What’s Open and Closed on Thanksgiving in NYC This 2025
Thanksgiving in New York City is a special time of year, marked by bustling streets, an air filled with excitement, and many businesses adjusting their hours to celebrate the occasion. If you’re in the Big Apple on Thursday, November 27th, 2025, it’s important to know what’s open and closed. This guide will help you navigate your way through the city on Thanksgiving Day.
What’s Open on Thanksgiving Day in NYC?
Though Thanksgiving is a major holiday, there are still plenty of places to explore and things to do in New York City.
Major Attractions
- Empire State Building
- Top of the Rock
- One World Observatory
- Edge Observation Deck
- Summit One Vanderbilt
- 9/11 Memorial
- Bike Rentals and Tours
- Ice Skating
- Circle Line Cruises
- Helicopter Tours
Major Museums
- Madame Tussauds
- RiseNY
- National Museum of the American Indian
- American Museum of Natural History
Broadway Shows
- Chicago
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- No other Broadway shows are running on Thanksgiving Day.
Public Transport & Shops
- Public Transportation (Running on a modified schedule)
- Macy’s
- Woodbury Common Outlet
- Empire Outlets
Restaurants
- Many restaurants remain open, offering a chance to indulge in Thanksgiving dinners. You can also find food options at local diners or food joints.
What’s Closed on Thanksgiving?
Although the city still has plenty to offer, several attractions and places close for the holiday.
Notable Closures
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
- Rockefeller Christmas Tree
- All major museums (except select ones like Madame Tussauds)
- Macy’s Department Store
- MoMA
- The Met
- Guggenheim
- Intrepid Museum
Sports
- No professional sports games are scheduled for Thanksgiving Day.
Shopping and Black Friday Deals
While many stores and supermarkets are closed on Thanksgiving, some smaller stores, such as pharmacies and bodegas, will remain open. If you’re hoping to score a deal, you’ll want to wait until Black Friday, when stores open early with big discounts and deals.
Getting Around NYC on Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day in New York is one of the busiest days of the year. Due to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, traffic congestion is inevitable, particularly in the morning hours. Public transport, however, is a great option, although keep in mind that the subway and buses will run on a modified schedule. Walking may also be your best option to avoid delays.
What Happens on Thanksgiving in the U.S.?
In the U.S., Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to gather and enjoy a large meal. Most businesses, government offices, and banks close for the day, so many Americans spend time at home relaxing or watching the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Later in the day, football games are a popular way to pass the time.
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