Thanksgiving in New York 2012

Discover things to do in NYC during Thanksgiving, including the Macy’s Parade, where to make a restaurant reservation for dinner and more Thanksgiving events.

By Time Out editors Mon Oct 22 2012

Photograph: Caroline Voagen Nelson

Thanksgiving is tough, pilgrim. It's even tougher when you're ill-prepared. If you're staying in New York, there are plenty of ways to celebrate not being stuck in traffic or sitting on a runway. Gather some friends for a Thanksgiving dinner, or find a friendly barman to share the holiday with. Or if your family's in town, take them to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade or a New York attraction. With everyone visiting relatives or in a tryptophan coma, the city is yours to enjoy. It's also a great time of year to donate to a food charity or volunteer your time—try one of these nonprofit groups.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route map

Thanksgiving in New York: 86th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, November 2012

Photos: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2012

Thanksgiving in New York: Macy's Parade Balloon Inflation, November 2012

Photos: Macy's Parade balloon inflation 2012

Photos: Behind the scenes at the Macy's Parade Studio

See the complete Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade guide

Your Black Friday guide to the best sales New York

Macy's

Price band: 2/4

Forget getting up at the crack of dawn—the biggest department store in the world opens at midnight. You’ll find discounts for men, women and the home, such as Xoxo cotton peacoats for $30 (retail $100); Levi’s guys’ leather jackets, halved from $200 to $100; and CBTL Americano brewers marked $90 (were $150). Don’t miss deals such as a gratis American Rag sweater (retail $45–$69) when you buy a pair of the brand’s jeans ($39–$69), and free HD headphones when you spend $75 on fragrances. Macy’s will donate $2 of each scent purchase to the Make a Wish Foundation (makeawish.org), up to $100,000. If you want to stay on top of the beauty trends, head to a MAC counter from midnight to 4am and grab the new Taste Temptation collection ($16—$20) before it hits stores nationwide December 13, 2012.

151 W 34th St, (between Sixth and Seventh Aves)

More info

Old Navy

If you head to any of this chain’s 12 locations at midnight, you can buy something for everyone on your list at bargain prices. Until 4am, both men and women can nab half-zip fleece pullovers for just $5 (were $27–$40), jeans marked $15 (usually $30–$40) and ladies’ boots, nicked from $30–$45 to $12. From 8am to noon, find sherpa-lined hoodies tagged $15 (retail $20–$23) and coats for $19 (regularly $40–$100). On Saturday, stock up on graphic tees priced at $5 (normally $10–$17). • Visit oldnavy.com.

Locations throughout the city
Fri 23, Sat 24

A|X Armani Exchange

Splurge on fall must-haves when this trendy chain stays open for 24 hours (doors open at midnight Friday and close at midnight Saturday). Spend $150 on anything in the store on Black Friday and you’ll get $50 off your purchase. We’ll be grabbing faux-leather-trim coats ($248), reptile-print satchels ($89) and men’s quilted leather gloves ($58). • Visit armaniexchange.com.

Locations throughout the city
Fri 23, Sat 24

Gap

For 24 hours straight, grab fashionable basics discounted up to 60 percent. Men’s and women’s crewneck sweaters and pajama sets are $19 each (were $50). Get there early (doors open at midnight on Black Friday and stay open through midnight Saturday) for extra door-buster discounts. • Visit gap.com.

Locations throughout the city
Fri 23–Sun 25

Target

Get a head start on discount shopping—the chain is opening its doors at 9pm on Thanksgiving Day for the first time. You’ll find Beats by Dr. Dre headphones for $180 (were $200–$300); Nook touch e-readers, chipped from $100 to $49; and Nikon cameras halved from $200 to $100. Starting at 4am on Friday, you’ll get a $10 gift card for every $50 you spend. • Visit target.com.