Thanksgiving is primarily about coming together, giving thanks, and enjoying a full-blown turkey feast. But its without doubt that the festive day has also come to be known for various other traditions, including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, NFL Football, and tons of other special programming. Check out our complete guide to the best TV events, shows and specials for Thanksgiving 2014 including start time, synopsis, and more below!
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
9:00 AM-12:00 PM on NBC/CBS
"The 54th annual holiday telecast from New York City, anchored by Kevin Frazier and Thea Andrews. Taylor Swift performs. Also: performances from Broadway's 'Matilda' and 'Pippin.' (CBS)
McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade
9:00 AM-12:00 PM on WGN
"The 81st annual holiday parade through downtown Chicago features giant balloons, marching bands, equestrian units, floats, and celebrity appearances by grand marshal Dee Snider, along with Colin Egglesfield, Karolyn Grimes and Yuri Sardarov." (WGN)
NFL Football: Bears at Lions
12:30 PM-4:00 PM on CBS
"Chicago at Detroit." (CBS)
National Dog Show
12:00 PM-2:00 PM on NBC
"John O'Hurley hosts coverage of the 13th annual showcase of some 1500 purebred canines competing for the title of Best in Show. Included: David Frei provides expert analysis; and Mary Carillo reports from the benching area and inside the show ring." (NBC)
NFL Football: Eagles at Cowboys
4:30 PM-8:00 PM on FOX
"Philadelphia at Dallas." (FOX)
College Football: LSU at Texas A&M
7:30 PM-10:30 PM on ESPN
"LSU at Texas A&M in an SEC West matchup. The Tigers aim for their fourth-straight win over A&M as Jalen Collins leads the secondary against Aggies WRs Josh Reynolds and senior Malcome Kennedy." (ESPN)
Thank You, America!
8:00 PM-9:00 PM on ABC
"Robin Roberts hosts a tribute to people across the U.S. who are committed to helping the less fortunate, including a sanitation worker and his wife who established a food pantry to feed the homeless, and a couple who have fostered more than 90 children. Also: a salute to the U.S. armed forces; Taylor Swift's thoughts on Thanksgiving; a surprise for a "Jimmy Kimmel Live" audience member with the show's host." (ABC)
FOX's Cause for Paws: An All-Star Dog Spectacular
8:00 PM-10:00 PM on FOX
"Inspiring stories of dog rescues, including viral videos and musical tributes." (FOX)
When Turkeys Attack
8:00 PM-9:00 PM on FOX
"Home videos of turkeys terrorizing people are featured, along with commentary from a champion turkey caller, a veterinarian, an animal auctioneer, a wildlife biologist, and the owner of a traveling turkey race show. Included: a petting zoo fiasco; and a cyclist being chased." (Animal Planet)
Sunday Night Football: Seahawks at 49ers
8:30 PM-11:30 PM
"Seattle at San Francisco." (NBC)
Mom - "Kimchi and a Monkey Playing Harmonica"
8:30 PM-9:00 PM on CBS
"Christy has ambivalent feelings about Baxter's newfound relationship. Meanwhile, Bonnie and Alvin's relationship begins to sizzle. Edward Asner and Sara Rue guest star." (CBS)
Two and a Half Men - "Oontz, Oontz, Oontz"
9:00 PM-9:30 PM on CBS
"Walden becomes a foster parent to a 6-year-old boy, but worries about himself when they don't hit it off like he hoped." (CBS)
A Very Bonnaroo Thanksgiving
9:00 PM-11:00 PM on VH1
"This Thanksgiving, as we give thanks for the mindblowing year that was 2014, what better way to celebrate then with friends, family, food and MUSIC!?! As the turkey settles, leftovers are put away and the tryptophan kicks in, curl up with your extended family on The Farm for an exclusive VH1 special. We'll be checking in on Bonnaroo groundskeeper, Dale, as he takes care of The Farm and unleashes a magical archive of past festival performances, including Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam, Arcade Fire, Elton John, Metallica, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Mumford & Sons, Jack White, and many more." (Bonnaroo)
The McCarthys - "Thanks a Lot, Ronny"
9:30 PM-10:00 PM on CBS
"The family work together to manipulate Gerard into breaking up with his offensive girlfriend, during Thanksgiving dinner." (CBS)
Elementary - "Rip Off"
10:00 PM-11:00 PM on CBS
"Holmes and Kitty investigate the murder of a postal store owner whose death is connected to the illegal diamond trade. Meanwhile, Gregson's career is placed in jeopardy when he hits a fellow NYPD officer." (CBS)
Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you enjoy your feast, as well as the parades, football games, and tons of television specials the festive day has to offer!
