It’s a brand new month, and as we head into the holiday season, we’re so excited to share everything there is to see and do around NYC. This is also one of the busiest times of year for visitors, with so many people coming into the city to experience the magic of the holidays and check out all the seasonal events and attractions. As a local, I can honestly say there is nothing quite like NYC during the holidays. From festive markets and holiday shows to beautiful lights, shopping and family-friendly activities, here is everything we’re looking forward to seeing and doing around the city this month!
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
Thanksgiving is on the 26th and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the best way to start out the day! Whether you’re cooking and watch from home or are in the city and can see it in person, it’s a great experience for all of us. We have been lucky enough to see it in person a couple times and it’s truly a fantastic experience. There are hotels you can book with views, too if you don’t want to stand out in the cold, but you’ll want to book this ASAP! They announce all the details on their site and it will air from 9AM-12PM. Some of our favorite balloons are back and we’re looking forward to seeing the amazing performances. It’s always a great time! If you can’t go in person, you can always watch the live music and fun balloons on tv!
Seaport Pumpkin Arch
The iconic pumpkin arch is something we look forward to each fall. We all love a good Instagrammable moment. The pumpkin arch is back at Pier 17 and it’s the perfect backdrop for your fall photos! Get into the fall spirit and check it out, it’s here only until November 3rd.
Brooklyn Autumn Wine Food Festival
I love trying new wine and food bites. NYC is the best place to do this and the iconic food and wine festival is here in the city this month! There are tons of tastings and holiday bites to check out, but you will need tickets! Check it out, they are here on the 7th.
Canstruction Brookfield Place
Canstruction is back at Brookfield Place this month and on display until November 9th. The annual exhibition features incredible large-scale sculptures made entirely from unopened cans, depicting everything from viral sensations to iconic NYC landmarks. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, family-friendly activities, and a digital cookbook, all while supporting a great cause, as the cans are later donated to City Harvest to help feed New Yorkers in need.
Magnetic Me Holiday Playhouse Pop Up
Join Magnetic Me and family-favorite brands like Hatch, MAM, Once Upon a Farm and more for the Holiday Playhouse Pop-Up, a free festive market featuring holiday shopping, personalized gifts, sweet treats and fun for the whole family. Enjoy activities including kids’ story times, winter crafts, a dance party, baby movement classes, holiday photo sessions, and more. The pop-up takes place November 6th–8th from 10AM to 5PM at Designers Collab, 96 N. 5th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Learn more and RSVP at Magnetic Me.
Grand Kyiv Ballet
The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine brings its acclaimed production of Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights to New York City on November 12th at 7 PM, combining the classic ballet with a stunning visual light experience. The performance brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved story to life through world-class Ukrainian ballet and immersive stage effects, making it a memorable night out for families, couples or anyone who loves the arts. It is also a lovely way to ease into the holiday season with a little culture and something special to look forward to. Tickets are available now and will be at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center.
Show Up, Kids!
Show Up, Kids! brings its interactive, family-friendly comedy show back to The Rat in DUMBO, with performances on November 7th, 21st and 28th at 2 PM. Designed for kids ages 3 to 10, the 45-minute show gets little ones and their grownups involved in creating the story, choosing everything from characters and costumes to props and settings. With every performance shaped by the audience, no two shows are exactly alike, making it a fun and unpredictable afternoon for the whole family. Tickets are $20 including fees, and the show is located at 68-117 Jay Street in DUMBO.
Holiday Wish Express at Stamford Town Center
Experience the holiday magic at the all-new Holiday Wish Express at Stamford Town Center, an immersive seasonal attraction featuring festive photo moments, entertainment, light bites, and plenty of holiday cheer. Join the exclusive preview night on Tuesday, November 10, from 6 to 8PM at 100 Greyrock Place in Stamford, Connecticut, for a first look at this exciting holiday experience. Learn more at The Holiday Wish.
