Thanksgiving Week in New York City — To-Dos and To-Don'ts

Tuesday

• Make last-minute Thanksgiving dinner plans. Stock up on cranberry sauce and baby marshmallows or impress your guests with a fully prepared turkey and/or catered side dishes to go.
• Or finally realize that stuffing a bird is too much work and make restaurant reservations for Thanksgiving dinner.

Wednesday

• If you're heading out of town for the holiday, check NYC-area traffic advisories before you leave to avoid the worst of the gridlock.
• If you're staying in NYC, make a trip to the Upper West Side to see the inflation of the giant Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons.
• Later, it's time to hit the bars for Thanksgiving Eve, one of the biggest party nights of the year in New York City. Nobody has to get up in the morning for work, so it's probably going to be an all-nighter. Just don't forget to put the bird in the oven before you stumble into bed just after sunrise.

Thursday

• Those who went to bed at a decent hour will want to get up bright and early for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. There's nothing like seeing it live. We've got tips on how to enjoy the parade despite the crowds and the November chill.  We've also got information on street closures and where to park.
• Have a happy Thanksgiving! Make nice with the relatives for as long as necessary. Then stuff yourself at Thanksgiving dinner, unbuckle your belt, and fall asleep in front of the game.

Friday

• Put on your comfy shoes for a marathon Black Friday shopping spree. Retailers want you to spend, spend, spend today and they're bribing you with plenty of deals and discounts.
• If you're stuck at work, feel free to slack off and curse your boss for not giving you the day off.  Update your resume.
• Nibble on leftover turkey and stuffing. Avoid the scale. Vow to get back on your diet tomorrow.