While you may not be able to jump on one of our Citywide Ferries to explore another borough just yet, we wanted to make sure you would have plenty of fun, unique and festive adventures to embark on this extended holiday weekend. Whether you would like to hop on a Statue Cruises to potentially spot the visiting humpback whale in the harbor or explore the various holiday markets taking place this weekend, we definitely have something new for you to explore!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGk-R35xCNM
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thursday, Nov 24th
See Map Above
Start: 9:00 am
TGIT – Thank Goodness it’s Thanksgiving! If you have not had the chance to attend this iconic event yet, this is your chance! The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, bringing back beloved icons such as Felix the Cat – a 1920’s and 1930’s staple balloon. If you enjoyed the above video, Buzzfeed also shares some quite mind-blowing facts you never knew about the parade, which will undoubtedly spike some fun conversations around your turkey dinner with your loved ones.
Pro-tip: If you wish to beat the crowds, head on up to the starting location of the parade between 3pm-10pm today, Wednesday, to witness the balloons coming to life!
Watson Adventures’ Grand Central Scramble Family Scavenger Hunt
Friday, Nov 25th
Start: 10:30 am
Grand Central
This unique scavenger hunt is designed for adults and kids 7 and up, allowing families to have a great time after Thursday’s turkey dinner and family festivities. Teams of kids and adults are prompted to work to together to uncover the secrets of Grand Central Terminal, in a fun way where attendees will laugh and learn at the same time! See more information on the event page here. There will also be a holiday fair at Grand Central running until December 24th, 2016.
The Nutcracker
Friday, Nov 25th – Saturday, Dec 31st
David H. Koch Theater
Tickets: $90-280
The Nutcracker is an amazing piece of artistic talent, both from directors and dancers, and have been a holiday staple for many decades. This year, the iconic ballet performance is back in New York City, showing at the David H. Koch Theater on the Upper West Side, in perfect walking distance to Central Park or Columbus Circle, for you to check out some last minute fall foliage or attend a sweet holiday market! With its first show on Friday, November 25th, the show is just in time to kickstart the Christmas holiday season! For more information, please visit Ticketmaster.com.
Long Island City Partnership: Small Business Saturday
Saturday, Nov 26th
Various Long Island City Locations
This year, get your holiday shopping started by #ShopSmall with a variety of participating Long Island City establishments, for the seventh year in a road! LICP says that they “will be distributing 1,000+ shopping guides with 40+ businesses participating, and more than 25 specials and promotions” at their welcome stations, where they will be handing out event goodies from 11am to 2pm at these locations. Maybe even find a gift by supporting these local vendors for a charity or a toy drive?
The Long Island City Partnership are also highlighting some fantastic ways of giving back to the community, from toy and food drives to a breakfast with Santa Claus, if you wish to use your season of thanks giving back to our wonderful New York City communities!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BM1yHyBD6i6/?taken-by=brooklynmakers
Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, Nov 26th – Sunday, Nov 27th
501 Union Street, Gowanus, Brooklyn
12pm-7pm
This unique Brooklyn market showcases local artists’ work in a collaborative pop-up holiday market in Gowanus, Brooklyn. The area, a short bus ride from our future Redhook and DUMBO stops, and is an interesting and evolving area with tons of artistic talent you do not wish to miss! For vendor information, times and directions, please visit the Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar website.
Time to train your brain!
Saturday, Nov 26th – Sunday, Nov 27th
How about a good round of trivia with your friends or family members? Well, now is the time to see how much you know about The Office and the iconic New York TV-show Friends! A.D. Trivia offers competitive rounds of TV-show trivia in Manhattan on both Saturday (The Office, 5pm – 7pm) and Sunday (Friends, 6pm – 8pm). The best part? These events are free to join!