How to Spend Thanksgiving in New York City

This blog post is all about how to spend Thanksgiving in New York.

If there’s one place that captures the magic of Thanksgiving quite like the movies, it’s New York City.

From the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to cozy dinners in candlelit taverns, Thanksgiving in New York is one of those bucket-list experiences that every traveller should try at least once.

Whether you’re visiting solo, as a couple, or with the whole family in tow, New York City comes alive with festive energy, incredible food, and the start of the holiday season.

Below, I’ve put together everything you need to know about how to spend Thanksgiving in New York.

From when Thanksgiving takes place and what’s open on the day, to the best restaurants for a Thanksgiving feast and where to stay for the ultimate NYC experience.

Thanksgiving in New York is my favourite time of the year. It’s peak Fall and the city’s already starting to feel so festive with its iconic decorations.

Plus, New York seems to empty a little around this time of year so it’s a great time to visit!

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Table of Contents

When is Thanksgiving in New York?

Thanksgiving is always celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, meaning the date changes slightly each year.

In 2025, Thanksgiving in New York falls on Thursday, November 27th.

Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays in the United States, and New York City embraces it in full force.

Early-morning parades, festive window displays, and restaurants serving up traditional turkey dinners with all the trimmings.

If you’re visiting New York for Thanksgiving, it’s also worth noting that the Friday after Thanksgiving marks the start of Black Friday shopping, when stores across NYC (especially around Fifth Avenue and SoHo) open early with massive discounts.

Is Thanksgiving a Good Time to Visit New York?

Absolutely! Thanksgiving is one of the best times to visit New York City.

The festive atmosphere is unmatched, and it’s when the city begins to transition into full Christmas mode.

You’ll see the first holiday lights appear, ice-skating rinks open in places like Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center, and a contagious buzz in the air that makes even the chilly weather feel magical.

Because it’s such a popular holiday, prices for hotels and flights do rise slightly, so it’s best to book early.

The city is also busier with tourists than usual, especially around the parade route and major attractions, but that’s all part of the excitement.

On the other hand, you’ll find a lot of the local New Yorkers (that aren’t originally from New York) tend to leave the city to spend Thanksgiving with their families.

If you love big city energy, cozy food, and festive vibes, you’ll love spending Thanksgiving in New York.

What’s Open on Thanksgiving in New York City?

While many smaller businesses close for the holiday, plenty of major attractions, restaurants, and activities remain open.

Here’s what you can still enjoy on Thanksgiving Day in New York City:

Observation Decks: Top of the Rock, Edge at Hudson Yards, and the Empire State Building are all open (just book in advance).
Museums: The 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the American Museum of Natural History often open for limited hours.
Parks: Central Park is open 24/7 and perfect for a post-Thanksgiving dinner walk.
Broadway: Some shows perform on Thanksgiving evening (more on that below!).
Restaurants: From luxury hotel dining rooms to local taverns, hundreds of spots serve a special Thanksgiving menu.

Public transport runs on a limited schedule, but the subway and buses still operate, making it easy to explore the city.

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Where to Eat on Thanksgiving in New York City

Food is the heart of this holiday, and Thanksgiving dinner in New York can be as traditional or as creative as you like.

Whether you’re after a cozy pub feast, a buffet with skyline views, or a luxury dining experience, there’s something for every budget.

1. The Churchill Tavern (Murray Hill)

I’ve personally had Thanksgiving dinner at The Churchill, and it’s one of my favourite spots in the city for a traditional feast.

This British-style pub goes all out with its holiday menu. Think roast turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and all the trimmings.

The cozy atmosphere, dark wood interiors, and warm lighting make it feel like you’ve stepped straight into a holiday movie.

Be sure to reserve a table early if you want a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in New York, as this place fills up fast!

I recently also had Christmas Day dinner at The Churchill, and you can see how festive the restaurant is (and New York too) in my NYC YouTube vlog below:

2. Affordable Thanksgiving Dinner Options

If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, try Eataly (Flatiron or Downtown), where you can pick up Thanksgiving-inspired dishes from the marketplace or grab a casual pasta or pizza.

Many diners like Tick Tock Diner near Penn Station or Friedman’s in Chelsea serve hearty roast dinners too, no reservations needed.

3. Buffet Thanksgiving Dinner & Hotel Dining

For an all-you-can-eat experience, The View Restaurant & Lounge in Times Square offers a Thanksgiving buffet with panoramic views of the city skyline.

The Plaza Hotel and The Carlyle also host elegant Thanksgiving brunches if you want to go all out.

If you’re going to one of these, invite me too please!

4. Luxury Thanksgiving Dinner in New York

If you’re after something extra special, book a table at Manhatta, Peak NYC, or One if by Land, Two if by Sea for a romantic, high-end Thanksgiving dinner in New York.

