New York City public schools are closed November 28 and 29 for Thanksgiving recess, giving families a four-day weekend. If you’re looking for some free and low-cost activities to do with your family, here are just a few ideas:
MoonGARDEN at the Seaport
When: November 27 through February 2025
Where: Fulton Street & Seaport Square
Head to the Seaport in Lower Manhattan to check out MoonGARDEN, a free immersive art installation that transforms the night with a luminous dreamscape. This mesmerizing light show is a blend of art, mathematics, and memory—an enchanting addition to the city’s holiday season. Learn more.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
When: November 28
Where: Starts at 77th St and Central Park West and heads down to Macy’s Herald Square on 34th Street.
If you’re not hosting this year, consider crossing the Thanksgiving Day parade off your bucket list. With 2.5 miles of public viewing, you can catch Broadway performances, marching bands, clowns, and more. See the route.
Post-Thanksgiving day hike with NYC Parks
When: November 29
Where: Various locations & times
Each year, the Parks Department’s Urban Park Rangers host post-Thanksgiving day hikes at parks across the city. Walk off all of that food and spend time in nature. Find a hike in your borough.
Selfies with Santa
When: November 29 through Christmas Eve
Where: Brookfield Place
From Friday until Christmas Eve, families can grab a complimentary selfie with Santa at the Holiday Under the Palms at Brookfield Place. Simply scan the QR code when you arrive and wait in a virtual queue. Learn more.
NYC Ghostbusters toy drive
When: November 30
Where: Ghostbusters Headquarters, 14 N. Moore St., New York, NY
Head to the iconic Hook & Ladder Company 8 firehouse and meet NYC’s favorite paranormal investigators and eliminators and hang out at the Tribeca landmark at the center of the “Ghostbusters” story. NYCGB will be raising funds and accepting donations for their annual toy drive (unwrapped and preferably not haunted toys only). Learn more.
Tree lighting ceremony
When: November 30
Where: The Shops at Atlas Park, Queens
Tis’ the season for tree lightis! The Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale, Queens, will be hosting their tree lighting ceremony on Saturday. Enjoy a special visit by Santa, a DJ, strolling entertainment, free giveaways and dance performances. Cookies and hot chocolate will be available while supplies last. Learn more.
Holiday Nostalgia Rides
When: December 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th
Where: Between 2nd Avenue – Houston Street on the uptown F line platform and 96th Street – 2nd Avenue on the Q line
Travel back in time on a holiday nostalgia train ride on New York Transit Museum’s 1930s R1/9 train cars. Running on the F and Q lines every Sunday in December, it’s a fun chance to see a glimpse into the 1930s.
See more of our educational coverage here.
