Things to Do in New York Columbus Day Weekend 2017 - Attractions, Activities & More

By Katie Sagal

We love the fact that Columbus Day provides the opportunity for a mini fall getaway – we get to take a break from the stress of work and school and indulge in a fun little trip. If you’re looking for seasonal things to do in New York during Columbus Day weekend 2017, check out our list of some of the best activities and attractions.

Save on Seasonal Activities

Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Choose as you go from popular attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Learn more about all New York tourist passes, attractions and prices. Please note, some of these special events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Explorer Pass.

Leaf Peeping

Image of City, Nature, Outdoors, Pond, Water, Landscape, Scenery, Urban, Tree, Grass, Park, Grove, Land, Vegetation, Woodland, Cityscape, See the changing of the seasons in some of the most beautiful places in the entire city, like Central Park, with its acres and acres of fall foliage, or place like the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which features a wide variety of flora in a rainbow of colors. Don't forget to take their "Season Highlights Tour," which will show you the best of what's blooming, changing color, growing, or otherwise doing something cool and interesting. Insider Tip: If you're in town the weekend prior on October 1, check out their Chile Pepper Festival. It runs from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm and features bands, food, and fun. Getting In: Brooklyn Botanic Garden tickets are available on the New York City Explorer Pass®. The Chile Pepper Festival is separately ticketed and is not included with the pass.

Art at the Met

Image of Person, Postal Office, Handbag, City, Indoors, Museum, Shoe, Glasses, Urban, Image credit: Monica Arellano-Ongpin (license)
Celebrate the other contributions Italian (and Roman) culture has made to the world with a visit to the classical art collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Marvel at carefully preserved pottery, restored jewelry, ancient sculptures, and much more. Then, of course, there are the masters of Renaissance painting, Baroque, Rococo, and so on. Be sure to check out their brand new standout exhibit, Rodin at the Met (opened September 16, 2017). Featuring nearly 50 works by this famed sculptor, this exciting new exhibit showcases many of his works that haven't been on display in years, alongside iconic pieces like "The Thinker" and "The Hand of God." Getting In: Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets are available on the New York City Explorer Pass®.

Landmark Cruise

Image of Boat, Ferry, Vehicle, Person, Fall is also a really good time to hop aboard a local sightseeing cruise. If you choose something like a landmark cruise, which highlights top sights and sounds of the Manhattan skyline, you'll get a great overview of the the city without the stress of navigating the streets. The weather has a good chance of being pleasant but brisk on the water, so grab a light jacket. Getting In: Landmark Cruise by Circle Line Sightseeing tickets are available on the New York City Explorer Pass®.

Bike Rides

Image of Backpack, Bag, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Bicycle, Vehicle, Shoe, Cycling, Enjoy the crisp fall weather with a leisurely bike ride around Central Park. Meander quaint paths and pass by charming pools and interesting statuary. Or, head across the Brooklyn Bridge and explore new territory. Wherever you choose to go, it’s a great way to celebrate fall! Getting In: Central Park bike rentals and guided bike tours are available on the New York City Explorer Pass®.

Columbus Day Parade

October 9, 2017

Image of People, Person, Adult, Female, Woman, Child, Girl, Bride, Wedding, Image credit: Columbus Citizens Foundation.
Enjoy a parade dedicated to this important Italian in a city that treasures its Italian heritage. The parade runs through Manhattan from 47th to 72nd street, with thousands upon thousands of spectators gathered to enjoy this unique event. Keep an eye out for authentic performances of the tarantella, a famed Italian dance. Getting In: Admission to the NYC Columbus Day Parade is free.

New York Comic Con

Javits Center October 5-8, 2017

So what if you can't afford San Diego Comic Con - New York Comic Con is an amazing event with tons of great authors, exhibits, collectibles, books, videos, and so much more. Enjoy content on everything from Batman comics to the Doctor Who TV show to the Resident Evil video game series. You also have the chance to see talks by a wide variety of authors. If it's got anything to do with contemporary pop culture, you'll find it here! Getting In: Admission to New York Comic Con is separately ticketed and is not included with the New York City Explorer Pass. For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, please visit the event website.

LIC Flea & Food

Long Island City October 7-8, 2017

If you love flea markets of all stripes, you won't want to miss a stroll through the LIC Flea & Food. It's an eclectic open air bazaar filled with a wide variety of antiques and unique finds plus tons of delicious food and drinks. A visit here also provides amazing views of the Manhattan skyline, so it's a great opportunity to snap some postcard perfect photos. Be sure to stop by their Queens-only Beer and Wine Garden! Getting In: Admission to the LIC Flea & Food is free.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

So there you have it. Our list of some exciting things to do in the New York area this Columbus Day Weekend. Remember, many of these great options are included on the New York City Explorer Pass, where you can save on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. Please note, the Columbus Day Weekend events taking place at some of these venues may be separately ticketed and not included with the Explorer Pass. Consider adding a few of these fun options to your fall long weekend vacation itinerary.

