THANKSGIVING

Now, the tradition of Americans scouring the shelves for the best holiday deals, shopping until they drop, continues on into the week after the Thanksgiving holiday.

For some travelers at Orlando International Airport, Thanksgiving day will be spent on a plane.

An estimated 114 million people plan to shop this year, part of the 166.3 million planning to shop from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, according to the National Retail Federation.

Thankfully, for pre-thanksgiving travel, the weather was relatively quiet. But for return travel, it may be a different story with a large storm system diving into the southern Plains this Black Friday.

Families in the Sanford area picked up free Thanksgiving meals Wednesday night at the Midway Safe Harbor Center.

Halfway through the Thanksgiving travel season, the Orlando International Airport is facing challenges with record-high passenger traffic, according to airport officials.

Community and church leaders in Eatonville banded together Wednesday to help feed their fellow neighbors in need ahead of Thanksgiving.

Trooper Steve discerns the improper from the inconsiderate.

Some spots require reservations

For those of you looking to get the best bang for your buck on the eve of Black Friday, the harsh truth is that many stores are anticipated to be closed on Turkey Day.

Gasoline prices have dropped as Florida motorists hit the road for one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Orlando Magic, alongside local nonprofits, churches and other groups, teamed up Monday to help families ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

State agencies are working together with a message of safety as Thanksgiving travel is expected to be the busiest Florida has seen in nearly two decades.

Eugine Blackshear was one of the many who got up early on Monday morning to make the long line at Exploria Stadium all to get a Thanksgiving meal for his family.

Sunday morning, International Association of Academic Methods hosted a Thanksgiving distribution through its food bank, assisting about 1,000 families.

Sunday kicks off an unsettled stretch of weather leading up to Thanksgiving.

Heart of Florida United Way distributed 4,000 thanksgiving meal kits to families across Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.

The holidays are the perfect time to give back to the community and there are a plethora of opportunities in the Central Florida area for you and your family.

Americans are bracing for a costly Thanksgiving this year, with double-digit percent increases in the price of turkey, potatoes, stuffing, canned pumpkin and other staples.

AAA projects nearly 3 million Floridians will travel at least 50 miles for the holiday.

Percentage change of food at home outpaced food away from home in ‘21, CPI data shows

Like everything else lately, Thanksgiving is getting more expensive.

Popeye's is once again offering to help with the cooking this Thanksgiving.

A man faces an attempted murder charge after deputies say he used a knife to attack a father and son on Thanksgiving in a fit of jealousy.

Netflix is making a movie about a famous Thanksgiving text mix-up that turned into a tradition and an unlikely friendship.

You may have a fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers, but they won't last as long as you may think.

Noel Young, 65, was last seen Thanksgiving night.

While most people get to spend the day at home surrounded by family, many of our first responders are working.

Thanksgiving travelers across the U.S. are flying in record numbers.

Hundreds of volunteers showed up to help out in this year's "HOPESgiving" event, an annual tradition that provides thousands of meals for people in need.

Disney returned to in-person volunteering this week with a Thanksgiving meal for the residents at Coalition for the Homeless.

The cost of Thanksgiving dinner is going up, like everything else, but dozens of families in need will still have a turkey on their Thanksgiving table this week thanks to a volunteer effort.

If you're hosting, you're probably starting to make lists and consider what you need around the house. We're here to help.

Holiday leftovers have a short lifespan, and may be spoiled after Monday.

Go ahead and rinse your cranberries, potatoes and green beans. But food experts say don’t — repeat don’t — wash the turkey before popping it in the oven on Thanksgiving Day.

You may wonder why Ocean Spray cranberry sauce labels are upside down.

There were long lines at Orlando International Airport early Wednesday as thousands were traveling ahead of Thanksgiving.

Families and individuals searching for a place to share in a Thanksgiving meal or pick up a holiday turkey still have a few choices leading into the holiday.

Family bragging rights, and maybe even some made-up trophies, are usually on the line for a game people look forward to annually.

We all love spoiling our pets, and amid the spoiling we do to ourselves on Thanksgiving with all the delicious food, some of us consider doing the same for our pets.

