Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, enjoy delicious food, and participate in festive activities. If you’re spending Thanksgiving Day Events, there’s plenty to see and do. From parades and fun runs to holiday markets and themed performances, this guide provides everything you need to plan a memorable day. You’ll find opening hours, addresses, dates, detailed event descriptions, and practical tips to make the most of your Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Parade & Festivities:
The Thanksgiving Day Events Parade on Columbia Street is a vibrant, family-friendly event that brings the community together to celebrate the holiday. Starting in the morning, the parade features colourful floats, lively marching bands, dancers, and performers in festive costumes. Local schools, community organisations, and businesses participate, creating a cheerful and energetic atmosphere.
Spectators can enjoy candy giveaways, photo opportunities, and themed displays that highlight the spirit of Thanksgiving. Suitable for all ages, the parade offers a fun, engaging experience for families, couples, and visitors. It’s a perfect way to kick off the day with excitement, community spirit, and holiday cheer.
Location: Main St & Columbia Street
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Details: The Thanksgiving Parade is a lively, family-friendly event with floats, bands, dancers, and performers, offering fun, candy, and festive cheer for all ages.
Turkey Trots & Fun Runs
Turkey Trots are festive 5K runs or walks held on Thanksgiving morning, often at Capitol Park near Thanksgiving Day Events. These events are suitable for all ages and fitness levels, allowing participants to jog, walk, or run at their own pace. The routes are decorated with holiday-themed displays, and music, cheering crowds, and community volunteers create an energetic, festive atmosphere.
Many events also support local charities, so participants contribute to a good cause while staying active. Turkey Trots are a fun, healthy way to start the holiday, enjoy time with family or friends, and kick off Thanksgiving morning with excitement.
Address: Central Park Trail Route, 72 W 89th St, New York, NY
Start Time: 7:00 AM
Closing Time: 10:30 AM
Details: A festive, family-friendly 5K held on Thanksgiving morning, welcoming runners, walkers, and kids. With holiday decorations, live music, refreshments, and charity support, it offers a spirited way to kick off the holiday.
Evening Entertainment
Evening entertainment on Thanksgiving offers a relaxing way to wind down after a busy day of celebrations. Many nearby venues host live music, cosy dinners, and small community gatherings where families and friends can enjoy warm meals and unwind together. Some spots feature acoustic performances, while others offer festive cocktails, soft lighting, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for conversation.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to enjoy dessert or a lively space with music and laughter, the evening options provide something for everyone. It’s an ideal opportunity to continue the holiday spirit while enjoying the neighbourhood’s charm.
Jalopy Theatre & School of Music
Address: 315 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Thanksgiving schedules may vary)
Details: Enjoy live folk, jazz, and acoustic performances in a cozy, intimate setting. Perfect for families and couples looking for a relaxed Thanksgiving evening.
Black Friday Deals and Local Discounts
Black Friday brings a lively post-Thanksgiving buzz to the area, offering shoppers a chance to enjoy special discounts, limited-time promotions, and early-morning doorbusters. Many nearby boutiques, speciality stores, and small neighbourhood shops roll out seasonal sales that make it easy to find unique gifts, winter essentials, and holiday décor.
The day often features extended shopping hours, friendly crowds, and a festive atmosphere that sets the tone for the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for thoughtful presents or simply want to browse, the local stores create a fun and inviting shopping experience with plenty of savings.
Woods Grove
Woods Grove is a cosy local shop offering thoughtfully curated home goods, gifts, and accessories. It’s a great Black Friday stop for unique, design-focused items you won’t find in big stores.
Address: 302 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Typical Black Friday Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
A popular lifestyle and gift shop offering Black Friday markdowns on candles, décor, home goods, and artisan-made accessories.
Outdoor Photography
Outdoor photography is a peaceful, creative Thanksgiving activity that lets you capture the charm of the Columbia St Thanksgiving 2025 area. With its quiet waterfront corners, rustic Red Hook scenery, and soft seasonal lighting, the neighbourhood offers plenty of photogenic spots. Whether you’re photographing fall leaves, historic buildings, or calm harbour views, it’s a relaxing way to enjoy the holiday while creating memorable images. Suitable for all ages, it’s perfect for families, couples, or solo explorers who love documenting the day’s beauty.
Valentino Pier (Close to Columbia St)
- Address: Ferris St & Coffey St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
- Open/Close: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM (standard NYC Parks waterfront hours)
- Point: Perfect for sunsets, Statue of Liberty views, and dramatic skyline shots.
Thanksgiving Parade Viewing – At Home & Outdoors
Enjoy the festive floats, music, and holiday spirit whether you’re watching comfortably from your living room or joining the excitement outdoors.
Thanksgiving Parade Viewing at Home
Watching the parade from home offers a cosy, relaxed way to start Thanksgiving Day Events morning. Families can enjoy the floats, marching bands, and performances from the comfort of their living room while sipping hot chocolate or eating breakfast. It’s perfect for those who prefer a quiet start to the day, want to avoid crowds, or enjoy bonding time with loved ones in a warm setting.
Thanksgiving Parade Viewing Outdoors
Viewing the parade outdoors offers a lively, energetic experience. People gather with neighbours to watch the colourful floats, dancers, and giant balloons pass by in person. The crisp fall air, festive music, and cheering crowds create an exciting atmosphere that makes the holiday feel special. It’s great for families, kids, and anyone who wants to feel the full community spirit of Thanksgiving.
Event: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Start Time: 8:30 AM on Thursday, November 27, 2025
End Time: Approximately 12:00 PM (noon)
Address / Route Start: W. 77th Street & Central Park West, Manhattan