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NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade

A Boutique Solo Tour

November 24 - November 28, 2026
Trip Full, Accepting Standbys
Experience an upgraded style of travel on a Boutique Solo Tour. We will take no more than twelve women and stay in a unique, centrally located property where each traveler has her own single room. Thanksgiving in New York City is filled with festive sights, sounds, and experiences. From the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, to storefronts decorated for Christmas to exploring Central Park, there are countless ways to celebrate the holidays and take advantage of the festive spirit in this world-famous metropolis. Besides attending the parade, we’ll watch the parade balloon inflation the day before and explore the city. Join WTT to spend a memorable holiday in the city that never sleeps.
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NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 24 - November 28, 2026

Highlights

  • Enjoy the Thanksgiving Day Parade in person!
  • View the Balloon Inflation process
  • Visit Rockefeller Center
  • See NYC Storefronts all Decked Out in Holiday Decor
  • Boutique Size - No More than 12 Travelers
  • All Travelers Enjoy Single Rooms
  • Free time to Explore Personal Interests
  • And More... See itinerary for details


Your Hotel: New York Hilton Midtown

Welcome to the heart of Manhattan's Thanksgiving Day tradition as we stay at the New York Hilton Midtown, located directly along the parade route at Sixth Avenue between 53rd and 54th Streets. Enjoy exclusive access to a street-level outdoor viewing area. What a great way to kick-off the bustling holiday season in the Big Apple.
TL tip:  have group go to Marienbrucke Bridge first.  Be sure to get them to the FAR end of the bridge. So many less people there and better photos.

Itinerary

Tuesday, 24 November 2026: Arrive NYC; Welcome Meeting & Dinner (D)

Schedule your flight to arrive into New York City no later than 4:00pm to have time to make your way to the hotel. Should you arrive earlier in the day, go exploring or relax. The tour begins at 6:00pm in the lobby of the hotel. We will meet as a group then walk to a nearby restaurant to enjoy a Welcome Dinner and get acquainted. Overnight New York City - 4 nights


Wednesday, 25 November 2026: Carriage Tour; Balloon Inflation; Holiday Market (B,L)

Thanksgiving heralds the start of the city's cherished holiday season, and so we begin with a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride tour through Central Park's winding paths, passing iconic landmarks like Bethesda Fountain and Bow Bridge while soaking in the beauty of this urban oasis. We will then head to the parade prep area to glimpse the balloon inflation process. Be prepared to stand for and hour or two as lines can be long. On average, the balloons are five stories tall and weigh more than 800 pounds! The inflation teams prep nearly all day in anticipation of the parade. After lunch together, join your Tour Leader for a walk along Fifth Avenue, which is considered to be the world's most expensive shopping street. There is no cost for checking out the extravagantly decorated store windows, which have been a holiday hallmark for more than a century. The Winter Village at Bryant Park (a European-inspired holiday market) will be in full swing and there will be time to browse for a gift, pick up a new decoration or souvenir. Even though we're in the "City that Never Sleeps," you may want to get plenty of rest this evening so you'll be ready for tomorrow's big event.


Thursday, 26 November 2026: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade; Post-Parade Group Meal (B,O)

Happy Thanksgiving! If you're like many Americans, you might have an annual tradition of watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV. It was first broadcast in 1948 and became iconic outside of the city itself. It continues to be a popular tradition and boasts 35 million viewers annually. Today, we'll view the parade in person, with about 3.5 million people along the route. Our hotel is on the parade route and there is sidewalk standing room right out front for hotel guests only. We will also have the warmth of an indoor space to view the parade more comfortably - the choice is yours. It typically takes about 3 hours to see the entire parade. Afterward, we'll enjoy a meal together and give thanks. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Perhaps you'd like to browse the Chelsea Market, housed inside a former Nabisco Factory. It's always decked out for the holidays. Your Tour Leader will have suggestions of things to see and do.


