Giving Thanks: One Incredible Weekend in NYC

When thinking about travel to New York, a lot of people avoid big holiday weekends like the plague: crowded airports, everything closed, nowhere to have a real Thanksgiving dinner. Well that’s not exactly true, and we’re here to show you how to have an amazing weekend in NYC.

First of all, flying into the city doesn’t have to be a chore, especially if you time it right. Sometimes flying on Thanksgiving Day (November 22 this year) means nearly empty airports and better rates. And not flying at all is an option; as the locals empty out to go visit family in other cities, the trains and roads become more manageable.

If you find yourself in the city on Thanksgiving morning, you’re going to want to witness the sheer joy that is the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Broadway and TV stars, enormous character balloons, and fun floats are the city’s big event—with the rest of the U.S. watching. Get there early for a good view, bring some strong coffee or hot cocoa, and be a kid again as the parade passes by.

And here’s a pro tip: if you’re in the city on Wednesday evening, head to the Upper West Side (79th Street and Columbus Avenue) and witness the balloon inflation. It’s quite a sight!

Of course, you’re going to want to see a show (or shows) while you’re here, and Thanksgiving weekend is a perfect time. Why? Because so many shows have added performances, including Friday matinee and Sunday evening performances, and a handful of shows have Thanksgiving Day performances. It’s a great opportunity to book tickets for a hot show at a bit of an off time. Here's a complete schedule of all shows performing during Thanksgiving week.

In New York, Thanksgiving marks the official start of the holiday season, which means only one thing: the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes®. The annual tradition and NYC must-see starts performances November 9 and runs through January 1, and on Thanksgiving weekend they have three shows on Wednesday and Thanksgiving Day, four shows on Friday and Sunday, and five shows on Saturday!

And what’s Thanksgiving or a visit to New York without an amazing meal? Tons of restaurants around the city are open all weekend, including Thanksgiving, to satisfy the appetites of visitors (and locals who don’t feel like cooking. Our friends at Sardi’s and Bond 45 are open on Thanksgiving Day, as are plenty of other delicious options, from modern to traditional, at every price range.

All that, plus checking out the holiday windows at the big department stores, ice skating in Central Park, seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree up close and personal. There’s a lot to do, and a lot to be thankful for.

To find out more about booking show tickets for Thanksgiving weekend, start a search on BroadwayInbound.com, or for more help, give us a call at 866-302-0995.