Two days before Thanksgiving, dozens of people living at Jackson Court apartments in Orlando's Parramore neighborhood were treated to a food giveaway.

If you find yourself consuming too many adult beverages during the Thanksgiving holiday, AAA wants to give you a free tow.

Two Florida-based grocery chains are limiting the number of items sold to customers ahead of the busy Thanksgiving holiday.

Hundreds lined up along Colonial Drive early Tuesday for Pendas Law Firm's annual Thanksgiving tradition by giving away frozen turkeys to families in need.

Have you ever sat back and wondered, “If I were a Thanksgiving food, what would I be?” ... Yeah, safe to say, probably no one has!

Thanksgiving meal shopping is in full force this week, and one grocery store is limiting the number of certain items you can buy.

Thinking of some new recipes to try this holiday season?

Here we go again.

Thanksgiving week has arrived, and starting Monday, kids are off from public school — not just for a few days, but for the whole week.

Cross-country travel is looking pretty good, whether you’re taking to the skies or traveling by car for Thanksgiving.

Heart of Florida United Way is making sure struggling families across Central Florida have a Thanksgiving feast this year.

Anything you can do I can do better. Another strong cold front will slice through Central Florida delivering even colder air to Sunshine State early Thanksgiving week.

With the wind off of the Atlantic all weekend, expect periods of showers and downpours, highest for the first of the day Saturday. Highs under mainly cloudy skies top out in the mid-to-upper 70s Saturday.

Thanksgiving break is starting early this year for tens of thousands of students.With early dismissal Friday, Brevard Public Schools students are off for the next ten days.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, you’ve likely either made a detailed grocery list, or you’ve thought a lot about what you will serve at the table.

If you’re waking up at 4 a.m. to start Thanksgiving dinner just to end up serving dry meat and drama to your family — you’re probably doing it all wrong. Here's a handy list of Thanksgiving do's and dont's to make your day a scrumptious success.

Forgoing hours of cooking and clean-up this Thanksgiving? These restaurants are providing dine-in and takeout options for a delicious and easy Thanksgiving meal.

Frozen turkey production and inflation are driving up the prices for Thanksgiving staples this year.

Brevard County Parks and Recreation will be offering fall break camps throughout the county from Nov. 22 to Nov. 24.

Move over pecan pie, a new dessert wants a place at your Thanksgiving table.

One way to prepare for the large food intake on Thanksgiving is to get out and get active before you find yourself in a turkey coma.

Krispy Kreme is mixing traditional Thanksgiving flavors with its donuts this year.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and for some, this might be the first time you’re seeing family members and friends in a long time.

It’s no secret: Traveling by vehicle has gotten pricier this year.

That trend of being closed is continuing for some retailers again this Thanksgiving.

Walmart is joining the fray to kick off the holiday buying frenzy early.

With many Americans vaccinated against COVID-19 and restrictions easing as case numbers go down, things are starting to feel more normal since the start of the pandemic. And it's just in time for the holidays.

There are so many things to love about this time of year, including Friendsgiving, which is when a group of friends gathers together to celebrate Thanksgiving.

If you’re ready to get out of town for the holidays this year, experts are saying right now is the time to buy your flights.

Another major retailer is joining the list of stores choosing to stay closed on Thanksgiving.

You won't be able to go shopping at Walmart on Thanksgiving.

FILE - In this Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020 file photo, people walk through the parking lot at a Target store in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)It’s not even Valentine’s Day and Target is already making 2021 holiday plans. The retailer announced it will be closed on Thanksgiving Day again. Target and other retailers were closed this past Thanksgiving to help reduce crowds and flatten the curve amid the coronavirus pandemic. Target also announced its holiday sales for November and December were up more than 17% from the year before.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County officials continue to report high demand for COVID-19 testing following the Thanksgiving holiday. Most coronavirus testing sites in Florida reopened Friday after closing for Thanksgiving. The state-run walk-up testing site in Volusia County remained closed Friday and will reopen Monday at 8 a.m. Experts say those who want to get tested after hosting or attending a large gathering should wait a few days after Thanksgiving. Different COVID-19 tests have varying accuracy, Banerjee said.

