LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Instead of eating turkey or watching football, some folks across the Bluegrass spent this Thanksgiving waiting in line.

They've gathered outside many stores in Lexington, waiting for those Black Friday sales to begin. Some stores will be opening early Thursday night. Some opened Thursday afternoon. For those folks finding deals early, forget fighting the crowds on Friday.

"Not that many people. A few people just coming out to get some of the sales," explained shopper John Benedict, "I think most people just want to spend time with their family. If we didn't have a baby on the way and need to get something for the baby, that's where we would be."

Stores like Walmart, Big Lots, and Old Navy opened on Thanksgiving Day, pushing Black Friday deals closer to sacred Thanksgiving meals.

"We go have dinner together, and then the guys all stay home, do whatever, and we come out and shop together," said shopper Melissa Conley.

"They still have good deals on Thanksgiving Day that most people don't know about, so it's nice," explained Conley's sister Rhonda Barnhart.

Black Friday sales do start early. Walmart, Sears, and Toys-R-Us all kick off sales at 8 p.m. Thursday. Target will open at 9 p.m. Best Buy, Macy's, Kohl's and Fayette Mall will all begin Black Friday sales at midnight. JCPenney opens at 6 a.m. and Dillard's will open at 8 a.m.