Hey there, friends! This is Ollie Bennett, and welcome to Things to Do in New York City! It's Thursday, November 27th, 2025—Thanksgiving Day—and let me tell you, the energy in this city right now is absolutely electric! The weather's cool and crisp, perfect for bundling up and hitting the streets, and New York is buzzing with holiday spirit, parade excitement, and enough activities to make your head spin faster than a competitive spinner at a fidget toy championship!

Speaking of which, let's dive into what's happening TODAY that'll make your Thanksgiving unforgettable!

First up, we've got the absolute crown jewel—the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off at 8:30 AM on Manhattan's Upper West Side! This isn't just any parade, my friends. We're talking brand new balloons featuring Buzz Lightyear and Pac-Man soaring through the sky, plus an iconic giant onion carriage with eight Shrek characters. The parade features a star-studded lineup including Wicked's Cynthia Erivo, Conan Gray, Lainey Wilson, Foreigner, and the Radio City Rockettes. It airs on NBC with hosts Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, and Hoda Kotb—pure magic!

But wait, there's MORE! If you're feeling artsy and contemplative, head down to the Whitney Museum of American Art at noon for a guided close-looking session called A Closer Look: Guided Close-Looking Through Dialogue. Museum docents will walk you through highlights from Untitled (America), and you'll get to geek out about art with fellow enthusiasts.

For ice skating enthusiasts, the legendary Rink at Bryant Park is open daily, and today's your chance to glide across New York's largest free-admission ice skating rink! This is peak winter vibes, listeners—skating at one of the city's most iconic landmarks with that Manhattan skyline watching over you.

If you're a jazz aficionado, the John Scofield Trio is performing today across the city—world-class musicianship that'll make your Thanksgiving dinner conversation sound utterly pedestrian by comparison.

Now here's a local pro tip: while everyone's jamming on parade watching, the city actually quiets down in unexpected pockets. Use this time to explore lesser-known neighborhoods or grab dining reservations at restaurants that are usually impossible to book. It's like finding the secret level in a video game!

Looking ahead to tomorrow, Friday the 28th, buckle up because we've got A Christmas Carol at the Perelman Performing Arts Center featuring playwright Jack Thorne and director Matthew Warchus—two Tony Award winners reimagining Dickens's classic with absolute brilliance. Plus, Trey Anastasio launches The Beacon Jams at the Beacon Theatre, kicking off three nights of incredible performances!

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