Holiday Guide: The Quintessential Thanksgiving in New York City By
Lauren I.
If you’re one of the lucky ones, you’re spending Thanksgiving in New York City. This already bustling city comes to life with holiday spirit as Turkey Day approaches. Head into the city and enjoy pre-Thanksgiving bar festivities, the very best in Black Friday shopping, and one of the most renowned pie shops you’ll ever visit. Here’s how to have the quintessential Thanksgiving in New York.
1. The Porterhouse Bar at Fraunces Tavern, New York, NY
What better way to spend the day before Thanksgiving than in the oldest bar in New York City? The Porterhouse Bar at Fraunces Tavern boasts an impressive selection of microbrews in a historic setting—George Washington celebrated there on more than one occasion.
2. Fleisher’s Craft Butchery, Brooklyn, NY
If you want the best-quality, responsibly-raised turkey for your Thanksgiving table, you’d better call Fleisher’s in Brooklyn, fast. The shop stocks ethically raised and locally raised birds for the holiday.
3. Macy’s Herald Square, New York, NY
When in New York City on Thanksgiving, you simply have to shop at the iconic Macy’s in Herald Square. The world’s largest store will be open at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving night and remain open all night and into Black Friday.
4. Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, New York, NY
Open on Thanksgiving Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the National Museum of the American Indian is worth checking out. Located in the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, this museum houses one of the biggest collection of Native American artifacts in the world.
5. Prospect Park Track Club Turkey Trot, Brooklyn, NY
For those who prefer a more active experience to parade watching, Brooklyn’s scenic Prospect Park hosts a five-mile turkey trot race every year on Thanksgiving morning. Burn off those calories before you even put them on!
6. Feeding NYC, New York, NY
Give thanks by giving back—spend the days before Thanksgiving helping those in need by donating, packaging, and delivering food to thousands of hungry families around the city.
7. Four and Twenty Blackbirds, Multiple locations
This sister-run operation is a celebrated pie shop and a coffee shop in one cool. Order one of their amazing Thanksgiving pies—in salty honey, brown butter pumpkin, salted caramel apple, and bittersweet chocolate pecan.
8. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York, NY
This iconic Thanksgiving Day event is a must-see if you’re in New York City. Watch musical performances, giant balloons, and over 8,000 parade participants as they make way for the Santa Claus finale.
9. Pilgrim Pedal
Want to work out on Thanksgiving, but don't feel like running in the Prospect Park Turkey Trot? You can bike in the Pilgrim Pedal, a fun 10-mile bike ride through Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
10. Bryant Park Winter Village, New York, NY
Get a head start on holiday shopping at the Bryant Park Winter Village. Browse dozens of charming vendors, grab delicious food, or lace up your skates for the ice skating rink in the middle.
