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Where to have Thanksgiving in New York City

If you’re going to be in New York this Thanksgiving Day and are looking for places to eat your lunch/dinner, I have you covered with 7 venues and menus to make you drool. Not to mention, not cleaning up afterwards 🙂

One of them includes an amazing viewing spot for the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, instead of having to get there early and line up with a few million bystanders and watch the gigantic helium-filled balloons, which is a NY instition.

I also wrote this post on how to have a wonderful Christmas in New York too. And while we’re thinking of this time of year, my list of the best New York events for New Year’s Eve, including where to see the fireworks, is filled with things you might not have thought of.

I wrote this post of the history of the Thanksgiving Day balloon fails over the years, but it also provides tips for the best places to be to see the parade, and an extra special tip to go watch the balloons getting filled the night below.

But meantime, make your bookings now at these restaurants and let others take of you this Thanksgiving Day in New York City.

*This post includes some affiliate links. That means if you make a booking, I may make a commission at no extra cost to you.

All inclusive NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade Viewing + Brunch on November 28

Head to Gotham Hall (1356 Broadway at 36th Street) on Thanksgiving morning for an all-inclusive Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade viewing event and gourmet brunch buffet, plus open bar, and access to front row outdoor viewing area that boasts breathtaking views of the best Thanksgiving parade in the world.

Historic Gotham Hall’s private viewing area will give ticket holders an exclusive street-level view as the parade travels down 6th Avenue, past 36th Street. 

This event is perfect for families, friends, and groups of all sizes. It will include family-friendly entertainment like face painters, a balloon artist, and a magician and avoid the congested crowds.

Tickets start at $599 and Premium Seating Options are limited. Buy your tickets from Thanksgivingnyc.com.

Thanksgiving in NYC pin
Pin this to your NYC board!

Thanksgiving Harbor Lunch or Dinner Cruise

For something truly unique, head out on the river on this Thanksgiving Day for a gourmet lunch or dinner cruise. You’ll be in a fully glass-enclosed boat which allows for fabulous views for all those photos you’ll be taking between courses.

You get a 3-course plated meal (no lining up at buffets!) with a live band or a DJ onboard. Add cocktails or wine (cost extra) and make a day or night of it.

Grab your Thanksgiving Cruise Dinner tickets here >

If you want to experience a fancy hotel Thanksgiving Day dinner, check out these 12 amazing hotels that embrace the holiday season. You could try The Plaza, The Peninsula, The Langham and other beautiful boutique or Art Deco hotels to give thanks.

I’ve listed my top hotels in NYC here, plus why you might like to stay, and where each they are located.

Palm Court at The Plaza

Thanksgiving at The Plaza

On Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 28th), The Champagne Bar will offer a Free-Range Roasted Turkey special ($55) from 11am – 10pm. First come, first served, no reservations available.

At Palm Court an exclusive Thanksgiving Grand Buffet will be on offer for guests and locals. Gather with your nearest and dearest for a meal crafted by Executive Chef Muhannad Al Ateem, inspired by the autumn season’s finest ingredients and traditional Thanksgiving fare.

Thursday, November 28th
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
First seating at 10am; last seating at 3pm.
$315 (adults); $125 (children 12 years or under)

The Champagne Bar at The Plaza
Thanksgiving turkey at the Plaza
Thanksgiving turkey at the Plaza! Credit: The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel

Tavern on the Green Thanksgiving

You can gobble up a good time at Tavern on the Green, located on 67th and Central Park West, from 11am until 10pm this Thanksgiving.

The Tavern Thanksgiving Feast for 2024 is a four-course menu beginning with wild mushroom and lentil soup, then a choice two appetizers, followed by a choice of mains which includes traditional turkey and trimmings, roasted beef Chateaubriand, or Scottish salmon, and finishing with three dessert choices.