Friday, 27 November 2026: Rockefeller Center; Farewell High Tea; Free Evening (B,O)

Today is Black Friday, the busiest shopping day in the busiest city. Thanksgiving Day is officially over and merchants are now focused on the December holidays. We'll walk to Rockefeller Center where the big tree and ice skaters dominate the landscape. Here, we'll visit the Top of the Rock observation deck for grand vistas. Afterward we will make our way through the multitudes to an elegant Farewell High Tea (subject to availability) in a classic setting with both savories and sweets. With gratitude, we can recount our busy time and fun adventures in Manhattan. We've left the evening free for those who might want to catch a Broadway show or the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City.


Saturday, 28 November 2026: Return Home from New York City

Sadly it's time to return home. Schedule your departure at your convenience. Your WTT Tour Leader can assist with coordinating rideshares for those departing from the same airport.


This is a walking-intensive tour that has us walking up to 5-7 miles in a day, typically on pavement.
In addition crowds, long lines and potentially frigid weather are distinct possibilities.


NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 24 - November 28, 2026

Pricing

  • Room Share

    Not Availble

  • Single Room

    $5,771.00

  • Non-Members

    ADD $50.00

  • Status of this Tour

    Trip Full, Accepting Standbys
Tour Prices are in US Dollars
$500.00 Due at time of Reservation

Tour Pricing Includes

  • Meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
  • Hotel accommodations along the parade route
  • All tipping of local guides
  • WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
  • Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT

Not Included In The Price

  • Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
  • Any personal expenses
  • Any pre- or post- tour arrangements
  • Any gratuities for WTT Tour Leader
  • Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance

Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour

You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.

Thursday, 28 May 2026: Last day $500 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Wednesday, 26 Aug 2026: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Saturday, 10 Oct 2026 results in a cancellation penalty of 50% of your Total Tour Cost.
Saturday, 10 Oct 2026: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.

Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.

To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted. 

 


Insurance Reminder

Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption is not included in the cost of the tour.  It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate.

WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.

NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 24 - November 28, 2026

Flights, Transfers & Lodging

Arrival & Departure Information

Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:


Arrival Airport: NYC - New York City, NY (Greater NYC Airports (JFK, LGA, EWR))
Arrival Date: Tuesday, November 24.  Arrive no later than 4:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. Details provided in Final Travel Instructions.

Departure Airport: NYC - New York City, NY (Greater NYC Airports (JFK, LGA, EWR))
Departure Date: Saturday, November 28th.  Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. WTT Tour Leader will assist in coordinating ride sharing.


When to Book Your Air

It is up to you to decide how soon you want to make your travel arrangements, however we recommend waiting until you receive your final payment invoice. You will still have plenty of time to get your air (about 4 months).

Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details. Use the same form to update your information should it change.

Airport Transfer Information

Getting from the airport to the hotel (i.e. the arrival transfer) can be a point of concern for some travelers. Locate the "Arrival and Departure Information" -OR- "Want to Arrive a Day Early?" on this page for arrival transfer information.

When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel.

Don't Worry. We're Expecting You:  One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if your flight is delayed.

Lodging / Hotels

New York City: New York Hilton Midtown - New York, NY

Whenever possible, we choose hotels that are near the city center and/or where there are things to do and places to eat within walking distance of the hotel. When the chosen hotel is not within walking distance of much, transportation options, at the traveler's expense, are typically available.

In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.


Want to Arrive a Day Early?

Worried about possible flight delays? Consider arriving one day before the official tour start date. Many of our travelers choose this optional service. Your pre-tour package includes:
  • The room (standard check-in times apply)
  • Breakfast the following morning
  • Optional activity suggestions prior to tour
    $719.00 Single Occupancy
The pre-tour package is an optional service.  Rates are established at time of tour posting. Early check-in is solely at the discretion of the hotel and cannot be arranged in advance.

Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses the same hotel used on the first night of the tour.

NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 24 - November 28, 2026

Destination Information

“A great trip that I will recommend. We had so much fun in our tour leader's room watching the parade. I don't think it would have been the same standing on the street. Some women choose that option and were happy with it. Our WTT Tour Leader did an excellent job throughout the trip. I felt confident and safe under her leadership. So many of these trips are bucket list trips. Start checking them off!”
Janet K. - Burlington, WI
“Thanksgiving Day was so memorable. Seeing the parade on the street was amazing, the hotel location was incredible, and then all of us walking to Thanksgiving dinner and having a wonderful dinner was just the icing on the cake. Our WTT Tour Leader had a room on the 9th floor looking at 6th Ave. Most of the group watched the parade from there, as well as had the flatscreen on to watch all the performances on TV. Myself and another woman in the group were out on the street by 7am. It was the best of both worlds. I can’t compliment the WTT Tour Leader enough. She was high energy, very enthusiastic, and willing to head out and do what anyone wanted. We had a ball!”
Lorrie L. - Boston, MA
“Watching the parade from the hotel room as it came down 6th Avenue was awesome. We got to see it all in comfort. Do it. Manhattan is magical at Christmas.”
Janice B. - Greenville, NC
The activities on this tour are rated as follows:
  • 20% Easy
  • 65% Moderate (extensive urban walking over several days; sustained standing, possible public transportation use)
  • 5% Strenuous (navigating crowded venues, winter weather)
Walking is a key component of this tour and of the New York City way of life. Between walking tours and personal exploration you can expect to walk up to 5 miles or more over the course of a day, typically on sidewalks and pavement. It is not always practical to grab a cab, so expect and plan to walk a lot, often in very cold weather.

This tour takes place during one of the busiest weeks of the year. Expect crowds, long lines and potentially inclement weather.

Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.

WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
This tour takes a minimum of 10 travelers and a maximum of 12 and uses a combination of walking and public transportation. The group will be escorted by a WTT Tour Leader.

You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.

Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.

Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day (B,L,D,O). When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.

You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.

Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and gluten-free dietary restrictions can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.

Temperatures in New York City in late November are typically in the 40s, though in any given year, there may be the occasional cold snap or warm front. The chance of a sunny sky or overcast day is about equal. Rain is always a distinct possibility. Snow is fairly rare. In general the temperature, rainfall and humidity levels vary based on the time of the year. We suggest you monitor weather apps leading up to the time you depart for the most current information.

For This Trip You May Want—

  • Warm winter weather clothing
  • Clothing that easily layers to control warmth
  • Rainproof jacket or parka
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Warm socks
  • Smart-casual wear for dining out

You May Also Want—

  • Smart-casual wear if you'd like to dress up a bit for dinners
  • Hand and feet warmers
  • Lotion and lip balm - it can be very dry this time of year

Good Packing Habits—

  • Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
  • Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
  • Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
  • Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
  • Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
On every WTT tour, our policies regarding luggage restrictions are driven by the requirement that all travelers be able to manage their own belongings without assistance.
  • We strongly recommend you bring only one suitcase plus small, comfortable shoulder bag/day pack/purse.
  • You are responsible for managing your own belongings.
Only you can determine the optimum amount of cash to take on tour. When budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses, there are several aspects to consider: the number of meals you are responsible for, the amount of money you like to have on-hand for snacks and drinks, and your individual shopping interests and habits. More and more, restaurants are no longer allowing groups to split the bill by charging to multiple credit cards. Therefore, you might want to have cash-on-hand for meals on your own when dining with others in the group.
All tips to local guides will be paid on your behalf.
  • You are responsible for tipping waitstaff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
  • You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day.
Your deposit can be converted to Parked Credits for use on a new tour if done BEFORE 28 May 2026
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
1) Submit a Cancellation Form for this tour.
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.

Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
Complete the Cancellation Form as soon as you know you need to cancel. This is important because cancellation penalties - listed under "Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for this Tour" - are based on the date WTT receives your Cancellation Form.

NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 24 - November 28, 2026

STANDBY REQUEST FORM

1)There is no obligation to take the tour if you submit a standby request. 2)If an opening occurs, WTT will email you based on the room-type available. 3)WTT membership is not required to go on standby, however we do notify our members ahead of non-members.

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