With the holidays creeping closer and fall in full swing, the city is bustling with things to do: from cozy outdoor dining to outdoor art installations and the city’s holiday markets soon to open up shop.
Fill up your calendar and check out our top must-do things in NYC this November here:
1. Take part in a real-life Squid Game
Ahead of the new season of Squid Game, you can take part in a brand new experience bringing the show to life here in NYC. Visitors will get to compete in five different challenges, but only one will be victorious. And whether you win or lose, you’ll be able to enjoy a Korean-inspired night market with food and drink and shop for awesome Squid Game merch! Secure your tickets now!
2. Watch or attend the Thanksgiving Day Parade
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be back and better than ever this year on Thanksgiving Day, November 28th. For its 98th anniversary it will welcome back its signature mix of giant character helium balloons, fantastic floats, marching bands, performance groups, Santa Claus, and more. Find out everything you need to know when more details about this year’s event are released.
3. See Adam Lambert’s & Auli‘i Cravalho in this stunning rendition of Cabaret
You must head over to the August Wilson Theatre to see “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club”! New cast members include Grammy nominee and Queen vocalist Adam Lambert, along with actress and singer Auli‘i Cravalho. For tickets and more details, go here. You cannot miss this modern twist on a classic!
4. Embark on a VR expedition across Egypt at Horizon of Khufu
Forget the long flight—The Pyramids of Giza are arriving in NYC with a special VR experience that transports you to the historic pyramids where you’ll decipher hieroglyphs and relive the reign of King Khufu. Get your tickets now.
5. Guests at QC Spa can enjoy these extra special classes during wonder month
There are plenty of ways to relax at QC Spa, especially before the holiday season really ramps up! Several special activities are happening in October and November which will allow guests to recharge and bring their best selves into the new year! Wonder Month at QC Spa includes face yoga, a barber treatment and even a photography class. Each of these limited classes only has about 15 spots available, go here for more details and how to sign up!
6. Cast your ballot at the polls on Election Day
Mark your calendars for Election Day on Tuesday, November 5th. Head to the polls and partake in your civic duty, plus take advantage of the freebies that come along with it!
7. Save yourself from cooking and make a Thanksgiving dinner reservation instead
Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and it’s time to start figuring out where and how you want to spend your holiday. We all know how much preparation goes into the big meal, so we thought we’d help you out a bit! We gathered up some of our favorite restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner on the big day and you can find them here.
8. Explore all the best spots for fall foliage in NYC
NYC tends to reach peak fall foliage in November, so we asked NYers some of their favorite spots. Here’s a list of some of the best places they said to catch autumn’s beautiful colors in the city, with a sneak peek below:
- Clove Lakes Park, Staten Island
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn
- Central Park, Manhattan
9. Take in larger-than-life lanterns at Luminosa: A Festival of Lights
Roam under illuminated lanterns at New York’s first Luminosa: A Festival of Lights. The stunning display will take over the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, complete with 40 lamp scenes crafted by 150 artisans with 120 tons of steel and 150,000 feet of silk. Get your tickets to see it all.
10. Listen to beautiful strings at a Candlelight Concert
Fever’s popular Candlelight Concerts are hosting tons of events this fall and winter, ranging from more modern songs on strings to traditional classical compositions–all surrounded by twinkling candlelight in NYC’s most beautiful spaces.
10. Visit the magical Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
The beloved Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park will be open from Friday, October 25th to Sunday, March 2, 2025. As usual, the winter wonderland features tons of holiday shops, a pop-up rinkside food hall, and a 17,000-foot free ice skating rink as the centerpiece. Read more here.
11. …Then check out NYC’s holiday markets
What would the holidays be in NYC without our enchanting holiday markets? As mentioned, the Bank of America Winter Village in Bryant Park opens its holiday shops at the end of October, but others will return this season including:
- Grand Central Holiday Market
- Union Square Holiday Market
- Borough Hall Holiday Market
- Grand Holiday Bazaar
12. See your favorite annual model at NYBG Holiday Train Nights
Everyone’s favorite holiday tradition has a night mode this year! At NYBG Holiday Train Nights you can admire the magic of model trains chugging through a beautiful miniature replica of NYC. Moreover, festive food and drink will be available for purchase. Choose between all ages or 21+ nights when you book.
13. Stay in the holiday spirit at Santa’s Winter Wonderland
Get cozy at Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark ahead of the holidays for waterfront views, season drinks and a visit from Santa Claus himself. Whether you want to reserve a chalet or a glasshouse, it’s the perfect way to make the most of the season. Secure your spot today.
