While the days leading up to Turkey Day can be hectic (to say the least), this year, they’re also chock-full of family fun. Check out a cool dance performance, get in the holiday spirit with a musical for little ones, snag your tickets to a beloved ballet classic, and, of course, don’t miss the most iconic of NYC parades. Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!
Through Sunday, December 6
Pilobolus: “Shadowland”
NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts
Various times
Pilobolus, a non-profit performing arts organization and dance company, will premier its new show “Shadowland” for the first time in North America at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts! The show blends shadow theater, circus artistry, dance, and more to create 75 spellbinding minutes of performance. The projection of images on several moving screens combined with the live dance creates a visual effect unlike anything you’ve witnessed before. Tickets start at $45. Please note: While this show is appropriate for all ages, the 8pm shows include a brief moment of toplessness.
Wednesday, November 25
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation
Between 77th & 81st Streets from Central Park West to Columbus Avenue
3pm-10pm
Busy on Thanksgiving but still want to see the Macy’s balloons in person? Gather near the American Museum of Natural History, and watch the parade balloons being inflated on Wednesday afternoon. A few words of advice: The balloons usually take shape around 4:30pm, so be sure to arrive early to guarantee a prime viewing spot. Also, as with any event that brings large crowds, be sure to keep a close eye on the kiddies! This event is free.
Thursday, November 26
89th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Begins at 77th Street and Central Park West; ends at Macy’s Herald Square
9am-12pm
This year’s parade will feature 17 giant character balloons! Favorites such as Hello Kitty, the Pillsbury Doughboy, Spongebob Squarepants, Pikachu, Snoopy and Woodstock, and Thomas the Tank Engine are back. Making his parade debut is Scrat and his acorn from the “Ice Age” films! There are also seven novelty balloons, including Harold the Fireman and Wiggleworm, plus Macy’s ornament balloons like the world’s largest baseball signed by R.H. Macy, the Nutcracker, and the Macy’s Candy Cane. Plus, there are two balloonicles—a combination of a cold-air balloon and a vehicle—the Kool Aid Man and the Aflac Duck. Performers include Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Mariah Carey, Daughtry, Andy Grammer, Panic! At the Disco, the Plain White Ts, Train, Prince Royce, Trey Songz, Jordin Sparks, and more! This event is free. For our annual parade viewing tips, click here.
Beginning Friday, November 27
George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker”
Lincoln Center
Various times
Families with children of all ages shouldn’t miss the New York City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score and Rouben Ter-Arutunian’s sets imbue E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story with holiday enchantment. Featuring a cast of more than 200 dancers, the classic tale of Clara’s journey to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy will feature a spectacular growing Christmas tree, toy soldiers, snow, and much more. Tickets start at $75. Runs through Sunday, January 3.
Beginning Saturday, November 28
“Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas”
The Theater at St. Jean
1pm
This holiday season, watch as Nancy makes her Christmas as splendiferous as possible during “Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas” at The Theater at St. Jean! Based on the book by Jane O’Connor, this musical theater production by the Vital Theatre Company is perfect for ages 2 through 7. Tickets start at $49.50. Runs Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, December 27.
