Thanksgiving on the UWS: Where to Feast & Celebrate
There’s no place quite like New York City in November, with the crisp air, golden foliage lining Central Park, and the unmistakable excitement of the holiday season taking hold. On the Upper West Side (UWS), Thanksgiving transforms the neighborhood into a hub of warmth, family gatherings, and culinary indulgence.
Whether you’re planning to watch the balloons float by or indulge in the best Thanksgiving dinner in NYC, here’s where to feast and celebrate Thanksgiving 2025.
Start the Morning with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
No Thanksgiving in New York is complete without the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a cherished American tradition that winds its way from Central Park West at 77th Street down to Herald Square. The Upper West Side offers one of the most coveted vantage points for viewing the larger-than-life balloons, marching bands, and dazzling floats before the rest of the city wakes up.
Guests staying at The Wallace Hotel, which is located just a 10-minute walk from the parade’s starting point, can enjoy the advantage of a leisurely stroll to Central Park West for an up-close experience.
Elegant Thanksgiving Dining on the Upper West Side
Once the parade has passed, it’s time to turn your attention to the feast itself. The Upper West Side is home to some of the best Thanksgiving dinners in NYC, blending comfort, creativity, and classic holiday flavors.
Nice Matin
Located just a short, 2-minute stroll from The Wallace, Nice Matin offers a sophisticated French brasserie-style Thanksgiving dinner that blends European flair with seasonal American ingredients.
The menu typically includes options like herb-roasted turkey with savory chestnut stuffing, pumpkin soup, and a decadent tarte Tatin for dessert. The cozy, amber-lit interior and lively UWS atmosphere make it an ideal setting for a relaxed yet refined celebration.
The Milling Room
Nestled in a historic building on Columbus Avenue, located a 10-minute stroll from the Wallace Hotel, The Milling Room delivers a warm and elegant Thanksgiving experience with its soaring ceilings and rustic-chic décor.
The restaurant’s seasonal menu often features locally sourced ingredients, such as cider-brined turkey, maple-glazed carrots, and cranberry gastrique. With a focus on farm-to-table dining, it’s a favorite for guests who value sustainability and flavor.
Tavern on the Green
Set within Central Park, Tavern on the Green is an NYC icon and a perfect destination for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner in NYC. The restaurant’s holiday menu typically features roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing, truffle mashed potatoes, and fall-inspired desserts.
With its glittering lights and historic charm, it’s one of the most romantic and quintessentially New York settings to dine on Thanksgiving Day. It’s also only a 20-minute walk from the Wallace Hotel.
Other Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving 2025 on the Upper West Side
If you’re not in the mood for a traditional dinner, the UWS also offers plenty of alternative ways to enjoy Thanksgiving 2025.
Central Park Strolls and Autumn Views
After your meal, walk off that pumpkin pie with a stroll through Central Park, just a few blocks from The Wallace. Late November offers a final glimpse of fiery autumn foliage, especially around The Lake, Bow Bridge, and The Ramble.
It’s a serene and scenic escape from the city bustle, and it’s a reminder of why Thanksgiving feels so special in this corner of Manhattan.
Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise (approx. 20–30 minutes travel plus boarding time)
Swap out a stationary dinner for a truly extraordinary holiday experience: the NYC Thanksgiving Gourmet Lunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise offers a refined, panoramic way to dine while afloat. This elegant, European-style, glass-enclosed yacht glides along New York Harbor, giving guests sweeping skyline views through 360° windows.
Onboard, you’ll enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu served to your table, paired with live music, wine or seasonal cocktails (available for purchase), and a warm, elegant ambiance. The cruise lasts roughly 2–3 hours and is designed to combine visual delight with culinary finesse.
Logistics-wise, guests coming from the Wallace Hotel should allow around 20-30 minutes (or more, depending on traffic/subway schedule) to reach the boarding point. The extra effort, however, is well-rewarded: instead of a fixed room or restaurant view, you’ll glide past the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and other iconic landmarks while savoring your Thanksgiving dinner in NYC.
Post-Holiday Shopping and Festivities
The day after Thanksgiving, the UWS transitions seamlessly into the holiday season. Columbus Avenue and Broadway come alive with small boutiques and local markets offering post-holiday deals. Meanwhile, Lincoln Center (15 minutes from The Wallace) begins its lineup of holiday performances—from the New York Philharmonic’s seasonal concerts to The Nutcracker by the New York City Ballet.
A Thanksgiving Stay to Remember
Thanksgiving on the Upper West Side offers a perfect blend of tradition, indulgence, and community. To make the most of your Thanksgiving 2025 celebration, stay close to the heart of it all at The Wallace Hotel.
With its refined suites, modern comforts, and prime location near Central Park and the city’s top restaurants, The Wallace provides the perfect home base for an unforgettable holiday experience in Manhattan.
Book your stay today to enjoy the warmth of the holiday in NYC.