Thanksgiving is a special time for family, friends, and celebration, so why not spend the holiday in the Empire State? There’s truly something for every type of traveler, whether you’re spending Thanksgiving solo on a self-care getaway to the Catskills, indulging in a delicious turkey dinner from a decadent dining room in Lake George, or admiring dazzling floats at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Gobble up this guide and plan an unforgettable Thanksgiving in New York State. Photo credit: @adkfisher on Instagram.
For a classic celebration
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Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV on Thanksgiving morning is a staple for many, so why not be a part of the celebration for yourself? Join thousands of spectators in a celebration of a lifetime as the iconic parade floats, character balloons, performers, and marching bands make their way through the city, following the 2.5-mile parade route. For a behind-the-scenes parade experience, head to the American Museum of Natural History on Thanksgiving Eve and witness the giant balloons as they get inflated for the big day.
For foodies
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Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food! Don’t worry about overcooking the turkey and dig into Thanksgiving dinner from one of the state’s beautiful hotels or cozy inns. The Otesaga in Cooperstown, North Branch Inn in the Catskills, and The Sagamore Resort in Lake George are each hosting decadent feasts, serving up Thanksgiving classics and local flavors. Experience the bounty of harvest season for yourself with a stroll through local farmers markets. In Callicoon, you’ll find a year-round producers-only market, meaning all vendors either grow or produce their own goods and operate within 75 miles. The Troy Farmers Market is held inside the Troy Atrium, selling fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts, and the Ithaca Farmers Market showcases vendors within 30 miles of Ithaca.
For the budget traveler
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Did you know that Lake Placid is rated as one of the best places to visit for Thanksgiving? Not only is this destination packed with holiday cheer, it’s also a great place to visit on a budget! The Placid Bay Hotel offers Thanksgiving rates that start at $119/night and you can get your third night free, if you plan to stay for a long weekend. Sign up to run the Lake Placid Turkey Trot or line up to watch runners as they make their way around Mirror Lake. Get to know this two-time Olympic city throughout its legacy sites. Go ice skating at the Olympic Center’s two historic arenas ($12-$15/person), and take a legacy tour ($10-$15/person) of Mt. Van Hoevenberg, travel through Olympic history at the Olympic Museum ($12-$15/person), and more. Be sure to take a stroll through main street and admire the local shops, boutiques, and holiday decorations.
For family fun
Thanksgiving is all about getting family together, so why not add even more family fun into your weekend? Many of the state’s dazzling light festivals kick off for the season on Thanksgiving weekend including the Wild Center’s Wild Lights (open November 29 through February 22, 2025) in the Adirondacks and the Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights (open November 22 through January 5, 2025). Celebrate with the little ones at Legoland’s Holiday Bricktacular (weekends November 16 through January 4, 2025), where the resort transforms into a holiday-themed wonderland. Embark on an enchanting journey into winter wonderlands with Polar Express-themed rides with the Medina Railroad (available November 30 through December 22) and Catskill Mountain Railroad (available November 15 through December 29), or the Santa Express Train with the New York & Lake Erie Railroad (weekends November 30 through December 15). Lace up the skates and go ice skating for some classic family fun! Plan to visit the Clinton Square Ice Rink in Syracuse, Bear Mountain Ice Rink in the Hudson Valley, or the rink at Buffalo’s Canalside (where you can also rent ice bikes!).
For sports fans
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Thanksgiving and sports go hand in hand! Whether you’re a football, hockey, or basketball fan, snag tickets and root for the home team in New York State. A trip to Bills country is always a good idea, especially when they face the San Francisco 49’ers on December 1 at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo. Hockey fans are truly spoiled for choice this Thanksgiving weekend. The Lake Placid Olympic Center is hosting the Adirondack Winter Invitational (November 29-30), bringing together the best of men’s D1 college hockey, including the St. Lawrence Saints and Clarkson Golden Knights, for two action-packed days. In the NHL, the Islanders have a packed schedule, taking on the Boston Bruins on November 27 and the Buffalo Sabres on November 30 at the UBS Arena. The Buffalo Sabres also play the Vancouver Canucks at the Keybank Center on November 29 and the Rangers face the Montreal Canadiens at Madison Square Garden on November 30. NBA fans should grab tickets to see the Brooklyn Nets in action against the Orlando Magic on November 29 from Barclays Center.