ORLANDO, Fla. – From turkey to stuffing and all the traditional holiday sides, The Salvation Army is making sure families across Central Florida are getting a Thanksgiving meal this year. Usually, people will line up outside the building and eat dinner inside the gymnasium at The Salvation Army but this year, to-go meals were prepped and distributed for safety reasons. [TRENDING: No new COVID-19 numbers on Thanksgiving | Florida Rep says Trump should pardon himself | 15-year-old girl dies after overdosing]FREE THANKSGIVING MEALS: Volunteers are here now preparing meals at the Salvation Army that will go to people in need. People have worked cooperatively,” said Captain Ken Chapman, area commander of The Salvation Army Orlando. Anyone interested in volunteering with or donating to The Salvation Army can learn more about the available opportunities by visiting SalvationArmyOrlando.org or calling 407-423-8581.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Magic players and staff members woke up early Thursday to host a Thanksgiving breakfast for members of Central Florida’s homeless community. Retired NBA player and Magic community ambassador Bo Outlaw and his family were also a part of the event Thursday morning. Orlando Magic host annual Thanksgiving event at the Coalition for the Homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic. (WKMG)John Beard, who said he’s had a very trying year, said he was grateful to have received a meal on Thanksgiving Day and thanked the Magic for their generosity. Thanksgiving breakfast was prepared for more than 400 homeless men, women and children at the Coalition, according to a news release.

ORLANDO, Fla. – On a night that is typically busy at Orlando International Airport, the lines for security were short to nonexistent. Michael Lux said that he and his daughters are heading home to Austin after spending a week at Orlando’s theme parks. He said that once they return, they plan to invite family over for Thanksgiving, but he understands if some family members don’t feel comfortable attending, given their recent travels. We’ve done everything we can to protect ourselves and others.”Airport officials estimated about 36,000 passengers were expected to pass through on Wednesday. Despite health officials urging people not to travel, he said that it’s a family tradition that he didn’t want to miss.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The night before Thanksgiving has earned the nickname “Drinksgiving.” The day is recognized as one of the biggest nights for bars. The popular holiday is spurred by the after-work crowd, college students home for break and others looking to take advantage of the long holiday weekend. “That’s giving us an indication that Church Street is probably going to be busy and Orange Avenue is probably going to be busy,” he said. Given the pandemic, Green said patrons will see tightened restrictions by limiting capacity to 50% to avoid the spread of COVID-19. “We’re doing temperature checks, obviously face masks and everything else we need to do,” Green said.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Two busy coronavirus testing sites in Orange County closed its line hours early Wednesday as cars lined up around the location to get tested for the virus ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The testing site at Barnett Park operated by Orange County Health Services experienced an increased interest before the Thanksgiving holiday, officials said. Amanda Salisbury, of Winter Garden, was in line with her daughter before the testing site opened around 8:30 a.m. Wilson was also getting testing ahead of the holiday to be safe around his family. “That’s the main reason for the test going to see family.”The state run virus testing site at the Orange County Convention Center also stopped accepting new people in line early on Wednesday.

Aside from sitting at a table on Thanksgiving Day and giving thanks for all that we have, there are a lot of other things associated with the holiday: turkeys, football, parades and more.

With many medical experts urging Americans to make this year’s Thanksgiving scaled down, many of us will probably only see people in our “bubble,” so holiday is going to feel a little bit different. Thanks to technology, you can still gather with your extended family.

MIAMI – At a Miami park that has been turned into a memorial for COVID-19 victims, families and officials gathered Tuesday to honor people who have died as they pleaded with others to avoid Thanksgiving dinners with those outside their home. Hundreds of white corrugated plastic sheets shaped like tombstones, some with names and messages, were staked on the lawn in rows simulating a cemetery. Hospitalizations continued to rise in Florida on Tuesday, with 3,787 patients with the virus, up from 3,748 Monday. “I am standing and asking the community to take the realm of this fight,” Wilson said. “We are losing too many people and too many people do not care that this virus is roaring through this country.”

