Things to Do with Family & Friends During Thanksgiving Week in NYC
Thanksgiving week in New York City is filled with festive fun, cultural gems, and cozy experiences for every mood and age group. Whether you’re hosting family or exploring the city with visiting friends, there’s something for everyone — from art and live music to design, mindfulness, and nature walks. Here’s your guide to some of the best ways to celebrate gratitude, creativity, and connection this Thanksgiving week.
Brooklyn Museum
A cornerstone of New York’s cultural scene, the Brooklyn Museum offers art, history, and storytelling across eras and mediums. This Thanksgiving week, explore inspiring exhibitions, join guided gallery tours, or enjoy a special film screening celebrating creativity and cultural identity.
Featured Events & Exhibits:
Gallery Tours: A Few of Our Favorite Things
📅 November 22–23, 26, 28–30 | 1–2pm
Take a guided look at beloved works from the museum’s collection — perfect for first-time visitors or longtime fans.
Beyond Keita’s Frame: Finye (The Wind)
📅 November 23 | 2–4pm
A moving film celebrating creativity and cultural identity, expanding on the themes in Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens.
Monet and Venice — Exhibit info
Step into the shimmering world of Claude Monet and experience his luminous depictions of Venice.Breaking the Mold: Brooklyn Museum at 200 — Exhibit info
A celebratory exhibition highlighting two centuries of creativity, innovation, and artistic dialogue.Rubin Museum Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room — Exhibit info
A serene, contemplative space offering a moment of calm amid the holiday rush.
These are just a few highlights from the museum’s extensive lineup this season — visit the Brooklyn Museum website to explore the full schedule of exhibitions, films, and tours.
Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center
For a soulful evening in the city, head to Dizzy’s Club, where the energy of live jazz sets the tone for celebration. From legendary performers to rising stars, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of Thanksgiving festivities.
Performances:
Mary Stallings Featuring The Aaron Goldberg Trio — Tickets
Jazz royalty brings timeless standards and soulful vocals.Future of Jazz Orchestra — Tickets
Discover tomorrow’s greats in this vibrant showcase of young talent.David Amram 95th Birthday Celebration — Tickets
Celebrate a music legend in a night of tributes and collaboration.Herlin Riley and Friends — Tickets | More dates
New Orleans rhythm meets New York swing — pure joy on stage.Tammy McCain: Merry Christmas Baby — Tickets
A jazzy, heartfelt kickoff to the holiday season.
Poster House
At Poster House, design lovers will find fascinating insights into art, propaganda, and visual storytelling. Thanksgiving week features accessible, in-depth tours of one of their most powerful exhibitions — available both in-person and virtually.
Events:
In-Person Vibrant Verbal Description Tour: The Changing Face of Fascist Italy — Event info
An inclusive, guided exploration of how design reflected and shaped history.Virtual Vibrant Verbal Description Tour: The Changing Face of Fascist Italy — Event info
Join the conversation online from the comfort of home.
Wave Hill
Nestled in the Bronx overlooking the Hudson, Wave Hill offers nature, art, and mindfulness in perfect harmony. This Thanksgiving week, the gardens come alive with gratitude-themed activities and creative family fun.
Events:
Family Art Project: Tiny Terrariums — Saturday session | Sunday session
Create miniature worlds inspired by nature’s beauty.Tree as Medium: Ursula Endlicher, sTo Len, Sam Van Aken — Event info
A multidisciplinary exploration of trees as creative collaborators.Gratitude Weekend — Event info
Reflect on the season with workshops, walks, and wellness activities.Gratitude Sound Meditation — Event info
A restorative sound experience to center the spirit.Family Art Project: Grateful for Trees — Event info
Craft nature-inspired art celebrating gratitude and growth.Garden Highlights Walk — Event info
Guided tours of seasonal plantings and scenic views.
Keep Exploring
Whether you’re in the mood for world-class art, live jazz, or peaceful garden walks, New York City offers endless ways to celebrate Thanksgiving week with meaning and joy. Explore, connect, and make memories with the people who matter most.
Related Posts
No records found for the
search criteria entered.
-
A Chef’s Thanksgiving: Cooking Low and Slow — With a One-Year-Old Sous-Chef
Thanksgiving week in New York City is filled with festive fun, cultural gems, and cozy experiences for every mood and age group. Whether yo...
-
Behind the Scenes at Great Performances: Open House New York 2025
As part of Open House New York, we welcomed guests into our South Bronx home for a behind-the-scenes look at where the magic happens — from bustling kitchens to creative offices — and sent them off with a warm cookie and a taste of Great Performances hospitality...
-
Exciting Events Around The Bronx: November 2025
Check out community celebrations, outdoor events, and unique experiences in the Bronx this month...