A 4-Day Thanksgiving Weekend Itinerary for First-Timers in NYC (2025)
So, you have decided to spend Thanksgiving in New York City? That is a great choice. The city has a busy, exciting atmosphere during the holiday, caught right between the golden glow of autumn and the first sparkle of the Christmas season. For a first-timer, planning it all can feel like a big task, but this perfect 4-Day Thanksgiving weekend itinerary for NYC first-timers can help.
We have put together a game plan that mixes must-do activities with festive, only-in-November experiences to help you have a great long weekend.
A quick heads-up, holiday adventurers: NYC during Thanksgiving is very busy. Restaurant reservations and event tickets fill up fast. Always check the official websites for the most current 2025 info and book everything you can well in advance.
The Perfect 4-Day NYC Thanksgiving Itinerary (First-Timers)
Day 1: Thursday – Parade Day & a Classic Feast
Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
This is the big one—the main event of the weekend! Seeing those giant balloons and incredible floats make their way through Manhattan is a classic holiday experience. The key is to get there very early to get a good spot.
- Price: FREE
- Location: The route typically runs from Central Park West down to Macy’s Herald Square.
- Contact: https://www.macys.com/s/parade
- Pro Tip: For a slightly less chaotic view, find a spot on the Upper West Side along Central Park West. You need to be there by 6:30 AM to get a front-row view.
Enjoy a Thanksgiving Feast
After the parade, it is time for the big meal. Many NYC restaurants offer special prix-fixe Thanksgiving menus. A classic choice is Tavern on the Green, located right in Central Park.
- Price: $$$$
- Cuisine: American
- Location: Central Park West & 67th Street, New York
- Contact: https://www.tavernonthegreen.com | (212)-877-8684 for reservations
- Pro Tip: Thanksgiving reservations are some of the hardest to get in the city. You need to book this the second they become available online, often a month or more in advance.
Stroll Through Central Park
After your meal, take a late afternoon walk through Central Park. With most people indoors, the park has a uniquely peaceful atmosphere. It is a great way to walk off your big meal and enjoy the crisp fall air.
- Price: FREE
- Location: Central Park, Manhattan
- Contact: https://www.centralparknyc.org
- Pro Tip: Head to The Mall and Literary Walk for the well-known view with the beautiful elm trees.
See the First Christmas Lights
As evening arrives, many of the city’s Christmas decorations will be lit. Take a walk down Fifth Avenue or around Rockefeller Center to see the first holiday lights of the season.
- Price: FREE
- Location: Fifth Avenue between 59th St and 49th St.
- Pro Tip: This is a great way to get a sneak peek of the decorations before the huge crowds arrive for the official tree lighting.
Day 2: Friday – Shopping & Broadway Lights
Experience Black Friday in SoHo
Instead of braving the chaos at the big department stores, try a more curated shopping experience in SoHo. The cast-iron streets are filled with flagship stores and unique boutiques.
- Price: FREE (to browse)
- Location: SoHo neighborhood, especially Broadway and the surrounding streets.
- Pro Tip: Go in the morning before the crowds get too intense. Many stores offer their deals all day.
Refuel at Balthazar
After shopping, take a break at Balthazar, a classic French brasserie that feels quintessentially New York. Grabbing lunch or even just a coffee and a pastry here is a great way to rest your feet.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: French Brasserie
- Location: 80 Spring St, New York
- Contact: https://balthazarny.com | (212) 965-1414
- Pro Tip: If you cannot get a lunch reservation, try going mid-afternoon for a drink at the bar.
See a Broadway Show
A trip to NYC is not complete without seeing a Broadway show. Whether it is a huge hit like Wicked or a newer show, the experience is a great way to end a busy day.
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- Location: The Theater District, centered around Times Square.
- Contact: https://www.broadway.com
- Pro Tip: Book your tickets months in advance for the best prices and seats. For same-day discounts, try the TKTS booth in Times Square.
