7 Things to Do in NYC on Thanksgiving Day Besides the Parade

While the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is the unmistakable centerpiece of the holiday in New York City, the celebration offers great alternatives for those seeking an experience outside of the massive crowds and street closures that dominate Midtown Manhattan.

Whether you want to embrace history with a yummy meal, challenge yourself with a morning workout, or simply enjoy the city's festive atmosphere, the choice is yours!

We’ve compiled a list of 7 alternative activities to enjoy on Thanksgiving Day, proving that the city offers as much excitement besides  the parade as it does along its famous route.

Crucially: Always check the venue's official website for holiday hours and required reservations, as they are often limited on Thanksgiving Day!

Here’s what we have at a glance:

1. Burn Calories at Some Seasonal Fitness Alternatives

2. Watch the Macy's Parade Balloons Get Inflated (Thanksgiving Eve)

3. Kick Off the Holiday Season at Bryant Park Winter Village

4. Savor a Historic, Traditional Feast at Fraunces Tavern

5. Take a Walk to See the Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows

6. Settle In to Watch a Football Game in a Cozy Bar

7. Give Back: Volunteer at a Thanksgiving Soup Kitchen or Meal Service

Burn Calories at Some Seasonal Fitness Alternatives

For those looking to get active, work up an appetite, or simply embrace the colder weather as a lively alternative to the parade, the city offers several high-energy sports and fitness options on or around Thanksgiving.

• Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center: Start your festive season by taking a spin on the iconic Rink at Rockefeller Center. This popular attraction is typically open for timed sessions throughout Thanksgiving Day. It’s a wonderful, high-energy alternative to the crowded parade route, allowing you to skate beneath the towering architecture and take in the beautiful, early holiday decorations.

• Multi-Sport Gauntlet Hosted by NYC Parks: We know, this isn't technically on Thanksgiving Day, but it's a fantastic, high-energy, Thanksgiving-related event! Look into events hosted by NYC Parks, such as their post-Thanksgiving "Shake It Off!!! Celebration" on Friday, November 28th. This event often features a fast-paced, multi-sport gauntlet with mini-tournaments in basketball, soccer, and flag football. It's a great, free option for families and fitness enthusiasts who want a fun, coordinated activity to enjoy the day after the holiday. (Be sure to check the specific location and age requirements for the current year.)

• Post-Thanksgiving Hiking on Staten Island: Embrace the scenic side of the city by joining a post-Thanksgiving hike with the Urban Park Rangers. These free, guided hikes often take place on the Friday after the holiday in locations like Deere Park or the Staten Island Greenbelt. It’s an ideal activity for those looking for a long, rejuvenating walk to enjoy the last of the autumn scenery and get a breath of crisp, fresh air away from the urban bustle.

These activities provide great options for enjoying physical activity, whether you want to glide on ice or explore the city's green spaces.

Watch the Macy's Parade Balloons Get Inflated (Thanksgiving Eve)

The most magical, non-parade way to experience the spectacle happens the day before the holiday. The annual balloon inflation is an iconic family tradition that gives you an incredibly close, up-front look at the giant characters before they take flight.

This event typically takes place on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday), running from early afternoon until evening, around the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side. You'll see beloved characters sprawling out on the ground, then slowly rise to life—it's often less crowded than the parade route itself and allows for those fantastic, close-up photos.

Here’s how it looks like, but please note that this is a video from last year:

Kick Off the Holiday Season at Bryant Park Winter Village

The Winter Village is one of the city’s best-loved holiday features, and it's generally open all day on Thanksgiving. Located right in the heart of Midtown, its opening marks the unofficial, non-parade start of the Christmas season.

You can browse the hundreds of European-style holiday market stalls for unique gifts and seasonal treats. The festive atmosphere is fully operational by Thanksgiving, providing a warm, lively place to grab a hot cider and take a spin on the ice rink.

Savor a Historic, Traditional Feast at Fraunces Tavern

Thanksgiving Dinner at Fraunces Tavern

For a Thanksgiving dinner that doubles as a history lesson, Fraunces Tavern is a wonderful choice. As NYC’s oldest tavern, you can enjoy a traditional oven-roasted turkey dinner in the same rooms where George Washington once dined. This is a perfect example of a classic, highly recommended holiday meal that honors American tradition. They feature a superb prix-fixe menu, sometimes with alternative options like filet mignon, but their commitment to the classic feast is what makes this a beloved annual spot. Reservations are essential and must be made well in advance. If you’re curious to learn more about Fraunces Tavern - we have a whole article about it here.

Take a Walk to See the Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows

Kick off your festive season by enjoying the famous window displays along Fifth Avenue. By Thanksgiving, the city's major department stores have unveiled their elaborate scenes, creating a wonderful holiday atmosphere.

