Top 20 Unique Things To Do for Friendsgiving in NYC
Friendsgiving is catching on as a popular alternative to traditional Thanksgiving. It’s a modern twist on the holiday that offers a chance to skip the formalities and enjoy a holiday focused on spending time with your favorite people. For Friendsgiving in NYC, you can be anything you want—whether learning new skills together, diving into unique cultural experiences, or giving back to the community. With so many options, crafting a celebration that reflects the spirit of friendship and gratitude in your own way is easy.
What is Friendsgiving & What Does It Mean?
For starters, what does Friendsgiving mean? It is essentially a holiday gathering among friends, typically held a few days before or on Thanksgiving Day. However, it’s perfectly fine to celebrate it after turkey day—the choice is up to you. The important thing is that Friendsgiving gives you a way to give thanks and recognize buddies who can be just as close as family.
Where Did Friendsgiving Get Its Start?
Coined in 2007, the term “Friendsgiving” first appeared in forums and social media. Before evolving, these online posts mainly discussed informal meals and get-togethers. Its popularity grew largely in part due to liqueur campaigns that saw its marketing promise and depictions in various television shows like “The Real Housewives of New Jersey.” By 2020, Friendsgiving was so widely recognized that it was officially added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
NYC Friendsgiving Location & Venue Ideas
Sea the City has listed a cornucopia of things to do for Friendsgiving in NYC that are sure to please! From hot tub boat tours on the Hudson to exciting rooftop bashes to giving back through volunteering opportunities, the city is filled with unique Friendsgiving location ideas.
1. Relax on a Hot Tub Boat Cruise
Celebrate Friendsgiving aboard Sea the City’s luxurious Hot Tub Boat Cruise! Gather your crew and cruise along the Hudson River while soaking in two onboard hot tubs that can comfortably fit up to 10 friends each. Sip your brewskis, wine, and hard cider with our BYOB policy and take in stunning views of the NYC skyline and iconic landmarks.
As a seasonal bonus, guests on fall tours will enjoy complimentary hot apple cider.
Now through November 30, you can save 20% on private or single-tub tours with promo code FRIENDS20.
It’s the coziest way to bond with friends and create memories this fall.
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2. Take a Hands-On Culinary Class
Number two on this list of things to do at Friendsgiving has you skipping the usual reserve-and-wait restaurant experience to take a hands-on culinary class with friends instead. Hundreds of them are hosted by top chefs at amazing venues. Offerings range from holiday-themed courses to lessons in crafting cocktails or rolling sushi. What’s more? You get a chance to have fun and bond over meals and drinks you’ve prepared together. It’s a creative way to sharpen your cooking skills while sharing tasty food and excellent company.
3. Head to a Night-time Rooftop Party
Of all the places to have Friendsgiving, celebrating from up high at night in the Big Apple is always a hit. That said, gather your besties and head to a rooftop party on a towering penthouse, terrace, or hotel to revel at a rooftop bash under the stars. There, stellar, panoramic views blend with cocktails and pulsating music to turn your Friendsgiving celebration into a night you won’t soon forget. Many venues provide heaters, fire pits, and cozy blankets onsite to ensure the festive vibe isn’t spoiled by a little chilly weather.
4. Participate in Themed Scavenger Hunts
You and your friends can make New York City your playground with a themed scavenger hunt. Self-guided scavenger hunts can be extremely easy on the wallet too, as you can book groups of up to 5 for under $20. This activity brings friendly competition, plenty of riddle-solving, and laughs, making it a good choice for those looking for a mix of fun and adventure.
5. Indulge in Holiday Food Tours
Explore NYC’s tastiest seasonal treats with friends on a food tour. Most of them last about 2.5 to 3 hours, giving you ample time to stroll through markets, bakeries, and specialty shops to sample their specialties. Popular and highly rated food tours include the Hell’s Kitchen Tour. This guided tour lets you taste a diverse range of cuisines that reflect the neighborhood’s rich immigrant history. Think yummy delights like Japanese barbecue, empanadas, Bulgarian spreads, and freshly made donuts and cookies. Another one for the books is The Secret Food Tour in Greenwich Village, featuring bagels, falafel, pizza, and more.
