There's something quite enchanting about wintertime in New York – the weather is brisk, the streets are lit up, and the air is filled with the first signs of holiday cheer. From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to ice skating at the Rockefeller, the city has a little something to offer for everybody. If you’re planning on making the trip, have a read through our guide of some of the best activities and events taking place throughout the month. To ensure that you don’t miss out on a thing, check out our Explorer pass and All-Inclusive pass. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Get into the Holiday Spirit
Wintertime in the city brings a whole host of seasonal, family-friendly activities. Towards the end of the month, New York Botanical Garden’s beloved train show opens its doors. With around 200 intricate replicas of steam engines and iconic landmarks delightfully constructed from natural materials in their rawest form – think pinecones, acorns and seeds, this unique holiday experience is nothing but a sight to behold. In addition, the exhibit showcases antique models from the 1800s. Thoroughly captivating and festive, the show perfectly captures the beauty of the city in miniature.
Each year, the city transforms into an other-worldly wonderland with millions of holiday lights right after Thanksgiving. Those who are interested in experiencing the stunning over the top displays up close should consider taking a Christmas Lights Tour. Along the route, you’ll move through dazzling displays of toy soldiers, Santa Claus and reindeer which illuminate the residences of Brooklyn. Totally exciting and Instagram-worthy, this is the perfect activity for any holiday lover.
If it’s a unique shopping experience that you’re after, look no further. Every year, Union Square’s Holiday Market draws in millions of shoppers with a wide array of affordable, quality items. With over 100 booths offering everything from handmade accessories and souvenirs to delicious food and drink, you don't want to miss out on this one. Enjoy a hot chocolate, browse the stalls, or check out the live music – the day is yours!
See the Classics
You’ve seen it in all the movies: the iconic Rockefeller ice skating rink. Every year without fail, this classic winter attraction ushers in the holiday season right in the center of Manhattan. Attracting more than 150, 000 skaters every season, this uber-popular attraction has never failed to delight. Family-friendly and fun, this place offers the perfect NYC ice skating experience for those of all ages. Since the rink is prone to long lines during this time of year, we suggest looking into special tickets if you’re trying to cut down on time.
One of our favorite things to do in November in New York is to head down to the city center to catch the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Since originating in 1924, the parade has grown to become the largest in the world, now drawing in a huge crowd of spectators each year. An iconic New York tradition as watched by millions of Americans, the event is sure to put a smile on anybody’s face. Featuring floats, giant character balloons, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend Thanksgiving Day.
Those who want to get into the Christmas spirit early should definitely look into booking tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. A classic New York holiday activity, this annual music stage show offers its own original music score, a flying Santa Claus, and of course, the much-vaunted dazzling precision of the Rockettes. An iconic spectacle of music, dance, and festivity, this one-of-a-kind tradition is nothing short of mesmerizing.
Find Fun Activities
If you’re trying to avoid the frosty weather, why not make time to visit one of New York’s most widely acclaimed cultural amenities? Located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the American Museum of Natural History cultivates curiosity and interpretation in the natural world. Home to an expansive collection of over 30 million artefacts, you’ll be spoiled for choice with this one. Fascinating and fun, the museum provides a great educational experience for those of all ages.
Art is everywhere in New York, so it’s no surprise that the city provides some fabulous creative institutions. Celebrating over 100 years of contemporary American art, the Whitney Museum serves to preserve, protect and interpret the works of great US artists. Arguably the finest holding of its kind in the world, the permanent collection features pieces by Jasper Johns, Cy Twombly, and Cindy Sherman. A great stop for all art lovers, this place would make the perfect day trip.
New York City is well-recognized for its thriving comedy scene. If you’re interested in seeing a show, why not check out the New York Comedy Festival? Kicking off mid-November, the event features an impressive lineup of some of the city’s biggest laugh-out-loud performers. Comedy fans will be delighted by the number of shows taking place across five boroughs. With previous performances from David Cross, Marc Maron, and even Conan O’Brien, there’s no excuse to skip out on this one.
Another great indoor activity is the New York City Horror Film Festival. Attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees each year, this event has grown to become the largest and most highly respected film festival of its kind. From cult classics to newer contributions to the genre, the event offers a wide variety of screenings to suit every taste. Those who are especially interested in horror should be able to attend special events, masterclasses and celebrity Q&As.
November is one of the most fun and exciting times to see New York. Attractive events and holiday cheer all across the city make it a great time for tourists to go and explore. Whether you’re visiting unique landmarks, discovering world-renowned museums, or trying out different foodie attractions, one thing’s for sure – your trip won’t be boring! To make the most out of your vacation, check out our All-Inclusive pass and Explorer pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
