The Ultimate NYC Holiday Weekend: Macy’s Parade and The Rockettes
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If you’ve ever dreamed of kicking off the holidays in true New York style, there’s no better way than spending Thanksgiving weekend experiencing two of the city’s most iconic traditions: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. It’s festive, a little hectic, and absolutely magical. Here’s how to make the most of a weekend that will have you feeling like you just stepped into a holiday movie.
Thanksgiving Morning: Macy’s Parade
Set your alarm early, and I mean really early. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade starts at 8:30 a.m., but if you want a good view, you’ll want to be on the route by 6 a.m. at the latest. Bundle up, grab a hot beverage, and stake out a spot along Central Park West (between 60th and 70th Streets usually has a great view).
The energy at the parade is unmatched: kids on shoulders, everyone craning their necks to look at the massive character balloons floating in the air, marching bands from across the country, celebrity sights, and musical performances from some of the most popular artists right in the middle of Manhattan. You’ll see Snoopy, Santa, and about a million smiling faces. It’s the kind of joy that makes you forget how cold your toes are.
Thanksgiving Afternoon
Once the parade wraps up (around noon), it’s time for the best part. Food. You can head to a cozy NYC restaurant for a Thanksgiving meal (many offer special prix fixe menus), or if you’re lucky enough to be visiting family or friends, join them for the feast. Either way, make sure you save some energy. The city doesn’t slow down after the turkey.
If you’re still in tourist mode, take a stroll through Bryant Park’s Winter Village or stroll down Fifth Avenue to see the first hints of holiday window displays.
Friday or Saturday: The Rockettes Take the Stage
After Thanksgiving, it’s time to head to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. This year marks the show's 100th anniversary, and every year the Rockettes somehow make precision dancing look effortless, never failing to radiate holiday magic.
The show runs several times a day, from November 6, 2025 to January 4, 2026, so you can easily fit it into your weekend schedule. If you snag evening tickets, the lights on Sixth Avenue and the nearby Rockefeller Center tree (set to light on December 3rd) make for the perfect post-show photo ops.
How to Spend the Rest of Your Weekend
Breakfast at a cozy cafe: Try Ess-a-Bagel or Banter for an authentic New York start.
Window shopping: The holiday displays at Macy’s Herald Square and Saks Fifth Avenue are stunning.
Ice skating: Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center both have rinks, so suit up to hit the ice.
Doing both the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in one weekend is the ultimate holiday experience. It’s nostalgic, exciting, and full of that big-city wonder that makes New York feel like the center of the season.
If you plan it right, you’ll come home with sore feet, a full heart, and the start of a new holiday tradition.
The team at Broadway Suites wishes you a happy holiday!