6. Go Ice Skating Together
Commemorate the quintessential winter activity, ice skating, by lacing up your skates and hitting the ice. While iconic rinks like the Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park will always be popular choices, Wollman Rink in Central Park offers a picturesque backdrop for gliding on the ice. Afterward, you can satisfy your appetite at Jam’s restaurant, just steps from Central Park. Serving seasonal American cuisine, it’s an ideal space for special events like Friendsgiving.
7. Solve Puzzles at Escape Rooms
An excellent Friendsgiving idea is exploring one of NYC’s immersive and challenging escape rooms. One of note is Exit Escape Room NYC, rated among the best escape rooms in NYC by publications like The Travel, Thrillist, and Escaperoom.com. There, you can book different games that have you solving puzzles and finding clues to do anything from stopping a speeding train to acquiring a mafia boss’s stash of cash. It’s a thrilling, immersive experience that blends collaboration with problem-solving.
8. Make Friendsgiving Comfy with Movie Marathons
Rent a private theater or set up a cozy viewing party at home with blankets, snacks, and wine. It’s a laid-back way to enjoy time together and unwind during the busy holiday season. You can host a movie marathon featuring hilarious flicks like the 2020 movie Friendsgiving, starring Malin Akerman, Kat Dennings, and Jack Donnelly. Also, the Friends episode where Rachael makes the English trifle and her friends pretend to like it is a nice addition to the mix for a Friendsgiving movie night.
9. Give Back with Volunteer Opportunities
Sometimes the best way to celebrate Friendsgiving is by giving back. Gather your friends and volunteer at a local food bank, shelter, soup kitchen, or charity event. It’s a meaningful way to spend time together while helping others—a true reflection of the holiday spirit. Brightest offers a helpful guide to volunteer opportunities across NYC, listing soup kitchens and shelters in every borough, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Harlem, and the Bronx.
10. Go to a Paint ‘N’ Pour Party
Tap into your artistic side with a wine and paint night at Paint ‘N’ Pour, NYC’s only open bar paint and sip. With two locations in Harlem and the East Side, they take care of everything you need, from art supplies and instruction to dance-worthy DJing and bottomless cocktails. It’s a great way to bond with friends and unleash your creative nature. You’ll even leave with a personal keepsake to remember your Friendsgiving gathering.
11. Visit a Mysterious Speakeasy
For a Friendsgiving that breaks the mold, venture into NYC’s hidden bar scene with a speakeasy experience. The secretive atmosphere and hidden entrances of places like Please Don’t Tell, Hidden Tiger, and Bathtub Gin will transport your crew back to the Prohibition Era. Enjoy delicious bites, artisanal cocktails, and vintage décor in these tucked-away bars. Just remember, some are truly under-the-radar, while others like the elegant and popular Saint Restaurant Bar & Speakeasy draw a crowd.
12. Go Food Truck Hopping
New York City’s vibrant food truck scene offers a fantastic way to explore global flavors with friends. Stroll through different neighborhoods, tasting everything from street tacos to dumplings and lobster rolls. A highlight is the Bodega Truck, serving the iconic rich and meaty chopped cheese sandwich—a Bronx-born favorite now beloved across all five boroughs. This casual outing makes for a fun and delicious Friendsgiving experience.
13. Escape to the New York Botanical Garden
Nature-minded friends can escape the city commotion with a refreshing and tranquil outing at New York Botanical Gardens. Your group can traipse through scenic paths, explore the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, or take in one of their many fun events. For example, there is the elegance of Kiku, showcasing intricately trained Japanese chrysanthemums in both modern and ancient styles. There is also the Fall Forest Weekends which offer a chance to explore 50 acres of vibrant woodland at the height of fall.
14. Attend Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
Tis the season….to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Bundle up, grab some a warm beverage between your mittens, and enjoy the festive floats, marching bands, and larger-than-life balloons! Stake out a spot early to catch the best views or find a cozy spot along the route to take it all in. Alternatively, you can stream the parade from home for a more laid-back gathering, complete with brunch and Thanksgiving cocktails.
