Staying in NYC for Thanksgiving? How to Volunteer and Feast Like a Local!
If you’re a New York transplant, traveling home for the Holidays can be expensive, or perhaps your work schedule doesn’t allow for it. Whatever your reason, don’t fret because Thanksgiving in New York City can be a magical experience, filled with opportunities to give back and some of the best food you can find. Whether you’re a local or visiting, the city offers plenty of ways to celebrate and give thanks!
1. Volunteer and Give Back This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to embrace the spirit of giving. If you’re looking to make your holiday more meaningful, consider volunteering on Thanksgiving or during the week leading up to it. The city offers numerous opportunities to help those in need, and your efforts will make a real difference.
Photo Credit: The Bowery Mission
Opportunities to Volunteer
– New York Cares: This nonprofit organization connects volunteers with a wide range of community needs from homelessness to caring for public parks. For Thanksgiving, New York Cares organizes meal-serving events, food drives, and volunteering opportunities at shelters. Check their website for volunteer listings. Some we spotted include distributing turkeys around Brooklyn, preparing Thanksgiving Meals, and serving meals to seniors.
– City Harvest: As NYC’s largest food rescue organization, City Harvest helps feed those in need by rescuing excess food. On Thanksgiving, volunteers assist in delivering meals and packing food for families. You can also participate in food drives or help prepare meals for community organizations. If you’re not available for hands-on assistance, donating just $1.80 on their website can feed 8 NYC neighbors in need.
– The Bowery Mission: Serving New York’s homeless population, The Bowery Mission offers Thanksgiving meals to thousands of people each year. Volunteers help with meal preparation, serving, and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for those in need. They’re already gearing up to prepare 250 turkeys, 4,000 pounds of potatoes and 500 pies for this Thanksgiving!
2. Dine Like a Local: NYC’s Best Thanksgiving Dinners
Whether you prefer a traditional turkey dinner or something more adventurous, these NYC restaurants offer Thanksgiving meals that will leave you satisfied and ready to celebrate.
Make reservations ahead of time for these hot tickets!
Photo Credit: Zaytinya
– Tavern on the Green (Central Park): A classic NYC institution, Tavern on the Green offers a 4 Course Thanksgiving feast. Expect all the traditional trimmings: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and pumpkin pie. The beautiful Central Park setting makes it an extra special place for a festive meal. Pricing is $65 for children 12 and under and $135 per adult.
– Jean-Georges Restaurants: Jean-Georges has over 10 restaurants around the city offering Thanksgiving Feasts. Chef Jean-Georges has specially created special menus for you to enjoy with your loved ones with French-inspired twists on the classics, such as roasted turkey with foie gras and seasonal root vegetables.
– Keg & Lantern (Greenpoint or South Williamsburg): A more budget-friendly option with prix fixes at $49 per person, including a beer or glass of wine.
– Zaytinya (Nomad): This aesthetic restaurant inside the Ritz Carlton Hotel is serving family-style Thanksgiving meals from November 28 – December 1, if you need something to eat in the days following the holiday! They’re serving mezze takes on classics, such as Butternut Squash Hummus and Turkey Kleftico (Turkey confit seasoned with Lebanese seven spice, paired with chestnuts and caramelized onions, all wrapped in homemade phyllo dough).
For the Best Pie:
Photo Credit: Magnolia Bakery
– Magnolia Bakery (Various Locations): No Thanksgiving meal is complete without pie, and Magnolia Bakery’s selection is iconic. From pumpkin to pecan to apple, their pies are the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note. Be sure to order in advance for pickup or delivery to enjoy a slice of NYC’s most famous pies.
– Four & Twenty Blackbirds (Brooklyn): This artisanal pie shop in Brooklyn is famous for its handcrafted pies made with fresh, local ingredients. Their classic flavors are sure to impress. Be sure to consider their more unique offerings, such as egg nog pie spiked with bourbon, baked in a gingerbread crust. These pies offer a sweet, homemade touch to your Thanksgiving celebration.
3. Experience NYC’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Photo Credit: ILoveNY.com
If you’re in New York City on Thanksgiving Day, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a must-see. This iconic event, which began in 1924, is one of the biggest and most famous parades in the world. Watch as enormous balloons of beloved characters, colorful floats, marching bands, and entertainers fill the streets. Whether you catch it along the parade route or watch it on TV, it’s a quintessential NYC tradition that sets the tone for the holiday season.
*Local Tip: Head to the American Museum of Natural History grounds on the Upper West Side at 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue the night before Thanksgiving to see all the parade balloons come to life as they are inflated!
4. Embark on a Flavorful Adventure with Our Food Tours!
Looking for the perfect way to create unforgettable memories with your family coming to town? Join us on a culinary journey through the heart of New York City, where you’ll savor the finest local flavors and hidden gems on one of our exciting Food Tours. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking to discover something new, our tours offer a deliciously unique way to experience the city. We’re running tours every day over the next few weeks (except for Thanksgiving Day) – come hungry and ready to explore!
5. After the Feast: Explore NYC’s Thanksgiving Festivities
Photo Credit: Secret NYC
After your Thanksgiving meal, explore some of the city’s post-feast activities. Head to Bryant Park’s Winter Village, where you can shop for unique gifts, ice skate, and enjoy festive treats. Visit Rockefeller Center to see the famous holiday tree and enjoy the ice skating rink. The tree lighting will take place on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
Many NYC museums also offer special holiday hours, so consider checking out the Museum of Modern Art or the American Museum of Natural History if you’re looking for indoor activities to escape the cold.
Make Your NYC Thanksgiving Unforgettable
From supporting your local community to indulging in some of the world’s finest cuisine, NYC offers a Thanksgiving experience like no other. This year, make your holiday unforgettable by soaking in the city’s spirit of warmth, generosity, and its exceptional food scene.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving — and a chance to savor all the incredible experiences New York City has to offer!