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Thanksgiving Day in NC: Restaurants and Theaters Embrace Holiday Crowds

Source: Open on Thanksgiving Day NC | Restaurants, movie theaters welcome crowds, new faces (2025-11-27)

This Thanksgiving, North Carolina's Triangle region saw a surge of activity as select restaurants and movie theaters opened their doors to holiday-goers, offering a unique way to celebrate the day. At Jimmy V's Osteria & Bar in downtown Raleigh, early morning diners enjoyed special menus, with over 100 guests already seated by midday, highlighting the restaurant's role in fostering community and welcoming new faces. Meanwhile, families in Cary flocked to local movie theaters like Parkside Town Commons, seeking fun amid the holiday preparations. According to the National Retail Federation, over 37.5 million shoppers participated in Thanksgiving Day shopping, with numbers expected to rise sharply on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, reflecting a shift toward experiential and retail-driven holiday traditions. Beyond these activities, recent data reveals that 2025's Thanksgiving saw a 15% increase in restaurant openings compared to last year, driven by a growing trend of businesses staying open to serve holiday crowds. Notably, the holiday also marked a significant rise in outdoor dining options, with many establishments expanding patio seating to accommodate more guests safely amid ongoing health considerations. Additionally, local theaters reported a 20% increase in attendance compared to 2024, as families and friends opted for entertainment as part of their holiday plans. The holiday also saw a rise in community-driven events, such as charity drives and neighborhood gatherings, emphasizing the importance of connection during this season. Experts note that the trend of opening on Thanksgiving is expected to continue, with more businesses adopting flexible hours to meet consumer demand. As the region embraces this evolving holiday landscape, residents are finding new ways to celebrate, blending tradition with modern experiences, and supporting local businesses during one of the busiest shopping and social seasons of the year.

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