Thanksgiving dinner in New York City is poised to be significantly more expensive this year, with the average cost of a holiday feast surging 15% to $184.43, according to a survey by The Post.
The increased prices reflect a broader trend affecting holiday staples, with a year-over-year comparison of 18 items across six grocery chains revealing substantial price hikes. The centerpiece of the meal, turkey, saw a 17% increase, with a 20-pound Bell & Evans young bird costing $79.80 at Morton Williams.
"The meat is outrageous," said Carole Miller, 89, a shopper at Morton Williams. "There’s almost so much pork you can eat."
The most dramatic price increase reported was for apple cider, which jumped 75% from $3.99 last year to $6.99. This surge is attributed to a spring freeze that severely impacted the apple harvest in upstate and western New York, resulting in an estimated $30 million in losses for growers, according to the governor’s office.
Other items also experienced notable price increases. Whole milk saw a 50% rise, with a half-gallon of Farmland brand increasing from $5.99 to $8.99. Libby’s 100% pure pumpkin experienced a 43% jump to $4.29, and a nine-inch pumpkin pie at Whole Foods rose 19% from $11.75 to $13.99.
"The milk, the bread, the fruits, meats all went up," said Angelo Hernandez, 66, a shopper at Union Square Whole Foods. He noted the difficulties for retirees, stating, "It’s hard, especially if you’re retired. If you’re working, you have an income every week. Now, if you’re retired, it’s once a month."
Nationally, the average turkey price has increased by 30% to $1.76 per pound, which is nearly 88% higher than the 94 cents per pound average recorded in 2024, according to the Farm Bureau. New York has the highest per-person Thanksgiving dinner cost in the country, exceeding the national average by 20% and neighboring Northeastern states by 9%.
Despite the rising costs, prices for at least eight products remained flat year over year. Notably, Idahoan boxed mashed potatoes saw a 10% decrease in price, falling by 50 cents.
However, the overall trend indicates that New Yorkers will likely face higher expenses for their Thanksgiving feasts, though many, like Carole Miller, expressed a determination to celebrate regardless of the cost. "I’m gonna buy it regardless of what the price is," she said.
