During the Thanksgiving season, the shopping rush has truly begun. In cities like Philadelphia, where places like the Italian Market and Reading Terminal Market are bustling with activity. Tuesday and Wednesday before the holiday are the peak days, with a crush of people rather than a simple rush.

Experience the Thanksgiving Shopping Frenzy in Philadelphia

Reading Terminal Market: A Hub of Thanksgiving Shopping

People patiently waited in line, picking order numbers as if it were a lottery. On Tuesday, Reading Terminal Market became a maze of shops and a bustling blur of humanity. Most people were on the hunt for a Thanksgiving turkey and all the trimmings. As Bria Raynor, a resident of West Philadelphia, said, "Every year we come down here, we get our groceries from Iovine Brothers and then we come here to Godshall’s and get all of our meat, the turkey wings, chicken wings, just whatever." This market truly is a hot spot and a destination for many in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Kenisha Wilson, a Mount Airy resident, added, "It’s actually exciting because you see how everyone is coming together, you know, for the holiday. Everybody is still into the holiday spirit." People were shopping and scouting, with the focus clearly on what’s on the Thanksgiving dinner menu. Another shopper said, "I’m cooking Thursday. I’m having a small group of probably about 10." And for this chef’s dinner menu, it includes turkey, roast beef, collard greens, string beans, and sweet potatoes.

The Italian Market: A Nostalgic Shopping Experience

Norristown resident Bernon Perry, who is 51 years old and has been coming to the Italian Market since he was 12, described the scene at Cappuccio’s on 9th Street as nonstop. He said, "My mom’s been going here since I was a kid. I’m going to have this roast, got some sage last week, my smoked meat last week, and my turkey last week from here." The Crimi brothers, Harry and Domenick, have kept the 104-year-old business running smoothly. Domenick Crimi mentioned that Tuesday and Wednesday will be extremely busy. Customers were picking up all sorts of meats and sausages, including some alternatives. Harry Crimi said they offer different options for those who don't prefer turkey on Thanksgiving Day. He said, "It’s a goat for those — we have a lot of customers who don’t eat turkey." Perry ended with a warm wish, saying, "Happy Thanksgiving to everybody, man, everybody out there in the world."