Best fall things to do in New York, 2026.

Date. November 28, 2024

My adviceMost people rush through here. Take your time. It’s worth it.

Few fall events in New York City are as exciting as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Dating back to 1924, this year marks the 100th anniversary of the cherished holiday tradition.

Experiencing the parade in person is easily one of the best things to do in New York City in the fall. Gawk at the 12-foot floats parading down the city’s streets from the American Museum of Natural History all the way down to Macy’s Herald Square.

As one of the most popular autumn activities in New York City, the parade draws 3.5 million spectators a year. While the parade starts at 8:30am, you’ll want to get there around 6:30am to score a good spot.

Better still, read.2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Guide (Helpful Tips from a Local)

My adviceIf you plan on going to the parade, pack snacks and bring coffee with you. The streets get crowded quickly and lines for coffee shops are out of hand. Just don’t drink too much liquid, because finding a restroom is not a convenient affair.

Dates. September 14th, 2024, October 27th, 2024

Can’t make it to Oktoberfest in Germany? Fret not, because you can experience a taste of the beloved Bavarian tradition at Pier 15 in New York City.

Lederhosen-clad staff with frothy beer steins and oversized pretzels make it easy to forget you’re overlooking the East River and not the Isar in Munich. Not drinking? No problem. The family-friendly celebration is open to all ages and there are plenty of non-alcoholic options on offer.

Good to knowOktoberfest is one of the best free fall events in New York City so advanced registration is encouraged.

It goes without saying that enjoying a rooftop bar while spending fall on New York City is a must-do experience, but if you’re prone to the cold, why not try an enclosed rooftop back instead? I recommend the Mo Lounge at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

The posh bar offers unparalleled views of Central Park, making it an ideal spot for romantic pre-dinner drinks. I’d skip the food (unless you’d like to splurge) and stick with cocktails at this locale, but the adventure is up to you!

Another great option is the Westlight Rooftop Bar in Brooklyn, which offers epic views of the Manhattan skyline but scoring a reservation is no easy feat. If you’re lucky enough to get in, read.15 Great Things to Do in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Dates. October 2024, March 2025

Found in the southeastern corner of Central Park, the city skyline serves as a magnificent backdrop to one of the most loved New York City fall activities. Wollman Rink is open from late October through early March so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the experience before the holiday crowds arrive in earnest.

It’s hard to think of a more picturesque way to kick off a trip to NYC in the fall than gliding around the rink as the breathtaking fall foliage surrounds you. My advice.Try to visit early during a weekday to avoid mind-boggling crowds, this a very popular activity for locals and tourists alike!

You might enjoy reading. 10 ICONIC Ice Skating Rinks in New York City (Local’s Guide).

Date. October 31, 2024 at 7pm

If you only do one thing on this list, make it this one.

The Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village is one of the most popular fall events in New York City. Taking place Halloween night, the epic annual tradition attracts more than 50,000 costumed participants and 2 million spectators.

If you don’t mind bracing the crowds, make your way down to Greenwich Village an hour before the parade starts for outlandish costumes, talented performers, great music and top-notch vibes. You can view the charade from 6th Avenue between King and 15th Streets.

Good to knowSpectators enter a costume contest automatically by showing up in costume. The Halloween Parade has “secret scouts” hunting for the most original costumes, prizes are announced after the parade.

Dates.November 1, 2024, March 1, 2025

One of my personal favorite things to do in New York City in the fall is explore the holiday market at Bryant Park. A popular destination year-round, there’s something truly special about the holiday season when the park transforms into a European-inspired holiday market with more than 100 vendors.

The holiday market kicks off November 1, 2024, giving you a head start on your holiday shopping. Vendors span the gamut, from hand-painted ornaments to wooden chopsticks repurposed as bowls, you’ll find a tons of unique souvenirs and holiday gifts.

Better still, if you’re visiting New York City in the fall with kids, you’ll be happy to learn that the 17,000-square foot ice skating rink in Bryant Park is free to the public. But heads up, skate rentals run $20-$36 per person, which is how they get you but it’s a fun activity nonetheless.

For an picture-perfect fall activity in NYC, Pier 17 has you covered. Since 2020, the pier has played host to an arch made from 500+ pumpkins overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge. Typically installed the last week of September, the arch is ready to please through mid-November.

She still talks about it.

While there are no official rules for how long you can take pictures, be courteous of those around you. Try to take your pictures quickly to maintain the flow of the line (and trust me, there will be a line). Or, to shake things up a bit, visit the pumpkin arch at night when the dazzling string lights add a whimsical feel to the experience.

The West Village is arguably the most charming neighborhood in New York City. There’s a ton of quaint corner cafes to grab a warm drink before strolling the cobblestone streets hand-in-hand with your special someone in tow.

If you’re visiting New York City in the fall for a few days, carve some time to explore the neighborhood without an itinerary in hand. Not every minute of an adventure needs to be planned, so spend a while aimlessly wandering about.

Admire the handsome brownstones, pop into cozy shops and spend some time appreciating the decorated window displays. Enjoy the fall colors in New York City and be prepared to pull up apartment listings because it’s hard not to fall under the neighborhood’s spell.

