Turkey Tradition: A Thanksgiving Staple
The turkey tradition is a central part of Thanksgiving 2025 celebrations in the United States, including areas near Main St, Ramsey, NJ. Families and friends gather to prepare and enjoy a roasted turkey as the main dish for their holiday meal. The turkey symbolizes abundance, gratitude, and the harvest season, carrying on a long-standing historical tradition.
Preparation of the Turkey
People spend hours brining, seasoning, and roasting the turkey to achieve a golden, flavorful centrepiece. Some households also include stuffed turkey recipes with bread, herbs, and vegetables, while others focus on simple, classic roasting methods.
Family Gathering Around the Table
Once the turkey is ready, family and friends come together to share the meal. This tradition fosters connection, gratitude, and conversation, making it a heartwarming centrepiece of the holiday.
Community Celebrations
In some areas near Main St, Ramsey, local organizations host community meals or church events where turkeys are served to residents who may not have family nearby, emphasizing generosity and togetherness.
Fun Activities Around Turkey Day
Beyond eating, people engage in games, storytelling, and giving thanks before or after the meal. Kids may help with small cooking tasks, decorate the table, or participate in themed activities like “Turkey crafts” or community parades.
Largest Pie: A Thanksgiving Tradition
The “Largest Pie” tradition is a fun and festive way to celebrate Thanksgiving 2025. Many communities and families attempt to bake an exceptionally large pie, often weighing hundreds of pounds, as a centrepiece for holiday gatherings or competitions. This tradition celebrates abundance, creativity, and community spirit during the holiday season.
Preparation
Creating the largest pie requires careful planning, large quantities of ingredients, and oversized baking equipment. Bakers focus on both taste and structural integrity, so the massive pie holds together while being visually impressive. Common flavours include pumpkin, apple, and pecan, reflecting classic Thanksgiving desserts.
Community Participation
Many towns or organizations host public events or festivals showcasing these giant pies. People gather to watch the baking, take photos, and sometimes even sample pieces of the pie once it’s served. It’s a shared experience that highlights generosity and holiday cheer.
Symbolism
The largest pie is more than just dessert—it symbolizes abundance, celebration, and gratitude. It brings communities together and adds an element of fun and spectacle to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Event / Attraction: Largest Pie Celebration
Location / Address: Main Street, Ramsey, NJ
Date & Time: Typically held on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025; the event often runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, depending on local schedules.
What to Know: This celebration showcases one of the largest pies baked in the area. Visitors can watch the pie being cut, sample portions, and enjoy a fun community gathering focused on Thanksgiving traditions.
Parade Balloons
Parade balloons are the giant, colourful inflatable figures that float above the streets during Thanksgiving 2025 parades, especially the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. They often depict popular cartoon characters, movie icons, or festive designs. People gather along the parade route to watch handlers guide these enormous balloons through city streets.
1. Iconic Giant Balloons:
The main attraction of parade balloon events is the giant, colourful helium balloons shaped like famous characters, animals, or holiday icons. These balloons are carefully controlled by teams of handlers, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle that delights both children and adults.
2. Parade Route Viewing:
While Ramsey itself doesn’t host the balloon parade, residents can travel to New York City to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The balloons travel along Central Park West, Columbus Circle, and 6th Avenue, ending at Herald Square.
3. Community Gatherings:
Many local groups or restaurants near Ramsey host watch parties or viewing brunches. These gatherings allow families and friends to enjoy the parade balloons together, making the experience more social and festive.
4. Timing & Planning:
Parade balloons are usually showcased during the morning hours of Thanksgiving Day, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Arriving early is recommended to secure a good viewing spot, especially near the major streets in Manhattan.
5. Fun for All Ages:
The event is family-friendly and entertaining for all ages. From photographing the balloons to spotting favourite characters and enjoying the festive atmosphere, it’s an immersive Thanksgiving experience that combines tradition, art, and community spirit.
Location / Address: The parade starts at W 77th Street & Central Park West and ends at Macy’s Herald Square at 34th Street & 7th Avenue in Manhattan.
Time: November 27, 2025, from 8:30 AM to approximately 12:00 PM.
This iconic parade features giant character balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, and live performances. Visitors can watch along Central Park West, Columbus Circle, and 6th Avenue to experience the full spectacle of the event.
Football Games
Football games are a classic Thanksgiving 2025 tradition, especially in local communities. Families, friends, and neighbours gather to watch high school or community teams compete, creating a lively, festive atmosphere. Attending these games allows people to celebrate the holiday with spirited competition, school pride, and community camaraderie. Many fans also enjoy tailgating, snacks, and socializing before or after the match.
1. Local High School Football:
Ramsey and nearby towns host high school football games during the Thanksgiving season. These games are a popular tradition that brings the community together to cheer for their local teams. Families and friends gather in the stands to enjoy the spirited competition and festive atmosphere.
2. Tailgating Fun:
Before the game, fans often participate in tailgating in the parking lots near the stadium. This includes grilling, enjoying snacks, playing casual games, and socializing with neighbours, adding a festive start to the day.
3. Community Spirit:
Attending a local football game fosters community engagement. Students, alums, and residents come together to support local athletes, celebrate school pride, and share in the holiday season’s excitement.
4. Youth & Flag Football:
Many areas around Ramsey also organize youth football or flag football games on Thanksgiving morning. These non-contact games are family-friendly, offering kids a fun and active way to participate in holiday traditions.
5. Seasonal Celebrations:
Football games often coincide with other Thanksgiving festivities such as marching bands, halftime performances, or small community events. This makes attending a game more than just sports—it’s a full holiday experience that blends fun, activity, and local tradition.
Finch Park (Ramsey, NJ)
Address: 315 Island Road, Ramsey, NJ 07446
Open Times: Park facilities are available daily until 10:00 PM