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Salvation Army of Orlando’s annual Thanksgiving dinner will look a lot different this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. On Thanksgiving Day, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Salvation Army in Orlando will distribute 5,000 pre-packed Thanksgiving meals from its gymnasium on 440 W. Colonial Drive. In addition, the agency is hosting a HOPEsgiving Turkey Drive on Tuesday, two days before Thanksgiving. So you can tell this pandemic has had a very devastating effect,” Captain Ken Chapman with the Salvation Army said. It’s a reality millions across the country are still facing as we approach the holidaysBut on Tuesday, some of those struggling families felt a sense of hope with the Salvation Army’s HOPEsgiving day event.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Pendas Law Firm kicked off its annual Thanksgiving tradition on Tuesday by giving away hundreds of frozen turkeys to families in need. For the 12th straight year, the firm’s staff was on hand to personally distribute a truckload of turkeys at 625 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando. “We’ve decided to continue our annual turkey giveaway, with a feeling that the need is now greater than ever. “If you have love and kindness in your heart, give it and show it to other people, because we’re all family,” Hendricks said. In total, Pendas said they gave away between 800 and 1,000 turkeys at Tuesday’s event and 3,000 statewide between his other five office locations.

Thanksgiving is a time for all that’s delicious in the world: All the best appetizers, side dishes, a perfectly moist turkey, seasonal drinks and dessert.

We want to hear about your Thanksgiving traditions.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – With Thanksgiving just days away, Central Florida leaders are reminding residents once again that not everyone should be celebrating this year. There’s a potential that you might be shedding the virus and be infectious to others, even if you don’t feel sick,” she said. “Please don’t let your guard down during these holidays,” she warned. “When we talk about families, Thanksgiving is one of those family holidays. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter and go toClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.

(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Cars lined up at the Orange County Convention Center Saturday morning as hundreds of families received free Thanksgiving meals. Heart of Florida United Way gave out free meals to 1,500 pre-selected families in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. Michael and Patricia received the free meals through the non-profit’s second annual Thanksgiving Project. Heart of Florida United Way President and CEO Jeff Hayward said they provided families everything they need for the meal. He adds the meal giveaway is just another way they’re doing their part.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Thanksgiving travel period kicked off at Orlando International Airport a day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance against holiday travel. That’s the best thing we can do.”From Friday thru December 1, leaders at Orlando International Airport said they plan to see their highest numbers of passengers since the pandemic began. During the Thanksgiving travel period, airport officials warned that lines could be long, but not in the way you remember them. Travelers may also notice fewer fellow passengers, since TSA data shows airport travel is down 74% since May, and as cases continue to climb nationwide. The busiest Thanksgiving travel day at Orlando International Airport is projected to be Sunday Nov. 29 with 44,347 travelers.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Hundreds of veterans in Orlando received free food on Friday from produce to meats. “You don’t find too many people that gives out a lot of food out you know and I really appreciate what they do,” U.S. Army Veteran Kirk Martinez said. [TRENDING: Gov: Vaccine coming to Florida ‘relatively soon’ | CDC: Avoid Thanksgiving travel | Georgia presidential race recount results]Usually, the City of Orlando host a Veterans Day parade each year but with the pandemic, plans changed. Instead, city officials teamed up with the organization Soldier’s Angels and decided to donate 75 pounds of food to 300 veteran families. Navy Veteran Martin Vrooman said he uses food stamps to buy groceries for his family.

There’s been a lot of chatter about Thanksgiving already. If there were ever a time to do something different than a classic turkey dinner, this is probably it.

Does your county offer rapid testing right now? Does your county offer rapid testing right now? As of right now DOH-Lake does not offer rapid testing for the general public. Learn more at As of right now DOH-Lake does not offer rapid testing for the general public. Does your county offer rapid testing right now?

All rights reserved)One week before Thanksgiving, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising Americans not to travel for the holiday. The agency made the comments during a conference call on Thursday. The recommendation comes as coronavirus cases surge throughout the United States. [TRENDING: County prepares for vaccine | Remote learning continues in spring | ‘We’re failing:’ Mayors call for COVID-19 action]The CDC says traveling right now could spread the virus from one part of the country to another. But for those who are still planning to travel, the CDC urges people to wear masks, social distance and wash your hands frequently.

Cooking up a giant turkey packed with stuffing might not be as realistic for some, especially if you live alone or with a roommate or two.