Black Friday Shopping
I swear this starts earlier each year. A few stores I like to keep an eye on are LoveShackFancy, Amazon, J Crew, Old Navy, Amazon, Target, Best Buy and the list could go on and on. Be sure to follow me on Like to Know It and ShopMy to shop our favorites this season.
Holiday Train Show
The Holiday Train Show is back! We always love checking this out. If you have kids, this is something you’ll want to check out for sure! It’s located at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and runs from November 14th-January 10th. So while you have some time to visit it, get a head start and check it out now! Tickets are on sale now.
Rockefeller Tree Lighting
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is the most well-known tree in the city. Every person that visits the city around the holiday should definitely make their way to see it. They are lighting it December 2nd and it will stay lit until about mid-January. Make a whole day out of seeing the lit tree if you can’t attend the lighting. Go ice skating at the rink, get a meal and check out the tree!
Rockefeller Chalets
This is a really fun activity to do with friends! But New Yorkers understand how cool these are. Rockefeller Chalets are back and they have some fantastic views of the ice rink and holiday market itself. Enjoy drinks and food in your own private chalet with friends this holiday season. Let me just tell you, these bookings fly so you need to get on a reservation while it’s still early!
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
If you’ve been to the city, you’ll know this is a top attraction. There are so many things to do at The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. I suggest making a whole day out of it! Begin your day out by going ice skating, they have a great rink with free admission with nice rental skates. Then head on over to the Holiday Shops where you can find really cool gifts for loved ones this season. Finish your day by unwinding with the best hot chocolate. They also have cocktails and food options to offer at Bryant Park. We go several times during the holiday season and truly can never get enough of it.
Empire Skate of Mind
Indoor activities in the winter are not so easy to come by. Brooklyn Children’s Museum is bringing back the magic of roller skating with Empire Skate of Mind, open through April 11th on the museum’s rooftop terrace. Families can roll to disco beats under the skyline, with all equipment provided and access to the museum included with every ticket. Inspired by the legendary Empire Roller Rink, this spot celebrates Brooklyn’s roller disco roots with a fun, all-ages experience that’s all about community, creativity and play.
Markets for Makers Holiday Pop Up
The Markets for Makers Holiday Pop-Ups return to Brooklyn, transforming spacious industrial venues into wonderlands of creativity and craft. Shoppers can browse handmade jewelry, home goods, artwork, and treats from dozens of independent makers, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts. With festive décor, food vendors, and plenty of photo-ready corners, the markets make holiday shopping feel like a celebration in itself. It’s a must-visit stop for anyone who loves supporting local artists while soaking in the spirit of the season. Check it out November 21st + 22nd.
Pink Wonderland
Anything pink has my heart. Moxy is back with one of the most stunning and festive additions to the season! It’s an enclosed outdoor terrace to sip on pink cocktails until early January. The best part is the entire spot is pink so you already know I have to get some photos there!
The Shops at Columbus Circle
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
The Holiday lights are back at the Bronx Zoo! You can experience the wildlife amongst stunning holiday lights. Not only will there be holiday decor, but expect animal lanterns, arches, colored tunnels, tree lighting and more! This is the perfect event to bring your kids to at the end of November to see some animals and get into the holiday spirit. Tickets are on sale now! They begin on the 21st and close on January 3rd.
NY Marathon
Sunday, November 1st is the NYC Marathon! For everyone running this year, good luck and have a safe run! So much hard work and dedication has gone into your training and you should be so proud! We’ll all be showing our support for them! The race starts in Staten Island and will take place in all 5 boroughs and finish in Central Park.
Saks Fifth Ave Lights
We look out for the Saks Fifth Avenue light show, which is beyond gorgeous. This is when they decorate the outside of the store with beautiful lights and light them up to perform a show. Different colors and times, it’s all a magical experience! We make sure to go every year! Holiday lights are so special and the perfect way to welcome this time of year! They are lit until early January this year.
