As Central Park bursts with vibrant fall colors and the city slowly prepares for the holiday season, the humdrum of daily life in NYC takes on a whimsical feel, serving as an invitation to slow down and enjoy the moment. As a longtime local, I’ve spent years on the hunt for the best things to do in New York City in the fall. Here’s a quick roundup of personal favorites.
Note from Antonina about 2024 Christmas Itineraries: Some of you have asked if I’ll be offering the custom 4-day itineraries that sold out last year. Sadly, I won’t have the time to make those this year (pregnancy, I tell you), so instead I’m offering the personalized 4 Day Itinerary I created for my own family and friends.
It’s hefty (30 pages to be exact) but it includes non-negotiable Christmas activities and a handful of iconic NYC landmarks you can’t afford to miss if you’re visiting NYC for four days (in addition to personalized restaurant recommendations).
It took me five years to perfect the guide but I think it will help you make the most use of your time in the city.
Due to limited time and energy (naps are a daily occurrence around here now!), I’m limiting the guide to 50 sales so that I can personally address snafus and answer questions. As of August 23, 2024 there are 23 guides remaining. You can find more information here.
Fall in New York City (Things to Do)
(Click Here for the Table of Contents)
Table of Contents: New York City Autumn Guide
- Fall in New York City (Things to Do)
- Go Ice Skating in Central Park
- Cheer on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Celebrate Oktoberfest
- Indulge in Fall Treats at Farmers Markets
- Admire the Decorated Stoops
- Bundle up at a Rooftop Bar
- Stroll Through Central Park in Autumn
- Enjoy a Pint of Pumpkin Beer
- Cheer on the Epic Halloween Parade
- Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
- Check Out the Pumpkin Arch at Pier 17
- Explore the Fall Colors in the West Village
- Attend Boo at the Zoo
- Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
- Attend the Tree Lighting Festival at Rockefeller Center
- Warm Up With a Whiskey Tasting
- Stroll Through the Chelsea Market
- Grab Drinks at Oscar Wilde
- Find the City’s Best Hot Chocolate
- Tour Green-Wood Cemetery After Hours
- Cruise the Hudson Valley
- Cheer on the Local Football Team
- Fall-O-Ween at the New York Botanical Garden
- Go Pumpkin Picking at Queens County Farm
- Perks of Visiting New York City in the Fall
- Best Things to Do New York City Autumn (Post Summary)
- Map of Best Fall Activities New York City
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Go Ice Skating in Central Park
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 the breathtaking fall foliage surrounds you. Local’s Recommendation: Try to visit early during a weekday to avoid mind-boggling crowds, this is 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).
Cheer on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Date: November 28, 2024
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)
Local’s Tip: If 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.
Celebrate Oktoberfest
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 Know: Oktoberfest is one of the best free fall events in New York City so advanced registration is encouraged.
Indulge in Fall Treats at Farmers Markets
Is there anything better than still-warm apple cider donuts during the brisk autumnal months? I don’t think so. Home to 48 farmers markets, there’s no shortage of spiced fall treats and seasonal delights to enjoy while visiting New York City in the fall.
Almost every farmers market hosts a baker dishing out delectable fall treats. I suggest picking up some donuts (and hot apple cider) while wandering the market, you’ll feel like a local in no time!
P.S. If you have a sweet tooth, you might enjoy reading: 15 Festive Fall Treats in New York City (You Can’t Afford to Miss)
Admire the Decorated Stoops
It’s hard to adequately describe the thrill of seeing the first decorated scoop of the season crop up. I currently live on the Upper West Side and did a quick roundup of my favorite Halloween stoops in the neighborhood. But as much as I love my stomping grounds, I think the West Village has us beat.
Intricate spider webs, massive mummies, cheeky skeletons, and garnished gourdes adorn handsome brownstones and transform casual evening strolls into an amusing night. Wandering neighborhoods in search of Halloween decor is a top fall activity in NYC for locals, especially with kids in tow.
Bundle up at a Rooftop Bar
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.
Stroll Through Central Park in Autumn
Strolling through Central Park is the quintessential New York City fall activity. Spanning more than 840 acres, the park’s fiery autumnal hues kick things up a notch. Biking is an great way to explore the most iconic spots in Central Park, like the Mall, Bethesda Terrace and Sheep Meadow.
Home to more than 18,00 trees, cycle under a kaleidoscopic canopy and you’ll see why locals consider this on of the best things to do in New York City in the fall.
