This week, the lights start to come on all over town, and by the end of the holiday weekend, NYC should be lit up like—well—like a Christmas tree. And while this Thanksgiving is a bit outside the norm, we're going to count our blessings and feel extra grateful for The New York Botanical Garden's new light show, the return of LuminoCity, and the fact our kids can safely talk to Santa.

The Holiday Express toy train exhibit is back at the New-York Historical Society. Radial Park debuts a Christmas show, paired with a screening of Elf, and the BAMkids Film Festival is going virtual, which means you can actually score tickets.

So break out the hot chocolate and popcorn while you watch the virtual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and work off all that food with a skating session or a hike on one of NYC's gorgeous hiking trails.

We're keeping the NYC Event Calendar and our seasonal Holiday Guide up to date with tons of things to do for these unusual holidays.

Editor's note: While we are trying to promote safer activities that occur outdoors or with social distancing guidelines in place, please keep your family and others safe by always wearing a mask and maintaining an appropriate distance. If you arrive at an event that appears too crowded, try using the “nearby” search feature on our Event Calendar to find something else to do. Keep in mind, reservations are required for many of these events, so plan your outings in advance, and be sure to click through to our listing for all the details, including address, time, and pricing.