15. Dine Out for Thanksgiving
Skip the hassle of cooking and let The Smith, a beloved NYC restaurant chain, handle the feast. Their Thanksgiving prix-fixe menu features holiday favorites like roasted turkey breast, salmon, and red wine-braised short rib, along with indulgent desserts such as dark chocolate layer cake and caramel apple pudding. Relax and enjoy a festive meal with friends in the cozy ambiance of this classic American brasserie. For reservations and more details, visit The Smith’s Thanksgiving page.
16. Try the Other Orange Holiday Pie
While exploring NYC bakeries for a Friendsgiving sugar fix, don’t miss the Southern-style Sweet Chef bakery. Their sweet potato pie, a delicious alternative to pumpkin pie, is voted the best in NYC on Google. They also offer other holiday favorites like Chocolate Pecan, Fruit Crumb, and Coconut Custard. And if you are a dyed-in-the-wool pumpkin pie lover, they make a mean one of those too!
17. Participate in a Turkey Trot
Turkey Trots have been around since 1896, starting in Buffalo, NY. Since then, they have become a popular way to kick off the holiday season. These fun foot races can be found all over New York City, offering a festive way to stay active with friends. Whether you prefer a casual walk or an energetic run, here is a round-up of the five top Turkey Trots to consider:
- Tri-State Turkey Trot on Roosevelt Island: This race offers scenic views of the East River and is a great way to enjoy the morning with friends.
- New York City Turkey Trot on Governors Island: Participants enjoy beautiful views, a ferry ride, a race T-shirt, and a post-race spread.
- Prospect Park Track Club Reconciliation Run in Brooklyn: A five-mile run through the park’s colorful fall foliage, benefiting a charitable cause.
- Stuytown Turkey Trot in Manhattan: This East Side 5K supports CoreGiving, a nonprofit dedicated to ending child hunger.
- Hot to Trot Turkey Trot in Alley Pond Park, Queens: Choose between two- or five-mile runs, plus a free Kiddie Dash for the little ones.
18. Take a Whimsical Holiday Adventure
Take your Friendsgiving to the next level by reliving iconic scenes from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York with a whimsical adventure around the city. Start with a private, four-hour limousine ride, visiting filming locations like the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and Radio City Music Hall. Enjoy a cheese pizza in the limo, just like Kevin McCallister did, and snap photos at each stop to recreate his New York escapade. After your sightseeing tour, relax back at the hotel with an over-the-top ice cream sundae delivered to your room.
19. Have an Indulgent Brunch at Ayza
Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar in Midtown is a delightful place to gather your tribe for brunch. While there, everyone can indulge in delicious pairings like their Hazelnut Chocolate Martini paired with truffles and Milky Way Wine & Chocolate. Ayza’s brunch offers savory options like eggs benedict and Reuben sandwiches, alongside sweet treats like fig berries burrata, citrus chicken tacos, and chocolate French toast. To elevate the experience, enjoy your meal in their charming dining trolley amidst a flower and light-adorned garden.
20. Marvel at the Holiday Decorations
If you’ve made it this far and are still wondering what to do at Friendsgiving, why not head out and marvel at NYC’s enchanting holiday decorations? It’s a natural addition to any Friendsgiving itinerary and offers an easy way to get into the festive spirit. Wander between 59th Street and 39th Street, where you’ll find dazzling Christmas lights and elaborate window displays. Don’t miss the Saks Fifth Avenue light show, a must-see spectacle projected onto the building’s façade each year. Of course, no holiday outing is complete without a visit to Chelsea Market, fully decked out with holiday decor.
Book Your Friendsgiving Hot Tub Adventure Today!
Discover a whole new side of New York aboard the city’s premier hot tub boat tour. Whether you’re celebrating Friendsgiving, a special occasion, or just planning a memorable night out, Sea the City offers an unforgettable way to experience NYC’s iconic skyline from the warmth of an onboard hot tub. 
With adjustable tub temperatures, you and your friends can stay cozy as you cruise the Hudson—even on the chilliest fall days.
Use promo code FRIENDS20 to save 20% and enjoy complimentary hot apple cider on all tours through November 30.