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Shopping in New York
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5+ Hot Spots for Cheap Shopping in New York - Outlet Malls & More

Even with all of the diverse New York City attractions and events, shopping remains at the top of visitors' lists for must-do NYC activities. After all, NYC is at the center of the world’s fashion and retail industry and is home to some of the best-known stores in the country. So, unless you absolutely loathe shopping, you’ll want to do at least a little of it while you're in New York. And while you'll definitely want to check out the high-end stores (just to say you did), you’ll be glad to know there are also lots of places to find cheap shopping in New York. Fun Ways to Spend Your Days in Between Shopping: Looking to fit in some fun activities and sightseeing alongside your shopping crusade? The below suggestions are a great way for newcomers to familiarize themselves with the city, all while saving a bunch of money on top attractions, tours, and more. Popular 3 days in New York itinerary Things to do in New York with kids the whole family can enjoy Visiting New York on a budget & other ways to save Anyways, here are 6 places to find discount shopping in New York... Woodbury Common Premium Outlets The Woodbury Common Premium Outlets encompasses 220 outlet stores, including one of the few Chanel outlets in the world. The outlets are set up almost like a village, making for an enjoyable atmosphere. The Outlets feature famous brands that offer 25% – 65% off (talk about some cheap shopping!), including... Adidas Arc'teryx Barney's New York Warehouse Burberry Coach Dolce & Gabbana Fendi Giorgio Armani Givenchy Jimmy Choo Kate Spade New York Lululemon Athletica and many more! Located in the Central Valley, about an hour north of Manhattan, you could easily fit a trip to the Outlets into your New York vacation itinerary. Trust us, it’s definitely worth your time. Insider tip: Bring a couple of large reusable bags to make carrying your shopping haul a bit easier. Location: Red Apple Court, Central Valley, NY 10917 Ways to Save: Round trip Woodbury Common Outlet bus tour are available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Plus, you will get a VIP coupon with even more savings. Bloomingdales Coolcaesar at the English language Wikipedia [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons To many, Bloomingdale's (also known as "Bloomies") is considered Manhattan's most fashionable department store, with its flagship location being in NYC. Bloomingdale's features a 2,100 square foot Visitors Center that enables vacationers to feel at home right in the heart of New York City. Some popular shopping items include designer handbags, classic men's and women's collections, fine housewares, and more. There are also multi-lingual receptionists that are happy to help with any information, in-store services, and package delivery to your hotel. Macy's Herald Square Macy's is not only a fashion institution-it's an American icon. Visit the famed Macy's Herald Square, the world's largest department store. Whether you need the latest fashions for you or your home, you are sure to find it at Macy's. Stop into the Visitor Center on the 34th Street balcony where a multilingual staff is eager to welcome you. Loehmann’s Loehmann's discount designer store[/caption] Loehmann’s is a favorite among both tourists and locals, offering 30-65% off of designer clothing. Plus, they buy nationally, expanding the extensive list of brands that they sell. Some names you can expect to see are Juicy Couture, Michael Kors, Theory, Marc Jacobs, French Connection, Kate Spade, Betsey Johnson, and so much more. For a cost comparison, the prices are similar to department store clearance items but are available during the current season. As with any discount designer store, your shopping experience will be a bit chaotic as these stores are equally stuffed with people and garments. But chalk it up to the NYC experience and find some great deals! Location: 2101 Broadway (between 73rd St & 74th St.) Century 21 It may no longer be New York’s “best-kept secret,” but this bargain designer store is still a gem. Located in the Financial District, they work directly with garment district representatives to only stock locally. This means they have the ultimate in high-end names, like Armani, Pucci, Prada, and Missoni—and you’ll find savings up to 75% on these top brands. They have a huge men’s and women’s shoe department (located in a separate store) and great prices on kid’s clothing. That being said, Century 21 is not for the faint of heart. You’ll have to fight your way through throngs of shoppers and racks of clothing, but you'll definitely be able to find a gem of a souvenir. Location: 22 Cortlandt St. (between Broadway & Church) Cosmetic Market Good cosmetics can be expensive...but not at Cosmetic Market! Ever wonder what happens to extra make-up and perfume samples when promotions end? Or where excess Clinique, Sephora, and Chanel products end up? The answer to both of those questions: they go to Cosmetic Market. Cosmetic Market is a beauty bargain hunter's dream. This treasure of a store has everything from $5.50 Chanel nail polish to $1 L’Oreal hair color. In addition to makeup, they have an assortment of other products, like snacks (European chocolate in the back), candles and picture frames, jewelry, and other miscellaneous things (tip: you can find great gifty souvenir things here). You'll need to do a little sfiting and browsing through the massive selection, but it's hard to leave this store without finding a steal. Location: 15 East 37th St. (between 5th Ave and Madison Ave) Fishs Eddy At Fishs Eddy, you’ll find the highest-quality kitchenware and flatware for reasonable prices. Whether you’re a culinary wiz or just thinking about adding some flare to your kitchen, Fishs Eddy is a really unique place to shop. They have everything you can imagine, ranging in style from retro to contemporary. Plus, they change their inventory seasonally. Look for weekly sales or clearance items to save even more. Just be warned, it’s a tight space—not convenient for strollers and the like. Location: 889 Broadway (between 19th St. & 20th St.) Leekan Designs This unique showroom in the Lower East Side offers a varied collection of ethnic arts imported directly from China, Indonesia, India, Morocco, Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, and other Asian countries. Their store features affordable décor and housewares, African trading beads that can be made into a necklace or bracelet on the spot, and ready-made jewelry, among lots of other things! If you’re the kind of person who wants one-of-a-kind items or has an affinity for exotic accessories, you can’t miss this place. Location: 4 Rivington St. (between Bowery & Freeman Alley) Let's Recap on Our 'Cheap' New York Shopping So there are a handful of spots to check out if you're looking for some of the best shopping in New York, including popular cheap options, outlet malls, and other hotspots. Remember, often times you can enjoy extra discounts on shopping centers, outlet malls & more with a New York City Explorer Pass. So when you are planning your trip, consider including some of these options to your vacation itinerary.
Katie Sagal
New York
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10...9...8... 10 tips for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square

