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 to see 22 balloons, 33 floats, and 7 balloonicles.  Several new balloons are joining the parade this year, Minnie Mouse, arctic fox Noorah and Scout Elf, a Bronx Zoo float celebrating 125 years of the zoo, and a Rao's Homemade float with a Pasta Knight. 

In addition, see performances by Charli D’Amelio, Dan + Shay, Idina Menzel, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Coco Jones, Liza Colón-Zayas, The Temptations, T-Pain, and the New York Liberty with Ellie the Elephant! 

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

NYC is packed with holiday markets offering 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.

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. 

If you're having a side of stress with your stuffing and mashed potatoes, Chelsea's ARTECHOUSE has the answer. They're presenting a new immersive exhibit that strives to create a space of calm amid the chaos.

Tingle Bells: An ASMR-Inspired Holiday Special will debut Thursday, November 21, and run through Sunday, January 5; general admission tickets start at $25. Tickets are available on Thanksgiving weekend. Equal parts wonder and calm, the experience blends nostalgic holiday warmth with cutting-edge digital art. 

Tingle Bells was inspired by the powers of ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response), which is known for eliciting tingling sensations through auditory and visual stimuli. It's designed to be, "oddly satisfying," as event organizers explain. 

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.

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 start at $44.

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.