Stroll the stretch between 49th and 60th Streets to check out the creative and detailed designs at places like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman. Seeing these windows, especially when they are fully illuminated after dark, is a truly classic New York tradition and a beautiful way to welcome the start of the holidays.

Settle In to Watch a Football Game in a Cozy Bar

For those who prefer a laid-back morning inside over chilly crowds, catching the start of the Thanksgiving Day NFL triple-header is a great alternative. The holiday is famous for its football marathon, and many cozy neighborhood bars open early to show the games.

This option lets you skip the parade chaos entirely and settle into a warm spot with a beer and some comfort food. Look for a welcoming pub with multiple screens and a strong neighborhood feel.

A solid example is Bleecker Street Bar in Greenwich Village. While you should always check their specific holiday hours, places like this are known for their casual atmosphere, plenty of screens, and a loyal local following - making them excellent spots to relax and escape the holiday rush.

Give Back: Volunteer at a Thanksgiving Soup Kitchen or Meal Service

For many New Yorkers, the holiday is a time to reflect and actively give back to the community. Volunteering at a soup kitchen or meal distribution service is a deeply meaningful way to spend Thanksgiving morning or afternoon.

While volunteer spots for the main Thanksgiving meal are often extremely limited and fill up very early in the fall, many organizations offer support opportunities throughout the week leading up to or immediately following the holiday.

Key Organizations to look into:

• The Bowery Mission: Known for hosting one of NYC's longest-running Thanksgiving meal celebrations, serving hundreds of turkeys and thousands of meals. Note: On Thanksgiving Day itself, volunteer opportunities for the general public are extremely limited; they encourage looking for help during the preceding preparation days.

• Xavier Mission (Welcome Table Soup Kitchen): They need help with meal prep, setup, serving, and cleanup throughout Thanksgiving week, with specific high-demand shifts on the day itself. Thanksgiving Day spots fill up first.

• Masbia Soup Kitchen Network (Brooklyn & Queens): This network often welcomes volunteers aged 12 and older (with adult supervision for younger teens) to help with meal service, prepping, and dishwashing. They operate a dignified, restaurant-style service that needs many hands during the holiday season.

• God's Love We Deliver: While not a traditional soup kitchen, this organization delivers meals to neighbors living with serious illnesses. They need volunteers for meal preparation and delivery throughout the holiday week—a wonderful way to ensure homebound New Yorkers receive a festive meal.

New York City doesn't shut down for Thanksgiving - it just shifts gears. While the parade draws millions, the true beauty of the holiday lies in its alternatives: the chance to reflect, reconnect, and explore the festive city in a different light. By choosing to seek out a historic meal, dedicate time to giving back, or simply appreciate the holiday lights and atmosphere, you guarantee a memorable, low-stress holiday.

Which of these amazing things to do in NYC on Thanksgiving Day besides the parade will you incorporate into your holiday?

Bye, see you next time!

Hugs, Kisses, and NYC Wishes! ♥️

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FAQs Thanksgiving in NYC

• Are most major NYC attractions and museums open on Thanksgiving Day?

  Generally, no. Most of the major museums (like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, and the American Museum of Natural History) are closed on Thanksgiving Day. Similarly, many ticketed attractions will be closed or have significantly reduced hours. It is crucial to check the official website for any specific venue you plan to visit. The best bet for things being open are the holiday markets, movie theaters, and outdoor activities like a Central Park walk.

• Does public transportation run on Thanksgiving Day in NYC?

  Yes, but on a modified schedule. The subway and buses typically operate on a Sunday schedule and the Staten Island Railway operates on a Saturday schedule. If you plan to travel by train (LIRR or Metro-North), they will run a special holiday/weekend schedule, often with extra service added in the early morning to accommodate parade spectators.

• Is it possible to find a restaurant that isn't serving a traditional turkey dinner?

  Absolutely. While most high-end American restaurants feature a set, prix-fixe turkey menu, many international restaurants remain open for business, often with their regular menus. Your best bet is to search for a non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner in NYC in neighborhoods like Chinatown or the East Village for non-turkey cuisine like high-end steak or Chinese food.

• When is the best time to see the holiday window displays on Fifth Avenue?

  The window displays at department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman are usually fully unveiled by Thanksgiving Day. The absolute best time to see them is after dark (around 4:30 PM) when the lights are on. Crowds will be lightest in the late afternoon/early evening on Thanksgiving Day, before the official start of the busy Black Friday weekend.

• Are New York City Broadway shows running on Thanksgiving Day?

  No, generally Broadway theaters are closed on Thanksgiving Day. The theaters treat it as a major holiday closure. However, sometimes you might find special evening performances on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday) or a special matinee on Thanksgiving Day itself, though this is rare. Always check the specific show's ticketing page to confirm holiday schedules.