It's officially November everyone, so it's time for Thanksgiving fervor to commence.
Seriously, let's stave off the Christmas cheer, at least until our turkey is good and digested. Let's spend this month being grateful for what we have, spending time with the people we love, and marveling at those gorgeous leaves in our beautiful parks.
Plus, since we're doing that whole thing where we're thankful for what we have, we should also spend some time this month giving back.
Whether it's tossing a dollar at that guy outside your subway stop every day, or riding your bike in Cranksgiving to buy cans for people who need it this Thanksgiving, there are plenty of ways to help other people feel thankful this November.
You don't even have to do anything that insane. Just smile at someone. It sounds cheesy, but it's true. Smiles travel rapidly around this city.
Now read on and learn how to celebrate Thanksgiving this November in NYC.
1. Be thankful
riverrailphoto Looking at a beautiful #sunrise from #newark #newarkairport #nyc #nycprimeshot #ilovenewyork #nycsunrise #newyorkcity #thebigapple #nycsunrise
Thanksgiving isn't called "turkey-giving." It's called Thanksgiving for a reason. It's called Thanksgiving because life is much more pleasant if you spend your time being grateful for what you have rather than wistful for what you don't.
Let's face it: we've got a lot to be grateful for in NYC. We've got stunning river views, towering skyscrapers, and plenty of driven peers to keep us inspired in our dreams.
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We live in the most fun, off the chain and insane city in the solar system. We think that definitely merits some month long thanks. So take some time this month to appreciate what you're grateful for. We guarantee you'll be happier if you do.
2. Spend time with friends
torirachael Haha true. I love thanksgiving, but I won't lie, we usually have friends-giving mixed with Christmas stuff 🎄🎁🍗🍽 #friendsgiving #thanksgiving #christmas #funny #turkey #happy #food
If you're a millennial living in NYC, you might not have a lot of family in the city.
Don't get us wrong. You totally might. Maybe your parents live in the apartment down the street from you. Maybe your uncle lives on the opposite end of the city from you, but in the same city nonetheless.
Regardless, attending or planning a Friends-giving party can be one of the most fun ways to spend the Thanksgiving season. You don't have to go to Friends-giving on actual Thanksgiving, FYI. You can do it whenever you want throughout the month of November.
Make a Facebook event. Have a potluck. Make all your friends show up with different varieties of stuffing. Then, drink a lot of alcohol and play football in Central Park. Or whatever park is closest to your apartment.
Yes, you'll feel just like the characters from Friends. This sensation is completely normal.
3. Go to the Parade
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You know which parade we're talking about. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
For the past 89 years (yes, that’s a long time) the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been NYC’s official kick-off to the holiday season.
Every year millions, like really, millions, of people storm NYC to watch the giant balloons, one-of-a-kind floats, and amazing performances march down Central Park West and 6th Avenue on the day of Thanksgiving.
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More than 3.5 million people come to watch in person, and more than 50 million watch the parade on TV. So, it’s kind of a big deal. We’re sure you already know.
So go to it. Or watch it on TV.
4. Prospect Park Turkey Trot
Are you not superhuman enough to run the NYC Marathon?
We aren't either. However, the Prospect Park Turkey Trot is an extremely manageable distance. Well, at least it's much more manageable.
It's a five-mile run that takes place on Thanksgiving day. It's got a 9 a.m. start time which will leave you plenty of time to guiltlessly stuff your face with turkey and stuffing, so it's basically the best of both worlds.
Basically, running a five mile race with the people you care about is a great way to spend some of the day laughing and euphoric, and some of the day in hard earned pain. Endorphins are where it's at.
Plus, Prospect Park is entirely stunning, if you haven't heard. Do yourself a favor and register early. This race sells out every year.
,5. Cranksgiving
cranksgiving Cranksgiving is in the air! Save November 21 for the best pedal powered charity event in the world. Check out cranksgiving.org for dates in Dallas, Boston, St. Louis, LA, Chicago, Portland (Oregon AND Maine), Philly, DC, and nearly 80 more! #cranksgiving #cranksgivingnyc #bikenyc
It wouldn't be Thanksgiving, and it also wouldn't be NYC, if we gobbled up all the good Thanksgiving food and paid no mind to anyone less fortunate.
Enter: Cranksgiving, the event that's part food drive, part bike ride, part scavenger hunt. It's been held every year in NYC since 1999, and it's a good cause, it's full of love, and it's a blast.
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Here's how you participate. Bring a bike, a bag, a lock, and about $20 to buy food. All food collected during this crazy scavenger hunt will benefit the Bowery Mission, which helps provide hundreds of families with food during the week of Thanksgiving.
It'll start at 1:30 p.m. at Hudson Yards on November 21st, and will end between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Learn more about this fun, charitable Thanksgiving event here.
6. Shop
shannok2 There is literally no better way to end the weekend/kick off the holiday season than exploring Bryant Park with a cup of hot chocolate and @coreyrandle93. Happy November to all! #peoplewatching #bryantpark #bryantparkwintervillage #iceskating #hotchocolate #insertholidayhashtaghere #nyc #hellonovember
Is there any better way to let your favorite people know you care than by presenting them with a thoughtful gift?
Really, we think the answer on that one has got to be no. Plus, it's very common knowledge that Thanksgiving sales are all the rage. It used to be that the day after Thanksgiving was the day that stirred up shopping mania, but these days that's all happening way, way earlier.
So do yourself and your loved ones a favor and get out to one of NYC's excellent holiday markets. Shop at an independent bookstore or retailer. Seriously, all you have to do is browse the East Village before you find that shop that's completely devoted to the present you're looking for.
If you hate depleting your bank account (like all of us) then maybe craft a gift for your favorite person this holiday season. Sometimes the gifts you make are more meaningful than the gifts you buy, just saying.
7. Eat a lot
Remember how we mentioned that you should spend some time this month indulging in NYC's holiday markets?
Well the best part about these markets (in our opinions) is that they have some of the tastiest, most innovative food for sale as part of the markets.
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Like, you'll be able to get a really delicious barbecue brisket sandwich with pickles alongside a Turkish fusion and a vegan sushi roll. All we can really say is, get to these holiday markets with an empty stomach and a full wallet.
In other news regarding eating a lot, we think you should spend the month of November treating yourself to all the delicious food NYC's got to offer. Whoever said Thanksgiving was just about turkey was dreadfully mistaken.
Check Out 13 Events in NYC That’ll Rock You Through November.
[Feature Image Courtesy Hostel Club Blog]