14. Explore the Catacombs of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral by Candlelight
Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral’s underground catacombs used to be sealed off from the public, but those brave enough can now explore it by candlelight! On this tour you’ll spend 80 minutes beneath NYC on a stroll through the city’s past. This unique Catacombs by Candlelight experience shines a light on the final resting place of notable New Yorkers and the achievements and hurdles faced by New York’s historic Catholic residents. Grab your tickets here.
15. Grab a drink at one of NYC’s newest bars from the last year
NYC already has some amazing bars across all five boroughs, but we’re obviously always open to trying out more! Some of our favorite new bars include:
16. Attend the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony
Though as of now there is no official arrival date nor tree selection announcement, last year it arrived in November so we know it’s happening soon! Check back once we know more.
17. Go ice skating on the city’s most magical rinks
Winter is coming and there are a handful of outdoor ice rinks that are gearing up to open! From the rink at Bryant Park and Wollman Rink to the Rink at Rockefeller Center and a brand new one nestled under the Brooklyn Bridge there’s tons of opportunities to go skating. Find our favorite NYC ice skating rinks here.
18. Get your fall photos at the Seaport’s fabulous Pumpkin Arch
The Seaport District, located in the historic enclave of cobblestone streets in downtown Manhattan near the East River, will bring back its annual Pumpkin Arch display through November 3rd! It’s located on the Heineken Riverdeck at Pier 17, which meets the East River and Beekman and South St., so head there while it remains to get your cozy fall pics. Read more here.
19. Sing along to all your favorite T Swift songs with a live orchestra
Us Swifties can’t pass up any opportunity to jam to all her catchy songs, and this very special show “Broadway Sings Taylor Swift With a Live Orchestra” will only have a few shows this November! Fans will get to hear new renditions of all her best hits along with a full, 14-piece orchestra! Grab your tickets here.
20. Take a gorgeous fall foliage ride in the Catskills on historic railroad tracks
Autumn is all about viewing the gorgeous colorful foliage, and these innovative “rail explorers” lets visitors ride down decommissioned railroad tracks in some of the country’s most picturesque locations—including in the nearby Catskill Mountains. It’s the perfect way to catch the foliage, and you canfind out more here.
21. Take sip & paint to a new level with a workshop in the dark
Paint under fluorescent neon lights with a drink in hand (alcoholic or not) to encourage your creativity at Neon Brush, a wonderful way to let out your inner artist. Grab a seat today and leave with your masterpiece in hand.
22. Take in the most over-the-top holiday decorations at NYC icon Rolf’s
Rolf’s German Restaurant in Gramercy is an Instagram favorite year after year. With the extravagant floor-to-ceiling Christmas ornaments, twinkling lights, and festive ribbon, they really know how to pull in a crowd. Find out how to make reservations here.
23. Catch a Broadway (or Off-Broadway) show
As the temperatures start to drop and we hibernate indoors, why not catch a Broadway show while you’re at it! The best part–from Little Shop of Horrors Off-Broadway to Aladdin on Broadway, there’s so many good shows to catch! Here are our guides for the best Broadway and Off-Broadway shows.
24. Try all the best ramen in the city
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Source / Zenith Richards and NR
Nothing says comfort during the cooler seasons quite like a bowl of steaming ramen. Slurp on delicious noodles and flavorful broth at these NYC favorites:
- HinoMaru, Astoria
- Okiboru House of Tsukemen, Lower East Side
- Chuko, Prospect Heights
25. Be awed by NYC from 100 stories up at One World Observatory
There’s no better view of NYC than the 360° panorama at One World Observatory. Whether you’re a native New York or you have visitors coming into town, One World Observatory offers epic adventures in the clouds, from a delicious restaurant and bar on the 101st floor to guided tours.
26. Go on a stunning fall hike
It’s a perfect time to check out some amazing hikes that are right on NYC’s doorstep before it gets too cold. Each of these hikes are accessible by public transport, perhaps with a bit of walking (or even a short cab ride if you’d prefer) to reach the trailhead…but you’re there to hike, so might as well start early!
- Franny Reese State Park
- Arden Point and Glenclyffe
- Anthony’s Nose Hike
- Camp Smith Trail
- Wanaque Ridge Trail
27. Discover the full potential of your tastebuds as you dine in the dark
Studies show that 80% of people eat with their eyes–and with that sense eliminated, the theory is that your other senses take over to elevate your meal to a whole new level. At this unique gastronomical experience you’ll be served a delectable meal with a twist–you’ll be blindfolded the entire time. Choose from either the twelve-course omakase menu or a menu inspired by the flavors of Southern Italy.
