Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26 this year, and New York is preparing for a big one. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade marches for the 100th time, with the largest balloon lineup in its history. Around it, the city shifts into full holiday mode: skating rinks open, holiday markets fill Midtown, and Fifth Avenue's windows light up.
If you're planning a trip, this guide covers the best things to do in NYC for Thanksgiving: the parade and how to see it, what's open on the day itself, the events worth planning the long weekend around, and how to make sure you get a great Thanksgiving dinner.
Thanksgiving Events in NYC: The 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The headline event of the season steps off at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 26. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924, paused for three years during World War II, and reaches its 100th edition this year.
What's new for the 100th parade?
Macy's is marking the milestone with a record 100 inflatable elements, one for every parade. Highlights announced so far include:
- Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey, a brand-new giant balloon. Mickey was the first Disney character to fly in the parade, back in 1934.
- Underdog, reimagined and flying over New York for the first time since 1984.
- Snoopy as Joe Cool, with Woodstock, the ninth version of the Snoopy balloon.
- The Blue Hippopotamus, a nod to a 1931 balloon that was released at the end of the parade and never recovered.
- A float honoring Tony Sarg, the puppeteer behind the parade's original balloons, with re-creations of his 1920s designs.
What is the parade route?
Macy's typically confirms the official route in November. In recent years, the parade has started at West 77th Street and Central Park West, turned east along Central Park South, then headed down Sixth Avenue to finish at Macy's Herald Square on 34th Street. The route is about 2.5 miles long.
Where should you watch the parade?
Viewing along the public route is free, but you'll need to arrive early. Many spectators stake out spots by 6:00 or 6:30 a.m. The Upper West Side stretch is the most crowded. Sixth Avenue in Midtown is often easier, and from the Concorde it's roughly a 15-minute walk.
The grandstands and the area right outside Macy's at Herald Square are reserved for ticketed guests and the TV broadcast, so don't head there expecting a view. Dress warmly: late-November mornings in New York are often in the 30s and 40s°F.
Can you see the balloons the night before?
Yes, and many New Yorkers prefer it. On Wednesday, November 25, the giant balloons are inflated outside the American Museum of Natural History, on the streets between West 77th and West 81st near Central Park West. It's free and the balloons are up close. In 2025, public viewing ran from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.; check Macy's website for 2026 hours. Go early in the afternoon to avoid the longest lines.
Things to Do in NYC on Thanksgiving Day
The parade wraps up around noon, leaving the rest of the day open. Here's how to spend it.
Run a Turkey Trot
If you'd rather earn your dinner, several running events take place across the city on Thanksgiving morning, including races in Brooklyn's Prospect Park. They're a fun local tradition, and many are open to walkers too. Register early, as popular races sell out.
Take in the view from above
Observation decks like Top of the Rock and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt generally stay open on holidays, and the afternoon after the parade tends to be quieter than the weekend. Book a sunset slot and you'll see Midtown light up below you. Confirm holiday hours before you book.
See a show
Broadway runs over the holiday, though schedules shift. Some shows go dark on Thanksgiving and add performances on Friday instead. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is also in full swing by Thanksgiving week, just a short walk from the hotel.
Know what's closed
This is the planning tip most visitors miss: many of the city's major museums, including The Met and MoMA, close on Thanksgiving Day. Save museum visits for Friday or the weekend, and check opening hours for anything else on your list.
Events in NYC Thanksgiving Weekend
The long weekend is when the holiday season really kicks off. Most of the best events are in Midtown, a short walk from the Concorde.
Bryant Park Winter Village
The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park opens October 23, so it's in full swing by Thanksgiving. Browse the holiday shops, warm up with something from the food kiosks, and skate on the free-admission rink (skate rental is extra). It gets busy on Friday and Saturday, so weekday mornings are your best bet.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: here, but not lit yet
This catches a lot of visitors by surprise. The 2026 Rockefeller Center tree arrives on November 7, so it'll be standing in the plaza over Thanksgiving, but the lighting ceremony isn't until Wednesday, December 2. You can still skate at The Rink below it, which opens for the season in October. If seeing the tree lit is a must, consider extending your stay into the following week.
Black Friday shopping on Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue's flagships and Herald Square's department stores open early on Black Friday and draw big crowds. Shop early in the morning, or try the quieter boutiques along Madison Avenue and Lexington Avenue. Our guide to where to shop in NYC for Black Friday and holiday gifts has more ideas.
Holiday windows
The department store windows along Fifth Avenue and at Macy's Herald Square are a free, classic New York tradition. This year, select Macy's stores are adding special window displays that celebrate 100 years of the parade.
Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in NYC
No kitchen? No problem. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest restaurant days in New York, and many restaurants serve special menus for the occasion. A few tips make all the difference:
- Book three to four weeks ahead. The best tables for the 100th parade year will go fast. Most booking apps let you search for Thanksgiving menus specifically.
- Expect a prix-fixe menu. Many restaurants swap their regular menu for a set Thanksgiving dinner with turkey and all the trimmings. Check the price and seating times before you book.
- Think beyond turkey. If you'd rather skip the classic feast, Midtown's steakhouses, Italian trattorias and international restaurants offer a great alternative, and they're often easier to book.
- Go early or late. Mid-afternoon seatings are the hardest to get. A lunchtime meal after the parade, or a later dinner, opens up more options.
Midtown East is one of the city's best neighborhoods for dining, with everything from classic New York institutions to relaxed neighborhood spots. Browse our guide to midtown restaurants to start planning, and ask the Concorde team for recommendations when you arrive.
Thanksgiving Events in NYC: FAQs
When is Thanksgiving 2026?
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026. The Macy's Parade runs from 8:30 a.m. to about noon that morning.
Is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade free?
Yes. Watching from the public sidewalks along the route is free. Grandstand seats near Herald Square are by invitation or ticket only.
What time should I get to the parade?
Aim to be in position by 6:00 or 6:30 a.m. for a good spot, especially on the Upper West Side.
Is the Rockefeller Center tree lit at Thanksgiving?
No. The tree is in place by Thanksgiving, but the 2026 lighting ceremony is on Wednesday, December 2.
Are NYC museums open on Thanksgiving?
Many major museums, including The Met and MoMA, close on Thanksgiving Day. Most reopen on Friday.
Spend Thanksgiving at the Concorde Hotel
The Concorde Hotel at 127 East 55th Street puts Thanksgiving week on your doorstep. Sixth Avenue's parade viewing is about 15 minutes on foot, Rockefeller Center and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular are a short walk away, and Fifth Avenue's holiday windows and Black Friday shopping are just a couple of blocks west. Bryant Park's Winter Village is an easy stroll south.
After an early parade start and a long day of exploring, come back to a quiet retreat. With no more than four rooms on each of the hotel's 37 floors, the Concorde feels calm even on the city's busiest weekend. Every room includes a soaking tub and a rainfall shower, and our multilingual team is happy to help with dinner reservations and show tickets.
The 100th parade will make this one of the busiest Thanksgivings in years. Book your stay at the Concorde Hotel and celebrate the holiday in the heart of Midtown.