What to do on Thanksgiving

By Go City Expert

When the turkey has been eaten and the last piece of pie has been fought over, what is there to do on Thanksgiving in New York? Plenty, as it turns out. We’ve got the scoop on what to do on Thanksgiving post-feasting, below.

Radio City Rockettes

The rest of us may be chowing down on turkey on Thanksgiving Day, but The Rockettes are still Rockette-ing--and several times, too. Seeing them is a great way to kick off (ha ha) the holiday season—there is almost nothing quite as festive. All dancing, all singing and plenty of special effects, this is the show that will charm your whole family. (Even cynical teens have been known to crack a smile or two.) It’s what to do on Thanksgiving! (And also check out the Rockefeller Tree lighting at Rockefeller Center with the New York Pass!

Holiday Markets

When the turkey has been eaten, it’s time to start holiday shopping! Or at least browsing. This is a good day to head to one of the holiday markets that spring up across the city. Especially if you’re traveling, a great one to check out is the Grand Central Terminal holiday market. (You can get something both coming and going!) This market focuses on American made products; it’s the place to get toys, accessories, and home goods—plus it’s indoors. While you’re there, don’t forget to gaze at the glorious station interior—an added plus.

Central Park Zoo

If it’s a nice day, a brisk walk in Central Park with the zoo as your destination should be high on your list. The small zoo is the perfect size to see in an afternoon or morning. At 6.5 acres, it encompasses four different sections—Polar (including penguins, always a favorite); Tropics (the rainforest area) the Central Garden (Sea lions) and Temperate (Red Pandas!). If you’ve got wee ones with you, don’t forget the Children’s Zoo. And make sure to watch at least one animal feeding—you can’t go wrong with the sea lions.

Staten Island Ferry

Looking for something that won’t set you back money-wise on Thanksgiving? How does free sound? The Staten Island Ferry is one of the last vestiges of a ferry system that predates most bridges in the city—and it’s free. Seventy thousand people a day (not including weekends) take the ferry--and you can join the masses. You’ll get a fun (if cold) ride, a great view of the city and the harbor, and a chance to burn off some of those pie and stuffing calories.

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Photo Courtesy Trevor Gherardi[/caption]

Empire State Building

While many tourist attractions close down on major holidays, The Empire State Building, the art deco masterpiece that dates back to 1931, isn’t one of them. (It’s actually open every day of the year.) You can choose from a variety of packages (and makes sure to go only if the weather is good and there's no fog--you want those stellar views.) If you were wondering, the building is 1454 feet tall. Make sure to check out the Observation Deck, and see everything that’s offered at the Visitor’s Center.

Want the scoop on the Rockettes’ holiday show? Check this out!

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Tips for Ice Skating in New York

