Join our Waitlist for Expert Advice!

A Billion Dollars of Turkeys and Other Thanksgiving Numbers to Gobble Up Here's a snapshot of what to expect Nov. 24.

By Nina Zipkin

GMVozd | Getty Images

The holidays can be a stressful time, especially Thanksgiving, with all of the shopping -- before the main event and after on Black Friday and Cyber Monday -- food preparation, travel logistics and family face time (repeat after me: "just avoid politics").

But even if it does feel a little overwhelming, we promise you aren't alone -- we have the stats to prove it. Read on for a snapshot of this year's Thanksgiving festivities.

Related: Startups That Can Rescue Your Thanksgiving

Turkeys

Turkey is the clear centerpiece of the holiday meal -- even if you decide to go the Tofurkey or Turducken route. The National Turkey Federation (yes, really) found that last year 45 million turkeys were eaten on Thanksgiving Day. This year, Americans are expected to spend more than $1.05 billion on their birds.

Travel

According to AAA, 48.7 million people are expected to travel Thanksgiving weekend. Travelers are anticipated to go more than 50 miles from home, and if they are staying in hotels, they are on track to pay an average of $155 dollars a night. Nine in 10 people will drive to their destinations. Airplane ticket prices are expected to increase by 1.9 percent from last year.

Entertainment

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is turning 90 this year, and viewers on Nov. 24 can expect to see 30 floats and 16 giant balloons along with musical performers ranging from high school bands to Broadway stars. Last year's parade garnered 22.3 million viewers.

But the NFL game between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers the same day got more eyeballs with 27.8 million viewers.

Sales

Last year, 151 million customers took advantage of Black Friday deals, spending more than $10 billion. Consumers also spent more than $3 billion on Cyber Monday.

Charity

Feeding America, a coalition of hunger relief organizations around the country, have a goal of raising $80,000 by Thanksgiving Day. Businesses have gotten into the spirit as well. Last year the Salvation Army reported that they assisted 3,283,761 people during the holiday season.

California poultry purveyor Foster Farms aims to feed 84,000 people across California, Oregon and Washington this Thanksgiving.

Meal delivery service Blue Apron is holding its fourth annual Thanksgiving Dinner drive and is set to donate 181,196 meals this year.
Nina Zipkin

Entrepreneur Staff

Staff Writer. Covers leadership, media, technology and culture.

Nina Zipkin is a staff writer at Entrepreneur.com. She frequently covers leadership, media, tech, startups, culture and workplace trends.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Money & Finance

The Government Is Forcing Business Owners to Share Personal Data or Get Fined $10,000 — So Why Don't More People Know About It?

The Treasury Department wants to know who owns your business, and the smaller your business, the more attention you should pay.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Money & Finance

Customers Have a Favorite Payment Method — But 30% of Businesses Don't Accept It. Are You Driving Business Away?

This article examines the surprising gap between what consumers want in payment options and what small businesses currently offer. It also provides strategies for small business owners looking to adapt to these preferences and enhance customer loyalty.

Business News

'Additional Human Touch': Starbucks Has a Turnaround Plan That Includes Buying 200,000 Sharpies. Here's Why.

Faced with declining sales, Starbucks has a comeback plan that involves several changes to stores and menus. Here's a look at the changes coming to your store.

Starting a Business

I Quit My Corporate Job to Start a Business. Here's How I Went From Having $35,000 Credit Card Debt to Making $4 Million.

Courtney Allen, founder and CEO of presentation design agency 16x9, "recklessly" left corporate life behind in 2015 to pursue entrepreneurship.