Many Michelin-recommended restaurants like Le Bernardin or Daniel also offer seasonal tasting menus.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Guide

You can’t talk about Thanksgiving in New York without mentioning the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of the most iconic holiday events in the world.

The parade kicks off at 8:30am, starting at West 77th Street and Central Park West before making its way down Sixth Avenue and finishing outside Macy’s Herald Square around noon.

Expect giant character balloons (Snoopy is always a fan favourite), marching bands, celebrity performances, and elaborate floats.

Tips for Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

Arrive Early: People start claiming spots around 6am!
Best Viewing Spots: Try the Upper West Side near Columbus Circle or along Sixth Avenue between 59th and 38th Streets.
Bundle Up: It can be very cold in the morning, so wear layers and bring a hot drink.
Hotel Views: Some hotels like the Mandarin Oriental and Warwick New York offer parade-view rooms. Perfect if you want to watch from warmth and comfort.

If crowds aren’t your thing, you can also watch the balloon inflation event the night before Thanksgiving near the American Museum of Natural History. It’s free and family-friendly.

Thanksgiving Weather in New York

Late November in New York is crisp and cool, with average temperatures ranging from 4°C to 12°C (40°F to 55°F).

You’ll want to pack warm layers, a coat, and maybe even a scarf and gloves if you plan to watch the parade outside.

The city’s Fall foliage is still visible in Central Park, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a dusting of early snow.

It’s the perfect sweater-weather season. Chilly enough for hot chocolate and festive coats, but not quite freezing yet.

Things to Do on Thanksgiving in New York

Thanksgiving Day in New York isn’t just about the parade and dinner.

There’s plenty more to see and do during Thanksgiving in New York, no matter who you’re travelling with.

How to Spend Thanksgiving in New York with Kids

Watch the Macy’s Parade together from the sidelines.
Visit Central Park Zoo or go ice-skating at Bryant Park.
Explore the American Museum of Natural History and see the famous dinosaur exhibits.
Take a family photo at Rockefeller Center, where the Christmas tree is usually already up!

Things to Do at Thanksgiving in New York for Couples

Book a romantic Thanksgiving dinner cruise on the Hudson River for incredible views of the skyline.
Visit the Top of the Rock at sunset (my favourite viewing platform).
Wander hand-in-hand through Central Park and warm up afterward with hot cider from a street vendor.
End the night with a Broadway show or drinks at a rooftop bar.

How to Spend Thanksgiving in New York Alone

Join a group walking tour or a holiday food tour. Like A Local tours is my personal favourite, and it’s a great way to meet people.
Volunteer at a local shelter or soup kitchen for a meaningful Thanksgiving in New York.
Spend the evening seeing a show or enjoying dinner at the bar of a cozy restaurant like The Smith or Buvette.

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Broadway Shows on Thanksgiving in New York

Many Broadway shows go dark on Thanksgiving Day itself, but some do perform evening shows.

The full schedule is usually released in early November on broadway.com.

If you can’t get tickets for Thanksgiving Day, there are still plenty of great options on the surrounding days.

Hamilton (incredible), The Lion King, Wicked (another favourite), and Aladdin are always crowd-pleasers and perfect for families visiting during the holiday week.

The day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) tends to have more showtimes and slightly cheaper tickets if you book last-minute.

RELATED blog post to read: 7 Broadway Musicals You Need to See in New York

Where to Stay for Thanksgiving in New York

Hotels fill up quickly during the New York holiday period, especially around the parade route, so it’s best to book a few months in advance.

The Sheraton Tribeca New York

I’ve stayed at The Sheraton on Canal Street on a few occasions, and it’s a great base for spending Thanksgiving in New York.

The rooms are comfortable and have great views of the New York skyline, and the location makes it easy to get anywhere in Manhattan, from SoHo and the West Village to Midtown for the parade.

You can read my full review of The Sheraton Tribeca here!

Other Great Thanksgiving in New York Hotel Options

Warwick New York: Classic and elegant, with some rooms overlooking the parade route.
The Plaza Hotel: For the ultimate Home Alone 2 vibes.
CitizenM Times Square: Affordable, modern, and in the heart of the action.
The Standard High Line: A trendy pick for couples with skyline views and rooftop drinks.

If you want to splurge, look for parade-view rooms around Central Park West or Sixth Avenue.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch from your window with a cup of coffee in hand.

How to Spend Thanksgiving in New York

Whether you’re watching the floats glide down Sixth Avenue, tucking into turkey and stuffing at a cozy tavern, or simply strolling through Central Park as the leaves fall, Thanksgiving in New York is pure magic.

It’s a time when the city feels both grand and intimate. A perfect mix of big-city excitement and warm holiday tradition.

From the Macy’s Parade to festive dinners and holiday lights, it’s an experience that combines everything people love about New York into one unforgettable weekend.

So pack your coat, bring your appetite, and get ready to fall in love with New York all over again this Thanksgiving.

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By Orlagh Shanks

Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry in New York City and London, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.

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