Planning thanksgiving in nyc? There’s plenty to get excited about, from the parade to a big turkey dinner and a walk through Central Park.
These pictures bring together holiday outings, food stops and a few simple ideas for what to wear or put on your table.
You can keep your plans relaxed or make a whole weekend of it. Just check holiday opening hours and event dates before booking.
Some Christmas scenes shown here belong later in the season, especially the illuminated Rockefeller Center tree.
Thanksgiving outings and holiday inspiration
the big red parade banner
We’re starting off strong with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. That huge red banner, striped poles and colorful costumes make quite an entrance!
If watching in person is on your list, start with the current official route and public viewing information. Pick your viewing area before planning the rest of your morning.
a tree full of lights
How gorgeous is this Rockefeller Center tree? I love the tiny lights covering the branches above the gold-colored Prometheus statue.
Save this scene for a visit after the tree-lighting ceremony. The illuminated tree isn’t something to assume you’ll see over Thanksgiving, so check that year’s date first.
Read also: 23+ Genius Thanksgiving Activities Adults Actually Want
skating beside autumn trees
This Central Park view may just be my favorite one here. The orange trees around Wollman Rink look so pretty beneath the tall buildings.
If you want to add skating to your trip, check the rink’s sessions and booking details. A park walk is another lovely way to enjoy the surroundings, though late-November leaf color varies.
turkey with all the sides
Who else goes straight to the sides? This spread has a browned turkey in the middle, with green beans, Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce and pie around it.
Use this as dinner inspiration rather than a preview of a particular restaurant’s menu. If you’re eating out, look for a confirmed Thanksgiving menu with the dishes you’re most excited about.
berry crepes by the carousel
How cute is this little food stop? Strawberries and blueberries peek out of the folded crepes, with a light-trimmed carousel behind them.
A sweet snack could be a fun addition to your sightseeing plans. Check current vendors rather than counting on finding this exact crepe.
a turkey in a top hat
I am obsessed with this giant turkey display. The blue top hat and yellow star are adorable, especially with those enormous red bows overhead.
Take this as inspiration for a look around Macy’s exterior during your visit. Seasonal decorations can change, so this particular setup isn’t a promise of what you’ll find.
a dining room filled with branches
If you love a restaurant with lots to look at, this is lovely inspiration. Tall branches stretch across the archway above blue seating and closely arranged tables.
I especially love the pale flowers tucked into the greenery. For your own dinner reservation, look at the dining room as well as the holiday menu.
an evening on the ice
Don’t want your whole trip to revolve around shopping? A skating session could be a fun change of pace.
This Rockefeller Center scene has skaters beneath the tree, with rows of flags above the rink.
Check rink reservations separately from the tree-lighting schedule. Skating plans don’t need to depend on seeing the tree illuminated.
golden light on Brooklyn Bridge
I love the orange light falling across these Brooklyn Bridge benches. The pointed arches and cables are just as beautiful behind them.
Leave some room in your plans for a bridge walk if the weather suits. You don’t need to chase this exact light to enjoy the view.
a skyline outside the window
Want a room with a view? The wide windows and lights across this skyline are lovely inspiration for a city stay.
One important photo mismatch: this appears to show Chicago, not NYC. Use it only as room-view inspiration.
When choosing a New York hotel, check photos of the specific room category rather than assuming every room has a skyline view.
a treat with extra topping
This red cup definitely deserves a closer look. The browned topping, pale scoop and glossy dark sauce are quite the combination!
If you’d like a similar treat, check the current Glace menu for what’s available. The illuminated tree behind this cup also makes it later-season inspiration rather than a guaranteed Thanksgiving scene.
a short trench and dark jeans
If you are looking for a simple outfit to build on, this one is for you. Pair a black turtleneck with dark flared jeans, then add a short beige trench-style jacket.
I love the brown bag with the pointed ankle boots. For a sightseeing day, you might swap the heels for flat boots and choose extra layers based on the forecast.
a small candlelit dinner
Don’t want to go all out with a restaurant booking? A small dinner could be just as lovely.
This table has pink flowers, mismatched glasses and candles between the serving dishes.
Borrow the flowers and simple place settings for your own Friendsgiving. You don’t need a huge table to make the evening feel special.
a classic cheese slice
Not every meal on your trip needs to be turkey! This big cheese slice keeps things simple with red sauce, browned cheese and a scattering of herbs.
A pizza stop could fit nicely into another day of your visit. Check holiday hours if you’re hoping to grab a slice on Thanksgiving itself.
a pink sky over the skyline
I am in love with this pink sky behind the Empire State Building. The bright upper floors look gorgeous above the darker buildings.
If skyline photos are on your wish list, leave a little time around sunset. The sky and building lights will vary, but this is a pretty reminder to look up.
a giant balloon from above
How fun is this overhead parade view? A giant panda balloon passes between the buildings and autumn trees, with crowds lining the street.
If you’re considering a parade-view room, confirm the actual sightline and viewing access before booking. Being near the route doesn’t automatically mean you can see the parade.
red sparkle on the parade stage
The red costumes and tall silver-colored boots are so fun in this performance scene. I especially love how the sparkling outfits echo the big red bows behind the stage.
For close-up performance viewing, consider the parade broadcast. Don’t assume the area shown here is available to general sidewalk spectators.
a corner bookstore stop
This is such a pretty storefront to save for a neighborhood walk. The Corner Bookstore has glowing display windows, gold-colored lettering and red flowers above the entrance.
If you’re exploring the Upper East Side, check its holiday hours before planning to browse. A bookshop stop could fit into another day of the weekend if it’s closed on Thanksgiving.
market stalls under twinkling lights
I love this branch-covered archway with its little amber lights. The stalls, hanging stars and skyline in the distance give you so much to look at.
Add a seasonal market to your plans if its dates line up with your visit. Check the current location and Thanksgiving hours rather than relying on an older market photo.
mini pumpkins at each place
Last but definitely not least, we have this pretty Thanksgiving table. I love the mini pumpkins on the white plates!
Red leaves and berries run down the center behind the turkey platter.
If you’re hosting, borrow the pumpkin place settings and keep your serving dishes simple. The little orange pumpkins add plenty of color on their own.
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Emily
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