Thanksgiving Day brings a special kind of magic, whether you’re celebrating at home or enjoying the outdoors. Families can cook together, watch holiday parades, or create simple crafts that add warmth to the day. Outside, kids can enjoy nature walks, park playtime, or festive neighborhood displays. It’s the perfect blend of cozy traditions and fresh-air fun, making the holiday feel memorable and full of joy.
Experience the Magic of the Thanksgiving Day Parade
Watching the Thanksgiving Day Magic Parade is a beloved holiday tradition that unites communities. Parades feature giant character balloons, floats, marching bands, dancers, and live performances. Families enjoy the spectacle along parade routes or on TV, creating excitement and nostalgia.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is the most famous, drawing millions each year. Beyond entertainment, parades celebrate gratitude, togetherness, and the start of the festive season, offering joy for both children and adults.
Fun Ways to Celebrate the Thanksgiving Day Parade at Home
Celebrate the Thanksgiving Day Parade from the comfort of your home with family-friendly activities like watching the parade on TV, crafts, music, treats, and virtual games. It’s a fun, festive way to enjoy the holiday together.
1. Watch the Parade on TV
Gather the family in the living room to watch a live broadcast of the Thanksgiving Day Magic Parade. Make it cozy with blankets, pillows, and hot chocolate while enjoying the colorful floats, giant balloons, marching bands, and performances.
2. Parade-Themed Crafts
Create your own mini parade at home with craft activities. Kids can make paper floats, balloon characters, or decorate masks of their favorite parade characters. It’s a fun way to engage creativity while celebrating the holiday.
3. Family Dance Party
Recreate the festive energy by playing music from the parade or other holiday tunes. Encourage kids to dance along, march around the living room, or even perform “mini parades” with homemade instruments or props.
4. Thanksgiving Treats While Watching
Prepare snacks or themed treats to enjoy during the parade. Popcorn, cookies shaped like balloons, or colorful cupcakes make watching even more festive and fun for the whole family.
5. Virtual Parade Activities
Many parades offer online games, coloring pages, or virtual experiences. Children can engage with these digital activities while still feeling part of the larger parade celebration.
Thanksgiving Day Parade outdoor activities
Enjoy the Thanksgiving Day 2025 Parade outdoors by watching live floats and giant balloons, joining mini marches, playing balloon-spotting games, and having festive snacks with family.
1. Watch the Parade Live
Attend a local parade route with family or friends. Arrive early to secure a good spot, bring blankets or chairs, and enjoy the colorful floats, giant balloons, marching bands, and live performances in person.
2. Balloon Spotting
Make a game out of spotting all the giant character balloons. Kids can check off their favorite characters as they float by, making the experience interactive and exciting.
3. March Along Mini-Parade
Some parades encourage children to join in with small floats, banners, or musical instruments. Kids can march along safely behind barricades, adding to the festive atmosphere.
4. Outdoor Crafts and Chalk Art
Please set up an outdoor station with sidewalk chalk or craft tables where children can draw their favorite parade floats, balloons, or characters. This keeps the celebration creative and hands-on.
5. Picnic and Snacks
Bring a Thanksgiving-themed picnic to enjoy while watching. Hot drinks, snacks, and themed treats make the outdoor experience cozy and festive, especially on chilly November mornings.
Date & Time: The Macy’s Parade is held on Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November) from 8:30 AM to ~12:00 PM.
Street Closures: Key streets like Central Park West, Columbus Avenue, and parts of 6th Avenue will be shut down during the parade.
Balloon Inflation: The day before Thanksgiving (Wednesday), balloon inflation typically happens in the afternoon / early evening near the Museum of Natural History.
Cozy Evening Ideas
Spend a relaxing evening close to 44 Franklin Turnpike by visiting local cafés or restaurants for warm drinks and comfort food. Take a stroll through nearby parks or streets to enjoy holiday lights and seasonal decorations. You can also stop by a nearby bookstore or bakery, pick up treats, and unwind at home with family or friends.
Adding soft music, candles, or a cozy blanket at the end of the evening makes it a perfect, intimate way to enjoy the night and soak in the festive atmosphere.
Mahwah Bar & Grill
Address: 2 Island Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430
Hours: Open until midnight on some days
Vibe: Casual pub with a warm atmosphere, great for dinner or a relaxed drink.
Roxanne’s Brick Oven Pizzeria & Bar
Address: 150 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah, NJ 07430
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11:30 AM–10:00 PM; Friday & Saturday 11:30 AM–11:00 PM
Vibe: Cozy Italian spot featuring brick-oven pizza and a welcoming bar area.
Longfellow’s Coffee
Address: 72A Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah, NJ 07430
Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Vibe: Comfortable café offering artisan coffee, pastries, and a relaxing ambiance.
The Tradition of the Largest Thanksgiving Pie
The “Largest Pie” is a fun and fascinating Thanksgiving tradition that celebrates the holiday’s love for abundance and togetherness. Each year, communities and bakeries across the U.S. attempt to create oversized pumpkin pies—some stretching several feet wide—as a symbol of generosity and festive spirit. These giant pies are often showcased at local fairs, Thanksgiving events, or charity gatherings, drawing crowds who come to admire their size and enjoy a slice.
Beyond being a spectacle, the tradition highlights the joy of sharing food with others and reflects the warm, communal values that make Thanksgiving such a cherished holiday.
Secor Farms
Address: 168 Airmont Avenue, Mahwah, NJ 07430
Hours (Seasonal):
- Monday–Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- (Hours may vary slightly during late fall, but this is their typical schedule.)
- Why: Local farm market offering seasonal baked goods, fresh fruit pies, cider donuts, and festive holiday items — a great spot to enjoy Thanksgiving treats near 44 Franklin Turnpike.