What to do in New York on Thanksgiving day? So, read about things to do during Thanksgiving in New York City.
ALSO READ 👉🏼: Best and Coolest Hotels in New York City – Guide to New York Hotels
Thanksgiving In New York City – New York on Thanksgiving – New York at Thanksgiving
New York City offers a vibrant array of activities and events during Thanksgiving. Here’s a list of things you can do during the Thanksgiving holiday:
Weather – New York at Thanksgiving
On Thanksgiving Day in New York, the weather typically ranges from cool to cold, with temperatures often hovering between 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately -1 to 10 degrees Celsius).
It’s advisable to dress warmly as fall transitions into winter, and there’s a chance of brisk winds and the occasional early-season snowfall.
ALSO READ: 👉🏼Thanksgiving In Boston – Best Things To Do + Events + Activities in 2023
Things to do in NYC at Thanksgiving
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Start your day by attending the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Watch the giant balloons, floats, and marching bands make their way through the streets of Manhattan.
- Thanksgiving Day Dinner Cruise: Enjoy a special Thanksgiving dinner aboard a cruise with stunning Manhattan skyline views. Several companies offer Thanksgiving Day cruises with a festive meal and entertainment.
- Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall: Experience the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the world-famous Rockettes. The show often starts around Thanksgiving, bringing holiday cheer to audiences with dazzling performances.
- Central Park: Stroll through Central Park, beautifully adorned with fall foliage during Thanksgiving. Consider renting a rowboat on Central Park Lake or having a peaceful walk through the park.
- Thanksgiving Dinner at a NYC Restaurant: Many restaurants in New York City offer special Thanksgiving menus. Reserve a table to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving feast without the stress of cooking.
- Window Shopping on Fifth Avenue: Explore the elaborate holiday window displays on Fifth Avenue. Stores like Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman go out with festive decorations.
- Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center: Lace up your skates and glide across the iconic ice rink. The rink usually opens in early October and provides a magical setting during the holiday season.
- Broadway Shows: Catch a Broadway show during the Thanksgiving weekend. Many theaters have special performances, and it’s a great way to experience the world-renowned entertainment scene in the city.
- Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum: Take a moment to reflect and pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. It’s a powerful and moving experience.
- Thanksgiving Tours: Consider taking a Thanksgiving-themed tour of the city. Some tour companies offer special holiday tours that cover historic sites and landmarks and include fascinating stories about Thanksgiving in New York City.
- Attend a Thanksgiving Eve Party: Many bars and clubs in the city host Thanksgiving Eve parties, providing a lively atmosphere to kick off the holiday weekend.
Remember to check event details and tour availability, and make early reservations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable Thanksgiving in New York City!
ALSO READ👉🏼: Thanksgiving In Chicago – Best Things To Do + Events + Activities in 2023
Festive Tours – Thanksgiving in NYC
You can book several festive tours in New York City during Thanksgiving to maximize the holiday spirit. Here are some options:
- Thanksgiving Parade Viewing Tour: Book a special tour that offers prime viewing spots for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Holiday Lights Tour: Explore the city’s dazzling holiday lights and decorations by booking a tour. Visit iconic locations such as Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, and Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, known for its elaborate Christmas displays.
- Culinary Tour of Thanksgiving Delights: Join a guided culinary tour through the city’s best spots for Thanksgiving-themed treats: sample pumpkin pies, seasonal cocktails, and other festive delights from renowned bakeries and restaurants.
- Central Park Carriage Ride: Experience the beauty of Central Park during the fall season with a horse-drawn carriage ride. Many tour operators offer unique Thanksgiving-themed rides with blankets and hot beverages.
- Holiday Markets and Shopping Tour: Explore the city’s famous holiday markets, such as the Union Square Holiday Market and Bryant Park’s Winter Village.
- Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise: Combine a scenic cruise with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and a festive atmosphere.
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular Tour: Book a tour with tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes.
- Historical Thanksgiving Walking Tour: Learn about the history of Thanksgiving in New York City by joining a walking tour that covers significant landmarks and historical sites related to the holiday.
- Harlem Gospel Choir Thanksgiving Celebration: Experience a soulful Thanksgiving celebration by booking a tour that includes a visit to a Harlem gospel choir performance.
- Holiday Helicopter Tour: Consider booking a helicopter tour for a unique perspective on Thanksgiving weekend. Soar above the city and enjoy breathtaking holiday lights and decorations views.
Thanksgiving Dinner NYC
New York City has many unique Thanksgiving dining options, ranging from traditional feasts to creative, festive menus.
ALSO READ👉🏼: Thanksgiving In Las Vegas – Best Things To Do + Events + Activities in 2023
Here are some restaurants that are known for their Thanksgiving dinners:
- Eleven Madison Park: This Michelin-starred restaurant often offers a special Thanksgiving tasting menu, combining seasonal ingredients with culinary innovation.
- The Gramercy Tavern: Known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, It usually serves a prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu featuring traditional dishes with a modern twist.
- Tavern on the Green: Located in Central Park, Tavern on the Green is a classic choice for Thanksgiving dinner. They typically serve a special holiday menu in a beautifully decorated setting.
- Bouley at Home: Bouley at Home is celebrated for its gourmet Thanksgiving offerings. The restaurant may present a multi-course tasting menu showcasing Chef David Bouley’s culinary expertise.
- The Modern: Situated within the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), The Modern often provides a sophisticated Thanksgiving menu with contemporary American cuisine.
- Blue Hill: Blue Hill, committed to farm-to-table dining, typically offers a Thanksgiving menu highlighting locally sourced, organic ingredients.
- Maialino: This Roman-inspired trattoria located in the Gramercy Park Hotel may offer a festive Thanksgiving feast with an Italian touch.
Check with the individual restaurants for their specific Thanksgiving offerings, reservation requirements, and any special events they may have planned. Reserve early, as these popular spots can fill up quickly during the holiday season.
Now you know what to do in New York on Thanksgiving day with these best Things to do in New York Thanksgiving weekend, and I hope you will plan a trip to New York with many fun Thanksgiving events and fantastic New York dinner options.
Save this article and enjoy Thanksgiving in New York City.
Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro
Follow more on social media channels at
Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
All content and photos belong to travelwithme247blog(dot)com and use of content/photos without permission would result in legal action.
DISCLAIMER – The blog’s content is solely my views of a place or a thing. This does not offend any class, religion, ethnicity, or nation. My views can change from time to time. This blog may contain some advertisements or links to commercial products, so this site is not responsible after you click on those advertisements.
We are the independent owner of this site, and the views expressed in this are our own. All photographs are owned by me. There can be slight differences in distances, locations, or some details for which I (owner) am not responsible. This post may contain some affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you. I will earn if you will click through affiliates and make a purchase.