We can’t believe it either, but Thanksgiving has arrived, and the November holiday is one of our favorite happenings here in NYC!
From the iconic parade to feasting on a fresh turkey dinner, there’s so many ways to celebrate and give thanks. If you’re looking for something to do before or after your big meal, we’ve got you covered. What’s on your to-do list this year?
1. Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to march down New York City streets, and it’s one of the most iconic traditions there is! The 2.5-mile route, which stretches from the Upper West Side to Midtown, will feature all sorts of floats, performances, celebrities, and of course, a visit from Santa Claus!
Check out everything you need to know about the new balloons making their debut this year, too. But if you’re unable to be there in person — we get it, cooking takes time — we’ve mapped out how to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade right from your abode.
2. Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at NYC restaurants
Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like some roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and all the fix-ins! Luckily, so many NYC restaurants are hosting dinners and specials, so you won’t have to even think about stepping foot in the kitchen! From prix-fixe menus open on Thanksgiving Day to pick-up orders on last-minute essentials, there’s something for everyone!
3. Participate in a turkey trot
The tradition of running in a “turkey trot” on Thanksgiving morning spans far and wide, and there’s plenty of races to sign up for! For example, Tri State Runs is doing a half marathon and 5K turkey trot and Prospect Park Track Club are doing a Race for Reconciliation 5-Miler just to name a few. It’s a great way to be active before stuffing your belly with deliciousness!
4. Go ice skating
Time to lace up your skates: now that Thanksgiving has arrived, rinks across the city are beginning to open and begging visitors to glide on in. Even better? The brand-new Domino Park ice rink, the first waterfront rink in Williamsburg, will open on Turkey Day itself.
5. Shop at a holiday market
Get a head start on your holiday shopping this Thanksgiving with one of NYC’s holidays markets! From the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park to the Union Square Holiday Market, there are many places to shop local artisans and creators! No judgment if you get a little something for yourself, too.
6. See the Holiday Train Show at NYBG
New York City’s most beloved holiday tradition will be happening on Thanksgiving, which is the Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden! This year’s train show features tons of stunning trains and a twinkling, plant-based replica of a mini NYC cityscape! Start on the lawn to capture your perfect holiday photos at the outdoor mountainscapes and then watch trains zip past nearly 200 iconic New York landmarks in the warmth of the Conservatory.
Alongside being open on Thanksgiving Day, they’re hosting an incredible “Holiday Train Night” over the weekend (November 23), in which you can see the incredible experience in charming lights. Learn more here.
7. Jump into the world of Squid Game
The IRL experience for Netflix fan-favorite Squid Game is now in full swing, and you should definitely check it out during Thanksgiving weekend if you haven’t yet. If you’re unfamiliar with the experience, visitors can step inside the world of the popular TV game show series, trying your hand at five intense challenges from the show including “Red Light, Green Light!” There’s also plenty of themed food and drink and merchandise for all Squid Game junkies.
🎟️ Buy your tickets to Squid Game: The Experience here!
8. Go on a Thanksgiving dinner cruise
Set sail this Thanksgiving over NYC waters and enjoy a great cruise that City Experiences offers. Choose between their New York Bateaux Thanksgiving Day Premier Lunch Cruise (two-hour lunch cruise with three-course meal), or the Thanksgiving Day Dinner Cruise which departs from Chelsea Piers. You’ll get great views, great food, and of course great memories. Check out all the ticketing info online.
9. Stop by NYC pie shops for dessert
Pumpkin, apple, and pecan pie, oh my! This Thanksgiving dessert is one of the best parts of fall and the festive meal, and there’s tons of pie shops around NYC to find some! Sure you can order one and pick it up for the day-of…or you can stop in yourself and order a little slice of heaven.
10. Catch a football game
In between bites of turkey and slivers of pumpkin pie, you’re going to want to catch some of the big games. (Plus, the Giants are playing, so New Yorkers are going to be a bit preoccupied.) We’ve got the schedule down pat this holiday season, so all you need to do is kick back. No need to thank us!
11. Volunteer around NYC
Thanksgiving is all about giving back, and here in NYC there’s so many great opportunities to volunteer. Spend the holiday helping out others by preparing meals, passing out turkeys, or delivering food to homes around NYC! Check out all of the best charitable organizations where you can volunteer and sign up! Additionally, we’ve rounded up all of the organizations giving away free meals this holiday.
12. Visit Central Park
As the gorgeous fall foliage continues to awe us, take a stroll through Central Park on Thanksgiving Day and admire the changing colors, hustle-bustle of the city, and people-watching that will surely ensue. Consider even stopping by the Central Park Zoo too!
13. See the holiday window displays around NYC
With holiday season around the corner, NYC storefronts always go all out with their festive windows! Stop by stores like Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdale’s, who always have gorgeous thematic window displays for the season! See them all here.
14. See the holiday lights around NYC
The lights will be shining during Thanksgiving weekend as many of NYC’s popular attractions and neighborhoods are starting to light up for the season! From the over-the-top Dyker Heights Christmas Lights to the city’s botanical gardens and parks, there are so many lights to be found through the city! See our full list of the best ones here!
15. Get a sneak peek of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Although the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree doesn’t get lit up until December 4th, you can still stop by the plaza to see the massive tree before it gets super crowded! Of course, there’s the ice skating rink right in Rockefeller Plaza waiting for visitors!