Thanksgiving in New York City is one of the most memorable times of the year—a mix of brisk autumn air, bright city lights, and the anticipation of the holiday season ahead. Whether you’re traveling in to visit family, planning a long weekend getaway, or catching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person, a little preparation can make all the difference in the world. From travel timing and packing tips to navigating one of the busiest weeks in the city, here’s what you need to know for Thanksgiving travel in New York.
Late November in New York is a time when the city feels both festive and full. Hotels fill up, airports are crowded, and Manhattan traffic takes on a life of its own. That’s where using a professional car service like MySedan can change your entire travel experience. With a fleet of luxury sedans, SUVs, limousines, executive vans, party buses, and motorcoaches, travelers can move around the city smoothly, whether you’re heading from JFK airport to your hotel or across town to see the parade. You won’t have to fight for a rideshare or worry about parking in Midtown when the streets are packed with parade-goers and visitors.
Plan Ahead for Smooth Travel
Thanksgiving week is one of the most traveled times of the year in New York and across the country. According to Google Flights data, the best window to book your holiday travel for lower prices is typically between October 28 and November 19. Once you’ve booked your flight or train, it’s worth planning your local transportation as well. MySedan offers advance reservations for airport transfers and city travel—ideal when you know the roads and terminals will be busy.
If you’re arriving or departing around Thanksgiving itself, remember that the Wednesday before and the Sunday after are the heaviest travel days. To avoid long lines and gridlock, consider leaving early Wednesday morning, later that night, or even on Thanksgiving Day itself when traffic tends to be lighter.
Before your trip, check the weather forecast for New York and along your route. November temperatures in the city usually range between 34°F and 47°F, so pack a warm coat, gloves, and layers you can adjust as the day warms up.
Smart Packing and Health Tips
Packing wisely can save both time and frustration, especially during the holidays. Bring snacks and water to minimize stops along your journey, and if you’re flying, stick to versatile, wrinkle-free clothing that fits easily in a carry-on bag. This avoids baggage fees and the risk of delays. If you plan to travel with homemade treats or Thanksgiving dishes, remember that liquids, spreads, and gels over 3.4 ounces must be checked—TSA is strict about food items at this time of year.
Late fall is also flu season, so consider your health and that of others when traveling. If you’ve recently been ill or exposed to someone sick, it’s worth postponing your trip. Bring hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes to clean surfaces like armrests, tray tables, or door handles—especially useful for air travel or shared vehicles.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
No Thanksgiving trip to New York City is complete without the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of the city’s most iconic events. In 2025, the parade takes place on Thursday, November 27, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Over 2.5 million people are expected to line the streets as the parade makes its way from the Upper West Side near the American Museum of Natural History down to Macy’s Herald Square, arriving around noon.
If you’re hoping to catch the balloons, floats, and marching bands up close, plan to arrive early—around 6 a.m. is when crowds begin gathering. The best viewing is between West 75th and West 61st Streets on Central Park West. There’s no public viewing area at Herald Square, so aim for a spot uptown. For something special, you can also watch the balloon inflation event the day before the parade from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. near the American Museum of Natural History. The line winds through several blocks, but it’s a fun and uniquely New York experience.
Whether you’re traveling across the city or coming in from the airport, booking a private car with MySedan ensures you’ll have a reliable ride when it matters most. From family groups arriving together to solo travelers heading to the parade, MySedan’s luxury sedans, SUVs, limousines, executive vans, party buses, and motorcoaches offer comfortable, private event transportation through one of New York’s busiest holiday weeks.
This Thanksgiving 2025, let the professionals handle the driving so you can focus on what really matters—family, celebration, and the magic of New York in November.
