Thanksgiving in New York City
Here’s the lowdown on Thanksgiving in New York City…
2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy’s 83rd Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on November 26, 2009 from 9a.m.-noon and will begin on 77th Street & Central Park West and end on 7th Avenue & 34th Street. This incredible parade first began its run in 1924 and has now turned into a full blown NYC tradition as well as a one of a kind event that the entire country looks forward to. This years 83rd edition features around 27 floats, 1,200 cheerleaders, 11 giant helium character balloons, 800 clowns, 35 novelty balloons, 11 marching bands, and a slew of celebrities and entertainment groups including dancers, musicians and performances.
To stake out the perfect viewing location, most people arrive extremely early (around 6:30a.m.) with a warm thermos of hot cocoa, bundled up in winter wear to prepare for the long (and cold) wait ahead of them. For those who wish to watch the parade from the cozy confines of their home or hotel, the parade will be aired on NBC from 9a.m. until noon. The inflation of balloons can also be seen on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 from 3p.m.-10p.m. near the American Museum of Natural History just off Central Park West b/w 77th St. and 81st St.
The parade’s public viewing areas are as follow:
Central Park West: West side of street from 70th Street to Columbus Circle & east side of street from 70th to 65th
Columbus Circle: West side of street
7th Avenue: between 58th & 42nd Streets
42nd Street: from 7th to 6th Avenues
6th Avenue: between 42nd & 34th Streets
34th Street: south side of street between Broadway & 7th Avenue
NYC Holiday Ice Skating Rinks
The holidays are the perfect time to lace up those skates and take a spin around the ice rinks for the season. The following rinks are open during the holiday season and are perfect date or family activities:
Lasker Rink; 106 St. & East Drive & Central
Rockefeller Center Rink; 50th St & Fifth Ave.
SkyRink Chelsea Piers; Pier 61, Hudson River & 17th St.
Wollman Rink; Central Park near 64th St.
Top 5 Places in NYC for Thanksgiving Dinner
The Sea Grill
(The Sea Grill; 19 West 49th Street at Rockefeller Center; Reservations: 212-332-7610)
The Rockefeller Center’s prize restaurant, The Sea Grill, offers the most amazing views of New York City and is offering a delicious $68 prix fixe menu which includes lobster, black cod and of course a traditional Turkey meal complete with all the trimmings. Enjoy a beautiful Thanksgiving there and perhaps take a skate around the rink for an after dinner calorie burn.
Central Park Boathouse
(The Central Park Boathouse; Central Park near Fifth Avenue and 72nd St.; Reservations: 212-517-2233)
The Central Park Boathouse is the perfect location to sit lakeside and dine on exotic dishes like foie gras and spiced cod as well as traditional Thanksgiving goodies. The views from the restaurant as well as the amazing food is well worth the $65 prix fixe dinner.
Sylvia’s
(Sylvia’s; 328 Lenox Ave. between 126th and 127th Sts.; Reservations: 212-996-0660)
Harlem’s renowned soul food restaurant Sylvia’s is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner which includes traditional meal options like candied yams, mac & cheese, collard greens and mouth watering turkey. Families may opt to dine a la carte from 11a.m.-8p.m. or select choices from a prix-fixe menu for $29.95 per person for groups of five or more.
Pure Food & Wine
(Pure Food and Wine; 54 Irving Place near 17th St.; Reservations: (212) 477-1010)
Pure Food & Wine offers a delicious four course Thanksgiving meal that is all natural and organic. This healthy and appetizing meal includes a squash bisque, merlot soaked portabella mushrooms and lemon ricotta. Dinner will be served from 3p.m.- 9p.m. and is served for a prix fixe price of $72 per person.
The Russian Tea Room
(The Russian Tea Room; 150 West 57th Street b/w 6th & 7th Aves; Reservations: (212) 581-7100)
The Russian Tea Room is known for its homely delights like borscht, Chicken Kiev and blintzes which will all be served along with traditional American Thanksgiving food this year. The special menu will be set at a prix fixed price of $95 per person and $50 per child.