9. The earlier you arrive, the better It should be rather obvious to anyone who’s ever watched the ball drop on television that the event is packed - so the earlier you get there, the better the view. Unfortunately, early really means early for this Times Square celebration. The most dedicated visitors begin lining up in the early hours of the morning on New Year's Eve. Depending on how close you'd like to be to the barrier, you'll want to be up bright and early. Once you have a spot, do not leave it! It'll be gone instantly. You might even want to arrive the day before, stay at a hotel, and eliminate the stress of getting there the day of. If you arrive at your preferred viewing area too early in the day, you may be moved by the police when the barricades are put into place. 8. Eat before, or pack snacks Don’t expect food vendors in Times Square. With all of the visitors packed in, there's no space for food carts to set up during the celebration. There are plenty of restaurants in and around the area though, so if you plan correctly ahead of time you'll have no problem finding a delicious meal. Call the restaurant to check on their operating hours and make sure they are open. You will almost certainly need to book reservations ahead of time if you plan to eat in the Times Square area. If you prefer not to spend time sitting down for a meal, grab something for takeout or stop at one of the many fast-food chains in the area. You could also pack snacks and drinks in a bag so you can eat right in your spot. Remember, if you find a great spot to see the celebration, you’re going to lose it if you leave. 7. Dress in warm layers, it's the middle of winter Wondering what you should wear on NYE? Dress warmly. It is easy to underestimate how cold it’s going to be when standing for hours on end in the middle of winter. Even if the temperatures don't seem very low, dress in layers - you're going to be outside for quite a while. Synthetics, like Goretex, wind-resistant and water-repellent outerwear and a nice warm hat are the keys to staying warm throughout the evening. Make sure to pack gloves and scarves. You may even want to grab some of the heating packs from a nearby convenience store. 6. Leave the backpacks and bags at home At the entry points, and at the designated viewing areas, everyone will be searched with a hand-held wand. Large bags and knapsacks are not permitted at all, and all bags will be searched. With limited space and many people standing on top of each other, we suggest bringing very small bags or leaving the bag at home altogether. 5. Take the train in rather than drive If there's one general rule of thumb for getting to New York City, it's that driving or taking a cab is the most expensive option - especially on a holiday like New Year's Eve. Available parking spots will be at an all-time low and parking and cab prices are sure to skyrocket with so many visitors coming in and out of the city. We highly recommend taking public transit to a stop near the event and walking the rest of the way to Times Square. If you're coming in from Grand Central, there's a specified subway line that runs directly from the terminal to Times Square. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes or sneakers so that you can walk several blocks depending on what stop you get off at.  Check the MTA website for more information about routes. 4. No alcohol in Times Square Public drinking is illegal in New York City and this is strictly enforced at the Times Square NYE celebration. There will be plenty of police officers circulating the area and they'll confiscate any and all alcoholic beverages. 3. Make sure you 'go' before you arrive The number one question asked by anyone visiting Times Square - where is the bathroom? Unfortunately, there are no portable restrooms in Times Square, so plan to use the restroom before you arrive or at a local restaurant. Be aware, most restaurants will require you to make a purchase in order to use their restrooms. If you leave to go use the bathroom during the wait for the ball drop, then you most likely won't be able to get back to your hard-earned viewing spot. A good viewing area is difficult to find (let alone keep), so if you get a good spot you’re not going to want to give it up. 2. Don’t miss seeing the ball raised There’s a lot of standing around while you’re