For a solo celebration
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Looking for some me time this Thanksgiving? Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and treat yourself to a day of relaxation. The Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Skaneateles and Rhinebeck are both open on Thanksgiving day with deep tissue massages, refreshing facials, and indulgent body treatments. Spend the weekend surrounded by the beauty of the Catskills with YO1 Wellness Center’s Thanksgiving Yoga Retreat. The center, dedicated to holistic health and wellness, has a full schedule of relaxation planned including candlelight meditations, Vinyasa yoga flows, and vegan and gluten free Thanksgiving cooking demos. Make a reservation at the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz (rated one of the best Thanksgiving towns in the country) for an all-inclusive Thanksgiving weekend packed with outdoor adventure, delicious meals, a relaxing spa, nightly entertainment, and more. If a theatrical performance sounds more your speed, Broadway’s Chicago is showing at Ambassador Theater on Thanksgiving Day at 7PM and The Radio City Rockettes have showings at 2PM, 5PM, and 8PM.
For those who like to be active
Whether you’re feeling thankful for New York’s natural beauty or looking to get your steps in before Thanksgiving dinner, get active this turkey day! Hit the trails and admire scenic views like no other throughout the state. Mine Kill State Park, found in Schoharie Valley, is holding a guided hike to the breathtaking Mine Kill Falls on November 29. Head to the Connetquot River State Park Preserve on Long Island for a guided autumn colors hike on November 30. If you’ve got a competitive streak or just want to burn some calories before dinner, take on a turkey trot! Race around Mirror Lake in Lake Placid for the Adirondack Health 5K, run through Glens Falls for the annual Gobble Wobble 5K, or sign up for the 77th annual Troy Turkey Trot, offering a 10K, 5K, one-mile turkey walk, and kids mile. If you’re ready to glide into winter fun, hit the slopes at Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, where ski and snowboard season officially kicks off on November 29.
With unbeatable Black Friday deals, charming main streets filled with welcoming small businesses, and festive holiday markets, in New York State, Thanksgiving weekend is a shoppers dreamland! Spend Small Business Saturday strolling through picture-perfect villages like Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks, Clayton in the Thousand Islands, or Ellicottville in Chautauqua-Allegheny, where you’ll find local boutiques, candy stores, antique shops, and more. If Black Friday deals are what you crave, the Hudson Valley’s Woodbury Common Outlets (pictured) feature more than 250 high-end fashion and designer retail brands including Nike, Gucci, Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, and more, offering 25% to 65% every day and even more exclusive deals for this shopping holiday. Long Island’s Roosevelt Field Mall is home to more than 270 specialty stores including Alo, Marc Jacobs, Pandora, Nordstrom, and more, many featuring can’t-miss Black Friday sales. Merry and bright holiday markets such as the Bethel Woods Holiday Market (November 29-December 1), Remington’s Merry Market (November 30), and Grand Central Holiday Fair (now through December 24) promise one-of-a-kind treats and treasures from local artisans and businesses.
For craft beverage enthusiasts
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There’s lots to be thankful for in New York State, like a world-class craft beverage scene! If you’re feeling thankful for New York wines, head to NY Kitchen in the Finger Lakes for a festive Thanksgiving wine tasting (November 23), where you’ll sample five New York wines paired with a trio of crostini. There’s no better duo than wine and chocolate so be sure to stop by the Syracuse Wine & Chocolate Fest on November 30 for local varieties and sweets. A visit to a New York brewery or cidery is a great addition to your Thanksgiving holiday. Brewery Ommegang serves up award-winning brews in Cooperstown. On November 27 and 30, gobble and gather for Rhythm and Brews with local live music, cold beer, and delicious food. At Awestruck Ciders in the Catskills, dig into a delicious Thanksgiving Eve feast while you sip on superb ciders.
For art and history buffs
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Thanksgiving is a historic holiday with roots that can be traced back to the 17th century. Take your own journey into art and history at New York’s museums and historic institutions. After indulging in your own feast on Thanksgiving Day, learn about the feasts and celebrations that were an integral part of medieval social life at the Met Cloisters’ Medieval Feast Expert Talk (November 29). The renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art is also hosting a storytime for ages 18 months to six years, focused on Native American and Indigenous heritage on November 26. In the Finger Lakes, The Corning Museum of Glass displays a Glass Holiday Feast (through January 6, 2025), featuring a turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and green beans – all made from glass! Plus, you can reserve a spot to make your own glass pumpkin (until December 1).
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