How to Have Fun in New York City on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is getting closer and closer. We've compiled a list of the best things to do in New York City for this holiday!

Here are the best things to do on Thanksgiving weekend this year.

Enjoy the Macy's Parade

98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will parade through the streets of New York City again this year. The parade will feature 39 balloons, 22 floats, 28 clown teams, 11 marching bands, and 24 performers. The parade will begin at 77th Street and Central Park West at 8:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

It will run a 4-mile route from Central Park West to Columbus Circle, turn east to Central Park South and head south along Sixth Avenue, then turn onto 34th Street and end at 7th Avenue in front of the Macy's flagship department store in Herald Square.

Read more here.

Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants

Thanksgiving isn't complete without roast turkey, mashed potatoes, appetizers, and everything in between! Many New York City restaurants are offering dinner specials and promotions that you can take advantage of! From Thanksgiving dinner specials to last-minute takeout orders, the city's best restaurants have something delicious for everyone!

For example, LOFT by Hot Potato (109 Oriental Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11235) invites you to a festive Thanksgiving feast on November 27th. The feast will be filled with delicious flavors and festive warmth!

LOFT will set a luxurious table for you:

• warm salad: grilled turkey with roasted root vegetables, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas and herbs;
• whole roast turkey filled with pasta and mushrooms or dried fruit and rice (your choice). Served with cornbread and cranberry sauce.
• serving of stuffed turkey with pasta and mushrooms or dried fruits and rice;
• cheesecake: homey and deliciously festive.

The restaurant has prepared a special banquet menu for a memorable Thanksgiving with family and friends.

You can reserve a table or place an order for home delivery of turkey and other dishes by phone 718-975-7990.

Take part in the Turkey Trot

The tradition of running a turkey trot on Thanksgiving morning has spread throughout the city. There are plenty of races to sign up for! For example, Tri State Runs is hosting a half marathon and a turkey trot 5K, and Prospect Park Track Club will be hosting the Race for Reconciliation 5-Miler, to name a few!

On the subject: Glass Yurts, Gorgeous Views, and Christmas Wonders: Santa's City Opens in New York

It's a great way to get active before you fill your belly with delicious treats!

Go ice skating

Grab your skates, because awesome skating rinks are coming back to town! Some favorites, like The Rink at Rockefeller Center and Wollman Rink in Central Park, are already open, with more coming soon! It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours on Thanksgiving.

Read more here.

Shop at the holiday fair

Start your Thanksgiving shopping spree at one of NYC's holiday markets! From the Bank of America Winter Village in Bryant Park to the Union Square Holiday Market, there are so many places to shop!

Read more here.

Watch the NYBG Train Show

The Big Apple's most beloved holiday tradition is the New York Botanical Garden's Train Show! This year's show features a variety of stunning trains and a shimmering miniature replica of the New York City skyline! Start on the lawn for the perfect outdoor holiday photo with the mountain backdrop, then watch the trains whizz past nearly 200 iconic New York City landmarks in the warmth of the Conservatory.

The show is open on Thanksgiving Day. On the weekend (November 23rd) they host an incredible "Holiday Train Night" for an incredible experience in enchanting lights!

Find out more here.

Explore the holiday window displays

With the holiday season approaching, New York City store windows are always decked out in holiday themed decorations! Check out Macy's, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdale's, which always have gorgeous window displays!

Watch the sparkling lights

The lights will be up for Thanksgiving weekend. Many popular New York City landmarks and neighborhoods are starting to light up for the season! From the supernatural Dyker Heights Christmas lights to botanical gardens and parks, there are plenty of lights to be found around the city!

Read more about the best festive installations in the city here.

Visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Although Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree won't be lit until December 4, you can still stop by the square to see the forest beauty. And in Rockefeller Plaza there is ice rink, which is also waiting for you!