waiting for the celebration to start, so you might as well see everything you can. The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball is raised up a 77-foot flagpole at the top of One Times Square at approximately 6PM. A few good places to watch are along Broadway (43rd Street - 50th Street), and along Seventh Avenue, as far north as 59th Street. New York City's Times Square celebration is one of the most famous and popular New Year's Eve celebrations in the world, so it's no surprise that Times Square and the city as a whole will be packed around this time. In the spirit of the famous ball drop and countdown to the new year, read on for 10 New Year's Eve in Times Square tips to help ensure your experience is a safe, enjoyable, and memorable one. 💰 >>  See how you can save up to 50% on New York attractions  🗓️ >>  Check out our example New York itineraries  10. Times Square (free!) The Times Square NYE celebration is a free event open to the public on a first-come first-served basis. Don't be swindled into buying a "ticket" by anyone on the street. That being said, make sure to get there as early as possible. People start lining up around the barriers in the early hours of the morning on the day of New Year's Eve. 1. Plan to stay the weekend and visit some attractions 🗽 If you're traveling from out of town, turn your New Year's Eve trip into a mini vacation. And if you're not from out of town, it's the perfect excuse for a city staycation. A weekend trip makes for the perfect amount of time to hit some famous New York City landmarks and attractions. We've outlined our top five must-sees:. Empire State Building Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building is more than just a perfect view. Erected during The Great Depression, the skyscraper has been a symbol of hope and New York's legacy ever since. Take a tour of the building with the Empire State Building Experience, climb to the top for a breathtaking vantage point of the entire city, and explore the exhibit halls that tell the story of the building and the concrete jungle below. You can't visit New York without visiting its most famous building. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Immigration Museum For history buffs, the appeal of New York stems from the storied past of this bustling city. Of course, there's no better place to start than the very beginning - literally. Take the ferry out to Ellis Island and see where thousands upon thousands of people passed through on their migration to America. Explore the island and peruse the exhibits of the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. From medical records to pieces of old luggage kept in mint condition, to first-hand accounts and personal stories, you'll leave the museum with a better picture of what life was like in New York City's earliest days. 9/11 Memorial & Museum Visit the site where the Twin Towers once stood and experience a deeply touching and educational collection of exhibits and memorials that honor the victims of 9/11. At the 9/11 Memorial & Museum visitors will encounter the Memorial’s twin reflecting pools, which are each nearly an acre in size and feature the largest man-made waterfalls in North America. Inside the 9/11 Memorial Museum’s 110,000 square feet of exhibition space, visitors will experience the story through multimedia displays, archives, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts. Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus tour To ensure you don't miss any of the NYC sights, hop aboard a Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus. It's one of the best ways to see the uptown and downtown areas, and you'll be able to get on or off at any stop for the whole day. Popular stops include the Empire State Building, SOHO/Little Italy, Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, Madison Square Garden, Central Park, and plenty of world-class museums. Have fun and enjoy ringing in the New Year! Discover our full line-up of New York attractions including The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory, the Statue of Liberty, and more.   🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.     😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 
Nicole Muto
Halloween in New York
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Halloween in New York

