Macy's Thanksgiving 2026 and Plaza Hotel Closing: NYC Notes

Macy's Thanksgiving 2026: Date and Paid Casting

The 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is scheduled for Thursday, November 26, 2026. Macy's Studios is hiring performers to walk the route as atmosphere characters, according to Secret NYC. The casting notice says selected performers can earn up to about 500 USD. This is a paid role, not a ticket or a viewing package. If you are in New York that week and have performance experience, apply through the casting call. Otherwise, treat the date as fixed and plan your Thanksgiving week around it.

Plaza Hotel Closure: Check 2027 Bookings

The Plaza Hotel at 1 Central ParkCentral ParkThe 843-acre engineered wilderness at Manhattan's heart, designed by Olmsted and Vaux in 1858. South will close in January for a four-year exterior restoration, according to 6sqft. The operator, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, confirmed the work, and the New York Times reported the four-year timeline. The report says the shutdown is required for the exterior work, so this is a full hotel closure, not a partial renovation. If you have a reservation for 2027 or later, contact the hotel or your booking provider directly to confirm alternatives. Book a different Central Park South hotel for that period if you need a confirmed stay.

Bryant Park Subway Elevators: Expect Construction

The first subway elevator built with congestion pricingCongestion PricingThe toll charged to vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street, launched in 2025 as America's first such program. funds is now under construction at the 42nd Street-Bryant ParkBryant ParkThe Midtown lawn behind the New York Public Library, hosting free summer movies and a winter village with free-entry skating./5th Avenue complex, according to 6sqft. The package includes four new elevators, a stair-free corridor, accessible bathrooms, and new fare gates. It is one of six station ADA upgrades funded by congestion pricing. For travelers, this is a major Midtown Manhattan station complex near Bryant Park and the New York Public Library. If your route uses it, allow extra time and follow temporary signs while work is active.