Experience Times Square at Night
After your show, take a moment to walk through Times Square. Seeing the massive, glowing billboards light up the night is a classic first-timer experience.
- Price: FREE
- Location: Times Square, Manhattan
- Pro Tip: The red stairs of the TKTS booth are a great spot to sit for a few minutes and take it all in from a slightly elevated view.
Day 3: Saturday – Iconic Views & Neighborhoods
See the City from Top of the Rock
For the best view of the skyline that includes the Empire State Building, head to the Top of the Rock. The panoramic views of Central Park and Manhattan are great, especially on a clear day.
- Price: $$$
- Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York
- Contact: https://www.topoftherocknyc.com | 212.698.2000 | info@rockefellercenter.com
- Pro Tip: Book a timed-entry ticket online in advance. The best time to go is about 45 minutes before sunset.
Explore Rockefeller Center
After your visit to the top, explore the area. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be up, the ice rink will be busy, and the impressive St. Patrick’s Cathedral is right across the street.
- Price: FREE
- Location: Rockefeller Plaza, New York
- Pro Tip: This is the heart of festive NYC and will be very crowded, so be prepared.
Wander Through the West Village
Escape the midtown crowds and head downtown to the West Village. Get lost in the leafy streets, admire the brownstones, and enjoy the neighborhood feel.
- Price: FREE
- Location: The neighborhood west of 6th Ave and south of 14th St.
- Pro Tip: Some of the most picturesque streets are Grove Street, Commerce Street, and Bedford Street.
Have Dinner at Via Carota
This popular Italian restaurant in the West Village is known for its incredible, rustic pasta dishes. It is a great spot for a satisfying and atmospheric dinner.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Italian
- Location: 51 Grove St, New York
- Contact: https://www.viacarota.com | ciao@viacarota.com
- Pro Tip: Walk-ins always welcome. Go early (around 5 PM) or late (after 9:30 PM) and put your name down, then grab a drink nearby while you wait.
Day 4: Sunday – Brooklyn Bridge & Farewell Brunch
Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
This is a true NYC bucket list item, and for good reason. You will want to start on the Brooklyn side and walk towards Manhattan to get the best views of the skyline.
- Price: FREE
- Location: Start at the pedestrian entrance on Tillary Street in Brooklyn.
- Pro Tip: Go early in the morning (around 8-9 AM) to avoid the large crowds that take over the walkway later in the day.
Explore DUMBO & Take the Famous Photo
After you cross into Brooklyn, you will be in the DUMBO neighborhood. This is where you can take that famous photo on Washington Street with the Manhattan Bridge framed between the buildings.
- Price: FREE
- Location: Washington Street between Front and Water Streets, Brooklyn.
- Pro Tip: There will likely be a line of people waiting to take the same photo, so be patient.
Grab a Slice at Juliana’s Pizza
Right under the Brooklyn Bridge is Juliana’s, opened by the original founder of Grimaldi’s. The coal-fired, thin-crust pizza is consistently ranked among the best in the city.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Pizza
- Location: 19 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Contact: http://julianaspizza.com | (718) 596-6700
- Pro Tip: Just so you know, they don’t take reservations, so expect to wait in line. Also, a key thing to remember is that the restaurant closes every day between 3:15 PM and 4:00 PM to prepare their famous coal oven, so you can’t get pizza during that time.
Have a Farewell Brunch at Sadelle’s
End your trip with a classic NYC brunch at Sadelle’s in SoHo. The restaurant is famous for its bagels, which are served on a tiered tower with smoked salmon and all the fixings.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: American / Jewish Deli
- Location: 463 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012
- Contact: https://www.sadelles.com | reservations@sadelles.com
- Pro Tip: Reservations are very hard to get and must be booked far in advance.
Decided to Dine Out for Thanksgiving?
If you are looking for more restaurant options for your big holiday meal, we have a full guide to help you choose.
Check out our list of the 20+ Best Restaurants for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dinner in NYC).
More…