Thanksgiving

You can spend more time with friends and family and less time in the kitchen this Thanksgiving by ordering in. There are many New York City restaurants offering Turkey Day meals for takeout and delivery, from a traditional feast with all of the fixings at Bubby's to a Middle Eastern-inspired meal from Edy's Grocer. And don't forget the pie!
Thankful for takeout

Thanksgiving ‘ragamuffins’ started a door-to-door tradition that preceded Halloween

Photo via the Library of Congress

November 24, 2021

Thanksgiving ‘ragamuffins’ started a door-to-door tradition that preceded Halloween

By Emily Nonko

Before Thanksgiving became a holiday known for stuffing down food with the people you love, it looked a whole lot like Halloween. That is thanks to the Thanksgiving "ragamuffins," children who dressed up in costume and wandered the streets in search of swag, asking passerby and shop owners, "Anything for Thanksgiving?" The practice could be found everywhere from Missouri to Los Angeles, but it was a particularly strong tradition in New York City. "Thanksgiving masquerading has never been more universal," said a New York Times report from 1899. "Fantastically garbed youngsters and their elders were on every corner of the city. Not a few of the maskers and mummers wore disguises that were recognized as typifying a well-known character or myth. There were Fausts, Uncle Sams, Harlequins, bandits, sailors. All had a great time. The good-humored crowd abroad was generous with pennies and nickels, and the candy stores did a land-office business."
Read more about the ragamuffins

The best spots to watch the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Map courtesy of Macy’s Inc.

November 24, 2021

The best spots to watch the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 95th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade returns on Thursday, welcoming the public back following a spectator-free event last year. The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. from 77th Street and Central Park West and moves down its traditional route, ending in front of Macy's Herald Square. For those hoping to enjoy the parade in person, Macy's released a helpful interactive map highlighting the 2.5 miles of public viewing. The map also notes where parade-goers can find coffee, food, and restrooms.
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Events & Things To Do

The 97-year history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Pilgrim balloon in 1946. Photo via Macy’s Inc.

November 16, 2021

The 97-year history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Rebecca Paul

There are many famous traditions synonymous with New York City, and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is at the top of that list. The first parade marched down Broadway in the winter of 1924, and in the years since, it's grown into an event with more than 3.5 million spectators. After a television-only event last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is returning this year with in-person spectators. Ahead, learn all about the parade's 97 years and see some incredible archival photos.
This way for the full history

Everything you need to know about the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Photo courtesy of Macy’s, Inc.

November 12, 2021

Everything you need to know about the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

After a television-only event last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is returning this year with in-person spectators. On Thursday, November 25, the 95th annual event will feature typical traditions, including the giant helium balloons, floats, and live performances, but with new health and safety protocols in place. Ahead, learn what to expect this year, from the full parade lineup and the best public viewing spots to how you can watch the signature character balloons inflate the night before.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

19 places to order takeout Thanksgiving dinner (and dessert) in NYC

Photo: Alexander Stein for Bubby’s

November 10, 2021

19 places to order takeout Thanksgiving dinner (and dessert) in NYC

This Thanksgiving, why not leave the big meal to the experts? If you didn't gather with family and friends in 2020, make the holiday this year even more special, and less stressful, by bringing a chef-curated dinner to your celebration. From traditional turkey and all the fixings from Bubby's to a Lebanese twist on the meal from the restaurant ilili, here are just some takeout Thanksgiving dinner (and dessert!) options from restaurants in New York City.
Full list here

Here’s what you can expect from Macy’s ‘reimagined’ Thanksgiving parade

Photo courtesy of Macy’s, Inc.

November 11, 2020

Here’s what you can expect from Macy’s ‘reimagined’ Thanksgiving parade

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a New York City tradition since 1924. In modern times, the event draws a live crowd of roughly 3.5 million and is made up of 8,000 participants, including performers, marching bands, dancers, and more. But those large numbers of people mean that this year's pandemic-era parade will look a bit different. Macy's announced in September that its 94th annual parade will be a television-only presentation with participant capacity reduced by 75 percent, a two-day staging, and balloons being flown by vehicles instead of the usual 80- to 100-person teams that corral each balloon. A New York Times feature today shared the happy news that actors from four shuttered Broadway shows will be performing.
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Events & Things To Do