Curious about the best areas for fall foliage in Central Park? Read: 12 Epic Spots to See Fall Color in Central Park
Enjoy a Pint of Pumpkin Beer
Indulging in pumpkin beer during fall in New York City is an easy feat. The seasonal ale is available at pubs and bars throughout the city, but there’s one unique place that takes the cake: Loreley Beer Garden. Serving pumpkin beer out of a pumpkin keg, the beer garden is a hit with out-of-town visitors keen to spice up their Instagram feed.
Invite some friends and split a 60 ounce pumpkin keg for an evening you won’t soon forget. Not a fan of pumpkin beer? You have the option to substitute with any of the other beers on tap at no extra charge.
Cheer on the Epic Halloween Parade
Date: October 31, 2024 at 7pm
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 Know: Spectators 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.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
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 plethora 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.
You Might Enjoy Reading: 10 Cheerful Christmas Markets in New York City Worth a Detour
Check Out the Pumpkin Arch at Pier 17
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.
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.
Explore the Fall Colors in the West Village
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 is 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.
Attend Boo at the Zoo
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 Know: Bronx Zoo is on our list of 18 Breathtaking Spots for Fall Foliage in New York City, here’s why.
Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
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).
Attend the Tree Lighting Festival at Rockefeller Center
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 breathtaking 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)
Warm Up With a Whiskey Tasting
Whisky tasting is a favorite New York City fall tradition for locals who have a hard time adjusting to 4pm sunsets and frequent rain showers. Home to some of the world’s best bars, don’t miss a chance to sample some rare whiskies during your trip to New York City in the fall.
Gather a group of friends for private tastings and learn more about the labored whiskey-making process, it’ll give you a great appreciation for the drams you enjoy year-round. If you’re flying solo, opt for a whiskey flight at a bar, no advanced planning required.
Love whiskey? We recently had a member of the New York Simply team rank the 20 BEST Whisky Bars in New York City.
Stroll Through the Chelsea Market
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.
Grab Drinks at Oscar Wilde
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 is 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.
Find the City’s Best Hot Chocolate
Fall in New York City ushers in the chilly weather so warming up with a hot drink is a must. There’s only so much coffee a persona can take, why not shake things up with a creamy hot chocolate every now and then? Plus, it doubles as a hand warmer.
Over the past few years, I’ve made it a personal mission to find the best hot chocolate in the city. Here’s the quick rundown: for rich drinking chocolate Jacques Torres and L. A. Burdick reign supreme. If traditional hot chocolate is more your speed, Levain gets my vote.
Tour Green-Wood Cemetery After Hours
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 Know: There’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.
Cruise the Hudson Valley
Experience the beauty of fall in New York City aboard a 1920s-style yacht with Classic Harbor Line’s Fall Foliage Cruise. Enjoy the magic of the city’s skyline and the Hudson Valley engulfed with foliage from the comfort of a heated observatory.
Beer, wine, Champagne, and hot beverages are available for sale on board. Enjoying a peaceful 2.5 cruise along the river is one of the most relaxing things to do in New York City in the fall, especially if you’d like to give your feet a rest. More information and tickets here.
Cheer on the Local Football Team
New Yorkers are a passionate bunch. Passionate about food, passionate about neighborhoods and, most of all, passionate about their favorite sport teams. Get into the spirit by attending a football game while visiting New York City in the fall.
Since the New York Jets and the New York Giants share a stadiums there’s usually a game every weekend. While neither team is known for winning Championships, if the company is good, this iconic NYC fall activity is bound to be a blast.
Fall-O-Ween at the New York Botanical Garden
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.
Go Pumpkin Picking at Queens County Farm
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).
Prices for pumpkins vary by size and don’t forget to bring your own bag for the commute back to the city. There’s also a corn maze (attempting it at night is one of the best fall activities in NYC), but wear boots because it gets really muddy.
Tips for Visiting NYC in the Fall
Comfortable walking shoes are a must
You will be doing a lot of walking while exploring New York City in the fall. The subway is efficient but sometimes it’s better to walk between places to absorb more of the city — the skyline is euphoric and the color of the city is magical.
Here’s my go-to pair of weatherproof shoes. Better yet, you might want to read: 10 Best Shoes for Walking Around New York City (By Season).
Expect Crowds
The Big Apple averages more than 63 million visitors per year, crowds are all but guaranteed especially during fall in NYC. That’s a lot of people trying to eat at the same popular restaurants and do the same popular thing. With holiday season slowly creeping in, prepare for long lines while visiting New York City in autumn.
