After you’ve enjoyed your turkey dinner, take advantage of some of the great family events happening across the city this weekend–including kicking off the holidays with the opening of Macy’s Santaland, plus lots of great options for children’s theater. And if you’re planning to catch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, check out some of our tips for a great parade-watching experience. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation
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! (Wednesday) -
89th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
This year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day 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! 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! (Thursday) -
Santaland Opening Weekend at Macy's Herald Square
Head to Macy’s this weekend and kick off the holiday season at Macy’s Santaland. Explore the 13,0000 square feet of winter wonderland, see live elves, and take a photo with the man in red himself! (Opens Friday) -
"The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" at The Queens Theatre
This musical based on the C.S. Lewis classic is sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Four siblings fulfill a prophecy to save the magical land of Narnia from the White Witch. (Friday) -
George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker" at Lincoln Center
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. (Opens Friday) -
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Park Slope
Park Slope’s annual holiday tree lighting ceremony is back! This free celebration will feature live music, treats and arts and crafts. -
"Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas" at the Theater of St. Jean
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. (Opens Saturday) -
"The Commedia Rapunzel: Holiday Extravaganza Pumpkin Spice Latte Edition"
Bring your pumpkin spice latte and get ready to have crazy fun time at “The Commedia Rapunzel” with your kids! This stand-out hit at the New York International Fringe Festival puts a hilarious spin and special holiday theme on the Rapunzel story that will have everyone, including the parents, laughing during the entire immersive show. Coming from the Spaghetti and Meatball Players, this comedy troupe will make everyone in your family want to participate in the fun-tastic romp. (Opens Saturday) -
"Clifford the Big Red Dog Live!" at the St. George Theatre
Join Clifford the Big Red Dog in a musical theater experience for the entire family. The interactive show will have dancing, music, singing, and share all of the timeless lessons behind Clifford’s adventures: Sharing, respect, teamwork, responsibility, honesty, kindness, friendship, helping others, and above al,l always believing in yourself. Your little ones will enjoy an afternoon of fun and learning about being “BIG.” -
Third Annual Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar
Looking for a special holiday gift? Come to the Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar, a free, two-day holiday event at 501 Union in Gowanus, and find an artisanal present for everyone on your list. The bazaar will have over 40 local makers ,featuring everything from gourmet chocolates to unique children's toys. The entire family will enjoy delicious food from Brooklyn vendors, free cocktails, live DJ, a professional photo booth and a special station for your youngsters, where they can participate in craft workshops! -
16th Annual Winter's Eve at Lincoln Square
November 30th marks the 16th Annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square. New York’s largest holiday festival features live music from established artists as well as newcomers. Plus, the streets will be filled with dancers, jugglers, stilt-walkers, food tastings from more than 30 Lincoln Square eateries, and more. The celebration kicks off with the lighting of the Upper West Side Holiday Tree in Dante Park at Broadway and 63rd Street. -
10 Great Events for November
The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show, Winter's Eve at Lincoln Square, the Little Orchestra Society's “Dvořák: Exploring the New World,” concert, and more!
