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There is always a pack of reasons to visit the Big Apple in every season. Mild weather and slightly thinner crowds make April to June and September to early November the best time to visit New York. Warm, gorgeous spring with a sprinkle of rain calls New Yorkers for outdoor brunches and picnics in the Central Park. A popular period from July to August brings heat and humidity alongside with tourists. However, this is the high time for a variety of family activities like outdoor music concerts, open-air movie nights, and waterfront workouts. Over 3 million people gather to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in November, and it's the official start of Christmas season. Cold January and February will warm up your heart with good deals.

138 things to do in New York City (NYC)

Spring

March, April, May • Weather

This is the best time of the year to be in the city

Winter

December, January, February • Weather

Cold and snowy or warm and sunny, the weather is rather unstable

Vintage Trains and Buses

late November–December • Activity

It must be programmed in human nature to feel some nostalgy for yesteryear—New York's vintage train on Christmas provides a chance to soothe that pain

Metropolitan Opera in the Parks

June 18, 2024 • Event

Beautiful opera music in the relaxed atmosphere during the Summer Recital Series

Columbus Day Parade

October 14, 2024 • Event

The celebration of the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas

Tribute in Light

September 11 • Event

The solemn annual commemoration of the victims of 9/11 attack lights up the sky

The 9th Avenue International Food Festival

May 17-18, 2025 • Event

Try out some of the best food Hell's Kitchen can offer

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

December 4, 2024–mid-January 2025 • Event

For over eight decades, the Christmas Tree at the Rockefeller Center has stood as a holiday beacon for New Yorkers

Manhattanhenge

November 29–November 30 | January 11–January 12 | May 28–May 29 | July 12–July 13 • Event

A magnificent view of the setting sun right between the buildings in Manhattan

Thanksgiving Day Food

November 28, 2024 • Food

The tastiest food can always be found on the Thanksgiving table!

Broadway

January 21–February 9, 2025 | All year round • Event

The heart of theater production and the Big Apple's main attraction

Shakespeare in the Park

late May–mid-August • Event

Central Park turns into a theatre for Shakespeare lovers, during the open-air summer productions

Macy's Flower Show

late March–early April 2025 • Event

When spring has sprung what better way to celebrate than to stop by and adore some blooming flowers?

Street Fairs and Festivals

April–October • Event

The street fairs in New York are all about tasting great food, finding bargains, and enjoying a little people-watching​

Picnic Season in Central Park

May–mid-October • Activity

Take a checkered blanket, some snacks, and enjoy the sun on the lush green lawn of Sheep Meadow

Frieze New York

May 1-5, 2024 • Event

Wander around Randell's Island and observe some of the best works of contemporary artists

The High Line Sightseeing

April–October • Activity

The only elevated urban park and a very pleasant place to be on a sunny afternoon

Oyster Season

September–April • Food

Oyster culture has a special place in the New York lifestyle

Cinco de Mayo

May 5 • Event

Bring your amigos and enjoy the fiesta with some Mexican flavor. There will be fresh margaritas, and mariachi music—a true Mexican festival in NYC!

Times Square New Year's Eve

December 31 • Event

Join the world's biggest New Year's Eve party!

Chinese New Year

January 29, 2025 | February 16, 2025 • Event

Dragons, dancers, and some of the best Chinese food highlight the celebration of Lunar New Year in Chinatown

New York 4th of July Fireworks & Parade

July 4 • Event

Celebrate one of America's favorite holidays in its most iconic city

No Pants Subway Ride

January 7, 2024 • Activity

An annual prank originated in NYC in 2002

Beach Season

June–August • Activity

The water that surrounds New York helps to survive​ a hot summer in the concrete jungle

New York Road Runners Midnight Run

December 31–January 1 • Activity

A fun alternative to traditional celebrations that might just define your year

Christmas Markets

November–early January • Event

New York City markets will help you get into the festive spirit and buy some presents for the whole family

Open-Air Movie Nights

May–September • Activity

Movie screenings beneath the starry sky are a nice tradition for summer in the city

Cherry Blossom at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden

late March/early April through mid-May • Activity

One of the best ways to celebrate the arrival of spring is by viewing cherry blossoms

Independence Day BBQ

July 4 • Event

What is more American than a classic backyard barbecue?

