Thanksgiving is the favorite tradition of most Americans . This year it will take place on Thursday November 23rd and it is a public holiday . So if you have planned trips, check the websites beforehand to see what the opening times are. This festival represents family and good food. Americans traditionally spend the whole day with their families, cooking, eating and having a lot of fun together.
But what can you do if you don't have any friends or relatives with whom you can spend the day in New York? As always, there are many opportunities in the city of opportunity to become part of the Thanksgiving festivities and get to know a piece of American culture. Many New Yorkers also take the Friday after (which is the famous “ Black Friday ”) as a bridge day off, so there will also be a lot going on in the city on Thanksgiving evening . We give you a few ideas for what you can experience Thanksgiving in New York.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
New York is known for its amazing parades for special occasions. The city also offers you the opportunity to watch a particularly great parade on Thanksgiving . And it is part of one of the biggest parades. 3.5 million people fill the streets of New York to catch a glimpse of the event. The parade has been around since 1924 and features giant balloons in the shape of well-known cartoon characters, thousands of dancers and cheerleaders, as well as various musical groups. It's a unique experience that you shouldn't miss!
It should be said that you should like parades or have your children with you and want to offer them something special . Maybe you'll be lucky and the parade will pass right by your hotel and you'll have the perfect view. If this is not the case, pack a bag with drinks and food and come as early as possible to secure a spot where you have the chance to see something. And by early we recommend around 6 a.m., although the parade won't start until 9 a.m.
So it's worth the wait and the night before you can watch the giant balloons being prepared at the American Museum of Natural History (between 77th and 81st Streets between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West) .
The parade runs along the following route.
A delicious Thanksgiving dinner
Some New Yorkers don't like cooking that much and prefer to eat out instead. Many restaurants have adapted to this and are offering a special Thanksgiving option. However, most fast food restaurants and smaller restaurants are closed on this day so that employees can spend the day with their families.
However, the classic American diners and high-class restaurants are almost all open and you have a large selection of where you can reserve a table. By the way, you can't reserve a table in a diner in advance, but in almost all of them you will find the option to order a traditional Thanksgiving menu, which includes roast turkey , mashed potatoes and vegetables . In the very high-class restaurants there is also a Thanksgiving menu, which, however, does not always contain the classic composition, but you can also find individual interpretations of the cuisine.
Here are a few recommendations for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner : Balthazar, Café Luxembourg, Gotham Bar and Grill, Maialino, Boulud Sud, Craft, Locande Verde, Morton's, Eleven Madison Park, Union Square Café, The Breslin, Le Coq Rico, Bubby's and many more.
If you're already familiar with the city and have a favorite restaurant, check out the website or send an email and ask if there's a special meal planned for Thanksgiving.
Shopping on Black Friday
Another American tradition is to go shopping on Thanksgiving or the day after, Black Friday . Many stores are open Thursday night and you can join the crowds and get the best deals of the year. However, you need a lot of stamina and have to be able to cope with the stress of shopping. If you are one of those who would rather avoid such a shopping experience; There are also lots of offers online and a bit of bragging rights for you: Black Friday gets its name from the fact that this is the day when stores finally get into the black and make a profit for the entire year.
And one final recommendation…movies on Thanksgiving
If the weather isn't great, or you just want to take a day off from the hustle and bustle of the city, then watch a film. There is a particularly great television program on this day. However, it's all in English and you might be surprised at how often commercials are played. Alternatively, you can also reserve tickets for a cinema film. But here too, all films are shown in English and without German subtitles. Please keep this in mind if you are planning a visit to the cinema in New York . :)