When things go bump in the night more frequently than usual, it can only mean one thing. No, not a rodent infestation; it's Halloween! The spookiest time of year has evolved from simple trick-or-treating to a time of grand experiences! And if you're in New York for the festivities, you might want to know what's going on! Well, look no further. In this guide to Halloween in New York, we'll tell you about all the best spooky bits you'll not want to miss. Now fly, my pretties! Fly! Including: When is Halloween in New York? Where is Halloween in New York Catacombs by Candlelight Tour Ghosts of Greenwich Village Tour Village Halloween Parade and more! When is Halloween in New York? If you are a human person, then you probably already know this. But this one's for all you non-humans who might be unaware. The spookiest day of the year falls on October 31st; this year, that's a Monday. And you might be thinking, "Monday's a school night; how am I supposed to get my spook on when I've got work the next day?" Don't worry; we hear you, and we see you. You'll be pleased to know that much of the Halloween hijinks will take place the weekend before the day itself. You'll even find some shenanigans in the two weeks sandwiching the big day. A big Halloween sandwich of fun, if you will. Where is Halloween in New York? Well, it's in New York. The Big Apple. The city that never sleeps. You... specifically clicked this blog. Are you okay? Do you need to sit down and take a moment? Things to do on Halloween in New York Anyway, enough with the spooky silliness; you'll want to know what to do over Halloween in New York, right? Well, let's take a look at the best eerie activities on offer. Be brave on a Catacombs by Candlelight Tour Ever danced with the devil in the pale candlelight? Yes, we've taken some liberties with that quote, taken from the eternally-Halloweeny mind of Tim Burton, but stay with us here. Because you won't be dancing on this candlelight tour of the catacombs beneath St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. This 90-minute guided tour will take you through the myriad underground tunnels and passageways beneath this holy place. And your creepy yet information-savvy guide will regale you with spooky tales as you go. Many famous New Yorkers rest in these catacombs, and there's sure to be a creepy story for some of them. Pairing history with spooky dark places? What more could you ask for on Halloween in New York? Go hunting on a Ghosts of Greenwich Village Tour Above the dank and dark catacombs, we now travel to Greenwich Village. Did you know it was originally named after a green witch? Neither did we, because it is a lie. There never was a green witch in Greenwich. But you know what Greenwich does have? Ghosts. Tons of ghosts. That's right, Halloween-goers, you too can discover Manhattan's spine-chilling secrets on a ghostly walking tour of the local neighborhood. Visit Greenwich Village's most haunted hangouts to hear tales of lost children, celebrity ghosts, and park-dwelling phantoms. Let your guide weave creepy tales that go bump in the night. Witness the weirdness of the Hanging Tree, take a spooky stroll around Washington Square Park, and get ready to snap a picture of real ghosts along the way. Who knows, maybe you'll get lucky! Image courtesy of Inspired By Maps/Shutterstock Do the monster mash at the Village Halloween Parade Have you seen the news? Every year, New York is taken over by ghouls! 50,000 creatures of the night descend on the Big Apple, taking the streets and terrifying locals. That is, unless those locals are taking part. Because we're talking about the Village Halloween Parade, and if you're in town for Halloween, you won't want to miss it. The parade runs up Sixth Ave from Canal St to 15th St in Manhattan, so if you want to get involved, you'll need a costume. This year's theme is 'freedom', so really you make of it what you want. If you're keen, head to Sixth Ave and Canal St at 6.30PM and prepare to march at 7PM! If you'd rather watch from the sidelines, then by all means. Either head to Sixth Ave early to grab a spot (it gets busy as the march draws near), or head to the end of the parade at 14th St to 16th St to catch a whole host of sweaty, tired monsters passing the finish line. Enjoy cocktail cackles at Hocus Pocus Fancy sprinkling some camp into your Halloween merriment? Then you'll love Hocus Pocus, a cocktail extravaganza courtesy of A Drinking Game NYC. Featuring a faithful rendition of the Disney classic Hocus Pocus, you'll watch along as the three witches enact their dastardly plans. Just make sure you've exercised your drinking hand, because every time you hear the bell, you'll need to take a sip. Can you survive the night, or will the witches' inebriating spells take hold of you before the end? Only time, and your wits, will tell. Run for your life at the terrifying Blood Manor If you want to dial up your Halloween with a hefty dose of adrenaline, then look no further than the ominously-titled Blood Manor. Maybe leave the kids at home for this one, because you'll be in for some real terror. This massive haunted house is located at 359 Broadway, and it's not for the faint of heart. In fact, children under 14 won't even be allowed in for fear of being scarred for life! For those of you daring enough to enter, you'll find haunted halls, petrifying passageways, and a multitude of actors trained in one thing and one thing only - being really scary. If you survive and want to go next year, then you're in for a treat, because the whole house is refreshed every year. So next time you round that corner you were sure was safe, you might be in for a surprise. And that's the end of our spooky guide to Halloween in New York? Want some less-spooky ideas for experiences in the Big Apple? Check out Go City! With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can work the city's best attractions around your vacation itinerary! So, what are you waiting for?
Dom Bewley

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