Easter Parade & Easter Bonnet Festival

April 20, 2025 • Event

One of the best Easter traditions in the Big Apple, where New Yorkers show off their creativity

New York Comedy Festival

November 8–17, 2024 • Event

Spend an evening in a bar with drinks and great jokes like a real New Yorker

International Pillow Fight Day

April 5, 2025 • Event

If you see feathers all over the street, it's probably the International Pillow Fight Day, the fluffiest fight in the world

Empire State Building Run-Up

October 9, 2024 • Event

Only 1,576 stairs and you're on the top of the city

New York City Marathon

November 3, 2024 • Event

The NYC Marathon, the largest in the world, is a nice sporting tradition for a great cause

Fleet Week NYC (FWNY)

May 23-26, 2025 • Event

Witness NYC being flooded by sailors in beautiful white uniforms

Rooftop Bars

April–October • Activity

The views make the drinks even better!

Summer Music Events

May–September • Event

New York offers a wide range of free and open-air music festivals and concerts with fun and vibrant atmospheres

Rooftop Gardens and Farms

May–September • Nature

It may sound strange but even in a concrete jungle of New York City you'll find farms and gardens. Although they are a bit unusual!

Tribeca Film Festival

June 5-16, 2024 • Event

This vibrant film festival brings life to the Tribeca neighbourhood

Kayaking on the Hudson

May–September • Activity

Being on the water in New York City is an unforgettable experience

Ice Skating in NYC

October 12, 2024–March 2, 2025 • Activity

Visit the iconic ice skating rinks in Central Park or next to the Rockefeller Center

New York Comic Con

October 9-12, 2025 • Event

A popular culture convention for adults and kids

Governors Ball Music Festival

June 7-9, 2024 • Event

A hot summer music festival on the island known for its numerous athletic fields

SantaCon in NYC

December 14, 2024 • Event

If you are not afraid of looking a bit silly join New Yorkers in this fun tradition

Earth Day

April 22 • Event

The annual Earth Day is made to show that being eco-friendly doesn't have to be a burden even if you live in NYC

West Indian Labor Day Parade

September 2, 2024 • Event

A colourful and vibrant celebration of the Caribbean culture

Electric Zoo Festival

September 2024 • Event

A wild music festival is a perfect place to spend a hot summer night

Village Halloween Parade

October 31 • Event

The Village Halloween Parade is the world’s largest Halloween procession as well as the only major nighttime parade in the U.S.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

March 17, 2025 • Event

Watch the 5th Avenue turn green during the largest St. Patrick's Parade in the world

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 28, 2024 • Event

Giant balloons flood the streets of the Big Apple during Thanksgiving Day

Lincoln Center Out of Doors

June 12–August 10, 2024 • Event

Performers from around the world make this summer festival wonderful

Coney Island Mermaid Parade

June 22, 2024 • Event

One of the brightest and freakiest parades that celebrates the beginning of summer

Flea Markets

April–November • Activity

A New York favourite and a must see for any traveler

Secret Gardens

April–October • Nature

While the parks can be crowded and noisy, these little oases are perfect for escaping from Hell's Kitchen

NYC Restaurant Week

January 21–February 9, 2025 • Event

Incredible occasion for food fanatics

New York Fashion Week

February 6–11, 2025 | September 11–16, 2025 • Event

Stay on top of fashion trends at one of the "Big 4" fashion weeks

Holiday Train Show

November 16, 2024-January 20, 2025 • Event

Marvel at a half-mile train track with some 150 miniature NYC landmarks at New York Botanical Gardens

New York Film Festival (NYFF)

September 27-October 14, 2024 • Event

How about meeting hundreds of filmmakers at one of the longest-running film festivals in the United States?

NYC Wine and Food Festival

October 17-20, 2024 • Event

A great chance to indulge in food and wine, and meet celebrity chefs in foodie heaven

New York Coffee Festival

October 2025 • Event

Immerse yourself into demonstrations, tastings and workshops from almost 100 coffee-industry professionals

Bastille Day

July 14, 2024 • Event

What an amazing event for all the francophiles—celebrating France’s Independence Day

Pickle Day

October 14, 2023 • Event

A slice of pickle on this day—another slice of history to discover

New York Renaissance Faire

August 17-October 6, 2024 (weekends and Labor Day) • Event

Are you ready to escape modern reality?