Where to order takeout Thanksgiving meals this year in NYC

Photo courtesy of Estuary

November 4, 2020

Where to order takeout Thanksgiving meals this year in NYC

Let's face it--this year's Thanksgiving is not going to be what we're used to. Many of us won't be able to travel to be with our families or don't feel comfortable dining in a restaurant. But if cooking's not your thing (or you're just too damn exhausted from 2020), there are plenty of local restaurants offering to-go holiday meals. From classic turkey dinners at Bubby's and The Smith to an affordable, family-friendly option from Sarabeth's to something a little more avant-garde like Cote's Korean prime rib meal or Aquavit's Nordic-inspired menu, we've rounded up the best takeout Turkey Day options in NYC.
Hope you're hungry

Here’s where to volunteer and donate in NYC this holiday season

Photo by Ethan Covey for Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen

November 3, 2020

Here’s where to volunteer and donate in NYC this holiday season

This year has been tough on all New Yorkers, but especially those unemployed, hungry, and experiencing homelessness. While every holiday season is a chance to give back to your community, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has made helping those in need this year more important than ever. Ahead, find out where to volunteer and donate across the city, whether it's contributing to Thanksgiving food drives, delivering holiday meals, making greeting cards for seniors, or donating to coat drives. Please note, each organization has put in place protocols related to COVID-19 that need to be followed, including mask and social distancing requirements.
Full list here

How to plan a safe COVID Thanksgiving

Here in NYC, Mayor de Blasio and Governor Cuomo have both advised against traveling for Thanksgiving, but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate. One option is to host a virtual holiday. It won't be the same, but it's got its selling points (i.e. no squabbling with your mother-in-law in the kitchen or having dad refuse to turn the game off during dinner); it'll just take some extra planning in advance. If you have family and friends local, you may want to consider a safe, outdoor meal. But we recommend buying a heater now and figuring out how you'll keep the food warm. Ahead, we've put together a guide to planning a COVID Thanksgiving, no matter how you plan to enjoy the day.
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How to get around NYC this Thanksgiving weekend

Image by Peter McConnochie via Flickr

November 26, 2019

How to get around NYC this Thanksgiving weekend

Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest travel times across the country and can be especially overwhelming in NYC. With the annual Macy's parade taking over Manhattan on Thursday (despite a windy forecast threatening the parade's iconic balloons) and Black Friday frenzy, your commute is sure to be affected whether you're planning on staying in the city or venturing out. Ahead, we've rounded up the service changes that will impact the city's subways, buses, train service, and more.
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MAP: The best spots to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Map via Google Maps/Macy’s

November 25, 2019

MAP: The best spots to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

It's almost time for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and with 2.5 miles of public viewing areas along the route this year, anyone eager to claim a good spot should be able to with a little planning. This interactive map put together by the parade organizers outlines the stretches that have the best views as well as all the areas that will be restricted to the public. The map also notes where you can find essentials like restrooms, coffee, and food.
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Where to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation

Image by Phil Roeder via Flickr

November 22, 2019

Where to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation

If you can’t get enough of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, you can extend the festivities by attending the yearly Balloon Inflation event that takes place the day before Thanksgiving. On Wednesday, November 27 you’ll be able to see the balloons come to life as they get filled with helium outside the Museum of Natural History. It’s the perfect opportunity to get a first glimpse of the five new balloons debuting this year, including Love Flies Up to the Sky by artist Yayoi Kusama in partnership with Macy’s Blue Sky Gallery series.
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Festive facts and figures about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Opening of the parade; photo courtesy of Macy’s, Inc

November 15, 2019

Festive facts and figures about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

It's turkey time! The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade hits the streets of Manhattan for the 93rd time on Thursday, Nov. 28. Since 1924, the parade has kicked off the holiday season each year with balloons, live performances, and a sense of cheer. If you're going to be one of 50 million people watching the festivities from home, or joining the crowd of 3.5 million people attending, there are a ton of fun facts and figures to know ahead of time. From the number of marching band members (2,793) to the hours of work put in by Macy's team pre-parade (50,000), learn the ins and outs of one of NYC's greatest celebrations, by the numbers.
The full rundown

Events & Things To Do

10 things you didn’t know about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Photo courtesy of Macy’s, Inc.