Not to mention it’s set in the most magical place in New York, this spot is hard to beat. If you’re not in town Thanksgiving, Tavern on the Green is open seven days until late and worth visiting – or order from their Menu to Go and taking a picnic into the park.

Tavern on the Green in Central Park
Tavern on the Green. Pic supplied

The Irish American Pub

This Irish American Pub is well known for its traditional Thanksgiving dinners. This cosy pub and restaurant is located at 17 John Street, near the 9/11 Memorial.

They have three spaces: the Irish American, Shebeen and Colony Cocktail Room. Open for yummy brunches on weekends and lunch to dinner week days, on Thanksgiving they offer a delicious three-course dinner.

Start with a choice of New Zealand lamb chops (yes please!), butternut squash soup, or goats cheese salad. Then the main course is a choice of roast turkey and sugar-glazed ham, grilled salmon, mushroom marsala ravioli, or slow-roasted lamb shank. Then save room for hot apple crumb cake, bannoffee pie, New York cheesecake, or pumpkin pie.

Reservations required!

Inside the Irish American bar
Inside the Irish American

Order a personalized Thanksgiving in New York candle from my Etsy Store as a sweet souvenir:

Experience Haven Rooftop’s Thanksgiving Prix Fixe Menu

Enjoy thanksgiving at the Haven Rooftop (132 W 47th Street), located in the heart of Midtown at The Sanctuary Hotel.

Their Thanksgiving 2024 dinner experience is priced at $85 per person for a three-course dinner. Choose an appetizer of lobster bisque, Caesar salad, or mushroom truffle risotto. Then a choice of mains from roast turkey and trimmings, roast chicken, truffle spaghetti, or Mediterranean sea bass. And finish with pumpkin cheesecake, dulce de leche rice pudding or creme brûlée.

Thanksgiving turkey at Haven Rooftop
Thanksgiving dinner at Haven Rooftop

Carmines, Times Square

Southern Italian restaurant, Carmine’s, is open seven days for lunch and dinner and is always a hit. Located at Times Square, it’s one of the top restaurants locals recommend to visitors. On Thanksgiving they usually do a special menu, but if you’re not worried about getting your trad turkey and trimmings, check out their delicous pastas and main course menu including the likes of veal parmigiana, a raw bar and seafood.

They have another restaurant on the Upper West Side, and they also offer a take out heat and eat Thanksgiving menu to feed up to 8 people – if you can’t be bothered cooking at home!

Carmine's turkey dinner to have at home
Carmine’s traditional Thanksgiving home delivery

Check out more of my NYC posts:

How to have the perfect Christmas in New York

Because we walk a million steps in New York, I’ve rounded up the best shoes to wear in New York for summer or winter, plus what to bring for foot recovery! IYKYK

Find a hotel with awesome New Year’s Eve fireworks views from your room or maybe a rooftop party

My picks for awesome flea markets in NYC to pick up a quirky gift or enjoy the street food.

The dangerous history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and balloon fails over the years

Amazing ways to spend Valentine’s Day in New York City

Find my picks for the best dreamy rooftop restaurants in NYC in this post!

There are plenty of places to see the 4th of July fireworks in New York for free, or book a harbor cruise get amongst it with an open bar and live DJ.

If you’re looking for best brunch spots in NYC, especially if you love a great bottomless brunch, you’ll love this post.

Shop till you drop in these 12 shopping locations in NYC which I’ve reviewed in this post.

Quick Resources:

Cute girl waving to me from the carousel at Bryant Park in the summer!
Cute girl waving to me from the carousel at Bryant Park in the summer!

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Hi, I'm Megan Singleton and I'm the word slinger of this travel blog as well as on radio in NZ every Sunday. Former Travel Editor at Yahoo NZ and current freelance writer for a few newspapers and mags from time to time, I set off on this travel writing journey 20 years ago and I've pretty much always got a suitcase half packed (or half un-packed!) I'd love you to join me on Facebook or Twitter and sign up for my newsletters if you want loads of travel tips, advice and deals!