10 Fun Things to do This Thanksgiving in NYC

Thanksgiving might be my favorite time of year in New York.

Yes, mostly because it kicks off the Christmas season. But growing up I was fascinated by the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Every year my family made a point to gather around the tv and watch the Broadway performers and larger-than-life balloons travel down the streets of Manhattan. Once I moved to NYC I had the chance to see the parade in person. Let me tell you- even after living here the magic of the parade doesn’t wear off.

Another reason why I love Thanksgiving in NYC? The city clears out a bit. It seems like locals leave for the holiday. There’s something magical about staying in the city for Thanksgiving and exploring, whether you live here or not.

If you are planning to spend Thanksgiving in NYC, here are 10 fun things to do during the holiday week!

What You Need to Know about Thanksgiving in NYC

For the most part, everyone 12 years and older will need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to attend events or eat indoors in NYC. You can learn more on the official NYC COVID-19 website here. You can show proof with your physical vaccine card, NYC Vaccination record, NYC COVID Safe app, CLEAR Health Pass or Excelsior Pass.

Holiday Train Schedules

If you’re planning to take the subway during Thanksgiving, be aware that the trains will be running on a holiday schedule. On Thanksgiving, subways follow a Sunday schedule but returns to the normal weekday schedule on the day after Thanksgiving. Basically, the Sunday schedule just means the trains are not running as frequently. You can find all of the train schedules here.

10 Fun Things To Do This Thanksgiving in NYC

Go to a FREE Broadway Performance

Kick-off Thanksgiving week with a free Broadway performance at Hudson Yards. While you’re here you can also check out the Vessel or get a head start on some holiday shopping.

Throughout November and December, Hudson Yards is hosting a few performances from the best names on Broadway. You just have to sign up on the website here to get your free tickets. On Monday, November 22, you can catch a few live numbers from Aladdin and The Lion King.

Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Balloon Inflation

On Thanksgiving Eve, you can join locals and visitors in the know to watch the balloons being inflated for the Macy’s parade. Honestly, this might be more fun than watching the actual parade. I’ve done this a few times and it really is just so festive. Families bring their kids and everyone just seems so excited to get a behind-the-scenes look at the parade. It’s a pretty streamlined process and you’ll have to enter at 72nd Street and Columbus Ave for a vaccine check (even though this is outside it’s required). From there you’ll travel along a one-way path to see the balloons being blown up on 77th and 81st streets.

Attend the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

If attending the Thanksgiving Day Parade is on your bucket list, I get it. It was a dream of mine ever since I was a kid and actually seeing it in person was incredible. Just prepare yourself to get up early, stand in the cold, and be around crowds. If that’s not your thing this year, I also get that. If you want to attend, keep an eye on the official website. All of the details still haven’t been released but it will be aired live on tv from 9am-12pm. If you want a good spot, you’ll likely need to get there by 5:30am or earlier. The parade travels from 77th Street & Central Park West to the Macy’s on 34th Street. My favorite viewing spot is along Central Park West from 75th to 59th Street.

Run the Governors Island Turkey Trot

Want to get in a run before your Thanksgiving meal? Sign up for the NYCRUNS New York City Turkey Trot. This 5k race starts at 9:00am and follows a route on Governors Island. After, hang out on the island for a bit and take in the excellent views of downtown Manhattan.

Eat Some Pie

What is Thanksgiving without pie? Just any old Thursday I guess. Ok, well my Thursdays include treats more often than not but you know what I mean.

Here’s where you can get a Thanksgiving-worthy pie in NYC:

Milk Bar– there are locations all over NYC where you can pick up slices of their classic Milk Bar pie or seasonal Pumpkin Milk Bar pie.
Martha’s Country Bakery– for pie in Queens or Brooklyn, stop by Martha’s. You can get a slice of flavors like Sour Cream Apple and Cranberry Walnut.
Dominique Ansel– yes, there’s more than cronuts (although we’ll talk about those later don’t worry). For Thanksgiving you can order a Salted Caramel Apple Pie or Bourbon Pecan Pie.
Bread’s Bakery– this quintessential NYC bakery is known for its chocolate bakery. So why not try it in pie form this holiday?

Savor Another Festive Treat

You can’t have too many treats, right? In addition to pies, here are some other fall-flavored treats you can get around the city:

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream– if you are in the midset that it’s never too cold for ice cream (like me) stop by for some scoops of Pumpkin Cheesecake or Vegan Bourbon Apple Crisp.
Dominique Ansel– you can go to the original Soho bakery for the November cronut (Green Apple & Butterscotch flavor) or stop by the new Domonique Ansel Workshop in Flatiron to try a Chocolate Hazelnut S’mores Danish or an Olive Oil Croissant.
Donut Pub– my favorite donut in the city just might be their Pumpkin Old Fashioned.
Cookie DO– this edible cookie dough shop is offering seasonal pie-inspired flavors like Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie and Chocolate PB Pie.

Take a Black Friday Hike

Instead of joining the crowds at the stores, enjoy some time in nature with a guided hike. Urban park rangers are offering guided hikes through many of the city’s parks including Fort Tryon Park, Pelham Bay Park and Prospect Park. These are free to join and last about an hour.

Explore the Bryant Park Winter Village

If you’re ready to get in the Christmas spirit, stroll through the Bryant Park Winter Village. There’s so much to do from checking out the shops to ice skating. If you bring your own skates, you can actually ice skate for free! You can warm up in the Lodge while enjoying a drink from the Rinkside Bar.

Visit Christmas Movie Sights

Join Free Tours By Foot for a pay-what-you-wish walking tour on the day after Thanksgiving (Friday, November 26). Sign up in advance for this two-hour tour that will include stops at iconic filming locations from Elf, Home Alone 2, Miracle on 34th Street ane more.

Hang Out at a Brewery

There are some great new spots to relax with a beer in NYC. During the holiday week, check out Torch & Crown or Talea Beer Co. for some fall sips. Torch & Crown is pouring a maple pecan donut-style beer and Talea has a fall flight.

Ready to spend Thanksgiving in NYC? I hope you have the best time. If you’re looking for some more ideas, check out these posts:

30+ Fun Things to do in Williamsburg Brooklyn

NYC at Christmas Time: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of the City’s MOST Festive Sites