(Almost) Everybody Loves a Parade
With the Macy’s 98th Thanksgiving Day Parade less than an hour from Greenwich, making a tradition out of some aspect of it is simple to do. Witnessing the parade should be on everyone’s bucket list, and there are several approaches.
It’s easy to fill a to-go mug with hot chocolate or coffee, hit Metro-North early Thanksgiving morning and line up along the parade route to catch some of the wonder of the marching bands, bagpipes, floats and inflatables. This year the route proceeds down Central Park West, east at Columbus Circle onto Central Park South, down 6th Avenue/Avenue of the Americas, west at 34th Street and concludes at Herald Square.
Macy’s does not sell the grandstand seats outside of the store where most of the larger Broadway show and artist performances take place. They are only available to Macy’s employees and those who march in the parade. However, you can line up anywhere along the two-and-a-half mile route. Or go the VIP path and book a reservation at one of the restaurants that line the route and offer special viewing options. Restaurants like Marea in Columbus Circle offer a viewing party in style. From 7:30 to 11:30 a.m,. it features a prime view of the parade as it passes by, an outdoor terrace, lavish buffet brunch, cocktails and entertainers such as an illusionist. Prices for children at a shared table start at $999, adults $1,387 with higher prices for private tables.
Or consider making it an overnight affair by booking a hotel room the night before. A few of the best hotels to watch the parade from are the Ritz Carlton Central Park and the JW Marriott Essex House.
Children love an up-close view of the magic that goes into the large inflatable characters. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Balloon Inflation will take place along the streets surrounding the American Museum of Natural History on Wednesday, November 27, from noon to 6 p.m. Enter by Columbus Avenue and 72nd Street to see the balloons as they take shape, but be prepared for lines and security.
If you can’t make the trip (or just don’t want to), watch the parade in the comfort of home with breakfast in your PJs as you get ready to prep the bird.
What Parade?
While everyone else is at the parade, book tickets for seasonal favorites like the Radio City Spectacular to kick off the holiday season. Other non-parade events open on Thanksgiving are the Wollman Ice Rink in Central Park and the Winter Village at Bryant Park. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular puts on three shows on Thanksgiving Day, at 2, 5 and 8 p.m. The 90-minute show lives up to it’s name as truly spectacular. Tickets start at $94.
Avoid the hassle of cooking dinner and eat in the city. The Upper West Side’s Friend of a Farmer has pioneered the farm to table movement and hosts a traditional Thanksgiving feast— $100 per person from 12 to 8 p.m. Other in-town favorites for dinner range from Tavern on the Green to Carmines.
rockettes.com; friendofafarmer.com; wollmanrinknyc.com
Have a Ball
Signature football games, from regional rivalries like the Michigan vs. Ohio State to pro games, are a staple of many pre- and post-Thanksgiving meals. For more than 50 years both the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys have hosted an annual Thanksgiving Day game. The Lions host the Chicago Bears at 12:30 p.m.; the Dallas Cowboys host the New York Giants at 4:30 p.m.; and the Green Bay Packers host the Miami Dolphins at 8:20 p.m. (Save some cheering for the Black Friday game when the Kansas City Chiefs host the Las Vegas Raiders at 3 p.m.) Watch on TV or mix it up and make a plan to attend a game in person.
For those with a houseful of guests, help everyone shake off the extra calories with a backyard game of flag football. If your family was captivated by the Paris Olympics, get them ready for the 2028 Los Angeles games which will debut flag football. You don’t have to be a Kennedy to enjoy good-natured athletic rivalry. Add a trophy or prize for the winning team and you have a tradition for years to come. Flag football sets are available on Amazon for less than $30.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Hollywood’s big guns roll out at Thanksgiving. Consider making it a tradition to be among the first to see one of the big releases. There are blockbusters opening for every audience. For kids, the animated Moana 2; for Dad, Gladiator 2; and for the whole family, the much-anticipated big-screen adaptation of Wicked. Or just snuggle up on the couch and watch one of the classics from Planes, Train and Automobiles to Miracle on 34th Street.
Celebrate With Friends
Friendsgiving is a fun tradition held either the day before or after Thanksgiving as a celebration of camaraderie. Since high school, my daughter has celebrated with a group of girlfriends. They plan a potluck menu, and each brings a dish. They get dressed up and set a festive table. But the excuse doesn’t have to be college break. Invite some friends over for the simple joy of conversation and community. It can be potluck, catered, take-out or even leftovers. The point is to slow down and relish time together over the long weekend.
Remember Others
Before the kids’ wish list frenzy starts, make it a seasonal tradition to take a moment and give back. Contact Greenwich Human Services to see how you can help a local family. The Greenwich Human Services Fund provides vetted clients with support to purchase Thanksgiving meals and offers the Adopt a Family holiday program. Contact the department to receive a wish list for a family experiencing financial challenges. greenwichhsfund.org
Photos: Turkey by Regina Foster – stock.adobe.com; Radio City by Bildgigant – stock.adobe.com; Football by Vasyl – stock.adobe.com; Friendsgiving by Swaroop – stock.adobe.com; Food by kuarmungadd – stock.adobe.com