Well friends, the holidays are finally upon us. There are so many great things to do during this time and we are here to make it easy for you to plan. Read on for some of the best places to enjoy Thanksgiving if you are staying in town. Whether it is dinner or an activity or volunteering with friends and family we have you covered!
Tribeca Craft Studio
Tribeca Craft Studio never ceases to amaze with all the fun holiday themed events and crafts they produce. Snag a spot at one of their fun holiday themed workshops running this month and into December. They offer different themes for both adults and kids! Book here. The Thanksgiving centerpiece workshop sure looks fun! So many great choices.
Or keep the kiddos entertained during Thanksgiving dinner with one of their cute craft kits which you can purchase here. Who doesn’t want to make a party hat?!
Where: 176 Duane Street
@craftstudionyc
The Great Balloon Inflate!
Why not check this off your bucket list this year? This annual tradition takes place on Thanksgiving Eve. The inflation runs from 1 pm to 6 pm in the streets around the American Museum of Natural History. Visitors can enter at 72nd Street and Columbus Ave. then head east to Central Park West and follow the inflation uptown. Best to go early. Be prepared for crowds, but it is so worth it in our opinion.
Thanksgiving Day Parade
Want to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? It is not for the faint of heart, but if you go early enough (think 6 am) to claim a spot, it can be done. We suggest considering Central Park West in the 60’s or 70/s. Note that the East side of CPW is not open for viewing, but if you enter Central Park around 86th Street and walk south you can definitely catch a peak. We would avoid Sixth Avenue between 34th and 38th Streets. And we hear there are five new floats to be on the look-out for this year. Wonder Bread, Slumberland float, Baby Shark, Toys R Us, and one dedicated to Native American culture and traditions.
But, if you are feeling more like a staycation? These hotels are offering packages, and if you check now there just might be a few left.
Conrad New York Midtown
Conrad New York Midtown offers a package that allows you to experience the magic of the parade, but with a much more VIP feel. If you book a suite your stay will include a private escort to a Sixth Avenue viewing spot!
Where: 151 West 54th Street
@conradnymidtown
The New York Hilton Midtown
The New York Hilton Midtown is another premier viewing spot offering a phenomenal package. Most rooms overlook the parade route. They have a dedicated staffer to help with all your holiday needs and the hotel also offers a Thanksgiving dinner. You literally never have to leave the hotel and deal with crowds! Email ThanksgivingHiltonNYC@hilton.com for more information.
Where: 1335 Sixth Avenue
@nyhiltonmidtown
Other hotels worth noting are:
The Mandarin Oriental New York, even if you can’t snag a room with a view, the hotel offers viewing at their MO Lounge. The Warwick which is located along the parade route has a few limited rooms with a direct view of the parade. There is a 3-night minimum. The Quin has a few rooms with balconies and offers a grab and go breakfast to keep you fueled during the festivities. The JW Marriott Essex House rooms go fast, but you can try for a reservation for breakfast at their Southgate Bar & Grill which offers views of the parade. The Ritz Carlton has rooms that offer a direct view. There is a two night minimum.
And while not Thanksgiving themed, here a few more activities to consider during that holiday weekend:
Cricket’s Candy is launching their Dessert Before Dinner event. On Saturday afternoons families can explore and taste different candies. Please note your dinner will be spoiled by all this delicious candy! Cost per person is $45. Check their website for specific dates.
Monet’s Garden: The Immersive Experience located in the Seamen’s Bank Building on Wall Street will bring Monet’s famous masterpieces to life through this immersive experience. Tickets are available until January 8, 2023.