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.
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.
Macy's is marking the milestone with a record 100 inflatable elements, one for every parade. Highlights announced so far include:
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.
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.
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.
The parade wraps up around noon, leaving the rest of the day open. Here's how to spend it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 is Thursday, November 26, 2026. The Macy's Parade runs from 8:30 a.m. to about noon that morning.
Yes. Watching from the public sidewalks along the route is free. Grandstand seats near Herald Square are by invitation or ticket only.
Aim to be in position by 6:00 or 6:30 a.m. for a good spot, especially on the Upper West Side.
No. The tree is in place by Thanksgiving, but the 2026 lighting ceremony is on Wednesday, December 2.
Many major museums, including The Met and MoMA, close on Thanksgiving Day. Most reopen on Friday.
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.