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Headed to The Big Apple for a holiday feast and festivities? Here’s what you need to see and do while you’re there.
While some folks enjoy the comforts of home around Thanksgiving, others like to take advantage of the time off and get in a festive mood with a visit to New York City. From the iconic parade to pop-up shops to turkey dinners (without the dirty dishes), here’s where to shop, what to do, and where to eat during your stay in New York City.
Bryant Park’s Winter Village: Just steps from Park Terrace Hotel, you’ll find the Winter Village at Bryant Park, which includes a free-admission ice skating rink (skate time and rentals can be reserved in advance online); an après-skate escape where you can sip on festive cocktails, grab a bite to eat, and watch ice skaters; and the Holiday Shops by Urbanspace Markets where over 180-plus merchants fill an open-air market. Plus, the park’s annual tree lighting will take place on November 28, in case you’re planning to stay after Thanksgiving.
Fifth Avenue: Stroll along this bustling avenue to browse high-end boutiques like Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino as well as popular stores such as H&M and Anthropologie, some of which get decked out for the holidays with twinkling light displays.
Grand Central Holiday Fair: One of the longest running indoor holiday fairs in New York City, this market in the Vanderbilt Hall wing of Grand Central Terminal features different local vendors selling everything from Christmas ornaments to original artwork.
Union Square Holiday Market: Get an early start on your holiday gift buying and shop hundreds of items like jewelry, sweets, and cozy accessories made by local craftsmen and artists at this popular market located on 14th Street.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Many visitors travel to NYC at this time of year to line the streets of Manhattan in order to watch the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This iconic holiday tradition continues to capture the imagination of kids and adults alike. Remember to snag your curbside spot early and bundle up, as it’s usually pretty chilly. Also, on the day before Thanksgiving, you can catch the balloons being inflated outside of the American Museum of Natural History.
The Radio City Rockettes: Kick off your holiday season with the Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Like the Thanksgiving Day parade, this show is a classic NYC activity that is a holiday must-do. The show starts at the beginning of November and runs until January 1.
Rockefeller Center: Although the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center doesn’t take place until after Thanksgiving, you can still take in the plaza’s festive decorations, shops, eateries, and ice skating at The Rink. Or head up to the Top of the Rock for stunning views of the city.
Central Park: Celebrate Thanksgiving by visiting The Pilgrim on top of Pilgrim Hill in Central Park. This acclaimed work of art, sculpted by John Quincy Adams Ward, depicts one of the pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620. The inscription on the pedestal reads, “To commemorate the Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers on Plymouth Rock: December 21, 1620.“
Empire State Building: Visiting this iconic NYC landmark is a magical experience anytime of year, but during the holiday season ornaments, wreaths, and bows add extra sparkle to the observatory experience. From Nov. 28 through Dec. 30, visitors who pass through the Fifth Avenue lobby will hear festive holiday tunes performed by pianists. Plus, the Empire State Building’s tower lights shine with dedicated lightings for Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
La Pecora Bianca: Gather for a holiday feast at La Pecora Bianca’s Bryant Park location, connected to Park Terrace Hotel. The restaurant is serving up a special Thanksgiving menu that includes Italian classics as well as roasted turkey with mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and glazed carrots, a selection of pizza (perfect for picky eaters), and desserts like tiramisu and olive oil cake.
Bryant Park Grill: Located in the popular green space, just outside the Park Terrace Hotel, this restaurant celebrates the holiday with a three-course prix fixe feast that includes a choice of menu items such as roasted honey pumpkin soup, roasted duck breast, and Hudson Valley apple pie.
Le Rock: This Rockefeller Center spot is serving up a four-course menu for Thanksgiving that includes breads; a choice of chicory salad or sunchokes; beef tenderloin, halibut, or chou farci; and profiteroles or sticky toffee pudding.
Ready for your next getaway? Jump-start your future travel plans during our annual Cyber Sale! For a limited time only, receive up to 30% off our best available rates when you book by November 29.
And ‘tis the season—the ballots are open for Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards and Park Terrace Hotel has been nominated! Through February, vote for your favorite travel experiences and get automatically entered for a chance to win a $15,000 cash prize from T+L. Look for Park Terrace Hotel in the Hotels category in New York.