Christmas Lights Tour
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights are back and better than ever! This Brooklyn display is a must-see for us each year. The neighborhood goes all out and it’s so merry and bright! This is something we like to do on a weekend night with the kids! One thing to note is a lot of houses turn their lights off around 9PM so make sure to get there before then!
UrbanSpace Holiday Markets
If you’re looking for a fun day and for any gifts this holiday season, look no further. The UrbanSpace holiday markets are festive open-air pop-ups featuring dozens to hundreds of vendors offering handcrafted gifts, artisanal goods, jewelry, local food, and seasonal treats. These markets are sprinkled throughout iconic spots like Union Square, Bryant Park, Herald Square and Columbus Circle, creating magical holiday atmosphere with beautifully decorated kiosks, twinkling lights, and plenty of charm. This year, Stout Penn Station will be running the brand-new Herald Haus, a cozy new lodge debuting at this year’s Macy’s Holiday Square by Urbanspace. Whether you’re shopping for unique presents, grabbing delicious bites, or just soaking in the winter wonderland vibe, these markets are a quintessential NYC holiday tradition. These run typically through December 24th.
NY Comedy Festival
Another hilarious comedy related event is here! There are tons of comedians performing like Tracy Morgan, Judd Apatow, Jeff Arcuri and tribute performances. Some events are sold out but several still have tickets available, so run! It’s all happening at the beginning of the month. This is running November 6th-15th.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The girls and I go every year! The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is truly an iconic holiday special! The Rockettes always put on a fun show and we love to support the arts. This show always gets us into the holiday spirit! Tickets are available for purchase and can be bought for groups, as well. It begins on the 8th and runs through the whole holiday season!
City Cruises
See New York City from a whole new perspective with City Experiences. From sightseeing cruises with incredible views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan skyline to brunch and dinner cruises on the water, there are experiences for every kind of outing. Whether you’re planning a special celebration, a date day, or a fun activity with visiting family, it’s a memorable way to experience the city. Explore the available tours and cruises to find your next NYC adventure
Dominique Ansel Hot Cocoa
It’s the season of hot cocoa. Dominique Ansel’s hot chocolate is a decadent and indulgent treat. It combines rich, velvety chocolate with the perfect topping. It is served in a mug with a marshmallow dome that melts into the drink, it’s a multi-sensory experience that’s both comforting and playful. Perfect for cold winter days, this hot chocolate has become a must-try for anyone visiting the bakery in SoHo.
Holiday Nostalgia Train Ride
Holly Jolly Bar
Another great even put on by Bucketlisters, the Holly Jolly Bar pop-up is a festive, holiday-themed bar that offers a cozy escape from the winter chill with its cheerful décor and merry cocktails. Located in the heart of the city, it transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and vintage holiday decorations. Go enjoy seasonal drinks, such as spiked hot cocoa and gingerbread martinis, while immersing themselves in the lively, joyful atmosphere of this temporary holiday retreat. Check out their event page for availability this season.
Lightscape
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is always one of the best things to do in the city. At this time of the year, they have something extra special going on! It’s called Lightscape which is an illuminated trail that you can walk through! It takes my breath away and this is the perfect time to go see it. They have different colored lights and shapes of lights that they cast over different objects in nature and hang. This is a great place to bring your family and friends, not to mention it’s makes for a great photo opportunity!
Brooklyn Ballet Nutcracker
My girls and I love the Brooklyn Ballet! They are performing The Nutcracker on December 12th-20th but tickets will sell out! Be sure to grab them this month to enjoy. They extended tickets this year, which is very exciting!
Ice Skate
My family and I love to ice skate! It keeps us active and we happen to live right by an ice rink, so we go often. Be sure to read our post on the best ice skating rinks to visit in NYC ! They’re all different and great in their own ways. Outdoor activities are usually around for a limited time in the winter months, but early November is usually pretty occupied with plenty of happenings and our favorite things outdoors. Ice skating sticks around for the next season, as well! The girls love to skate each winter so we make our way around all the rinks!
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