Although the weather may get chillier and days become shorter, NYC is full of fun activities that brighten the fall season. This November, check out some of these events to kickstart the holiday season.
See the 99th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Getty Images for Macy’s, credit to Eugene Gologursky.
On the morning of Thanksgiving Day on November 27th, head to the Upper West Side to Herald Square and see the 99th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, presented by Macy’s. See your favorite character balloons, like Buzz Lightyear, Spider-Man, and Snoopy, as well as a variety of performances from marching bands, dance groups, and musicians. The parade is set to begin at 8:30 AM and will begin at West 77th Street and Central Park West and will then travel along 6th Avenue, ending at 34th Street. The parade will be live streamed on NBC and can be watched on Peacock.
Begin Holiday Shopping at Bryant Park’s Winter Village
Photo courtesy bryantpark.org.
Bryant Park’s Winter Village is now open, back for another holiday season. Stop by and start the holiday season right with ice skating, a variety of vendors at the Holiday Shops, and plenty of food and dining opportunities including the infamous private igloos.
Support Runners at the NYC Marathon
Photo courtesy nyrr.org.
While running 26 miles may not suit your fancy, watching and supporting runners in the NYC Marathon on Nov. 2 is another way to join this fun event. For more than 50 years, this highly anticipated event has been taking place with more and more runners finishing each year. Last year, the 2024 marathon set a record for the largest marathon in history. The 26.2 mile course spans across all five boroughs in the city, beginning in Staten Island and ending in Central Park, Manhattan.
Bask in Scenic Autumn Colors on a Classic Harbor Fall Foliage Cruise
Photo courtesy Classic Harbor Line.
All throughout November, Classic Harbor Lines will be hosting a variety of Fall Foliage cruises. Enjoy a city escape with a sail along the Hudson River with unbeatable views of NYC’s changing seasons. There are a variety of cruise options, including Fall Foliage brunch and lunch cruises, narrated tours, and opportunities to see the Palisades. Prices range, and tickets can be purchased on their website.
Shop Local During Small Business Saturday
Books Are Magic bookstore in Brooklyn, photo courtesy Instagram @booksaremagicbk.
New York City thrives with small businesses. Every corner you turn in any of the five boroughs, you’ll likely see a locally-run business of some kind, whether it’s a bookstore, boutique, or restaurant. November 29th is this year’s Small Business Saturday, a holiday created by American Express in 2010 to encourage post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping at small businesses. Kick off your holiday shopping during Small Business Saturday, while also giving back to your community! Find small businesses near you through shopyourcity.cityofnewyork.us.
Whether you’re looking to kickstart the holiday season with ice skating and holiday shopping or savor every last bit of fall with a fall foliage cruise, there are plenty of activities in November in NYC for everyone to enjoy.