There is nothing more exciting than the start of the holiday season hustle and bustle in New York City. I’ve lived here my entire life, and I can tell you the magic never gets old. With so many festive things to see and do with kids, it’s the most magical time of the year. Regardless of your age, or where you are from, there is no better way to get into that spirit than a Thanksgiving weekend in NYC and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Thanksgiving Weekend in NYC – Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Whether you are out in the streets of NYC braving the elements to watch it in person, or sitting in your pj’s all toasty while following along on TV, there’s really nothing like watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade . Since I was I kid, I’ve never missed a year, and now with children of my own, that tradition continues. About five years ago, my family and I were fortunate enough to catch the action, from grandstand seats, right in the middle of 34th Street. It was a once in a lifetime experience that we will cherish forever. This annual brigade of giant balloons, floats, cheerleaders, clowns, marching bands, Broadway performances and celebs make this a essential part of a Thanksgiving weekend in NYC events!
This year, the 93rd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade will take place on Thanksgiving Day November 28th . If you’re in town during this time, I’ve got some great tips for you and your family.
Back in July, we took advantage of Hilton’s “Weekend Like A Local” package, during the July 4th holiday, where we got to experience summer fun in the City. Now that the Holiday season is here Hilton has loaded the package with plenty of holiday inspired savings. Hilton guests can choose from over 50 hotels around the city and save up to 50% off Sunday night when they stay three nights, plus guests get exclusive savings to city experiences. Discounts include: up to 20% off select shows of the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes® and Twas the Night Before Christmas by Cirque Du Soleil, 30% off Roundabout Theatre tickets and 15% off airport transfers with SuperShuttle,. Some additional offers are available from Unlimited Biking, Real New York Tours, Lombardi’s Pizza, Hornblower Cruises, Museum of Jewish Heritage and City Brew Tours.
Where To Stay During a Thanksgiving Weekend in NYC
As there’s no better way to start the season than with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, here are a few great hotel options near the parade route.
New York Hilton Midtown is located directly on the parade route, at the corner of West 54th Street and 6th Avenue, offering a premier vantage point for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. You can enjoy the festivities from their warm comfy guest rooms, overlooking the parade. Select from high or low floors and a variety of views. Don’t wait, because I bet the parade-view rooms are popular, and sell out.
Hilton Garden Inn/West 35th Street – Want to getting a little closer to the finale of the parade? Hilton Garden Inn at W35th Street, is right outside the final stop at Macy’s Herald Square.
Conrad New York Midtown – Formerly known as the The London, this all-suite hotel in Midtown Manhattan is set on a quiet side street surrounded by the best of New York City. Steps from Rockefeller Center, Museum of Modern Art, Fifth Avenue shopping, the Theater District, Central Park and Times Square are it’s the perfect base to explore!
Homewood Suites Midtown Manhattan – Conveniently located on the West Side of Manhattan, just one block from Times Square, the Homewood Suites by Hilton New York/Midtown Manhattan Times Square-South offers a contemporary hotel in the heart of The Big Apple. Guests at this all-suite NYC hotel can enjoy access to art galleries, theaters, music venues, world-class shopping, eclectic dining and nightlife within blocks of its front steps.
Hampton Inn Empire State Building and Hampton Inn Madison Square Garden: Hampton Inns are famous for their kid friendly, free daily breakfast making it easy to start your day with yummy waffles! Both hotels are located in Midtown Manhattan near top attractions including the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden.
DoubleTree Chelsea – This modern hotel in Midtown Manhattan’s artsy Chelsea neighborhood is 3 blocks from Madison Square Garden and Penn Station, and a 10-minute stroll from the Empire State Building.
Festive Activities During Thanksgiving Weekend in NYC!
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade starts at West 77th St and Central Park West, and heads down to 34th Street to Macy’s Herald Square. If you want to snag the best views in town, my tip would be to head further uptown on the route. There’s always more room on the sidelines there, and if the weather doesn’t cooperate that year, the parade will route may be modified and cut short.
See the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall – There’s no place like the Great Stage to see a show! Now as the Official Hotel Partner of the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes® , you can enjoy exclusive discounts when you book with Hilton!
See Santa – What’s Christmas without seeing Santa. While Santa can be found all around NYC during November and December, Santa at ABC Home and Carpet is certainly one of our favorites. Make sure to get there early, because the line has been known to wrapped around all the way to Park Avenue.
Enjoy Twas the Night Before Christmas by Cirque Du Soleil –At the doorstep of Madison Square Garden, the World’s Most Famous Arena, lives the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. This intimate venue is the perfect location to catch concert, enjoy a live sporting event or laugh with your favorite comedian and now as the Official Hotel Partner for Twas the Night Before Christmas by Cirque Du Soleil, guests can enjoy exclusive discounts!
Ice Skating At Rockefeller Center – The Rink at Rockefeller Center is a New York City staple that everyone can enjoy. This has become an annual tradition for my family and me!
Take advantage of Black Friday deals – Macy’s Herald Square is the flagship of the Macy’s department store chain andis located on Herald Square in Manhattan, New York City. Select Hilton hotels will offer guests special discounts to make their savings even better. This shopping destination is surely not to be missed!
Grab a hot coco at City Bakery – City Bakery is a neighborhood bakery with a worldwide reputation. A neighborhood joint and a destination for bakery lovers from around the world. City Bakery made organic ingredients staple, was locavore before the word existed and created hot chocolate that changed how hot chocolate is made everywhere.
Have a night at the ballet! A tradition my girls and I have been doing for years is seeing the New York City Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. This magical 1954 production, set to Tchaikovsky’s incredible score, includes the full New York City Ballet company and two casts of School of American Ballet students; all complete with an onstage blizzard and a Christmas tree that grows from 12 to 40 feet!It’s beyond enchanting to say the least.
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