My husband and I are thinking about traveling to NYC (first time for both of us)over the Thanksgiving holidays this year. No doubt it will be cold, but we picked this time because of the freebie days off from work. And because I thought it would be nice to see the city dressed in holiday lights. Any thoughts on this being a good time visit or not? Appreciate the feedback.

I visited during that November period about two years ago and it was a great time to visit. A little rain, reasonable weather (and I live in L.A.).
The only negative was that Christmas lights/decorations aren't really up yet, but then you don't have to put up with the enormous crowds that come during the Christmas holidays. The weather was good for walking around and seeing everything.

November is a lovely time to be in NY.The trees may still have some leaves on them, it is brisk and chilly at night,sometimes sunny and nice during the days.The day after Thanksgiving is usually when the decorations go up,but so many people did things early this year, they might start after Halloween this year!
Lincoln Center will have all the theaters going, ballets,concerts.
I love NY in the autumn

Actually if you are coming Thanksgiving weekend, you may want to make a hotel reservation fairly soon. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade draws a lot of people and you may not get the hotel/price you want.

I love New York in the fall, too, but be warned: midtown is amazingly crowded on the weekend after Thanksgiving. The store windows are great, but be prepared to wait in line to see them.

Try planning at least a few activities off the beaten path -- that is, as far away from the Times Square/Rockefeller Center area as possible! You'll have more fun.

if you are even remotely thinking about seeing a show, you need to get the tickets immediately. That goes for the Rockettes as well. You will have a great time over thanksgiving. If you can get here during the day on Wednesday you can attend the traditional mayhem of the 'blowing up of the parade balloons on West 79th & 81st Streets. The streets are jammed from 9 pm until midnight and it is fun trying to guess which float is which by just an inflated foot or nose. And, bring warm clothing. It can be really really cold that weekend.