16 Things To Do in NYC After Your Thanksgiving Dinner (2025)

Julie Anne L.
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The turkey has been eaten, the last slice of pie is gone, and that sleepy, full feeling is starting to set in. Instead of collapsing on the couch, you can keep the festive energy going and explore the city. Thanksgiving night in New York is a great time to be out—the crowds have thinned, and the first holiday lights are twinkling. If you are wondering what your options are, this guide to things to do in NYC after your thanksgiving meal is your perfect game plan.  From light displays to cozy nightcaps, here is how to walk off that feast and make the most of a special evening.

Holiday hours and event details can change. It’s always a wise move to check official websites or social media pages for the most current schedules and any required ticket info before you head out.

What to Do in NYC After Thanksgiving Dinner 

1. See the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show

The entire front of the Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store transforms into a large spectacle of lights and music. The show runs every 10 minutes and is a great way to kick off the holiday season.

  • Price: FREE
  • Location: 611 5th Ave, New York
  • Contact: https://www.saksfifthavenue.com | (212) 753-4000
  • Good For: Seeing the first official sparkle of the Christmas season with much lighter crowds.

2. Go Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

Photo via The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Gliding across the ice under the glow of the Prometheus statue is a classic NYC holiday activity. The rink is open on Thanksgiving evening, making for a memorable skate.

3. Stroll Through a Peaceful Central Park

Photo via Will Johansen Photography (@wcj34photos) • Instagram

After a big meal, a walk is exactly what you need. On Thanksgiving evening, Central Park is uniquely quiet. The paths are softly lit, and you can enjoy the crisp autumn air.

  • Price: FREE
  • Location: Central Park, Manhattan
  • Contact: https://www.centralparknyc.org 
  • Good For: A relaxing walk. Enter at 59th Street and stroll up The Mall and Literary Walk for classic scenery.

4. Admire the Holiday Window Displays on Fifth Avenue

Before the Black Friday crowds arrive, take a leisurely stroll down Fifth Avenue. The holiday window displays at stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Saks will be in their full glory.

  • Price: FREE
  • Location: Fifth Avenue between 59th St and 49th St, Manhattan.
  • Pro Tip: Start at Bergdorf’s at 58th Street and walk downtown to see all the best displays with smaller crowds.

5. See the City Sparkle from the Top of the Rock

The view from the Top of the Rock is great any time, but seeing the city lights on a crisp holiday evening is extra special. You get an unobstructed view of the Empire State Building and Manhattan.

  • Price: $$$
  • Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York
  • Contact: https://www.topoftherocknyc.com | (877) 692-7625
  • Pro Tip: Book a timed-entry ticket for later in the evening (after 8 PM) for a less crowded experience.

6. Catch a Late Movie at an Iconic Theater

Many movie theaters are open on Thanksgiving evening. Make it special by seeing a film at a historic spot like the Village East by Angelika, with its beautiful interior.

7. Grab a Nightcap at a Cozy Bar

Photo via The Campbell (@thecampbellnyc) • Instagram

Find a warm, dimly lit bar for a post-dinner drink. A classic spot like The Campbell, located in Grand Central Terminal, offers a grand, historic setting that feels special during the holidays.

  • Price: $$$
  • Cuisine: Cocktail Bar
  • Location: 15 Vanderbilt Ave, New York (inside Grand Central)
  • Contact: https://www.thecampbellnyc.com | (917) 209-3440
  • Pro Tip: The dress code is smart casual, so it is a great excuse to stay dressed up after your dinner.

8. See the Glow of Times Square

Yes, it is touristy, but there is a different energy in Times Square on Thanksgiving night. It is still bright and busy, but the crowds are noticeably smaller, allowing you to actually take it all in.

  • 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 get the best vantage point for photos.

9. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge at night offers some of the most impressive views of the lit-up Manhattan skyline. With fewer people around, it is a truly peaceful and memorable experience.

  • Price: FREE
  • Location: Start at the pedestrian entrance near City Hall Park in Manhattan.
  • Pro Tip: Start on the Manhattan side and walk towards Brooklyn so you are always facing the best part of the skyline.

10. Explore the Winter Village at Bryant Park

The holiday market and ice rink at Bryant Park are typically in full swing by Thanksgiving. You can wander through the glowing holiday shops and grab a hot chocolate from a vendor.

  • Price: FREE (to enter and browse)
  • Location: 42nd Street and 6th Avenue, New York
  • Contact: https://bryantpark.org/activities/bank-of-america-winter-village-at-bryant-park
  • Good For: A festive, European-style market experience.

11. Catch a Late Comedy Show

Keep the laughs going at a classic comedy club. The Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village is famous and often has late shows on holidays.

  • Price: $$
  • Location: 117 MacDougal St, New York
  • Contact: https://www.comedycellar.com | (212) 254-3480
  • Pro Tip: You must make a reservation online in advance, as this famous club always sells out.

12. Listen to Live Jazz in the West Village

Settle into a historic jazz club for some live music. A spot like the Blue Note often has late sets and provides an intimate, atmospheric setting for a post-dinner drink.

  • Price: $$-$$$
  • Location: 131 W 3rd St, New York
  • Contact: https://www.bluenotejazz.com/nyc | (212) 475-8592
  • Pro Tip: Book your tickets online ahead of time. It is a small venue, and seats fill up quickly.

13. See the Lights at Hudson Yards

The Shine Bright display at Hudson Yards features over 2 million twinkling lights. The entire complex is decked out in an impressive, modern light display.

14. Enjoy a Quiet Drink in a Historic Bar

Photo via McSorley’s Old Ale House (@mcsorleysoldalehouse) • Instagram

Find a corner in one of the city’s oldest bars. McSorley’s Old Ale House, with its sawdust-covered floors, offers an authentic and atmospheric experience.

  • Price: $
  • Cuisine: Bar
  • Location: 15 E 7th St, New York
  • Contact: @mcsorleysoldalehouse
  • Pro Tip: It is cash only. There are only two choices of beer: light or dark. Order one of each and soak in the history.

15. Wander Through a Picturesque Neighborhood

After the Thanksgiving hustle, take a quiet stroll through a beautiful residential neighborhood like the West Village or Brooklyn Heights. The streets are calm, the brownstones are beautiful, and you can often see festive lights starting to appear.

  • Price: FREE
  • Location: West Village, Manhattan or Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
  • Good For: A peaceful and relaxing evening walk.

16. See the Union Square Holiday Market

The Union Square Holiday Market is another popular European-style market that is usually open by Thanksgiving evening. It is a great place to browse unique gifts from local artisans.

Planning Your Full Thanksgiving Trip to NYC?

This guide is great for your Thanksgiving evening, but if you need a plan for the whole long weekend, we have you covered.

Check out our complete guide for a great first-time visit: A 4-Day Thanksgiving Weekend Itinerary for First-Timers in NYC.

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