The best things to do on Thanksgiving in NYC

The annual pageant of giant balloons, floats, cheerleaders, clowns, marching bands, and theatrical performances is one of the best NYC events in November.

Expect 16 character balloons, 26 floats, 32 heritage and novelty balloons, over 700 clowns, 12 marching bands and nine performance groups. 

Several new balloons are joining the parade this year, including Beagle Scout Snoopy, Blue Cat & Chugs, and Monkey D. Luffy. In addition, see performances by Cher, Brandy, David Foster, Katharine McPhee, Ashley Park and more.

Here's more about the parade and where to see it.

NYC is packed with holiday markets every fall with holiday spirit and unique gifts. While fancy Christmas window displays may entice you, NYC's holiday markets offer a chance to shop local. With everything from clothing to holiday ornaments to artwork, there's something for everybody on your holiday shopping list.

Shopping for the perfect gift doesn't have to be stressful; make it fun at these holiday markets.

NYC offers plenty of indoor and outdoor rinks where you can glide and practice your toe jumps. To help narrow down your options, we've listed the top places to go, including the iconic Rink at Rockefeller Center or the beloved rink at Central Park.

You can even make a full-day out of it when you shop at one of the city’s best holiday markets, followed by sipping hot chocolate and skating on The Rink at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. If you'd rather stay warm while on the ice, there are many all-weather indoor rinks, including spots that offer roller skating.

If New York is famous for anything around Christmas time, it’s our ornate holiday window displays. As always, stores like Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co. join in to show off their holiday spirit and latest merchandise.

These eyepopping displays are works of art with mosaics, sculptural elements and gorgeous, glittering colors.

There are a plethora of NYC’s best restaurants to choose from for meals over the course of the holiday weekend (and all year long). If you’re specifically looking for somewhere memorable to eat on the big day, this list is a good place to start.

Pumpkin pie runs circles around other options this time of year (and none other; try eating a slice in June, it cannot be done), and one NYC pizza chain by way of Detroit is squashing narrow notions of the gourd’s appeal in a hyper-seasonal mashup across its locations. 

Emmy Squared will serve its pumpkin “pie” until Sunday, November 26. 

“In order to remain fun and creative, we wanted to add playful items to celebrate fall and Thanksgiving,” Emmy Squared president Pennington Pribbenow says via email. “Pumpkin is a beloved flavor during this time of year, and is something that translates well with our flavors.”

Meander through Manhattan's iconic greenspace to admire the autumnal energy. In fall, look for a bevy of mums at the Conservatory Garden and colorful leaves atop the Mall. 

Tourists and locals love to frequent one of the city’s best parks for its various lawns, fountains, walking paths, trees and picnic spots. On Thanksgiving Day, bundle up and stroll through this beautiful spot. 

Although it’s no longer the tallest building in New York City, this world-famous landmark remains a Manhattan icon for good reason—and it's open on Thanksgiving Day!

The main deck on the 86th floor offers stunning 360-degree views of the Hudson and East Rivers, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and more. If you can’t get high enough, head to the 102nd floor's indoor observation deck for a full view of Central Park. On a clear day, views stretch up to 80 miles.

Also see photos of celebrity visits and learn about the 3,400 people who built the skyscraper at amazing speed. Adult tickets range from $44-$79.

Not only does it boast the trippiest elevator in the city, One World Observatory is also a fierce contender for best views in the city. Ride up to the 102nd floor surrounded by a VR-like film, then admire the 360-degree views at the top of the tower.

Standing at 1,776 feet (see what they did there?), One World Trade Center is the tallest building in both New York City and the United States. Tickets cost $47 for adults.

Sure, it’s a tourist attraction, but that doesn’t make the sights any less amazing, and you’ll want to spend hours playing 'I spy' with Times Square and Central Park. The venue's open on Thanksgiving Day.

Instead of spending all your cash in a city where rent takes so much money anyway, we’ve come up with a list of foolproof things to do in NYC that are guaranteed to spark more joy than a cozy sweater. Yes, even if it’s 50 percent off!

We recommend opting outside on Black Friday. The Urban Park Rangers are hosting hikes across the five boroughs. Green-Wood Cemetery also offers a Post-Turkey Day Walking Tour.