Brazilian Day

September 1, 2024 • Event

If it's not a sign to put your green and yellow clothes on, then what is? Celebrate Brazil's Independence Day NYC style

Labor Day Weekend

August 31–September 2, 2024 • Event

New York City knows how to say 'adios' to summer with a long-weekend blowout

Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade

October 31 • Event

Pooches let their ego shine at the largest dog costume parade in the world

Veterans Day Parade in NYC

November 11 • Event

Take a day to honour veterans

Go Topless Day Parade

August 25, 2024 • Event

Take off your top to support gender equality

Empire State Building

all year round • Activity

While visiting the iconic monolith of Manhattan, plan wisely to avoid lines

Statue of Liberty

October–March (all year round) • Activity

Four million visitors come yearly to see American icon in person

Top of the Rock

all year round • Activity

See the most iconic landmarks of the Big Apple in one grand panorama

Celebrate Israel Parade

June 2, 2024 • Event

The largest gathering in the world in support of Israel

The Great New York State Fair

August 21–September 2, 2024 • Event

Discover lots of delicious food, exciting competitions, exhibits, and thrilling entertainment at the oldest state fair in the U.S.

The Color Run

August 26–28, 2023 • Event

This race is often called “The Happiest 5K on the Planet”

NYC Smorgasburg

April–October • Event

Visit the largest weekly open-air food market in America

SummerStage in Central Park

June–October • Event

New York's largest free outdoor performing arts festival

Rooftop Films Summer Series Film Festival

May 17–August 23, 2024 • Event

Rooftop Films travel across the city, holding screenings on rooftops, parks, and other beautiful spots

Open House New York

October 18-20, 2024 • Event

Visit some of the architectural masterpieces in New York for free

BroadwayCon

July 26-28, 2024 • Event

A colorful festival where fans can meet and interact with their favorite Broadway stars

Feast of San Gennaro

September 12–22, 2024 • Event

Eat the best Italian food, watch colorful parades, and attend free concerts

Five Boro Bike Tour

May 4, 2025 • Event

One of the most massive recreational cycling events in New York City

Atlantic Antic

September 29, 2024 • Event

The oldest and largest street festival in New York

New York International Auto Show

April 18-27, 2025 • Event

Held since 1900, this is the oldest automotive exhibition in North America

Oktoberfest New York

September 16–October 27, 2024 • Event

One of the best fall events in NYC

Night Nation Run

August 19, 2023 • Event

A 5K run with live DJs and glow sticks, blends sport and partying

Global Citizen Festival New York

September 28, 2024 • Event

Top artists and world leaders get together to make a commitment towards ending poverty

Memorial Day Parades

May 26, 2025 • Event

One of the most popular public events in May falls on Memorial Day Weekend

NYBG Orchid Show

mid-February –late April 22, 2025 • Event

Don't miss thousands of beautiful blooms forming an amazing installation

Archtober

October 1–October 31 • Event

A month-long festival of tours, lectures, films, and exhibitions

Brooklyn Book Festival

September 22-30, 2024 • Event

The largest free literary event in New York City

Ellis Island

March–November • Activity

Visit the famous immigration museum that once was a station receiving millions of immigrants

NYRR Brooklyn Half Marathon

May 18, 2024 • Event

The largest half-marathon in the United States

New York Boat Show

January 22–26, 2025 • Event

The oldest and one of the largest boat shows in the United States

Big Apple Circus

November 8, 2024–January 5, 2025 • Event

A well-known tourist attraction of New York City

Fall for Dance Festival

September 27-October 8, 2025 • Event

An affordable way to see world-class performers

Five Points Fest

June 8–9, 2024 • Event

An unusual mix of art, designer toys and counterculture

NY Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks

June 11-16, 2024 • Event

Enjoy your favorite classical sonatas under the stars

NYC Vegetarian Food Festival

late May 2023 • Event

A joyful celebration of everything meat-free from the City's best vegetarian restaurants

Christmas Lights

late October–early March • Event

All of the boroughs in New York City put on dazzling winter displays

Bryant Park ​Winter Village

October 25, 2024–March 1, 2025 • Event

Manhattan's winter wonderland and the oasis of fun in a busy district

Lake George Winter Carnival

Weekends in February • Event

A family-friendly month-long celebration of winter

Winter Jazzfest

January 9–15, 2025 • Event

A key event of the New York City jazz scene featuring prominent musicians from around the world

Corning Parade of Lights

November 30, 2024 • Event

A holiday festival in a picturesque river town

Rugged Maniac New York City

June 22, 2024 • Event

Half mud run & half festival—everything about this race is fun!