Treat the sidewalk like a highway
Nothing bothers a New Yorker more than a person that stops smack-dab in the middle of the sidewalk. It’s inconsiderate and you’re all but guaranteed to garner eye rolls.
There’s two ways you could inadvertently hog the sidewalk: walking side-by-side in a large group and stopping in the middle of the sidewalk, effectively preventing access. Make sure you step to the side of the sidewalk if you need to stop. This way your trip to New York City in the fall will be both fun and courteous!
Perks of Visiting New York City in the Fall
Comfortable Weather
Mild fall temperatures in NYC, ranging from 50°F to 70°F, make it comfortable to explore all the city has to offer. The best time to visit for fall color is mid-to-late October, when the leaves have turned but the trees aren’t completely bare.
Tons of Fall Events and Festivals
New York City in the fall is chock-full of festivals and events. From Halloween parties to Christmas tree lightings, finding things to do in New York City during the fall should be a piece of cake pumpkin pie. 😉
Joyful Holiday Spirit
Autumn in New York City is when the city comes alive with festive glee. The holiday season is right around the corner and businesses are bustling in preparation for eager shoppers. The cheery spirit is contagious which only adds to the excitement of the trip.
Best Things to Do New York City Autumn (Post Summary)
In sum, these are the best things to do in the fall in New York City.
- Stroll (or bike) through Central Park
- Enjoy fresh apple cider & apple cider donuts
- Snap a picture at the pumpkin arch on Pier 17
- Celebrate Oktoberfest with friends
- Try to find New York City’s best hot chocolate
- Bundle up at a rooftop bar
- Find the best Halloween decorations
- Get your fill of pumpkin beer
- Dine under the fall decorations at Serra By Birria
- Check out the Macy’s Day Parade
- Go ice skating surrounded by fall foliage in Central Park
- Stroll through Chelsea Market’s fall decorations
- Experience the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center
- Warm up with a whiskey
- Pick a pumpkin from Queens County Farm
- Grab a burger at Oscar Wilde
- Bryant Park Winter Village & Ice Skating
- Check out Tompkins Square Halloween dog parade
- Take an after-hours tour of Green-Wood Cemetery
- Take in the fall foliage from a cruise
- Check out Boo at the Zoo
- Cheer on the local football teams
- Visit Fall-o-Ween at the New York Botanical Garden
- Participate in the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade
- Explore the fall colors in the West Village
New York City Fall Guides
Irresistible Fall Treats: 15 Festive Fall Treats in New York City (You Don’t Want to Miss!)
What to Wear in NYC During Fall: Autumn in New York City: Outfit Ideas (& Helpful Packing List)
Where to Spot Fall Foliage in NYC: 10+ Breathtaking Spots for Fall Color in New York City
Fun Things to Do in New York City
Romantic Things to Do: 19 (Non-Cheesy) Romantic Things to Do in New York City
Unique Things to Do: 25 Unique (Non-Touristy) Things to Do in New York City
Free Things to Do: 20 Unique Free Things to Do in New York City to Keep Your Wallet Happy!
Things to Do at Night: 15 Things to Do in New York City at Night
Best Things to Do in NYC: 30 Best Things to Do in New York City
Frequently Asked Questions: Fall in New York City
Yes, visiting NYC in October is absolutely worth it! The mild temperatures are ideal for exploring and the city is gearing up for epic fall colors. It’s truly a treat to visit New York City in October.
For peak fall color in New York City, try visiting at the end of October or beginning of November. Central Park is an absolute must when searching for fall colors in NYC, between October and November you’re guaranteed to see peak color.
New York City in October is still comfortable in terms of weather. People are typically wearing sweaters and boots at this point, but it’s not cold enough for the heavy jackets just yet. October in NYC is the ideal temperature to wear those outfits you’ve been dying to.
New York City in the fall is as magical as you’d imagine it to be. The city is gearing up for the holidays and the trees are making their auburn appearances. Visiting NYC in the fall should be a bucket list item for everyone.
Map of Best Fall Activities New York City
I hope you enjoyed this guide as much as I enjoyed creating it! Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions – happy to help! Hopefully this guide makes visiting New York City in the fall a breeze (pun-intended).
Cheers!
There are a lot of great events listed here but watching the New York Marathon along with thousands and thousands of others including endless street musicians has always been a favorite of mine. For visitors, they can come for the Halloween Parade and the Marathon because they are usually only a couple days apart.