Thanksgiving Beyond the Parade: How to Fill the Whole Thanksgiving Weekend in New York
Thanksgiving in New York City is about more than floats and giant balloons. Once the Macy’s Parade winds through Manhattan, the city shifts into a slower, more atmospheric rhythm, crisp November air, amber leaves still clinging to trees, and the soft buzz of pre-holiday energy. This is when New York reveals a different side: galleries with room to breathe, rooftop views without the summer crowds, and cozy winter villages that feel like they belong in another world.
Whether you’re skipping family obligations, visiting from abroad, or planning a long weekend staycation, Margaritaville Resort Times Square puts you in the heart of it all, close to the parade route but tucked just far enough away for a calmer, resort-style escape.
A New Kind of Thanksgiving Weekend in NYC
Thanksgiving weekend in New York is one of the city’s most vibrant times of year. The streets are alive with parade-watchers, early holiday shoppers, and travelers soaking up the festive atmosphere. Midtown, in particular, hums with energy, but that doesn’t mean the experience has to be overwhelming.
This guide is for anyone who wants to embrace the city’s seasonal buzz while carving out moments of ease along the way. From cultural outings and rooftop cocktails to hidden holiday corners beyond the parade route, it’s about making the most of the long weekend without the chaos.
Margaritaville Resort Times Square sits right in the middle of it all, offering quick access to iconic Thanksgiving experiences while giving you a relaxed, resort-style space to retreat to when the city outside gets intense.
What’s Open (and Magical) on Thanksgiving Day in NYC
New York doesn’t slow down for the holiday; it comes alive in a different way. Streets around Midtown fill early with parade watchers, visitors flow through Bryant Park’s Winter Village, and landmark attractions keep their doors open to make the most of the city’s festive atmosphere. Here are a few Thanksgiving Day highlights, all within easy reach of Margaritaville Resort Times Square.
Walkable Festivities Near Times Square
Just two blocks from the resort, Bryant Park Winter Village opens its rink and holiday market on October 24th. Expect bustling crowds, seasonal treats, and a lively pre-holiday atmosphere. Lace up for a morning skate, browse artisan stalls for early gifts, or warm up with cider between events.
A stroll toward Rockefeller Center is equally rewarding. Though the tree lighting happens later in the season, the plaza’s lights are already up, making it a festive backdrop for photos and morning walks before the evening rush begins.
Museums That Open Their Doors
For a breather from the busy streets, a handful of NYC’s world-class museums open on Thanksgiving Day. MoMA and The Jewish Museum typically welcome visitors, offering a quieter, inspiring way to spend part of the day between parade festivities and dinner plans. These spaces provide a cultural counterbalance to the day’s high energy.
Stay & Savor with the Feast & Flavors Getaway
Thanksgiving in New York is exhilarating, but it doesn’t need to be exhausting. This November, Margaritaville Resort Times Square is inviting guests to trade kitchen stress for skyline views and tropical ease with the Feast & Flavors Getaway.
The offer includes 10% off your stay plus a $100 dining credit to use at any of the resort’s signature outlets, including:
- LandShark Bar & Grill– A relaxed, family-friendly spot perfect for unwinding after the parade.
- 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar – Rooftop cocktails and sweeping city views.
- Margaritaville Restaurant & Tiki Bar – Island-inspired twists on Thanksgiving classics.
Whether you’re toasting the holiday with tropical cocktails or lingering over a laid-back meal, this limited-time offer turns Thanksgiving into a true escape. It’s a chance to slow down, soak in the city’s festive energy, and let someone else handle the cooking.
Your Long Weekend Starts Now – Friday to Sunday in the City
Thanksgiving may be the centerpiece, but the long weekend that follows is one of NYC’s busiest and most atmospheric stretches of the year. Crowds flock to holiday markets, window displays debut, and rooftop bars stay lively well into the night. Staying in Times Square means you’re at the center of it all, without needing to navigate long subway rides.
Shop Like a Local
Skip the Fifth Avenue gridlock and embrace a more relaxed approach to holiday shopping. Bryant Park Winter Village, Grand Central Holiday Market, and Hell’s Kitchen’s independent boutiques offer a mix of festive charm and unique finds—all within walking distance of the resort.
Rooftop Season Isn’t Over
Margaritaville’s rooftop remains a standout even in cooler months. The heated rooftop pool is one of the few of its kind in the city, while the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar keeps the energy high with skyline views and seasonal cocktails. It’s an unbeatable way to warm up after a day of navigating busy streets.
Cozy Culture & Holiday Kick-Offs
The weekend after Thanksgiving is when the holiday season officially begins in New York.
- The Nutcracker opens at Lincoln Center.
- Saks and Macy’s unveil their iconic holiday windows.
- Pop-up holiday experiences appear across Midtown, from immersive exhibits to themed speakeasies.
A More Relaxed Holiday, Margaritaville Style
Thanksgiving weekend in NYC is exhilarating, but it’s also intense. Margaritaville Resort Times Square gives guests the best of both worlds: a front-row seat to the action, and a resort-style atmosphere to recharge between adventures.
- Multiple on-site restaurants and bars mean no scrambling for reservations.
- Spacious rooms offer a calm retreat from Midtown’s constant buzz.
- A heated rooftop pool and skyline views create moments of unexpected ease.
- An on-site coffee shop ensures early mornings are effortless.
Celebrate the Season at Christmas Island
Thanksgiving weekend also marks the launch of Christmas Island, Margaritaville Times Square’s holiday pop-up bar on the 31st floor at the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar. Opening the week of Thanksgiving and running throughout the holiday season, Christmas Island transforms the rooftop into a festive escape high above the city.
Guests can sip their way through five specialty holiday cocktails, each served in collectible holiday cups:
- Sleigh Ride – Fireball Whiskey, Margaritaville Passionfruit Tequila, cranberry, and lemon come together in a bold, warming holiday punch.
- Beachside Grinch – A sweet and spicy mix of melon liqueur, Parrot Bay Coconut, Fireball Whiskey, and a cranberry float.
- Kringle & Coke – Crème de menthe, crème de cocoa, Parrot Bay Spiced Rum, lemon, and Coca-Cola make for Santa’s tropical nightcap.
- Winter Wave – Basil Hayden bourbon, Grand Marnier, coconut syrup, lime, and cranberry create a smooth, bright winter cocktail.
- Secret Santa – A soon-to-be-revealed surprise cocktail paired with a holiday gift to spread seasonal cheer.
Alongside these festive drinks, the rooftop will host seasonal entertainment, creating a holiday atmosphere that’s equal parts New York skyline and island escape. It’s the ideal spot to unwind after a day of Thanksgiving festivities or kick off the holiday season in style. Reservations are recommended during this busy period, especially for groups, but walk-ins are welcome.
Christmas Island is set to become one of NYC’s most unique seasonal experiences, an elevated (literally) way to toast to the holidays right above your room.
Make This Thanksgiving a True Getaway in NYC
Between the parade, winter markets, rooftop cocktails, and the launch of Christmas Island, Thanksgiving weekend in NYC is one of the most memorable times to experience the city. By staying at Margaritaville Resort Times Square, you’re not just close to the action, you’re in the center of it, with a relaxed, resort-style retreat waiting just upstairs.
Take advantage of the Feast & Flavors Getaway to make your stay even sweeter. Whether you’re planning a romantic city break, a family weekend, or a spontaneous friends’ trip, it’s the perfect way to turn a busy holiday into a stress-free escape.