Despite the pandemic, Americans are still planning to spend hundreds of dollars on Thanksgiving dinner. A new survey from Lending Tree, an online loan marketplace, found that Americans will spend an average of $475. About 2,000 Americans answered the online survey. It makes sense since families are having smaller gatherings because of the pandemic. According to the survey, hosts are expecting about nine people at the thanksgiving table this year.

The nation’s biggest retailer is teaming up with a tech company to offer huge discounts on a holiday meal. Walmart teamed up with Ibotta for a Thanksgiving promotion this year. According to Ibotta, customers shopping for food at Walmart online can get 100% cash back on nine traditional Thanksgiving items. To get the deal, first people have to download Ibotta’s extension and link it to their Walmart account. To learn more about the 100% cash back offers, check out Ibotta’s website.

The Thanksgiving season has kicked off at Second Harvest Food Bank as 1,000 frozen turkeys were distributed throughout the community. “This comes just in time for Thanksgiving for a lot of families that are struggling in these economic times,” Second Harvest Food Bank Chief Development Officer Greg Higgerson said. “It’s going to be a big, big help,” Higgerson said. As many as 40% of the people who need help with food right now are looking for food for the first time in their lives,” Higgerson said. In addition to the frozen turkeys, Second Harvest also donated other food items to help complete Thanksgiving meals.

Because of the pandemic, AAA is forecasting fewer people will travel for Thanksgiving this year. These key factors make up what could be the “the lowest Thanksgiving travel volume in four years, and the largest yearly decline since the Great Recession,” AAA said. pic.twitter.com/RTtDh3RMRz — AAA Travel (@AAA_Travel) November 11, 2020AAA is projecting 50 million Americans will travel this Thanksgiving. These figures could be even lower, AAA said, as Americans monitor the pandemic and follow renewed quarantine restrictions. U.S. Thanksgiving Travel VolumesYear Total Travelers Automibile Air Other (Bus, Train, Cruise) 2020 50.6 M 47.8 M 2.4 M 353,000 2019 56 M 49.9 M 4.58 M 1.5 M Change -9.7% -4.3% -47.5% -76.2% Fewest Travelers Since 2016 2017 2019 2001* Lowest on RecordFlorida Thanksgiving Travel Volumes

Thanksgiving Day will certainly be different for some amid the coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing precautions have caused some families to cancel holiday meals or adjust the way in which they gather. [TRENDING: Disney World increasing capacity | 250,000 space fans to drive near Cape for launch | Meteor shower coming soon]Retailers have also adjusted to the current times and many have elected to stay closed on Thanksgiving Day when normally they would be pushing Black Friday deals early. However, there are still a group of stores that have chosen to stay open on the holiday, according to BlackFriday.com. Here are the stores staying open on ThanksgivingBass Pro Shops: Opens at 8 a.m.Bealls: Open from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.Big Lots: Open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.Cabela’s: Open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.Claire’s: Open from 5 p.m. to midnightCVS: 24-hour locations openDollar General: Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.Family Dollar: Open but hours vary by storeFive Below: Open from 6 p.m. to midnightFred Meyer: Normal hours of operationKmart: Open from 6 a.m. to midnightMeijer: Open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Modell’s: Open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.New York & Company: Opens at 6 p.m.Palais Royal: Open from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.Peebles: Open from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.Rite Aid: 24-hour locations are openStage Stores: Open from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.Victoria’s Secret: Select stores are openWalgreens: 24-hour locations are open

Thanksgiving is a special time of year as family and friends gather to celebrate what they are thankful for and enjoy a good meal. Through the years, Black Friday shopping has leaked into Thanksgiving Day, meaning retailers were staying open and employees were having to work instead of spending time with those they love. With the coronavirus pandemic still in full swing across the U.S., many retailers have adjusted their Black Friday shopping hours and are choosing to stay closed on Thanksgiving Day this year. [TRENDING: Disney World increasing capacity | 250,000 space fans to drive near Cape for launch | Meteor shower coming soon]Many retailers have shifted more deals online, which also helps employees get the day off to unwind before the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear. Here are the retailers that have announced closures on Thanksgiving, according to BlackFriday.com.