State Fair Meadowlands

June 20–July 7, 2024 • Event

The largest fair of New Jersey offers old-fashioned fun

NYC Winter Lantern Festival

November 2024–January 2025 • Event

A Chinese holiday tradition gains popularity in New York City

East Harlem Giglio Feast

August 8–11, 2024 • Event

Immerse yourself in Italian culture dancing with the giant Giglio through the streets of Manhattan

National Puerto Rican Day Parade

June 8, 2025 • Event

One of the largest cultural celebrations in the U.S.

Dance Parade & Festival

May 18, 2024 • Event

Over 10,000 dancers, bands, and DJs rock the city

BIG Salsa Festival New York

May 24-27, 2024 • Event

A must-attend event for all salsa and bachata fans

Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze

mid-September–mid-November • Event

Hudson Valley's biggest Halloween event

The New York City Poetry Festival

July 13-14, 2024 • Event

Meet all New York poets and poetry fans at one place

Coffee & Tea Festival

March 2025 • Event

The international event celebrates all things coffee and tea

CURLFEST New York

August 17, 2024 • Event

World's largest natural beauty festival

German-American Steuben Parade

September 21, 2024 • Event

One of the largest German parades in the United States

Japan Day @ Central Park

May 11, 2024 • Event

An annual celebration organized by the Japanese community in NYC

NYC Hot Sauce Expo in Brooklyn

September 21–22, 2024 • Event

The spiciest event in the city

NYC Tartan Day Parade

April 5, 2025 • Event

The celebration of all Scottish things

New York Burlesque Festival

October 3–6, 2024 • Event

Four days of glitter and glamour

Oyster Festival

October 19-20, 2024 • Event

The largest waterfront festival on the East Coast runs annually in Oyster Bay

Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park

September 29, 2023 • Event

Time-travel to the Middle Age from Manhattan

Pulaski Day Parade

October 6, 2024 • Event

The day to celebrate Polish heritage in New York City

African American Day Parade

September 15, 2024 • Event

The massive celebration of African American culture in NYC

Dominican Day Parade

August 11, 2024 • Event

The annual celebration of Dominican culture and heritage

New Jersey Marathon & Half Marathon

November 14–15, 2020 • Event

The largest marathon in the state of New Jersey

Skiing and Snowboarding near NYC: The Catskill Mountains

December–early April (best in January–February) • Activity

Winter destinations in Upstate New York offer a decent amount of snow for a weekend getaway

Fall Foliage

late September–October • Nature

The most beautiful time of year in New York State

Skiing in the Adirondacks and Lake Placid Region

late November–mid-April (best in February–March) • Activity

Discover some of the best ski resorts in the Northeast

Whale Watching

April–November • Activity

Long Island is one of the best whale-watching destinations on the East Coast

Fall Foliage

late October–early November • Nature

Feel the decadent atmosphere of autumnal New York

Jones Beach Air Show (Bethpage Air Show)

May 25-26, 2025 • Event

Watch the amazing United States Navy Blue Angels over Long Island

Valley Stream Fireworks

July 4 • Event

One of the most sought-after 4th of July celebrations across NY Long Island

Astoria Park Carnival

June 5–9, 2024 • Event

Have an amazing time at New York's best carnival

Canada & New England Cruises

May–October • Activity

Discover the amazing North Atlantic Coast with its history, national parks, and natural wonders

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

November 22, 2024–January 5, 2025 • Event

This family-friendly festival at the Bronx Zoo offers amazing experience full of lights and custom-designed animal lanterns

LuminoCity Festival

November 8, 2024–January 5, 2025 • Event

Magical immersive light festival and installations show in the park

Vision Festival

June 18-23, 2024 • Event

The premier live FreeJazz event in NYC

Big Apple Film Festival

November 18–December 12, 2024 • Event

Prepare to rub your shoulders with top-notch NYC-based filmmakers, writers, and actors

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