Thanksgiving in New York City
During Thanksgiving Weekend, many New Yorkers left the city to visit family and friends - in 2019, 1,5 million people left New York for the Thanksgiving Holiday. But who said you need to leave the Big Apple to enjoy the Holiday? This list has different activities for you to celebrate Thanksgiving in New York, whether you're planning to spend time with your friends, relatives, chosen family, or trying to meet new people.
The best of New York City's winter!
Macy's Parade
Let's start with the most traditional Thanksgiving big event in the United States, the Macy's Parade. The three-hour show will happen on Thanksgiving morning, at 9 am, starting right next to the American Museum of Natural History and going down to Herald Square. You can either enjoy the crowd and see the giant balloons with your own eyes or turn on your television at NBC.
Fun fact: In 2020, The Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps became the first gay march band to ever participate in the parade since its creation in 1975. We hope to see them again this year!
Comedy
How about a "women & LGBTQIA heavy comedy show" in Brooklyn? The Tiny Cupboard will host a Stand-Up night on Friday 26th, with special guests Ann Van Epps feat. Myq Kaplan (Comedy Central) and Natalie Perlan (Caroline's). It sounds like an excellent option for someone trying to avoid couch depression during the Holidays, right? Also, the tickets are only $7!
A Gay Getaway
You don't have to take the plane, but you can still take the train and enjoy the weekend in Upstate New York. Beacon, Woodstock, and Cold Spring are small towns with artistic boutiques, great restaurants, breweries, relaxing nature views, and LGBTQ-friendly. We love New York, but sometimes we need a break from the big city, right?
Party!
Gay clubs in New York City are the only institution that you can trust that will always be there for you! So you can celebrate Thanksgiving by being thankful to the DJs and drag queens that are always keeping the dance floors alive in the city! Check our list with the Best 38 LGBTQ+ Bars in New York and the Ultimate Drag Queen Guide if you need help choosing where to go.
Drag Show
Speaking of drag queens, New York dears, Holly Box-Springs with Jacklynn Hyde and Hibiscus will host The Bombshells Drag Show at The Cauldron Magical Pub on Thursday, 25th, starting at 9 pm. Free entry!
Broadway
Have you heard of it? She is back! Broadway is opened and running, with excellent musical shows that will make you laugh, cry and book a tap dance class during the intermission. David Byrne's American Utopia, Waitress, Hadestown, Six, Dear Evan Hasen, Moulin Rouge, and Wicked are waiting for you. Check our special on Broadway to learn how to get cheaper tickets!
Queer Art
Yes, you can visit New York's most famous museums like The Metropolitan or Moma. But why not give a chance to the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art? The institution has more than 25,000 pieces from more than 1,9000 LGBTQ+ artists. Its permanent collection includes work by Catherine Opie, Robert Mapplethorpe, Neel Bate, and Andy Warhol. Check out our introduction to Queer Art in New York Museums.
LGBTQ+ Seniors
Let's be thankful for those who paved the way for our generation! This art exhibition created by Not Another Second tells the untold stories of 12 LGBTQ+ seniors. They will host a viewing session on Saturday, 27th. Tickets are free, but seats are limited.
If you still didn't find anything that touches your heart and Thanksgiving soul, then check out our Calendar of LGBTQ+ Events in New York. We are constantly updating the page with new parties and meetings!
Gays in Town is an independent project and your engagement means everything to us! If you like our content, please follow us on social media and feel free to share it with your friends! We greatly appreciate your help!
The Best Lesbian Dating Apps