28. Warm up from the cold as you dance the night away at these NYC clubs
NYC nightlife is some of the best in the world! Whether you’re looking for a place to shake those hips or simply enjoy some music with a drink in hand, we’ve got you covered. We’ve listed a few standouts below but be sure to check out our full list here.
- Nebula, Midtown
- Elsewhere, Brooklyn
- Little Sister, East Village
- Avant Gardner, East Williamsburg
29. Save some money for holiday shopping with these fun, free NYC doings
There’s no questioning how energetic, unique and diverse New York City is. But if there’s one negative? It’s definitely the cost. But even though it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world, there are loads of completely FREE things to do in NYC (which is definitely a plus especially when we’re all thinking about all the holiday gifts we’re going to have to start buying). Find our full list of free things to do in NYC here.
30. Laugh at the New York Comedy Festival
One of NYC’s biggest comedy festivals returns this November, welcoming some of the industry’s biggest names for a week long of celebrations. The New York Comedy Festival is set to return to the city on November 8 – 17, 2024, welcoming over 200 comedians performing in more than 100 shows across various venues throughout the city’s five boroughs. This year’s lineup includes the likes of Judd Apatow, Bill Maher, Matt McCusker, Tracy Morgan, Dave Attell, and many more!
🎭 For more info, check out our NYCF guide
31. Watch the iconic Radio City Rockettes
One of NYC’s most famous Christmas performances, The Radio City Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular, is back kickin’ here in November! The festive music and dance show dates all the way back to 1933, and is set to return to Radio City Music Hall starting on November 8! Tickets start at $75 and range upwards to $347 depending on date and time…and they’re available now!
❄️ For more info, check out our Rockettes guide
32. Check out the Origami Tree at AMNH
Each year the American Museum of Natural History welcomes a very special Origami Holiday Tree to commemorate the Christmas season, drawing inspiration from some sort of exhibit in the museum! Each year volunteers come together to create nearly 1,000 paper works to decorate the 13 foot tree and we can’t wait to find out what this years theme is!
🎄 For more info, head to AMNH’s website
34. Escape to a planet of bubbles before it leaves
Bubble Planet will only remain nearby through December, so it’s coming upon your last chance to journey through 8-themed rooms of imaginative bubbles mixed with VR. Get tickets before it’s too late!
35. Get tickets to see Broadway’s swoonworthy Romeo + Juliet
See why everyone’s lusting after Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor in the newest iteration of Romeo + Juliet now on Broadway. The production is only running for 20 weeks so grab tickets while you still can!
36. Or see TikTok star, Charli D’Amelio, in +Juliet
If you prefer a more modern take on the Shakespeare classic, you might want to grab tickets to +Juliet, following what would have happened if Juliet never decided to tragically end her life. The cast now even includes mega TikTok star, Charli D’Amelio in her Broadway debut.
37. Explore some of the best exhibits in town
There’s no shortage of creativity in NYC, and our roundup of the best exhibits will prove it to you. Whether it’s a look at Barbie 65 years in the making at the Museum of Art and Design or a deep dive into the 120-year history of the subway at the New York Transit Museum, the offerings are intriguing, diverse, and a great way to spend a cold weekend afternoon.
38. Ride century-old rail cars through a scenic route outside of NYC
An adventurous ride across scenic tracks awaits only 2.5 hours from NYC on the Colebrookdale Railroad. The restored cars offer 360-degree panoramas of the breathtaking Secret Valley Line. Plus, during the fall they have extra special excursions: the Autumn Cider and Donuts Express and the Autumn Splendor. Yes, they also have holiday themed-rides too: the Santa’s Polar Bear Express with and the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Start planning your journey now!
39. Don’t miss this year’s Rockefeller Christmas tree arrive in NYC
This year’s tree, hailing from Massachusetts, will arrive in Rockefeller Center on Saturday, November 9th. Learn everything you need to know about the tree, its arrival and when the lighting ceremony will take place with our ultimate guide.
40. Volunteer your time to help those in need
With holiday season in swing, there’s no better time to give back. Partake in some of NYC’s wonderful volunteer opportunities to provide those in need with a Thanksgiving meal this November.
41. Catch Elf: The Musical on Broadway
Nothing says the holidays like the annual Elf movie night, except this season you can watch it adapted on stage with Elf: The Musical on Broadway. It’s all happening at the Marquis Theater, but get your tickets quick because it’s only running through January 4th, 2025.
42. Escape to Paris at this Multimedia Exhibition
Notre-Dame de Paris: The Exhibition is taking over the Cathedral of St. John the Divine for a limited time in NYC. Take an in-depth look at Notre Dame’s 850-year history through augmented reality—no passport required. Score your tickets now!
