November in New York City is a dynamic and exciting time, with the fall season in full swing and the beginning of the holiday festivities. From the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to cultural events, food festivals, and early holiday celebrations, November offers a diverse lineup of activities. Here’s your ultimate guide to the top events happening in New York City in November.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Date: Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
- Location: From Central Park West to 34th Street (Macy’s Herald Square)
- Description: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the most iconic holiday events in New York City, attracting millions of viewers both in person and on television. The parade features massive helium balloons of famous characters, intricate floats, marching bands, cheerleaders, and performances from Broadway shows. The parade ends with Santa Claus, marking the official start of the holiday season. To get a good view, it’s recommended to arrive early, especially along the parade route from Central Park West to Sixth Avenue.
NYC Marathon
- Date: First Sunday in November
- Location: All five boroughs (starting in Staten Island, finishing in Central Park)
- Description: The TCS New York City Marathon is one of the largest and most famous marathons in the world. Over 50,000 runners participate, racing through all five boroughs of New York City. Whether you’re a runner or a spectator, the event is full of energy, with crowds lining the streets to cheer on the participants. The finish line in Central Park is particularly exciting as runners complete the 26.2-mile race.
Thanksgiving Eve Balloon Inflation
- Date: The evening before Thanksgiving (Wednesday)
- Location: Central Park West, near the American Museum of Natural History
- Description: The night before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, you can watch the giant balloons come to life as they are inflated near Central Park West. This family-friendly event is a more relaxed way to experience the magic of the parade, without the large crowds of the parade itself. It’s a fun opportunity to see the famous balloons up close as they take shape.
Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park
- Dates: November through early March
- Locations:
- Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink, 30 Rockefeller Plaza
- Bryant Park Winter Village, 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue
- Description: Ice skating in New York City is a beloved winter tradition that typically begins in November. The Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park rinks are the most popular, offering a festive atmosphere surrounded by iconic New York City landmarks. Bryant Park’s rink is free if you bring your own skates, while Rockefeller Center offers a classic skating experience beneath the Christmas tree (tree lighting happens in early December, but the rink opens in November).
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- Dates: Mid-November through early January
- Location: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas
- Description: The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the world-famous Rockettes, begins in mid-November, kicking off the holiday season. This dazzling show features impressive choreography, high kicks, beautiful costumes, and festive music. Iconic numbers like the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and the Living Nativity make this show a holiday favorite for visitors and locals alike.
Holiday Markets Open
- Dates: November through December
- Locations:
- Bryant Park Winter Village, 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue
- Union Square Holiday Market, 14th Street and Broadway
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market, 59th Street and Central Park West
- Description: November marks the opening of New York’s famous holiday markets, where visitors can shop for unique gifts, artisanal crafts, holiday decorations, and gourmet treats. The Winter Village at Bryant Park is one of the largest, with over 100 vendors set up in European-style chalets. Union Square and Columbus Circle also feature festive markets, making it easy to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts while enjoying the cozy atmosphere.
New York Comedy Festival
- Dates: Early November (usually the first week)
- Location: Various venues across New York City
- Description: The New York Comedy Festival brings together some of the biggest names in comedy for a week of shows and performances at venues throughout the city. Headliners have included Trevor Noah, John Mulaney, Ilana Glazer, and Dave Chappelle. The festival features everything from stand-up and improv to sketch comedy, offering something for every comedy lover.
Veterans Day Parade
- Date: November 11
- Location: Fifth Avenue, from 26th Street to 46th Street
- Description: The Veterans Day Parade is the largest celebration of service in the U.S., honoring military veterans from all branches of service. The parade features marching bands, floats, and veterans’ groups, traveling along Fifth Avenue. The event pays tribute to those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, and it’s a patriotic and respectful way to mark Veterans Day.
Brooklyn’s Smorgasburg Indoors
- Dates: Late October through Winter (Saturdays and Sundays)
- Location: 5-25 46th Avenue, Long Island City (Smorgasburg Winter Market)
- Description: Smorgasburg, the popular outdoor food market, moves indoors for the winter months. Starting in late October and continuing through November and beyond, the indoor market features a wide array of food vendors offering delicious eats from all over the world. It’s a great place to sample everything from ramen burgers to artisanal doughnuts while staying warm inside.
Harvest Fest at the Queens County Farm Museum
- Date: Early November (usually the first weekend)
- Location: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens
- Description: Celebrate the fall harvest at the Queens County Farm Museum with a family-friendly festival featuring hayrides, a corn maze, pumpkin picking, and local food vendors. The farm is one of New York’s oldest and largest remaining agricultural spaces, and the festival is a great way to experience a bit of country life within the city.
New York City Food & Wine Festival (NYCWFF)
- Dates: Early November
- Location: Various venues across New York City
- Description: The NYC Food & Wine Festival is a food lover’s paradise, featuring cooking demos, wine tastings, and special dinners with celebrity chefs. The festival offers events ranging from intimate dinners hosted by famous chefs to large-scale tastings where attendees can sample dishes from New York’s top restaurants.
Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square
- Date: Late November (Monday after Thanksgiving)
- Location: Lincoln Square, near Lincoln Center
- Description: Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square is one of the city’s largest holiday festivals, kicking off the season with live entertainment, food tastings, and a tree-lighting ceremony. The event features performances from local musicians, dancers, and choirs, along with fun activities for families and children. It’s a great way to enjoy the start of the holiday season in one of New York’s most cultural neighborhoods.
Festival of Lights at the New York Botanical Garden
- Dates: Late November through early January
- Location: New York Botanical Garden, Bronx
- Description: The New York Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights is a family-friendly holiday event featuring large-scale light displays and illuminated sculptures set among the garden’s beautiful winter landscape. Visitors can enjoy seasonal treats, hot chocolate, and live music while taking in the festive lights. The Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show also opens in November, making it a great time to visit.
Rockefeller Center Tree Arrives
- Date: Early November (Tree Lighting Ceremony happens in early December)
- Location: Rockefeller Plaza, 30 Rockefeller Center
- Description: While the official Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting happens in early December, the tree arrives in Rockefeller Plaza in early November, marking the start of the holiday preparations. The arrival of the massive tree is an exciting moment, as it signals the beginning of the festive season in New York. Visitors can watch the workers install and decorate the tree, which will later be lit in one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Broadway Week (Encore)
- Dates: Mid to late November
- Location: Various Broadway theaters
- Description: Broadway Week Encore offers two-for-one tickets to some of Broadway’s most popular shows. While the main Broadway Week event happens earlier in the year, the encore edition gives theatergoers another chance to catch hit shows like Hamilton, Wicked, and The Lion King at a discounted price. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy world-class performances at an affordable cost.
Tips for Attending November Events in NYC
- Dress Warmly: November can be chilly, especially during evening events or parades. Layers, warm coats, hats, and gloves are recommended, as temperatures can drop quickly.
- Plan Ahead for Major Events: For high-profile events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NYC Marathon, and Radio City Christmas Spectacular, it’s essential to plan ahead. Arrive early for good spots at the parade, and buy tickets in advance for shows.
- Enjoy the Holiday Spirit: November is a fantastic time to experience the start of the holiday season in New York City, with decorations going up across the city and plenty of festive events to get you in the spirit.
Conclusion
November in New York City is full of excitement, with iconic events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the NYC Marathon, and holiday markets and performances that bring the city to life. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, exploring holiday markets, or attending world-class cultural events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as fall transitions into winter.
