In November, New York transforms into a vibrant stage for fall celebrations, where the magic of Thanksgiving takes on a spectacular dimension that is unique in the world. The Big Apple offers an unforgettable opportunity to discover this emblematic American tradition, combining grand festivities, outstanding cuisine and a warm atmosphere in the city’s breathtaking backdrop.
The spirit of Thanksgiving in New York
A unique atmosphere in November
November in New York ushers in a unique atmosphere. The cool temperatures (between 5 and 15°C) create the perfect autumn atmosphere for strolling through the streets lined with themed decorations. The windows of Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue vie with each other in creativity with their Thanksgiving displays and their first Christmas decorations. Central Park is dressed in its finest fall colors, offering a striking natural spectacle of golden maples and copper oaks.
The cultural effervescence of the season
The Thanksgiving period coincides with an exceptional cultural explosion in the city. Broadway offers its most popular shows, while museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art organise special exhibitions. New Yorkers themselves seem more welcoming during this period, creating a friendly atmosphere that’s rare in this usually face-paced city.
The Macy’s Parade
A great historic event
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the absolute star attraction of this festive season. Since 1924, this legendary parade takes place every fourth Thursday in November along a 4-kilometer route from 77 th Street and Central Park West to the Macy’s shop in Herald Square. More than 3.5 million spectators flock along the route to admire the spectacular floats, iconic giant balloons and performances by renowned artists.
How to make the most of the show
Arrive before 6am to get the best seats along the route, especially on Central Park West between 75th Street and 61st Street. The organisers recommend dressing warmly and bringing hot drinks. The comfortable option is to book a table at one of the restaurants overlooking the course, such as Sarabeth’s or Jacob’s Pickles, but bookings open months in advance.
The giant balloons and behind the scenes
On the eve of Thanksgiving, don’t miss the giant balloons being inflated near the American Museum of Natural History. This free event, open from 1pm to 6pm, gives you the chance to see these impressive creations up close and meet the technical teams. Each balloon is several storeys high and requires dozens of trained handlers to guide them through the streets of Manhattan.
The parade takes place every fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving Day in the United States. In 2025, it will take place on Thursday 27 November from 8.30am to 12pm. The parade has been held since 1924, making it a century-old tradition.
The parade starts at the intersection of 77th Street and Central Park West, runs south down Central Park West for 18 blocks to Columbus Circle, then turns onto Central Park South before heading down 6th Avenue to Herald Square in front of Macy’s. The total route is 2.5 miles. See map above.
Arrive as early as 6am to get the best seats, especially on the west side of Central Park West between 75th Street and 61st Street. After 8am, it becomes very difficult to find a seat with good visibility.
The best free locations are on the west side of Central Park West between 75th and 61st Streets. Avoid Central Park West between 59th and 60th Streets (no public viewing allowed) and 6th Avenue between 34th and 38th Streets (area reserved for TV broadcasts).
The 2025 parade will feature around 17 giant balloons with characters, plus 15 heritage or novelty balloons. Each balloon is around 5 storeys high and weighs over 360 kg.
Yes, it’s free and highly recommended! The inflation takes place on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving from 1pm to 6pm near the Museum of Natural History, between 77th and 81st Streets on Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.
Photo credit for the Macy’s parade: Anthony Quintano
Exceptional dining experiences
Iconic restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner
Booking Thanksgiving dinner at a New York restaurant offers a memorable dining experience without the hassle of preparation. The Rainbow Room at the top of Rockefeller Center offers a traditional menu with panoramic views of the city. The Gramercy Tavern and the Blue Hill revisit the classics with a contemporary gastronomic approach, while the Peter Luger Steak House in Brooklyn offers an exceptional an outstanding option for meat lovers.
Local markets and specialities
Explore local markets like the Union Square Greenmarket to discover seasonal produce typical of Thanksgiving. Pumpkins, butternut squash, fresh cranberries and local apples add the authenticity of the celebration. Chelsea Market offers a gourmet immersion with its stalls specializing in autumnal pastries, especially pumpkin and pecan pies.
Next day brunches and Black Friday
The Friday after Thanksgiving marks the start of Black Friday. Start the day with an authentic New York brunch at Balthazar in SoHo or Bubby’s in Tribeca. These establishments offer extensive menus, perfect for fueling up before a day of shopping sprees in Fifth Avenue, SoHo and Brooklyn.
Special activities and attractions
Skating and winter entertainment
The iconic ice rinks open their doors at the beginning of November. The world-famous rink at Rockefeller Center offers a magical experience in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The rink in Central Park (Wollman Rink) offers a more spacious setting with a view of the skyline. Reserve your time slots in advance, especially for Thanksgiving weekend.
Shows and entertainment
Broadway offers special performances over the Thanksgiving weekend. Musicals such as The Lion King, Hamilton and Chicago often have extra matinees. Lincoln Center offers special concerts with the New York Philharmonic and themed ballets at the Metropolitan Opera House.
Exploring authentic neighbourhoods
Make the most of this period to discover less touristy but authentic neighbourhoods such as Williamsburg in Brooklyn or Astoria in Queens. These areas offer a different perspective on New York celebrations, with family restaurants, bars with a neighborhood feel and regional farmers’ markets.
Practical tips for a successful stay
Booking and planning
Book your accommodation at least 6 months in advance to take advantage of the best rates and locations. Hotels near Times Square and Central Park sell out very quickly. Popular restaurants often require reservations as early as September, especially for Thursday Thanksgiving dinner.
Transport and travel
The public transport network operates normally during Thanksgiving, but some metro lines undergo modifications because of the parade. Taxis and Uber charge higher fares during peak parade times.
Weather and equipment
Prepare for cool temperatures with warm, multi-layered clothing. A waterproof coat is essential, as are comfortable shoes for long walks. Compact umbrellas are recommended, as November can be rainy in New York.
Budget and costs
Expect to pay 30-50% more than at other times of the year. Hotels, restaurants and attractions charge peak-season rates. However, there are plenty of free activities, such as watching the balloon inflation or taking a walk in Central Park, to help keep costs down.
Thanksgiving in New York represents a total immersion in one of the most authentic American traditions, magnified by the exceptional setting of the largest city in the United States. This unique experience combines spectacular entertainment, fine dining and a warm atmosphere to create unforgettable memories in the heart of the autumnal Big Apple.
