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There’s no place quite like New York City during the holidays. From the twinkling lights to the festive window displays, the Big Apple pulls out all the stops — and it all kicks off with the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you’re planning a visit this November and looking for something truly unforgettable, why not take your NYC holiday adventure to new heights?
This year, ditch the crowded sidewalks and packed viewing pens and get a bird’s-eye view of the city’s most magical season with a Thanksgiving New York helicopter experience. With HeliNY, you can scan Manhattan’s most famous sights and even glimpse the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from above.
Let’s explore what makes this experience so memorable and explore other things to do in NYC during the holidays that will sparkle your Thanksgiving getaway.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the stuff of childhood dreams — a beloved tradition of marching bands, celebrity performances, and those larger-than-life balloons drifting down Sixth Avenue. But it can be hard to secure a great view unless you’re camping out curbside before dawn.
Enter: the helicopter.
While FAA regulations keep aircraft a safe distance from the parade route, HeliNY’s scenic tours offer an exhilarating aerial perspective of Midtown Manhattan, where the festivities unfold. Imagine soaring along the Hudson River or East River, Central Park glows in fall colors, and the skyline sparkles in late autumn sunlight. It’s a memory-maker — whether you’re visiting with your partner, family, or even on a solo holiday adventure.
This isn’t just about catching a glimpse of the parade — it’s about soaking in the full grandeur of the city from above. With panoramic views stretching from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, a helicopter ride with HeliNY puts you in the middle of NYC’s holiday magic, minus the crowds and chaos.
While Thanksgiving is traditionally about turkey and family gatherings, it’s also the start of the city’s most dazzling season. And when considering things to do in NYC during the holidays, there’s nothing more unique than taking a flight around Manhattan and seeing the city’s five boroughs.
Here’s why a helicopter experience should be on your NYC holiday bucket list:
HeliNY offers various tour options catering to different budgets and timeframes. Their most popular sightseeing experiences range from 15 to 30 minutes, flying over iconic landmarks like:
During Thanksgiving week, these tours feel even more special. As the city transforms for the holidays, you’ll witness early signs of the season — from ice rinks in Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center to festive rooftop bars already decked out with twinkle lights.
But the magic doesn’t stop at Thanksgiving. If you stay in the city through the weekend or the following week, you’ll be here just in time for one of New York’s most beloved traditions, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting on December 3rd. This event draws crowds from around the world as the towering tree comes alive with thousands of twinkling lights, marking the true start of the holiday season. Pairing your helicopter ride with this once-a-year celebration creates the ultimate holiday itinerary: aerial views of the skyline by day, followed by the dazzling glow of Rockefeller Center by night. It’s a festive combination that makes late November and early December one of the most unforgettable times to visit NYC.
HeliNY’s state-of-the-art fleet includes noise-canceling headsets and friendly, knowledgeable pilots who narrate as you fly. It’s a seamless, stress-free way to elevate your NYC trip — and possibly the best view you’ll get all weekend.
Once your helicopter adventure has landed, there’s no shortage of things to do in NYC during the holidays that continue the festive feeling. Here are some favorites:
On Thanksgiving Eve, go to the Upper West Side to witness the iconic parade balloons being inflated near the Museum of Natural History. This free, family-friendly event is a beloved local tradition — and often offers a more relaxed, up-close experience than the parade itself.
Few things feel more “New York” than skating under the skyline. Wollman Rink in Central Park offers a romantic setting. At the same time, Rockefeller Center boasts that iconic holiday backdrop (and, soon after Thanksgiving, its famous tree).
Opening October 24, Bryant Park Winter Village is the perfect spot to browse local artisan goods, grab hot chocolate, and enjoy seasonal cheer at their free 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink.
Fifth Avenue’s legendary department stores—like Macy’s Herald Square, Saks, and Bergdorf Goodman—reveal enchanting holiday window displays that transform the city into a glowing, walkable gallery. The perfect time to see them? Right after your helicopter tour, while you’re still riding the post-flight excitement.
