NYC @ Thanksgiving

[TeamAlesha]

We are going for 5 nights the day before TG.

Anyone know how if the shops will be open etc. Also do you think we should book somewhere for dinner?

It was a few years ago now, but yes you would be best to book somewhere for dinner, unless you're happy with TGI's or with the golden arches. As for the shops, I can't honestly remember.
The parade is ACE

Arrived on Thanksgiving one year - too late for shopping so don't know if any are open. The city did seem very quiet but it wasn't any trouble finding somewhere to eat near our hotel.

The sales start the next day!

Thank you

Yes, I hear they the sales are called 'black friday' and they are fab.

If your are checking hold luggage be prepared for it to go astray. Thanksgiving is the busiest time in US airports and they lose a lot of luggage that weekend. Couple of years ago upon arrival (in Philadelphia) it took me an hour and a half to get to the front of the lost luggage queue to report mine missing.

Pack emergency stuff into you hand luggage to get you through the first day just in case.

Stores will be open the day before Thanksgiving (practically all the stores in NYC do not open until 10am but stay open till late).

Thanksgiving itself is a public holiday in the US so many stores will be closed for the day.

What sort of food were you thinking of re dinner?.

Its always a good idea to pack some clothes in your carry on luggage in the event the suitcase goes on a holiday of its own. Its only happened once to us though in all the years we've been travelling to the US. What I do is write down my details of where I am staying on a piece of paper and this is placed in the suitcase.

Thanks for the luggage info - will definetely pack a spare set of clothes.

RE: dinner - not really sure, but we are going to celebrate our 10 year anniversary, so somewhere nice-ish.

You must go and look at the windows at Barneys - always fab displays for Christmas.

So jealous as we used to live in NYC! Yes, sales on that Friday after T-Day are massive. Expect mayhem but good discounts. Definitely book for dinner. A really nice place but a bit pricey for dinner is Gramercy Tavern. Some shops will be closed on the day but there will always be a diner or two open for food.

Agree with previous posting, the airports will be crazy that week, definitely pack some essentials in your hand luggage. And don't forget to check out the T-Day parade that goes up Fifth Avenue. Its a tradition that shouldn't be missed.