We have a lot to be grateful for this year – vaccines allowing family get-togethers in person, the promise of maskless travel in the future, travel anywhere (soon), and more. In addition to having a traditional Thanksgiving dinner as a way to celebrate, here are some ways to enjoy this special weekend holiday.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park © Angelito Jusay
No, I’m not talking about that maniacal event known as Black Thursday nor its diabolical cousin Cyber Monday. I want you, instead, to visit the magical outdoor holiday markets that are springing up all over New York City. There you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts, handicrafts and holiday treats to warm the spirit, all while supporting the small businesses that give character to the Big Apple. It’s worth a trip to NYC to cover off your shopping needs. While you’re there, take in a play or musical on Broadway. Broadway’s back with 39 or more shows open now for your enjoyment.
You can get a head start on your holiday shopping at these four crowd favorites:
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park © Angelito Jusay
Shop, skate and refresh at this market curated by UrbanSpace. Already in full swing, the conveniently located market welcomes visitors of all ages. Skating is free (although you’ll need to bring your own skates or rent ones there) so you can save up to buy your gifts and hot chocolate instead.
Courtesy Grand Central Terminal
Convenient for commuters, the booths in Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal will again sell a mix of gift items, beginning November 15.
Courtesy Union Square Holiday Market
Opening November 18 but closed on Thanksgiving Day, the market is filled with stalls selling adorable clothing, handmade candles, one-of-a-kind jewelry and more.
Courtesy Grand Holiday Bazaar
The outdoor flea market at West 77th Street and Columbus Avenue gets decked out in its holiday finery starting November 24. Open only on Sundays, the market is the granddaddy of the city’s fleas and also features drinks and treats to keep you warm while you shop.
Courtesy Macy's
New York City’s annual Halloween Parade set the tone for welcoming floats and revelers back to the streets of the city after a year in absentia. Equally missing last year (except for the participants in the parade itself), Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade returns with a flourish this year. You can prepare for it by watching the Balloon Inflation by the American Museum of Natural History on Central Park West on November 24 and then make the decision whether to attend the parade in person on Thanksgiving or watch on TV in the cozy warmth of your home.
To view the balloons as they come to life, stop by the inflation fete between the hours of 12 Noon and 6pm in the vicinity of West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue for check-in. Then head to 77th street where the event happens. Dress warmly, as the lines can be quite long, and this year you’ll need to show ID’s and proof of vaccination.
The 95th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade itself happens on November 25 from 9am-noon. You can watch the floats, bands and performances at home if you’re not in NYC. Click here for full details.
Courtesy Sur La Table
Are you a budding mixologist? It’s time to perfect your skills for Thanksgiving and for the holiday season to come. In preparation for your in-person parties, Sur La Table invites you to a virtual class to teach you libation creations that will wow as well as refresh. You’ll learn to make a holiday-inspired Negroni, a seasonal Holiday Punch and a fruity-peppery shrub that’s certain to impress. You’ll receive all the ingredients you need prior to the class you’ll be sampling as you go. How fun is that!
If you’d prefer to show off your cooking prowess, they also offer a full range of food classes to complement your liquid talents.
Courtesy Cricket’s Candy Creations
Cricket’s Candy Creations makes sure that kids are well entertained on Thanksgiving weekend. Also worthy of a trip to Manhattan, the TriBeCa craft studio invites all ages to learn how to make inventive and sometimes crazy candy creations. Some of the fun activities include making your own delicious edible slime at the Slime Studio, creating candy versions of sushi and hamburgers in the Candy Kitchen or fingerpainting your way to edible creations at the Lickable Fingerpaint Gallery.