Month by month · 35 guides
Things to Do in NYC in November 2026
The dates that are set for November 2026, with Antonina Pattiz's own guides to the parade, Thanksgiving week, the early holiday openings and what to wear.
The dates this November
Checked Sep 27, 2026Announced means the venue has posted it. Expected means last year's timing or a second-hand source, until the venue posts. Not announced means there's no date yet. Each row links its source.
The parade and Thanksgiving
4 guides- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2026, the Route and Where to StandThe Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual tradition that reaches beyond New York City (more than 45 million people tune in to see it on the TV).checked Sep 25, 2026
- Thanksgiving in NYC, How I Spend the WeekBeyond turkeys and parades, Thanksgiving heralds the start of the city’s cherished holiday season. I’m lucky enough to call the city home and have spent the last few years soaking in all the fun things to do in NYC on Thanksgiving Day & weekend.checked Sep 26, 2026
- Best Thanksgiving dinner restaurants in New York, 2026I’ll be honest. I’m a little obsessed with Thanksgiving dinner in this city. I’ve tried more spots in NYC than I can count, and these are the ones that earned a permanent place in my rotation.published January 2024
- Best pumpkin pie in New York, 2026I have a soft spot for New York City, and its Pumpkin Pie scene is a big reason why. From hole-in-the-wall gems to neighborhood staples, these are my picks.published February 2024
The holidays start in November
6 guides“Better still, I suggest visiting in early November so you can enjoy ice skating in Central Park surrounded by beautiful fall foliage.”
- The Best Christmas Markets in NYC, All on One MapCelebrating the holidays in New York City is something everyone should make an effort to experience firsthand. On par with the city’s soaring Christmas trees and outlandishly-decorated restaurants, the holiday markets are a delight to explore.published June 2025
- The Best Christmas Shows in NYC, 8 Worth the TicketAs someone who’s enjoyed more than two dozen holiday shows in NYC firsthand, I thought it might be helpful to share my personal list of favorites.published June 2025
- The Best Places to Ice Skate in NYC, 10 Rinks RankedThe winter months bring more than just the misery of cold weather and gray skies, they also usher in the joy of ice skating in New York City! If you’d like to try your hand at pirouettes and leaps (or merely stretch your legs), here’s a roundup of my favorite rinks.checked Sep 25, 2026
- Christmas Window Displays in NYC, 10 and the Order to Walk ThemOn brand with the city’s reputation as a holiday destination, the famous Christmas window displays in New York City are known the world over. Every year like clockwork, luxury department stores entice passers-by with jaw-dropping decorations and elaborately-adorned facades.checked Sep 25, 2026
- Rockefeller Center at Christmas, Everything Around the TreeLet’s play out a hypothetical. You land in New York the week of Christmas and have a few hours to seize as much holiday magic as possible, where do you go?published June 2025
- Christmas Trees in NYC, 10 to See and When They LightThe Big Apple’s holiday decor is hard to beat and nothing embodies the holiday spirit more than the striking Christmas trees in New York City. But with limited vacation days, you might be wondering “where can I find the best Christmas trees in New York City?”checked Sep 25, 2026
What to wear in November
3 guides“November can be mild or bone chilling depending on the hour.”
“Late November brings more of a chill in preparation for winter.”
“Average late November temperatures in New York City hover around 50°F.”
- NYC Fall Outfits, What to Wear in October and What to PackFall is the best time to visit New York City (fighting words, I know, but I stand by them!). The biggest challenge of visiting NYC during autumn is preparing for the weather.published October 2024
- What to Wear in NYC in December and the Rest of WinterIt’s no secret that winters in New York City can be “a bit much,” so in an effort to make things easy on you, I’ve created a fool-proof NYC winter packing list from a local’s perspective.checked Sep 25, 2026
- The Best Coats for NYC Winter, the 4 New Yorkers Swear ByA lot of readers have reached out asking about the best winter coats for New York City. As a 10-year local, I figured why not give it a shot? After living through 10 chilly seasons, here’s a list of the 3 winter coats I have on constant rotation at home.published December 2024
The last of the fall color
3 guides“The best time to see fall foliage in New York City is the first or second week of November.”
- Fall Foliage in New York City, the 13 Best Spots to See ItDespite the city’s reputation as a Concrete Jungle, there are plenty of great spots to see beautiful fall foliage in New York City. There’s no shortage of vibrant reds, oranges and yellows gracing the city come November.published January 2024
- The Best Places in Central Park for Fall Foliage, 13 SpotsI start every morning with a walk through the park and have found the absolute best spots for fall color in Central Park.published January 2024
- Things to Do in New York in the Fall, 27 IdeasAs 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.published November 2024
The Thanksgiving tracker
Thanksgiving week, place by place
34 places, the parade route, the inflation and the restaurants that open.
Open the trackerThe map
Thanksgiving and Christmas on the map
Every place from her Thanksgiving and Christmas guides, pinned.
Open the mapChristmas on the mapWhat readers asked about November
Ask meHi, thanks so much for the info! Just wanted to let you know that reservations are now opening up 6 days ahead of time (not 5!) I found this out too late unfortunately!
Oh thank you so much for the heads up! I'll get that updated right away -- really appreciate you letting me know!
