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A last-minute guide to your Sacramento-area Thanksgiving travel, weather and more

By Bee Staff

Updated November 26, 2025 4:18 PM

You’re all ready for Thanksgiving. You’ve bought the turkey, made your travel plans, checked the weather. Sure you have. No one ever waits until the last minute. But, just in case you have this gnawing feeling that you have forgotten something, here’s a roundup of last-minute information to guide you through the holiday and get you started for the holiday season.

NFL, NBA and weather

You don’t have to stay inside all day eating and watching football. What will the weather be? Well, the forecast says, not bad.

Still, you can watch three NFL games Thursday, with the traditional appearances of the Lions — playing on Thanksgiving since 1934 — and the Cowboys — since 1966, except in 1975 and 1977. (We threw those factoids in there so you have something tame to talk about over the holiday meal.)

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 23: Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions warms up prior to a game against the New York Giants at Ford Field on Nov. 23, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. Nic Antaya Getty Images

NFL Thursday

10 a.m.: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions. Channel 40 (Fox).

1:30 p.m.: Kansas City Chiefs at Dallas Cowboys. Channel 13 (CBS).

5:20 p.m.: Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens. Channel 3 (NBC).

NFL Friday

Noon: Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles. Amazon.

NBA

No games Thursday. But Friday it has a slate of nine games, including the Sacramento Kings at the Utah Jazz, 6:30 p.m. NBCSCA. (The Kings play at home against the Phoenix Suns, 7 p.m. Wednesday.)

Weather

Look out the window — you know that Sacramento can do a fall Thanksgiving day well. Here’s the weather forecast, you’ll be able to walk off that meal and get ready for leftovers.

Will Northern California get rain, fog or sun on Thanksgiving? See latest forecast

Travel

From AAA to federal officials, everyone predicts we’re hitting the road and checking in for flights in large numbers this year. Our story:

Best time to travel for Thanksgiving in California? Here’s when to fly and drive

Run to Feed the Hungry

If you’re not among the 30,000 working up an appetite — many wearing pumpkin pie hats and turkey outfits — as part of the Run to Feed the Hungry Thanksgiving tradition, you might want to avoid the area.

More than a dozen Sacramento roads to close for Thanksgiving race. When and where

Groceries, price comparison

Yep, a Thanksgiving meal can come with a hefty price tag. Where are the savings?

Where can I buy cheapest Thanksgiving groceries in Sacramento? 7 stores compared

Open and closed

Oh, no, you’re out of aluminum foil. No plastic containers for leftovers. You emptied the last cream of mushroom soup and still need more for that green bean casserole. Don’t fret, you still have time. Not all day, but you certainly can stop off at a store after that Run to Feed the Hungry 5K or 10K.

Is Costco open on Thanksgiving in Sacramento? Safeway? See holiday hours

Trash

Oh no, what to do with all that used aluminum foil, those cracked containers without lids, the empty cans of mushroom soup? Here’s an update of trash pickup.

Will trash pickup in Sacramento be delayed on Thanksgiving? See holiday schedule

Dining

This is one that really poses a last-minute challenge — you had to make these plans earlier. Still, in case you want to venture into this arena, here are some suggestions. Please check the dates.

Don’t want to cook for Thanksgiving? Here’s 10 Sacramento eateries serving dinner

Holiday lights

Here’s something to be grateful for — the cheapest holiday entertainment around, looking at light displays and decorations. Let us know if you are sharing the glow.