There’s never a bad time to go to Manhattan, but there’s something special in the air about Thanksgiving Day Weekend in NY City.

Of course, the Thanksgiving Day Parade is the big draw for many, both locals and visitors alike, but that’s not where the fun ends. In fact, there are plenty of things you can do over the long weekend to make it a fun and memorable event.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

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Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Get your front row ticket to the Macy's Day Parade for an experience of a lifetime! Contact letsgo@azariatravel.com for exclusive VIP access to this magical event.

A post shared by Azaria Travel (@azariatravel_) on Nov 8, 2019 at 12:00pm PST

For many, the big draw to a Thanksgiving Day Weekend in NY City is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. While you might have caught this event broadcast on live tv over the years, there’s nothing like being there in person to check out the real thing. 

The parade route is 2.5 miles long, starting at the American Museum of Natural History and winding south along the west side of Central Park and then down 6th Avenue to the Macy’s building on West 34th Street. The parade starts at 9am.

Parade Balloon Inflation

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Inflation Celebration! 🎈 The annual Macy’s Balloon Inflation celebration soars today around the American Museum of Natural History! . Watching these balloon friends take shape and come to life at eye level is a truly incredible sight, a must at least once in your life (we go every year!). . Planning your visit? Read on for a few tips on how to enjoy this FREE iconic celebration with kids – and how to navigate the crowds (that can be as big as the balloons themselves!). . WHERE: Spectators will need to pass the security checkpoint at 74th Street and Central Park West (entrance is at 73rd and Columbus). Expect long lines that could stretch for blocks (depending on crowding the entry point may be a block or two away). The balloon inflation path itself winds around the Museum of Natural History. (The Exit is at 81st and Central Park West). . WHEN: Today – November 21st. 1:00 – 8:00pm. PRICE: Completely FREE! TIPS: •The event draws about 1 million people in a seven hour window, as such It gets crowded! An early arrival means less lines, and less wait time. •Expect lots of security and bag checkpoints. •A daytime visit allows for more sunlight and a better view of the balloons. •Because of the walking paths become quite crowded and hard to pass, try to leave strollers at home. •No bathrooms or concessions on the path – plan ahead •Bring hand warmers and lots of layers. . Enjoy the balloons! We cant wait to see your pics! . FEED INSPIRATION: #macysdayparade . . . . @macys #FOMOfeed #FOMOfeedkids #macys #macysthanksgiving #thanksgivingday #macysballooninflation #thanksgiving #thanksgivingparade #nyckids #citykids

A post shared by NYC’s CULTURE CURATOR for kids (@fomofeedkids) on Nov 21, 2018 at 5:01am PST

If you happen to be in New York City on the Wednesday of Thanksgiving week but can’t make it to the parade, then you’re in luck. Every year, the night before the big parade you can watch the giant balloons ‘come to life’ as they are inflated. Head to the American Museum of Natural History after 3pm to get the full view.

Shop for Deals

You’re in one of the best cities to shop in the entire world. With Black Friday deals abound, you can head to some of the fancy boutiques on 5th Avenue or wander around SoHo or the East and West Villages for cool finds that you won’t get anywhere else.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

You don’t want to spend time in New York without enjoying a show. One of the best and most famous performances around has to be the Rocketts of Radio City Music Hall. Every year, running from early November to the beginning of January they put on a Christmas Spectacular event. You’ll enjoy holiday music, singing, and dancing from these talented professionals.

Holiday Train Show

For nearly 30 years, the New York Botanical Garden has put on a Holiday Train Show. This event starts the week before Thanksgiving and runs to the end of January. You can explore the painstakingly recreated buildings, bridges, monuments, and landmarks of New York City as over two dozen trains zip through the garden. For more adult fun, there are 21+ Bar Car Nights that feature spiked drinks and live entertainment.

Go Ice Skating

Nothing says New York City in the winter like strapping on some skates and going for a glide surrounded by skyscrapers. Luckily, there are many places to ice skate in the city. Some of the more popular options include the Bank of America Pavilion at Bryant Park, the Rink and Rockefeller Center, and Winterland Rink at Pier 17 which offers the distinction of being on a rooftop!

As you can see, there’s more than enough to do and see during your Thanksgiving Day Weekend in NY City, so be sure to make the most of it!