Thanksgiving is a time for laughter, love, and sharing. Bond with the people you love, doing your favorite activities as you celebrate in New York State. From the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to holiday light shows, here’s how to make the most of Thanksgiving weekend in New York State — for families, foodies, and outdoor lovers. Photo Credit: @throughkelseyslens on Instagram.

This article was originally published on 11/06/2018 and last updated on 10/27/2026.

1. Witness the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City

Photo courtesy of Macy’s, Inc.

Most people spend Thanksgiving morning watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television. But why do that when you can be a part of the action? Join thousands of spectators along the 2.5-mile parade route for a collective, colorful and invigorating day of thanks in Manhattan. Watching the floats with family and friends will make for memories you could never forget. For an added bonus, watch the giant balloons come to life at the annual Thanksgiving Eve inflation event on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, with public viewing from 1–6 p.m. at the American Museum of Natural History — enter at W. 72nd St. & Columbus Ave.

2. Take Part in a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot

Kick your metabolism into high gear before the Thanksgiving eatathon begins with the annual Troy Turkey Trot, a tradition in the Capital-Saratoga region since 1916 making it the 12th oldest road race in the nation. Compete with a 5k, 10k, one-mile Turkey Walk and Grade School Mile—an event for everyone means bonding for the whole family—and enjoy the rest of the weekend exploring Troy. Glen Falls in the Adirondacks region is also holding its annual Thanksgiving Day Gobble Wobble, a 5K race that raises money for the Open Door Mission.

3. Indulge in a Wine and Chocolate Event in Syracuse

Credit: @samuelssweetshop on Instagram

What better way to detox from Thanksgiving dinner than with a celebration of wine and chocolate! Head to the Horticulture Building at the New York State Fairgrounds on Saturday, November 28, 2026 for the Syracuse Wine and Chocolate Fest to decompress from holiday stress with unlimited wine samples. Sample and shop chocolates, cheeses, sweets and snacks, and browse mini boutiques featuring jewelry, purses, clothing and gifts for a bit of Small Business Saturday shopping.

4. Shop Local on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday

Credit: Marta Zielinska

With Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, there’s no better time to get a jump on your holiday shopping than Thanksgiving weekend. Plan a trip to New York State’s charming villages, towns, and small cities to explore picture-perfect main streets full of specialty shops, cozy cafes, and world-class dining. #ShopSmall along charming main streets in Cooperstown, Rhinebeck, Skaneateles, Saratoga Springs, and more to discover locally-made goodies, classic souvenirs, thoughtful keepsakes, and unique handmade items for gifts that your family and friends are sure to treasure forever.

5. Take a Hike

Credit: @ms_albrecht on Instagram

How does exploring a scenic vista, air crisp and clear, after taking down some Thanksgiving leftovers sound? Grab your family and friends and a pair of hiking boots to travel some of the country’s most stunning vistas this holiday weekend—all right here in New York State. Find inspiration for your Thanksgiving weekend hike by checking out Fall for These New York State Waterfalls This Autumn and 10 New York Hikes You Need to Take This Fall.

6. Browse a Holiday Market in New York State

Transition from the season of giving thanks to the season of giving at holiday markets across New York State. In New York City, the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is in full swing and a natural choice for Thanksgiving weekend fun complete with hundreds of vendor stalls, bumper cars on ice, cozy lodge, and the beloved skating rink. Buffalo’s Winter Market kicks off November 27, 2026 in Front Park with handcrafted goods, vintage treasures, festive gifts, and delicious holiday foods. Make a trip to the Catskills region extra special with a stop at holiday markets in Windham Manor on November 28-29 and Wylder Windham on November 28.

7. Learn Some History

Credit: @thefarmersmuseum on Instagram

Thanksgiving is also a tradition that can be traced to a feast in Plymouth in the early 17th century. Take this weekend to get back to your roots by delving into New York State history. Whether you prefer fine art, rustic crafts, science, or live history reenactments, there is a New York museum and/or historic site for just about everyone. Draw up your own path of heritage exploration using our Path Through History site.

8. Visit a Holiday Light Show

Credit: @luminocityfestival on Instagram

Once the Thanksgiving Day leftovers are safely stowed away in the fridge, get into the spirit of the winter holiday season by visiting on of New York State’s dazzling light shows. Drive through the glowing groovy wonderland of Peace, Love, and Lights at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, stroll along the enchanting LightScape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and see other spectacular displays including LuminoCity Festival (pictured) all across New York State.

9. Ice Skate Your Way to a New Thanksgiving Weekend Tradition

Lace up your skates and chill out at some of New York State’s coolest ice rinks. Ice skating at Canalside is back for the season in Buffalo, transforming the waterfront into a vibrant cold-weather playground, featuring ice skating, ice bumper cars, curling, and ice train. Of course there’s iconic ice skating in New York City at Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park and Wollman Rink in Central Park. Families will enjoy a fun day of outdoor ice skating in an alpine-like setting at the foot of Bear Mountain at Bear Mountain State Park.

Photo Credit:  Ken Monahan/New York State Parks

Once the Thanksgiving table is cleared, it’s time to transition to the magical winter holiday season. Join in a special celebration as Santa stops at the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge to kick off the holidays in the Hudson Valley. Bring your kids, your dogs — the whole family — to Walkway Over the Hudson’s Ulster Welcome Center Plaza for a festive afternoon filled with seasonal music, free cookies and hot chocolate, visits with miniature donkeys, a children’s craft area, and photos with Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick. Get out on the walkway for some time in the fresh air and stunning views of the Hudson River valley.

Don’t forget to post photos of your New York adventures on Instagram with #iSpyNY and #ILoveNY and tag us on Facebook!