From traditional Thanksgiving dinners to globally inspired tasting menus, NYC’s restaurant scene doesn’t take a holiday. Try a holiday feast at Bubby’s in Tribeca or sip mulled wine at Rolf’s, a Christmas-themed German eatery that goes all-in on decorations.
When booking your Thanksgiving NYC helicopter tour, here are a few smart tips to help you get the most out of the experience:
If you’re coming to New York for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or just soaking up the early holiday spirit, don’t limit yourself to ground-level experiences. A helicopter tour with HeliNY is one of the most exhilarating and luxurious ways to see the city — and it’s a memory that lasts far longer than leftovers.
Whether planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or just looking for things to do in NYC during the holidays that stand out from the usual list, this high-flying escape will give you a whole new perspective on the season. So go ahead and elevate your Thanksgiving this year. Because in New York City, the sky is never the limit.
Booking a holiday helicopter ride is easy. Click here to explore our tour options, pricing, and availability.
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Recognition from the Tour Operators Program of Safety underscores HeliNY's aviation safety and operational excellence leadership 1HeliNY - helicopter sightseeing, charter, and medical transport services NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, November 5, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- HeliNY, New York City's premier provider of helicopter sightseeing, charter, and medical transport services, is proud to announce that it has been awarded certification from the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS)—the nation's most respected safety accreditation program for helicopter tour operators. This distinction marks a significant milestone in HeliNY's commitment to safety, pilot training, and operational integrity. HeliNY is the sole helicopter operator in the New York metropolitan region holding this elite certification. TOPS is an independent nonprofit organization that sets the gold standard for air tour safety—surpassing even FAA requirements. Earning the designation requires compliance with a comprehensive set of safety benchmarks covering pilot qualifications, maintenance programs, risk management systems, and overall safety culture. Certified operators must also undergo annual third-party audits to ensure full compliance and continuous improvement. “We congratulate HeliNY for passing our stringent air tour certification process and becoming a member operator,” said Christopher Young, Executive Director at the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS). “All of our member operators voluntarily hold themselves to a much higher safety standard than other industry operators, and we are thrilled to welcome HeliNY into this organization.” "Being recognized by TOPS is a tremendous honor," said Paul Blodgett, CEO of HeliNY. "It reinforces our belief that unforgettable experiences start with uncompromising safety. As the largest sightseeing helicopter operator in the New York metro area, maintaining the highest levels of safety training and oversight is not just our responsibility—it's our identity." Since 1994, HeliNY has served the New York City metro area with a state-of-the-art fleet of Bell helicopters, operating from two key departure points: the Downtown Manhattan Heliport and Linden Municipal Airport in New Jersey. With over 80,000 collective pilot hours and 78,000 passengers flown annually, HeliNY has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted names in urban air tourism. The achievement of TOPS Certification provides an additional layer of confidence for passengers who choose HeliNY for sightseeing tours, private charters, regional getaways, or medical transportation—knowing their experience meets the industry's highest safety and operational standards. Key Standards Required for TOPS Certification - Annual independent safety audits - Implementation of proactive Safety Management Systems (SMS) - Pilot training and maintenance programs that exceed federal regulations - Transparent reporting and continuous safety enhancement To learn more about the Tour Operators Program of Safety, visit topssafety.org. About HeliNY Founded in 1994, HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.) is the largest sightseeing helicopter operator in the New York metropolitan region. The company provides world-class sightseeing tours, private charters, and medical transport services from Manhattan and New Jersey. Known for its modern Bell 407 fleet, experienced pilots, and exceptional service, HeliNY delivers a range of unforgettable flight experiences—from scenic skyline tours to luxurious regional escapes. Learn more at heliny.com. About TOPS The Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS) is the leading independent safety certification for helicopter tour operators across the United States. Through rigorous standards, transparent audits, and a collaborative approach to risk management, TOPS ensures that participating operators maintain the highest levels of safety, maintenance, and operational excellence. Learn more at topssafety.org. Bert Solivan HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.) berts@heliny.com
