Sacramento Thanksgiving guide: What to expect for travel, turkey and Black Friday deals

Happy Thanksgiving! Here’s your guide to the holiday — from free turkey and travel, to self care, Black Friday and Christmas preparation.

What to expect for Thanksgiving travel

Thanksgiving travel is expected to surpass last year — bringing it within 5% of pre-pandemic levels. Gas prices continues to rise across California — and Sacramento costs are even higher.

Not driving? There are few things you should know before hitting the runway at Sacramento International Airport.

Check out these stories for more:

• Sacramento fog, high gas prices + best time to drive: Your guide to Thanksgiving travel

• Is your flight likely to be delayed at these California airports? See recent travel data
• Cost of flying out of Sacramento airport: Here’s a guide on parking, baggage and more

Where to buy a turkey

There’s been some concern around a “turkey shortage” but the reality is you should be able to find one — just at a higher cost than normal. And the longer you wait, the less likely you’ll be able to find the perfect one.

Check out these stories for more:

• Is there a turkey shortage? As Californians prepare for Thanksgiving, here’s what to know
• Need free, cheap turkey for Thanksgiving? Here’s where to get one in Sacramento

Volunteer, run for a cause or donate

Run to Feed the Hungry, the largest Thanksgiving Day run in the U.S., is back for its traditional in-person event after a virtual format last year due to COVID-19. Historically, near 30,000 people participate in the run.

If you’re looking to participate or volunteer, check out this guide to the race:

• Run to Feed the Hungry is back in Sacramento. Here’s your guide to the Thanksgiving event

If you’re looking to pay it forward in a different way, here’s how you can donate your clothes as the seasons change:

• Cleaning out your closet? Here’s how and where to donate in the Sacramento region

Black Friday prep

Thanksgiving is here — and that means it’s time for Black Friday sales. Even as the day of deals turns into a season, with some stores offering Black Friday discounts by Halloween, hundreds of millions of shoppers are still expected to spend big at the end of this week.

Read more:

• Black Friday shopping in Sacramento: See what deals these national chains are offering

Take care of your mental health and well being

Fall and winter months can also evoke grief for some because of the holidays — and seasonal depression is common during the change in season. Know the signs and how to cope:

• Unvaccinated family? Here’s advice for Californians as tough holiday decisions approach

• More than winter blues: Seasonal depression tips, insight from California health experts

• Staying sober for the holiday: From Sacramento mocktails to mental health, here are some tips

And then ... Christmas is around the corner

Looking for a Christmas tree? Or going to check out holiday lights around town? Here’s what you need to read:

• Christmas tree permits for Tahoe and Eldorado are available online. Here’s what to know
• Wildfires will affect California Christmas tree business for years — and it’ll cost you
  
  

• Real or fake Christmas tree? Here’s what’s best for the environment and how to recycle it

• Call for nominations: Submit your home to be part of The Bee’s 2021 Holiday Lights Guide

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Email us at utilityteam@sacbee.com.