If you’re a New Yorker then you know all too well that while the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a great tradition, it can be a nightmare. The large crowds make it nearly impossible to find a “good” spot and your face becomes numb fifteen minutes into the 3-hour long celebration. Meanwhile, you spend most of the time thinking that you could probably see more of the parade from a television rather than from a street corner. Now, don’t get us wrong—we love the parade and it’s an absolute must to experience if you’ve never been, but for the many New Yorkers who have been around the block more than once with it, we’re here to offer a few alternatives.
Get the DVR set for 9 a.m. next Thursday morning to record the parade for a post-turkey dinner viewing, and start your Thanksgiving Day off a bit differently this year.
1. You’ve got a long day ahead full of cooking, entertaining, and preparing your shopping list for Black Friday. Why not spend the morning pampering yourself and finding some peace of mind? Book an early appointment for a massage at Graceful Services or take a vinyasa yoga class at East Yoga, both open in the morning on Thanksgiving.
2. Never mind waiting until Black Friday— head to Bryant Park’s Holiday Market to do some early shopping during the parade when it will be least busy, and therefore, most enjoyable.
3. If there were ever a time to go ice skating in Central Park, the morning of Turkey Day would be one of them. Take the family for an early skate for possibly one of the most pleasant and quietest experiences at the rink, maybe ever.
4. Still can’t shake the idea of not watching the parade? How about at least viewing it from a different perspective? The Empire State Building Observation Decks are open for business, providing a bird’s eye view of the entire show.