday rush has be

Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as vehicle-related crimes continue to rise during the holiday shopping period. According to police, incidents of car break-ins and thefts tend to escalate across the city at this time of year, particularly in areas where crowds and increased foot traffic create opportunities for criminals. Officers say the trend is consistent annually and emphasize that these crimes are largely preventable when drivers take proper precautions.

AAA is advising travelers across the United States to plan their Thanksgiving road trips carefully as millions prepare to travel during one of the busiest periods of the year. According to the organization, heavy congestion is expected on both Tuesday and Wednesday, with the largest delays anticipated during the afternoon and early evening hours. Travel analysts report that a growing number of Americans are choosing to drive to their holiday destinations, contributing to increased traffic vol

Chicago’s major airports are preparing for an exceptionally crowded holiday period, with officials projecting the busiest Thanksgiving travel week ever recorded across the city’s aviation system. The Chicago Department of Aviation reported that nearly two million passengers are expected to pass through O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport between Tuesday and Monday, December 1. The projection reflects a strong holiday travel surge fueled by both airline scheduli

Hundreds of Austin families received meaningful holiday support on Sunday during a large Thanksgiving meal distribution hosted at Huston-Tillotson University. The event, which has become an anticipated annual tradition for many local residents, once again aimed to ease financial stress for households preparing for the holiday season. The Gamma Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity collaborated with students from the university’s honors program to organize the drive-thro

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey has launched one of its largest annual holiday efforts, distributing tens of thousands of Thanksgiving meal boxes to families across the state. The organization, based in Hillside, prepared an extensive operation aimed at easing food insecurity as residents prepare for the holiday season. According to officials, more than 35,000 meal boxes will be delivered throughout November, accompanied by an estimated 83,000 turkeys, roasters, and hams intended to help

Chicago is set to officially open its holiday season this weekend as several of the city’s most recognizable Christmas traditions return across multiple neighborhoods. The start of these annual events is expected to draw large crowds, increased traffic and a series of planned road closures, according to city officials. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications advised residents, visitors and motorists to prepare for heavier travel conditions throughout the weekend as celebration

The holiday season in Ohio brings an atmosphere of excitement as families and travelers begin looking for memorable winter attractions that brighten the colder months. Across the state, communities prepare stunning light displays that turn parks, courthouses, gardens and public spaces into festive destinations. This year, the state has organized an extensive list of seventy-nine locations considered among the most impressive holiday light shows available, allowing visitors to explore a wide rang

Starbucks Red Cup Day, one of the company’s most anticipated promotional events of the holiday season, returned nationwide on Thursday, Nov. 13, offering customers a free limited-edition 2025 reusable red cup with the purchase of any featured holiday or fall beverage. The annual giveaway traditionally draws heavy foot traffic to stores, and this year the company announced it had prepared more cups than ever to meet demand. The promotion is available while supplies last at participating loca

The holiday season has officially begun to make its presence felt across the Chicago area. From dazzling décor and festive lights to store promotions and the unmistakable scent of seasonal treats, the city’s malls are transforming into winter wonderlands. But perhaps the most heartwarming sign of all is the arrival of Santa Claus himself. For families eager to capture a cherished holiday photo or simply share a moment of joy with the beloved figure in red, many malls across the region are

At four years old, Hiro is ready for a fresh start and a family to call his own. This sweet and gentle mixed-breed dog is currently living at Best Friend Dog and Animal Adoption, where volunteers describe him as one of the most affectionate and loyal companions they have ever met. As the holidays approach, Hiro is hoping to finally find his forever home—a place where he can feel safe, loved, and cherished. Hiro’s journey to adoption has been filled with patience and hope. Shelte

Pleasanton’s annual Hometown Holiday Celebration is gearing up for a festive return on Saturday, December 6, and the city is calling on residents, community groups, schools, and local businesses to help bring the magic to Main Street. The parade will showcase decorated floats, classic cars, marching bands, civic organizations, youth teams, and performance groups, followed by a community tree lighting and live entertainment to cap the evening. Applications are now open for parade entries, vo

Taco Bell is taking its holiday creativity to new heights this year with the launch of a dessert that merges nostalgia, flavor, and bold color. Beginning Thursday, November 6, the fast food chain will officially debut its Mountain Dew Baja Blast Pie, a limited-edition treat inspired by the tropical soda that has become a cult favorite among fans for two decades. The Baja Blast Pie transforms the drink’s unmistakable tropical lime essence into a rich, creamy dessert reminiscent of

Starbucks has officially unveiled its 2025 holiday cup collection, drink lineup, and festive bakery offerings, marking the return of one of the most anticipated annual traditions for coffee lovers. This year’s designs, according to the company, are meant to “invite all to linger in a space that feels authentically Starbucks,” capturing the warmth and nostalgia associated with the brand’s coffeehouse experience. The new cup designs blend the familiar Starbucks red and green p

Chicago’s annual wave of holiday spirit is arriving just a little later this year. Popular radio station 93.9 LITE FM has announced that it will officially begin broadcasting nonstop Christmas music on Tuesday, November 4, marking the start of its 25th year as Chicago’s go-to station for festive tunes. The station confirmed that the seasonal switch will take place at 3 p.m., when it transitions to “around-the-clock holiday music.” Listeners across the Chicago area can tune i

NEW YORK CITY – The holiday season in New York is officially on the horizon, as Rockefeller Center announced that this year’s iconic Christmas tree will come from East Greenbush, New York, a small town located just outside Albany. The majestic Norway spruce, known for its height, symmetry, and rich green color, will soon make its journey to Midtown Manhattan, where it will become the centerpiece of one of the world’s most beloved holiday traditions. The tree is scheduled to be

NEW JERSEY — Residents across New Jersey may soon notice changes in their mail delivery services as the United States Postal Service (USPS) rolls out a new generation of delivery vehicles and facility upgrades ahead of the busy holiday season. The transformation comes as part of the Postal Service’s sweeping $40 billion nationwide investment aimed at improving delivery speed, safety, and overall efficiency. The new delivery step vans, equipped with advanced technology and safety

Washington, DC will observe Indigenous People’s Day on Monday, October 13, with modified schedules across public transportation, government offices, and community services. The annual holiday honors the history, culture, and resilience of Indigenous American peoples. While many essential services will continue to operate, residents can expect changes to transit schedules, parking enforcement, and city department hours. Transportation services will operate on adjusted holiday sched