This the kind of neighborhood folks envision when they day dream of living in New York City. Hell, it’s the kind of neighborhood locals dream of but often can’t afford. Read.The Charming West Village in Autumn (a Photo Journal).

For a deeper dive into the neighborhood, read.20 Exciting Things to Do in the West Village.

Dates. September 28, 2024, October 27, 2024

When it comes to family-friendly fall activities in New York City, Boo at the Zoo deserves a shout-out. Hosted at the Bronx Zoo, kids can trick-or-treat along candy trails, learn about animals favorite snacks, and enjoy a slew of fun activities like arts and crafts, magic shows and professional pumpkin carving demonstrations.

There’s no denying that Boo at the Zoo it’s one of the best fall activities for kids in NYC. The event takes place weekends from September 28 through October 27. Tickets need to be purchased in advance.

Good to knowBronx Zoo is on our list of 18 Breathtaking Spots for Fall Foliage in New York City, here’s why.

Date. October 19, 2024

Yep, Tompkins Square Park throws an annual Halloween parade for dogs and it’s just as adorable as it sounds. Adorable pups dressed in ridiculously cute costumes? Of course this makes out list of the best things to do in New York City in the fall!

Since moving to NYC I learned New Yorkers don’t mess around when it comes to dogs, so why would Halloween be any different? Clear your schedule because you’re not going to want to miss this popular NYC fall event (which draws thousands of spectators).

Date. December 4, 2024

A tradition dating back to 1933, the magnificent Rockefeller Christmas Tree soars to heights of 75 feet and gets adorned with more than five miles of lights. Crowned with a stunning 9-foot Swarovski star composed of three million crystals, the tree’s lighting ceremony heralds the start of the Christmas season.

The festive ceremony takes place December 4, 2024 so those visiting New York City in the fall will have an opportunity to usher in the holidays in earnest. Experiencing the tree lighting in person is one of the best things to do in NYC in the fall.

You might enjoy reading.Christmas in New York City (20 Magical Things to Do +5 to Avoid)

The Chelsea Market is an eclectic food hall mixed with unique shops, restaurants, and cafes. Housed inside the former Nabisco factory (where the oreo was invented), Chelsea Market is a popular destination year round, but the holidays feel extra special.

Towering corn stalks, heaps of hay bales, energized animatronics and dazzling lights transform the market into a whimsical experience. But watch out! The motion-activated decor has been known to spook an unsuspecting visitor or two.

If you’re visiting the Chelsea Market while exploring NYC in the fall, here’s some recommendations, Get warm donuts from the Doughnuttery, pumpkin brownies from Fat Witch Bakery and stock up on souvenirs from Pearl River Mart.

Oscar Wilde was an Irish poet and one of the most popular playwrights in the late 19th century best known for his wit and flamboyance. Unfortunately, Wilde’s reputation was tarnished after falling in love with a man. A criminal offense during the Victorian era, Wilde spent two years in prison because of the relationship.

This Victorian style restaurant celebrates all that Wilde stood for. Hosting an impressive art collection dating back to the 1800’s you can admire a French fireplace from the 1840’s, stained glass from an Irish castle and so much more.

Making reservations at Oscar Wilde during autumn in NYC is non-negotiable. The unmatched decorations are some of the best you’ll find among the many Christmas restaurants in New York City.

While the food is decent (the burger is my favorite thing on the menu), this the kind of place you visit for the fun experience, not a hearty dinner. Having said that, the drinks are top-notch! The menu is full of innovative cocktails that will make your fall vacation in New York City a memorable affair.

Serving as the final resting place for Jean-Michel Basquiat, F.A.O Schwarz, Samuel Morse and Horace Greeley, Green-Wood Cemetery was founded in 1838 and was one of the first rural cemeteries in the country.

Come autumn, the cemetery hosts some of the most unique fall events in New York City, like touring the historic grounds after dark and participating in a Crime and Catastrophe trolley tour. Check out the event calendar at Green-Wood Cemetery and plan the prefect spooky night while visiting New York City in the fall.

Good to knowThere’s a fascinating art installation located at the cemetery called “Here Lie the Secrets of the Visitors of Green-Wood Cemetery.” It’s a grave designed for secrets where visitors are encouraged to write their most intimate secrets on a sheet of paper and lay them to rest for good.

One of my favorite New York City fall activities is celebrating Fall-O-Ween at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). Beginning September 16th, NYBG ushers in autumn in NYC with loads of pumpkins, hordes of gourds and plenty of fun activities.

Pumpkin Parade Weekend is a personal favorite when the entire weekend is devoted to family-friendly Halloween festivities. Kiddos dress up in Halloween costumes and strut down Garden Way showing off the season’s latest trends. Here’s the calendar of events so you can maximize your time in New York City in the fall.

Dates. September 30 to October 31st, 2023 (Closed October 29th)

When I moved to NYC from the Pacific Northwest eight years ago, I worried about missing out on essential fall activities. My first thought was where the hell do locals go to pick pumpkins? Bodegas are fine but that’s not the same, pumpkin picking was one event I wasn’t willing to compromise on.

To my surprise, typical “suburban” fall activities like going to a pumpkin patch are still possible in New York City! And Queens County Farm fits the bill. The patch is open daily from September 30th to October 31st (free admission).