OP,

I've done the Macy's Day Parade for years. You should get there at 6 AM to get a spot on the parade route (not all of you, at least one of you). They close off some streets if there are crowds. We missed it one year, it was warm and tons of people came ... they blocked off the parade route and we couldn't meet our friends who'd gone earlier to save us a spot.

The trains are crazy crowded, it's the busiest weekend of the year to travel. One year, I was on a MARC train from NYC to DC. No room for bags! The seat was hard, my back hurt for days.

The hotels are expensive, the train, too.

That said, it's a blast.

How old are your children?

It was cold but crowds were fine. Recommend looking at apartment rentals instead of hotels if you want more space and are hoping to save on accommodations. We loved that NYC had so many restaurant options for thanksgiving day, so hard to choose! New York magazine did a good review of several a couple years back - you can try searching for it on google.

It's been awhile, but we did it when my nieces and nephews were six and under and it was GREAT! It was cold. It was hard finding bathrooms. You have to stake out your spot for the parade early in the morning. But, so magical. We loved it. I can't wait to do it again. The other thing I want to do is to go to Rockerfeller Center when they light the tree.

Fun but be prepared for sticker shock on the hotels. Seriously, it's outrageous how much those rooms get marked up.

We go to visit DH's parents. From Thanksgiving through New Year, NYC is an absolute mob scene. If you take that as a given, you will have more fun -- and it is fun. If you end up going, do visit the balloon inflation the night before. It's a treat. The parade is difficult to see without tickets -- not sure how to get those tickets but you should definitely check on that.

Be aware that the tree in Rockefeller center is traditionally not lit until the Wednesday AFTER Thanksgiving so you can visit and skate but the tree won't be ready.

The train will also be a scene. If you go, reserve seats. I know of more than one person who has stood the entire trip.

Have fun!

My family has always talked about going to NYC for Thanksgiving. Mostly to do the typical traditions....Macy's parade, see the decorated shop windows, Rockettes, Rock Center, etc.

The only personal experience I have of going at Thanksgiving was when I was in graduate school. Stayed on a friend's couch, drank too much, etc. Way different circumstances than a family vacation.

My biggest concern is the crowds. Particularly taking the train from Union Station.

Anybody travel to NYC over Thanksgiving holidays and have any feedback to share? Thanks so much.