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Thanksgiving in New York City: Unforgettable Fun!
Spending Thanksgiving in New York City will provide you with an
unforgettable, wonderful holiday. The spirit of the big apple really comes alive during the holiday season, and Thanksgiving in no exception.
After living in New York City for my whole life, I have the advantage of recommending the best events to attend, great tips to enhance your day, and secret discounts to reduce your expenses! Here are my picks for the best ways to enjoy the big apple at Thanksgiving!
ANNUAL MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
Thanksgiving in New York City would not be complete without watching the parade!! The Thanksgiving Day parade is, without a doubt, my favorite holiday tradition. Each Thanksgiving morning when I wake up to go, I experience the same feeling of excitement…it never changes! It’s great to watch the parade on television, but there is nothing quite like seeing it live. It’s something that you won’t soon forget. Make a commitment to see it at least once in your lifetime.
You’ll enjoy gigantic helium character balloons, fantasy-filled floats, marching bands, clowns, special guest stars, and more. It begins at 77th Street and Central Park West, travels down 7th Avenue, turns east to 6th Avenue where it arrives at 42 Street, and ends at Macy’s at Herald Square.
This year’s giant balloons include Hello Kitty, Buzz Lightyear, Sponge Bob Square Pants, Dora the Explorer, and Spider Man. Floats will include Sesame Street, My Princess Academy, and Woodland Family Gathering. Santa Claus ends the parade as always, but he will be riding a brand new sled this year.
When: The parade takes place on Thursday, November 24, beginning at 9:00 AM until 12:00 pm. For more information call 212-494-4495 or click here.
WHAT TO BRING AND WHERE TO WATCH
To see this parade properly takes great strategy. I’m not kidding. Thousands upon thousands of people show up for this event, so getting a good view is key. Lucky for you, I’ve been watching this parade for years and have developed my own modus operandi.
Tip 1: Assuming it’s cold, DRESS VERY WARMLY and in many layers. Be sure to bring a hat and gloves and wear very, very, very comfortable shoes.
Tip 2: Bring a small step stool or ladder. A ladder is best. Yup, you read it correctly. Given that there are throngs and dense layers of people; height is optimal for a good view. If you are 2 year’s old you can simply sit on your dad’s shoulders. The BEST way to get a good view is to bring a small ladder. Don’t worry—no one will laugh at you—they’ll be jealous.
Tip 3: Assuming that it’s very cold, bring a thermos with hot chocolate or tea. You’ll be really glad you did.
Tip 4: Watch the parade in the upper 30s or 40s (I’m referring to the street locations). Why? Given that there are so many residential buildings and kids in the 60s and 70s, there tends to be more families. I’ve always had more luck with actually seeing the parade in the 40s.
Tip 5: Another great place to view the parade is from inside the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle. Head to the second and third balconies of "The Shops at Columbus Circle" and you'll enjoy a great view. The shops don't open until 9 am but don't worry, the parade will not have arrived at your spot yet. If it's cold out, you'll also enjoy the warmth of being inside.
Tip 6 Enjoying this parade will make your Thanksgiving in New York City, perfect! Top it off with a special hot chocolate after the parade!
WATCH THE PARADE BALLOONS INFLATE UP CLOSE!
Another ‘must do’ is to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade’s famous giant helium parade balloons get inflated. It is a New York City tradition! It takes place the night before the parade on Wednesday, November 23.
Watch the giant character come to life before your eyes. Go behind-the scenes and have fun! If you can't make it to the parade, this is a great option!
Where: 77th and 81 Sts, bet Central Park West and Columbus Avenue When: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, But get there at 5:00 PM!
LOOKING FOR A RESTAURANT FOR YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER?
Looking for a delicious, high quality but affordable Thanksgiving dinner in New York City? Look no further. Check out this fantastic list.
THE HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden has delighted families for untold years. Every time my sister visits from Washington, DC, she insists that we see the train show, AGAIN. It has become a beloved family outing…and for good reason. Yes, Thanksgiving in New York City is not complete without a visit to this superb botanical wonder!
The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is transformed into an enchanted world featuring an amazing array of New York City landmarks, museums, ballparks, bridges, and homes, constructed by natural materials such as twigs, leaves, barks pinecones, gourds, and other things. You'll enjoy awe-inspiring replicas of the Statue of Liberty, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ellis Island and Radio City Music Hall. Traveling through this botanical menagerie are more than a dozen large-scale model trains including steam engines, circus cars, freight cars, high speed trains and more. You’ll watch them traverse this magical landscape, chugging into tunnels, traveling bridges, and sweeping under waterfalls.
TIP 1: This is the most important and only tip. Get there first thing in the morning! Given that this is such a popular event, arriving first thing ensures you a spot in the parking lot and an enjoyable visit to the train show. Where: The New York Botanical Garden, 200th Street and Kazimiroff Boulevard, Bronx When: November 19, 2011 through January 16, 2012. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.
For additional information click here.
Discounts:
Free all day Wednesday and before noon on Saturday.
Become a member! A $120 family membership includes admission for 2 adults and children under the age of 16, 8 free parking passes, 4 free guest passes, and it’s all tax deductable. There are man other member packages available.
A holiday, fantasy classic that music be seen by everyone at least once. I’ve seen it at least 10 times—no joke—and will see it again this year. Who can get enough of the marching toy soldiers, the adorable mice, the sugar plum fairy, the dreamy snowstorm, the awesome sets, the giant Christmas tree, and, of course Tchaikovsky’s transporting music? It’s an unforgettable experience that is sure to mesmerize everyone! Enjoying The Nutcracker during your Thanksgiving in New York City, or any other time, will make it a perfect day.
Where: Lincoln Center of the Performing Arts When: November 25, 2011 through December 31, 2012 Discounts:
-Group discounts of 20 and more. It’s worth getting a group together for this!
-School Tix Program offers discount tickets to students and teachers.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 212-870-4071 or Click here.
THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
You can't spend Thanksgiving in New York City without enjoying the Radio City Spectacular! Experience the world-famous Radio City Rockette's signature eye high kicks and precision choreography in multiple show stopping numbers!
Where: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, 212-307-1000. When: November 11, 2011 through January 2, 2012 Information:Click here for more information. Discounts:
1) Click here for my huge list of theater discount resources!
2) Watch my blog for discount updates!
3) Goldstar offers lots of discounts to this show.
4) Check out discounts at School Tix.
5) Join Play by Play for $109 per year, and tickets are just $4!
6) Use your AAA card (Automobile Association of America) by using code AAANOV and save $15 on tickets to select performances.
7) Use code BBNOV to save 25% on select performances through December 9.
8) Get discounted tickets at Score Big!
9) Mention code "MNR" when you order full-price tickets to select performances, and for each select ticket you purchase you'll save $10 and receive a FREE round-trip rail ticket on Metro-North Railroad, good for off-peak travel to/from your boarding station and Grand Central Terminal.
10) Get two-for-one tickets on select tickets and performances by using code MCDC online, in person, or by calling 866-858-0777.
EASY TRANSPORTATION DURING THANKSGIVING IN NEW YORK CITY
By Foot: Use your handy street map and follow the easiest route to your outing. Thanksgiving in New York City is a wonderful time to walk. There is so much to see and take in. Enjoy!
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