7 best Thanksgiving weekend road trips from NY
Thanksgiving weekend puts New Yorkers in motion — and in 2025, it’s no different. With travel patterns shifting after the November shutdown and airports bracing for extra delays, a well-timed road trip is still the most reliable way to escape the city.
To make planning easier, we gathered seven destinations that stay open, welcoming, and worth the drive this holiday weekend.
The 2025 logistics: what to expect on the road
Traffic in 2025 follows the classic Thanksgiving timeline:
- Worst time to leave NYC: Wednesday, November 26, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
- Best time to leave: Thanksgiving morning, when the roads are nearly empty.
- If you must travel on Wednesday, aim for before 10 AM or after 7 PM.
Important rental notes
- In the U.S., most rental cars use all-season tires, not winter tires. Check with your rental company — at Drivo, we can clarify this anytime.
- Avoid using cruise control on potentially icy roads.
- All-wheel drive helps with traction, but it does not shorten braking distances on ice.
- In New York State, renters can legally book a car starting at age 18 (though surcharges may apply).
- When choosing a Drivo vehicle, consider your destination style — a sedan for coastal towns or a compact SUV for mountain routes.
Weekend road trips
1. Mystic, CT
Just two hours from NYC, Mystic offers coastal air, charming wooden facades, and quiet streets — perfect for an easy holiday escape.
What’s open:
- Olde Mistick Village Holiday Lights Spectacular
- Mystic Aquarium
- Most downtown restaurants reopen on Friday
What’s not available:
- Mystic Seaport Lantern Light Tours begin only on December 5
Best Drivo option — a comfortable sedan for smooth highway driving and convenient parking near Olde Mistick Village.
2. Hudson Valley & Hudson, NY
A short drive brings you to rolling hills, wineries, and small towns glowing with warm storefront lights. Ideal for a nearby but atmospheric getaway.
What’s open:
- Mohonk Mountain House Thanksgiving Buffet (advance booking required)
- Small Business Saturday events in Hudson
What’s limited:
- Some popular inns are already fully booked for Thanksgiving 2025
Best Drivo option — a compact car for curvy country roads and possible early-season frost.
3. Newport, RI
Rhode Island’s coastline in late fall has its own quiet rhythm: ocean views, wide boulevards, and elegant mansions without summer crowds.
What’s open:
- Holiday tours at The Breakers and Marble House
- The Cliff Walk is open year-round, but travelers should note that a significant 450-foot segment between Narragansett Ave. and Webster St. remains closed due to a partial collapse. A clearly marked inland detour along Narragansett Ave., Ochre Point Ave., and Webster St. is required to traverse the entire 3.5-mile path.
What’s not available:
- Most sunset cruises stop operating by early November
Best Drivo option — a maneuverable car for narrow historic streets and coastal parking spots.
4. Lake Placid, NY
Crisp mountain air, early winter scenery, and Olympic history—Lake Placid turns the holiday weekend into a true escape.
What’s open:
- Olympic Center & Museum
- Certain Whiteface facilities (terrain depends on weather)
What’s closed or uncertain:
- The Veterans’ Memorial Highway to the summit of Whiteface Mountain is a seasonal road that closed on October 13, 2025, for the year, and will remain inaccessible throughout the Thanksgiving weekend.
- Ski lift operations are not guaranteed this early in the season
Best Drivo option — a midsize sedan for mountain roads and early ice patches.
5. The Berkshires, MA
Quiet towns, art centers, and warm holiday lighting make the Berkshires a balanced mix of nature and culture.
What’s open:
- The Winterlights at Naumkeag event begins on Friday, November 28, 2025, the day after Thanksgiving.
- Advanced, timed-entry tickets are required for the event (November 28, 2025 – January 3, 2026), and online booking systems currently indicate critical scarcity. Travelers should confirm booking before departure.
Best Drivo option — an SUV for comfortable handling on rolling rural roads.
6. Skaneateles, NY
A lakeside town filled with classic holiday charm.
What’s open:
- Dickens Christmas Festival (includes Thanksgiving weekend dates)
What to remember:
- Many restaurants close earlier than in big cities — often around 8 PM.
Best Drivo option — a midsize sedan for long interstate stretches and rural backroads.
7. Cape Ann, MA (Rockport & Gloucester)
A New England coastal region that stays calm and accessible when others are heavily booked.
What’s open:
- Shops and galleries in Rockport and Gloucester
- Local seafood restaurants on Friday and Saturday
Best Drivo option — a sedan or compact cars for narrow coastal roads and small parking areas.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving weekend 2025 remains an excellent opportunity for a road trip — especially if you choose the right departure window and check which attractions are open.
Pick your destination, confirm availability, and we’ll help make your holiday as stress-free as possible.
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