The NYC Thanksgiving Guide
The inside scoop to view the Macy's Day Parade, This Oak House shares her top (genius) hosting tips, and some other ideas for the long holiday weekend.
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Macy’s Day Parade Balloon Inflation: Wednesday, November 26. Lines can start as early as 12–1 p.m., when crowds are typically lightest. For the full “wow” experience and more fully inflated balloons, arrive later in the afternoon, around 4 p.m. Inflation ends at 6 p.m., and all visitors must be through security by then. Enter at 72nd & Columbus and follow the designated viewing path around the Museum of Natural History. Expect heavy crowds and full security screening, so pack light, dress warmly, bring snacks, and avoid strollers. The loop takes about 45 minutes, and the easiest exits are 82nd–86th Streets.
Macy’s Day Parade: The best viewing spots are Central Park West (60th–70th Streets) for wide balloon views, Central Park South for slightly lighter crowds, and 6th Avenue (40s–50s) for roomy streets and great sight lines. Avoid Herald Square and Columbus Circle. Arrive by 6 a.m. (prime areas fill by 7 a.m.) and dress much warmer than you think. Parade starts at 8:30 a.m. Bring snacks, warm drinks, HotHands, some entertainment and a comfy seat. Avoid large bags and strollers. Here’s a detailed map of the route.
Zootopia 2 hits theaters on November 26—I’m planning to take my kids for a weekend outing. For adults, Hamnet is also releasing over Thanksgiving weekend. I LOVED the book—it’s a haunting, beautifully written read—and highly recommend it before you see the movie.
Central Park Running is hosting a free Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 27 at 8 a.m., starting at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park—a four-mile run.
Also, the Queens Turkey Trot takes place on Saturday, November 29 in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. Participants can choose a 5K or Half Marathon, with proceeds supporting the Rolling Thunder special-needs running club.
If you’re looking to volunteer over the weekend, I love supporting God’s Love We Deliver—there are still a few spots available. Another great option is the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen.
One of my favorite follows on Instagram is Annie Meyers-Shyer of This Oak House. Annie has an impeccable eye and an extraordinary attention to detail. Following along feels like watching a masterclass in decorating, accessorizing, and hosting. Her content is inspirational, intentional, and beautifully considered. Below, Annie shares her top Thanksgiving hosting tips with us, all filtered through her signature, meticulous, and effortlessly elegant style.
“I love the holidays, and Thanksgiving always feels like the true beginning of the season. The day after, we put up our tree and make hot turkey sandwiches with all the leftovers, which has become one of my favorite little traditions. This year I am hosting for the first time in This Oak House. It is only ten of us, but I could not be more excited. Here are my top tips for hosting.”
“Temper your expectations: Hosting Thanksgiving truly takes a full week of preparation, from shopping and cooking to cleaning and setting the table. Give yourself permission to plan ahead and accept that it is a lot of work, even when it looks effortless.”
“Calibrate your oven: Before you cook anything, have your oven calibrated. Most oven repair or appliance service companies can do this quickly, and accurate temperatures make all the difference for roasting and baking.”
“Outsource generously: People want to bring things, so let them. Assign desserts, sides, or appetizers, and focus your energy on the main event. Thanksgiving is about community, not perfection.”
“Keep it simple: You do not need to reinvent the wheel. The recipe on the back of the Ocean Spray cranberry bag is simple, classic, and delicious. There is no need to overcomplicate things. Make sure you are not testing a recipe for the first time on the big day.”
“Do an early pantry audit: A week before, check your basics. Make sure you have enough salt, olive oil, spices, foil, and parchment paper. These little items always run out at the wrong time.”
“Plan your table early: Set the table, or at least lay everything out, the night before. Having plates, napkins, serving pieces, and glassware ready removes stress the day of.”
“Make a prep schedule: Have ChatGPT help build a schedule and marketing list for you. It will write out everything you plan to cook and when each step will happen. Include thawing times, prep, resting times, and oven space. A written schedule keeps you sane.”
“Use your slow cooker or warming drawer: These are lifesavers for keeping sides warm while the turkey finishes or rests. You can keep mashed potatoes or stuffing perfectly hot without drying out.”
“Do not skip breakfast: Eat something early, even if it is small. You will feel calmer and more steady before the long day of cooking and hosting begins.”
“Create a cozy atmosphere: Light candles, put on music, and keep drinks accessible. A warm and inviting space makes guests feel at ease and helps you enjoy the day too.”
“Have takeout containers ready: Stock up on simple to go containers so you can send everyone home with leftovers. It keeps your fridge clear and makes your guests so happy.”
“Remember the goal: The best gatherings are about connection, not perfect timing or flawless dishes. If something burns or the turkey needs extra time, it is still Thanksgiving.”
Thank you for sharing your recommendations, Annie!
If you missed it, last week’s newsletter featured some of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes. Also, here’s the NYC Holiday Newsletter—a great reference to start thinking about all things holiday!
I also loved this newsletter from Caroline on her Thanksgiving gameplan
If you’re very behind on Thanksgiving prep and want to order in, I’d recommend Bubby’s or Frenchette. They both have Thanksgiving take-out packages.
Is it just me, or have advent calendar options gotten really great over the past few years? Is it excessive to get one for each child? Yes—but I might do it anyway. We had this one last year, and by the end of December, we were pretty full of jam and toast… but it was still so fun to try all the flavors!
I got this one for my five-year-old daughter, who loves American Girl, this one for my three-year-old, and this one for my science-loving seven-year-old son.
For me!? Thank you for asking—I love Dandelion Chocolates, so this one is high on my list or this one is very chic too, or who can say no to 12-days of Cheese from Murray’s?!
Here are some cute Thanksgiving books for my kids that I love—we’ll be reading them over the weekend: Balloons Over Broadway, Bear Says Thanks, The Crayons Give Thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving, Biscuit!
Here’s a free Thanksgiving printable, from Lauren at Kickstart Reading
On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, we always order pizza and have a game night with the kids—it’s a blast! Here are our favorite games that our family highly recommends: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, Rummikub, Blokus, Trouble (Bluey Edition!). We also always have a puzzle going, and I’m loving this Frank Lloyd Wright one, or this one.