Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in NYC: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and More Things To Do

Drew Kristofik's picture Submitted by Drew Kristofik on

Santa rolls into town at the tail end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and starts taking gift requests at Santaland on Friday. Photo by Jody Mercier

Looking for the best things to do in New York City on Thanksgiving weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this Thanksgiving weekend.

We're grateful for so much this weekend, including two behind-the-scenes Thanksgiving Day Parade peeks: the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation and Marching Bands Practice at the Seaport Museum. Then, Thursday brings the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Macy's Santaland opens Friday, serving as the gateway to the sparkly NYC holiday season.

Plus, we're anticipating classic holiday fun, like the New York City Ballet's Nutcracker at Lincoln Center and setting sail with Santa on an activity-packed seasonal cruise. Read on for all our top picks for Thanksgiving Day weekend fun in NYC.

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Los Angeles

Submitted by Toby B on

Enchanted: Forest of Light is one of the best holiday light displays in LA. Photo by Kathryn Rapier, courtesy of the event.

Holiday lights twinkle extra brightly in a city known for Hollywood, glitz, and glamour. Holiday light shows and Christmas light displays are all over Los Angeles. These festive light shows dazzle and get you in the holiday spirit. Stroll through immersive light displays, wander through Christmas lights in gardens, zoos, and farms, climb aboard a holiday lights train, or enjoy a Christmas light show by the water. 

If that's not enough holiday lights in Los Angeles for you, festive SoCal neighborhoods go all out with their annual decorating traditions to treat Angelenos to some incredible neighborhood holiday light displays. For even more holiday fun, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Los Angeles.  

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Orlando

Submitted by Melanie Preis on

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens transforms into the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild at night! Photo courtesy of the zoo

For many Orlando families, local Christmas light shows are a treasured holiday tradition. These holiday lights are a great way to get into the Christmas spirit, and Orlando has no shortage of options. From dazzling Christmas light displays at the theme parks to lighted boat parades, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to see Christmas lights here in Central Florida.

Get an exclusive look at the magic of the holidays at Give Kids the World Village via a Holiday Nights; enjoy one of the many lighted parades, by land and by sea, throughout Central Florida; and awe at the Christmas lights from the comfort of your own car during Magic of Lights. Read on for the very best holiday light displays around Orlando and Central Florida. For more dazzling light shows in local neighborhoods, check out our awesome list of Christmas Light Displays in Orlando Neighborhoods.

Where to Take Photos with Santa in NYC 2025

Submitted by Anna Fader on

Sit on Santa's lap at Historic Richmond Town, which transforms into an old-time Dickens Village for the holidays. Photo courtesy of Historic Richmond Town

Santa Claus is coming to town, and New York City kids have plenty of places to take pictures with Santa this season. From the heartwarming experience at Macy's Santaland to appearances at area malls—Santa is popping up and posing all over town.

Read on for our favorite spots to take pictures with Santa all across the five boroughs, many of which are completely FREE. You can also snap pictures with Santa at these brunches, teas, and cruises. Our NYC Kids' Guide to Christmas and the Holidays offers even more holiday fun.

Slime Day, Llama Day, and More Holidays & Activities for December 2025

Submitted by Meghan Rose on

Get gooey for Slime Day! Make your own at home, or get that goop out of your house at a local slime museum. Photo by Kylie Williams

With Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve, December is the holiday-est month of the year. But wait, there’s more! Here are celebratory, and sometimes surprising, things to do with kids each and every day in December!

In addition to the major holidays, you can also celebrate Slime Day, Walt Disney Day, Llama Day, and more — all this month. Plus, we’ve sprinkled in plenty of ways to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah leading up to the actual day!

Check this list, and you’ll find the perfect thing to do with your kids each and every day. For more ideas for Christmas activities, check out our Christmas Activities Guide for Families.

A Charlie Brown Christmas and More Kids' Holiday Movies to Watch This Holiday Season

Submitted by Ally Noel on

Get in the holiday spirit with Christmas movies filled with Santa, elves, and reindeer.

Our list of the very best kids' Christmas movies gives you the perfect way to enjoy the season without leaving home—for only the cost of the streaming service.

Whether you're looking for a classic Christmas movie you remember from your childhood, like A Charlie Brown Christmas, or a funny new holiday tradition that will have your family in stitches, like Spirited, you can stream these favorite flicks on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or Disney+. Unlike the naughty list, this list of the best Christmas movies to watch with kids is filled with positive messages, twinkling tales, and just the right amount of seasonal cheer. So, gather your snacks, make some hot cocoa, and enjoy a family movie night with one of these Christmas classics that are perfect for kids.

For more things to do with kids this holiday season, check out our guide to Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids.

Pages