When the temperature drops, the ice skates come out (or at least, they should.) Follow our tips for ice skating in New York--what to know, where to go, and how to get the most out of this winter sport. The Rink at Rockefeller Center The jewel in the crown of New York ice skating rinks, this is where all the tourists (and plenty of New Yorkers ) want to go, and what everyone wants to photograph. Not surprisingly—it’s got a stellar location, and a prime New York setting in Rockefeller Center. What to know: It’s pricey. A general admission skate will set you back $25 for an adult ticket. During holidays and peak holidays, it goes up to $28 and $35. Add in a skate rental, and that will set you back another $18. Expect it also to be very, very crowded. You can reserve tickets (on their own, which start at $60, or as part of a package, such as breakfast with Santa, or a seat to see the Rockettes). Should you go? If it’s on your bucket list; you are planning on proposing (or being proposed to); or if it’s part of your perfect holiday fantasy, then yes. Otherwise, you can get great pics and feel like part of the experience simply by watching the skaters from afar. Winterland Rink Image credit: The Howard Hughes Corporation What to know: Now in its second year of operation, the rooftop Winterland skating rink offers season passes as well as daily tickets. (You will need to pick an arrival time, although you’re free to skate as long as you like once you're there.) Go for the skating, stay for the views; you’ll see the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River, and the Manhattan Skyline. Bryant Park Free admission! Yes, it’s true—admission to the Rink at Bryant Park is free, and there’s no catch. (If you need to rent skates, there is a fee for that.) What to know: The rink is open daily, and you’re surrounded by lots of other stuff to do, especially during the holidays (the holiday market!) The main branch of the library is nearby, there are lots of good food options, and there’s something especially fun about skating right in the middle of the city with grand buildings surrounding you. (You’ll also find a lot of special events in Bryant Park, so check the schedule.) New this season: You can reserve your skate time online. Should you go? Probably. Everybody should go at least once. The Rink at Brookfield Place One of New York’s great little (almost) secrets. The small rink (nothing to sneeze at though; it’s over 7,000 square feet) is located behind the shopping mecca Brookfield Place--and it has an unbelievable view. (Yes, that’s New Jersey over there, looking surprisingly fetching.) What to know: Tickets are $15, skate rentals five. Note: It doesn’t open until noon during the week. So do some shopping inside, then come out and get re-energized. Should you go? Why not? It might not be worth making a special out-of-your-way trip, but if you’re nearby, it’s a fun destination. Wollman Rink in Central Park Few rinks are prettier than Wollman, located in the middle of Central Park; it’s hard to imagine a nicer city setting to ice skate. What to know: It’s got amazing views of the city skyline as well as Central Park, and it’s less pricey than Rockefeller Center ($12 for adults for public skating, a great deal). You can even get a season pass, as well as a locker for the season. Note: Public skating sessions are cash only. Should you go? Yes. Good price, great views; a kind of quintessential New York skating experience. Abe Stark Rink Located on the Coney Island Boardwalk, the rink, open since 1970, is only open on weekends and some holidays. What to know: In the plus column, it’s only $10 to skate, with $5 skate rentals, and they offer skating lessons. Plus it’s indoors, which in February you’ll appreciate. (Oh, and if you were wondering, Abe Stark was a three-term Brooklyn Borough president, known as Mr. Brooklyn.) Should you go? If you’re in Brooklyn and you’re looking for a kind of classic, non-touristy skating experience, then yes. Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers A New York classic! A large indoor rink great for public skating, birthday parties, and outings of any kind; the two rinks are among the most popular in New York. Photo courtesy Chelsea Piers What to know: Factor in some pretty great views, a snack bar right nearby, and plenty of other things to do when you’re done skating, and you’ve got a winner. Check out their group rates and private lessons, too. Should you go? If you’ve got a group or are looking for something fun to do (it’s open year round, a big plus) then yes. Looking for some cultural winter fun? Check out these must-see art exhibits!
Go City Expert
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New York Walking Tours

The best way to discover NYC is to do it by foot. Despite its size, New York City is easy to navigate - just think of all those iconic buildings on the horizon, you just can’t get lost! For those eager for some amazing stories, we have partnered with the best NYC tour companies to offer our passholders a great selection of free walking tours. Be it Wall Street, Central Park, Greenwich, Brooklyn Bridge, or the Bronx, wherever you are there is a walking tour available to you. Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour in Williamsburg Go see why everyone’s talking about Brooklyn! Prepare for a relaxed stroll through trendy Williamsburg, a laid-back district of boutique shops, restaurants and restored lofts. Fashion Windows Walking Tour WindowsWear’s Fashion Window Walking Tour is NYC’s premiere fashion tour. Food on Foot Tours See and taste New York like a New Yorker! To experience a culture you must experience its cuisine and since New York is the melting pot of the world, its vast array of cuisines really showcase the city's diversity. Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour of Brooklyn Discover an exciting world of graffiti taggers and street artists while viewing some of the most visually incredible murals in New York City. Greenwich Village Walking Tour Greenwich Village earned a reputation as a magnet for bohemians and intellectuals, discover why on this walking tour. Harlem Gospel Tour Enjoy the beautiful sounds of a famous NYC Gospel choir, learn the history of Gospel music, and view gorgeous Brooklyn homes and churches during this tour. High Line-Chelsea-Meatpacking Tour Come take a walk on the High Side! Explore NYC’s only elevated park, known as the Highline. NYC Slavery and Underground Railroad Tour Learn about the dramatic history of slavery and the Underground Railroad in NYC. Secrets of Downtown: Tour Lower Manhattan Lower Manhattan has sights beyond the well-known landmarks that can be overlooked. which you'll learn all about on this tour. SoHo-­Little Italy-­Chinatown Walking Tour Ready for some authentic Big Apple? It doesn’t get more real than a visit to SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown. The Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Neighborhood Tour Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and learn the amazing and dramatic story of this world-famous New York City Landmark, while enjoying gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline. Wall Street Walking Tour On this unforgettable tour of the financial district you’ll discover the origins of Wall Street and get to know the men who built it from a street curb bazaar to the global center of wealth and power it is today.
Kirsten McCroskrie

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