Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

There’s no other parade that creates as big a spectacle and a thrill as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This larger-than-life tradition thrills young and old alike as massive balloons, marching bands, floats and more make their way through the heart of New York City.

The 86th annual parade is set to make its way through Manhattan on Thursday, November 22nd. The bash kicks off at 9 a.m. at 77th Street and Central Park West, and will make its way south to Macy’s Herald Square. With over 2.5 miles of public viewing spots along the route, spectators will experience the unparalleled sights and sounds of the city and its legendary parade.

No trip to New York would be complete without a bit of shopping, and there’s no better time to initiate your holiday gift-buying than while visiting the Big Apple. Whether you’re searching for the perfect present for a loved one or are looking to treat yourself, you won’t come away empty-handed. From boutiques to department stores, New York City has it all.

Our Luxury Hotel Experts Recommend:

The Setai Fifth Avenue, The Chatwal Hotel, The London NYC

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Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights

Every great city has a signature street — from Park Avenue in New York City to Yonge Street in Toronto to Hollywood Boulevard in L.A. For the city of Chicago, the place to be is coined “The Magnificent Mile”.

This section of North Michigan Avenue runs from the Chicago River to Oak Street, and is the city’s hotel, dining and entertainment hub. Over 400 stores, 270 restaurants and dozens of hotels pack the Magnificent Mile, and offer visitors a true taste of life in the Windy City.

Visitors looking for a truly special holiday experience for the whole family should bring the kids to the BMO Harris Bank Festival of Lights on Saturday, November 17th. For the 22nd year running, over a million people will travel across the country to take in the festivities. Celebrators will enjoy concerts, family friendly activities, visits with Santa and an evening parade marshaled by Mickey and Minnie Mouse before 200 trees are lit up by one million twinkling lights. The event culminates with a firework spectacular over the Chicago River.

Spend the rest of your time in Chicago taking in cutting-edge films at the Gene Siskel Film Center, or checking out the Steve McQueen exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago. Enjoy a five-course steak and wine feast at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse, and peruse the hundreds of shops along the Magnificent Mile before recharging with some spa time and shut-eye back at the hotel. Regardless of the season, Chicago’s entertainment options are endless.

Our Luxury Hotel Experts Recommend:

Trump International Chicago, The Drake, The Sofitel Chicago Water Tower

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American Music Awards

The American Music Awards turn 40 this year, and they continue to be one of the music industry’s most exciting events. Taking place in Los Angeles at the incredible NOKIA Theatre on November 18th, the music industry will come together for an inimitable celebration of pop, rock, country, hip-hop and more.

Nicki Minaj and Rihanna lead the nominees with four nods apiece, with many of the world’s biggest names in music picking up multiple nominations as well: Justin Bieber, Drake, Carrie Underwood, Pitbull, Maroon 5 and more.

While the full list of performers at this year’s awards ceremony has yet to be announced, there’ll be one very vocal diva among them. Confirmed to perform at the awards ceremony is mega entertainer Christina Aguilera, who is sure to be joined by a star-studded lineup.

Don’t just attend the American Music Awards — help pick the winners. For the sixth year running, fans can vote for their favorite artists through online voting. Visit www.AMA.ABC.com to cast your vote.

Our Luxury Hotel Experts Recommend:

Sunset Tower, W Hollywood, The Beverly Hills Hotel

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ING New York City Marathon

There is no better way to see New York City than by foot. That being said, there is no better way to see a LOT of New York City than by running the ING New York City Marathon.

The 26.2-mile run takes place on November 4th, and is considered one of the premier running events in North America. Thousands of runners will start their trek on Staten Island before making their way through Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx to finish the race in Manhattan’s Central Park.

Hit the city a couple of days early and take in the ING New York City Marathon Health and Fitness Expo, which runs from November 1st – 3rd at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. Over 100 vendors and exhibitors will be on hand to talk running gear, training programs, nutrition and more.

Expo visitors can preview the marathon route at the ING New York City Marathon Theater, where a panoramic film takes viewers through the course and the five boroughs it covers.

Marathon entrants must pick up race materials in person so don’t forget to grab your race kit while you’re there!

Our Luxury Hotel Experts Recommend:

Trump International Hotel, The Surrey, and St.Regis Hotel New York.

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Art Basel in Miami Beach

December seems like it’s still a distant speck on the horizon, but if you want to attend one of the hottest art events on the continent, it’s best to be forward-thinking.

Art Basel runs from December 6th – December 9th in Miami Beach, Florida, and features exhibits from hundreds of the world’s best art galleries. Whether you like performance art, sculpture, painting, video or all of the above, you’re sure to experience a sensory overload at Art Basel.

The work of over 2,000 artists will be on display across the city, with many of today’s best and brightest in attendance to explain the scope of, and inspiration behind, their work.

There’s no shortage of places to grab a bite to eat, either — Miami Beach features some of the country’s best restaurants for whatever your palate prefers. Traveling with kids? Art Basel also features Art Kids, a daycare center for those visiting with children.

While the lineup has yet to be announced, it’s sure to include an incredible array of talent from around the globe.

Our Luxury Hotel Experts recommend:

SLS South Beach, Surfcomber, Z Ocean Hotel

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Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna in Toronto

Fantasy meets grand spectacle as Cirque du Soleil’s latest and most innovative production continues its run in Toronto. The show, Amaluna, combines incredible props, costumes, dancing and visual effects with an equally riveting storyline and soundtrack.

The premise of the show: It’s a feminine take on William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. A group of men wash up on the shore of an island that is governed by goddesses and “guided by the cycles of the moon”. One of the stranded men and the daughter of Prospera, the island’s queen, begin to fall in love. Their relationship is tested by various trials and setbacks before they can live in harmony.

As is always the case with Cirque du Soleil productions, Amaluna has been a smash hit. Critics have praised the increased emphasis on storytelling, while lauding the troupe’s incredible choreography and athleticism. The public, meanwhile, has been enraptured by the scope of the production.

Amaluna is currently playing in Toronto under the Grand Chapiteau at Port Lands, and runs until November 4th.

Our Luxury Hotel Experts recommend:

Trump International Toronto, Fairmont Royal York, Thompson Toronto.

See all of our Toronto Luxury Hotels.