November 13, 2019

10 things you didn’t know about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Lucie Levine

Since New York City invented the Holiday Season as we know it, it’s only fitting that this city kicks things off in fine form. Thankfully, the good folks at Macy’s have been doing just that since 1924, when they sent the very first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade sauntering down Broadway. The Parade has been synonymous with Thanksgiving for more than 90 years, and it has more secrets up its sleeve than it has balloons in the air. From “balloonatics” and “falloons” to the only time in history the parade was canceled, here are 10 things you might not know about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Float on!

13 places to volunteer in NYC this holiday season

Photo by Rommel Demano for God’s Love We Deliver

November 11, 2019

13 places to volunteer in NYC this holiday season

By Michelle Cohen

The winter holiday season is a time of overflowing bounty for so many. While giving thanks and exchanging gifts, it's a fine opportunity to share the wealth, good cheer–and extra time off–with fellow New Yorkers in need. There are hundreds of ways to volunteer from now through the New Year (and beyond), and we've rounded up 13 ways to help this year, from meal delivery to serving Thanksgiving dinner to preparing your own putlock dish.
The list, this way

November 21, 2018

MAP: Where to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Michelle Cohen

There are 2.5 miles of public viewing along the parade route in NYC; this interactive map can help you find a great spot instead of getting lost in the crowd. The map, from the fine folks behind the parade, outlines when the parade will pass by, which streets have the best public views (6th Avenue from West 59th to West 38th Streets gets the thumbs-up) and which ones are restricted, such as Central Park South at Columbus Circle. Also marked are all-important things like coffee, food, and restrooms.
More info, this way

Events & Things To Do

November 9, 2018

Goku, Little Cloud, and Netflix Elves: Meet the new balloons in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

With just under two weeks to go until the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes to the streets, preparations are in full swing. Earlier this week Macy’s revealed a series of new balloons that will be joining the cast of old favorites at this year’s event, as AM New York reports. Among them will be a giant rendition of Goku from Dragonball Z (towering over spectators at 70 feet long, 56 feet tall and 36 feet wide) and the first Netflix characters: Fleck, Bjorn, Jojo and Hugg, elves from the forthcoming movie “The Christmas Chronicles” which debuts on the streaming service on Thanksgiving Day.
There's more!

Events & Things To Do

November 21, 2017

What do New Yorkers search for on Thanksgiving? Bakeries, BBQ, and bowling alleys

By Michelle Cohen

You might be frantically putting the finishing touches on the Thanksgiving feast, stockpiling the “homemade” cookies you’ll bring for dessert, or making sure you’ve got the local pizza joint on speed dial, but Google News Lab knows what you’re up to, of course. Based on data from Google Maps and an analysis of the number of times people request directions to a location, you can find out how fellow New Yorkers (or Angelinos, or Baltimoreans) are planning to spend the precious hours of holiday weekend time.
More astonishing map facts this way

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November 24, 2016

Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into one of these innovative dishes (infographic)

By Diane Pham

We all know this scene well: You’ve finally woken from your Thanksgiving Day food coma, and you emerge from your bedroom and stumble into the kitchen looking for a midday snack. You swing open your fridge door only to find yourself faced with container after container full of leftovers. While another turkey leg in your stomach doesn’t sound so […]

Events & Things To Do

Felix the Cat 1927 – first balloon in Macy’s Parade

November 22, 2016

Felix the Cat, Macy’s first Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon, returns after 90 years

Felix the Cat 1927 – first balloon in Macy’s Parade In 1927, three years after its first incarnation, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade replaced its live animals with balloons designed by marionette maker Anthony Frederick Sarg and made by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company (more on that here). The first such animal-shaped balloon was Felix the Cat, and after a nearly 90-year hiatus, the Times reports that he's returning to the parade this year.
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America’s Top Thanksgiving Searches Are More ‘Tattoo Shops’ Than ‘Turkeys’

Infographic via CityLab

November 25, 2015

America’s Top Thanksgiving Searches Are More ‘Tattoo Shops’ Than ‘Turkeys’

The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line may get inundated with calls on Thanksgiving and the days leading up to the holiday, but when it comes to internet searches there are no turkeys in site. Google Maps analyzed Thanksgiving trends from the past three years to reveal some hilarious and unexpected topics. For example, the top national day-of search is "buffet restaurants," and in New York City specifically, Thanksgiving is apparently a day to find tattoo shops (matching ink for the whole family?). The folks over at CityLab compiled the data into two fun infographics that show the surprising priorities of Americans around the holiday.
More trends this way

Events & Things To Do

November 20, 2015

10 Unexpected and Affordable Host Gifts for Thanksgiving