Macy’s Santaland, Tickets, Timing and What It’s Really LikeMy son and I are planning to travel to NYC just for the parade. We cant afford a hotel or air bnb so in order to fulfill his dream, Im planning to pull an all nighter and drive in from West Virginia, arriving at 6am.…
Oh how fun! I hope you have the most wonderful trip -- this city really is magical. Enjoy every second!
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Route and Where to StandIn my opinion, It Happened on Fifth Avenue was a great Christmas movie ...
I haven't seen that one in years, honestly, but it's a fun call out. My list here is really the ones I think are the most iconic NYC holiday watches, but there's room for plenty more on the list of movies filmed here…
Christmas Movies Filmed in New YorkMore guides for November
20, by topicChristmas 10
- Christmas in NYC, Everything I'd Do This DecemberThere's a moment every December when the city shifts. The lights go up on Fifth Avenue, the air smells like roasted chestnuts and cold pavement, and suddenly even the most jaded New Yorkers are walking a little slower to take it all in.30 places, 23 worth it · Sep 2026
- The Best Christmas Lights in NYC, 10 Displays Worth the TripAs a local, I’m always on the lookout for the best Christmas lights in New York City. Luckily, the city is full of dazzling displays that never cease to impress.10 places, 9 worth it · Sep 2026
- Christmas in NYC with Kids, the Festive Things to DoVisiting New York City during the holidays with kids will leave you with a lifetime of cherished memories. But let’s get real, adequate planning is crucial because it’s no easy feat!13 places, 12 worth it · Sep 2026
- Free Things to Do in NYC at Christmas, 17 I'd Actually DoSomething about the holidays makes it tempting to flirt with poor financial decisions, thankfully there are plenty of exciting free things to do during Christmas in NYC.17 places, 16 worth it · Sep 2026
- The Best Christmas Decorations in NYC, 15 Spots I Go Back ToAs a local, there’s nothing I love more than Christmastime in New York City when the city transforms into a winter wonderland. The magical holiday feeling gets me every time!15 places, 13 worth it · Sep 2026
- Best Christmas-decorated restaurants in New York, 2026I love the way restaurants decorate for Christmas in New York City. On par with the city’s reputation for extravagant decor, restaurants don’t play second fiddle in the Big Apple.11 places, 10 worth it · Sep 2026
- Best holiday treats in New York, 2026Some would argue that having a food bucket list is just as important as having an experience bucket list. Finding great Christmas desserts in NYC can be tricky, but after years of eating my way through the city, I’ve found the spots worth your time.10 places, 8 worth it · Sep 2026
- Best Christmas pop-up bars in New York, 2026The abundance of Christmas pop-up bars in New York City is proof that the holidays in the Big Apple are unmatched. The popular haunts use over the top decorations, craft holiday cocktails, live music, to provide both locals and tourists alike with unforgettable holiday memories.12 places, 12 worth it · Feb 2024
- Christmas Movies Filmed in New YorkAfter years of binging movies filmed in New York City during Christmas, I finally had the chance to experience the season firsthand after moving to the Big Apple six years ago.Updated · Feb 2024
- My favorite Christmas photo spots in New York, 2026If you’re spending the holidays in New York City, chances are you’ll want to share the magic with everyone. And who can blame you? The city is every bit as enchanting as you’ve imagined, so why not make your friends at home a tad envious?10 places, 9 worth it · Feb 2024
Desserts 2
- Best hot chocolate in New York, 2026I love hot chocolate just as much as the next person, so believe me when I tell you I did my due diligence when searching for the best hot chocolate in NYC.15 places, 14 worth it · Sep 2026
- Best apple cider doughnuts in New York, 202617 places, 16 worth it · Sep 2026
Fall 1
Shops 1
More 6
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, Dates, Best Blocks and Getting ThereThe Dyker Heights Christmas Lights have been captivating locals for four generations. As a seasoned explorer of this cherished tradition, I'm here to guide you through the mesmerizing displays and festive lights that define the neighborhood during the holiday season.Updated · Sep 2026
- Ice Skating in Central Park, the Cost and What to KnowThankfully, the rink is open for five months, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the experience after the holiday crowds depart. Let's cover everything you need to know!Updated · Sep 2026
- Macy's Santaland, Tickets, Timing and What It's Really LikeOf all the cherished holiday traditions in New York City perhaps none is more magical for children than visiting Santa in real life at Macy's. Tucked inside the largest department store in the world, no expense is spared to make this a memorable affair for your little one.Updated · Sep 2026
- The West Village in Autumn, Her Photos and the Best Blocks for HalloweenI recently took a stroll through my favorite neighborhood during my favorite time of year, the charming West Village in autumn. There's never a shortage of fun things to do in the West Village, but something about autumn makes this neighborhood sing.Updated · Sep 2026
- Fall in New YorkI have lived in New York for six years, and I can tell you exactly which weekends I clear my calendar for. Not the big obvious ones. The ones the city quietly earns back my devotion with, every single autumn, right around the time the light goes gold and the first cool morning makes you reach for a jacket you forgot you owned.Updated · Jul 2026
- The Magic of Fall in New YorkFall is in full swing around here and I, for one, couldn’t be happier. There have been so many “pinch me” moment over the past week because of the stunning colors adorning the trees!Updated · Nov 2023