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12 Unforgettable Things To Do In New York City In November: The Ultimate 2024 Guide To Holiday Kick-Offs & Fall Foliage

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November in New York City is arguably the most magical and transformative month, serving as the crucial bridge between the crisp beauty of peak fall foliage and the spectacular, festive energy of the holiday season. As of today, December 24, 2025, we look back at the incredible success of the 2024 season, which showcased the city’s ability to blend world-class athletic events, premier cultural festivals, and the start of iconic holiday traditions. This guide, based on the most recent calendar of events, provides the definitive roadmap for experiencing the best of the city during this dynamic time.

The entire month is a non-stop celebration, beginning with a massive athletic event and culminating in the nation’s most famous parade. Whether you are seeking world-class comedy, a perfect spot for "leaf-peeping," or the first sip of hot cocoa at an outdoor market, New York City in November offers a unique, high-energy experience that is unlike any other time of the year.

The November Event Trifecta: Marathon, Comedy, and Parade

November is defined by three massive events that anchor the city's calendar, drawing millions of spectators and participants. Planning your trip around these dates is essential for a truly New York experience.

1. Run the World: The TCS New York City Marathon

The month kicks off with one of the most prestigious long-distance races in the world. The TCS New York City Marathon typically takes place on the first Sunday of November, with the 2024 race held on Sunday, November 3.

  • The Event: Over 50,000 runners from around the globe traverse all five boroughs—Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Manhattan—culminating in a dramatic finish line in Central Park.
  • Spectator Tips: The best viewing spots are the Brooklyn streets near the start, the Queensboro Bridge exit ramp into Manhattan, or the final stretch along Fifth Avenue and Central Park South. The energy is electric, making it a must-see early-November activity.

2. Laughing in the City: The New York Comedy Festival

Mid-November brings a much-needed dose of humor to the city. The New York Comedy Festival (NYCF) celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024, running from November 8-17.

  • The Lineup: The festival features over 200 comedians performing in more than 100 shows across iconic venues like the Beacon Theatre, Town Hall, and Carnegie Hall.
  • Topical Authority: The NYCF is a major cultural entity, attracting A-list talent and offering everything from stand-up to panel discussions, cementing New York's status as the epicenter of comedy.

3. The Grand Finale: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The ultimate November event is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, held annually on Thanksgiving Day, which fell on Thursday, November 28, in 2024.

  • The Parade Route: The parade starts at 77th Street and Central Park West, travels down to Herald Square, and features giant character balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, and celebrity performances.
  • The Pre-Show: A unique, less crowded activity is the Balloon Inflation Event held the day before (Wednesday, November 27, 2024) near the American Museum of Natural History, where you can see the colossal balloons being prepped. This is a highly recommended, family-friendly event.

Embracing the Holiday Transition: Markets and Ice Skating

As the chill sets in, November marks the official start of the holiday season, even before the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting (which typically occurs the week after Thanksgiving). The city transforms with twinkling lights and the aroma of seasonal treats.

4. Ice Skating and Shopping at Bryant Park’s Winter Village

The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is the first major holiday market to open, often kicking off in late October. In 2024, the market opened on October 25.

  • The Rink: It hosts the city’s only free-admission ice-skating rink (skate rental fees apply), making it a popular destination.
  • The Holiday Shops: The European-style open-air market features over 180 custom-designed kiosks offering unique gifts, crafts, and food. The shops typically run through early January, while The Lodge food hall and the ice rink stay open even longer.

5. Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG)

The NYBG Holiday Train Show in The Bronx is a beloved tradition that usually begins in mid-to-late November. This is a key entity for families and train enthusiasts.

  • The Display: The show features a stunning miniature landscape of over 175 iconic New York landmarks—including the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge—all crafted from natural materials like bark, leaves, and seeds, with model trains zipping through the display.
  • Topical Authority: It's a perfect indoor escape from the November chill and a great way to experience a different borough.

6. Catching a Broadway Show Before the Crowds

November is a prime time for theater lovers. The period between the New York Comedy Festival and Thanksgiving offers a sweet spot before the massive holiday tourist rush hits in December. You can often find tickets to the newest productions or long-running hits like Hamilton or Wicked with slightly less competition.

Unique Seasonal Activities and Fall Foliage

While the holiday spirit is rising, November is also your last chance to experience the stunning autumnal beauty of New York's vast green spaces before the trees go bare for winter.

7. Peak Leaf-Peeping in NYC Parks

Unlike upstate New York, which peaks in October, the city's major parks often reach their full color in late October and early November. This is the perfect time for a crisp autumn walk.

  • Central Park: Head to The Ramble, the Conservatory Garden, or the Mall to see maples and elms in vivid shades of goldenrod and scarlet.
  • Prospect Park (Brooklyn): The park's Ravine is a beautiful, wooded area that feels miles away from the city.
  • Van Cortlandt Park (The Bronx): Offers a more rugged, unique fall foliage experience along its two-mile trails.

8. A Day Trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

November offers the ideal conditions for visiting these iconic landmarks. The summer crowds have vanished, and the cooler weather makes standing on the ferry and exploring the islands much more pleasant. The clear, crisp air also provides the best visibility for photographs of the Manhattan skyline.

9. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular

The holiday season isn't official for many New Yorkers until the Radio City Rockettes high-kick their way onto the stage. The Christmas Spectacular usually begins its run in mid-November, making it a perfect pre-Thanksgiving holiday treat. This show is a major entity for family entertainment and a quintessential New York City holiday experience.

10. Exploring the High Line and Chelsea Market

The High Line, an elevated park built on a former freight rail line, is beautiful in November. The perennial plantings take on a rustic, late-season beauty, and the views of the West Side are unobstructed. After your walk, descend into Chelsea Market for a warm, delicious meal from one of its many unique vendors, a perfect way to escape the evening chill.

11. Black Friday Shopping and Window Displays

The day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, is world-famous in New York. While the crowds are intense, the experience of shopping on Fifth Avenue, particularly at flagship stores like Macy's Herald Square, is iconic. Furthermore, late November is when major department stores—like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman—begin unveiling their spectacular, highly-anticipated holiday window displays, which are works of art in themselves.

12. The Quiet Charm of Squibb Park Bridge

For a truly unique view of the city and its fall colors, head to Brooklyn Bridge Park and walk across the Squibb Park Bridge. This zigzagging wooden bridge offers fantastic, unique angles for viewing the Lower Manhattan skyline and the last remnants of the fall foliage along the waterfront. It’s a photographer’s dream and a perfect spot for quiet reflection away from the Midtown bustle.

In summary, November in New York City is a powerhouse month. It's a time when you can witness world-class athletic feats, enjoy top-tier cultural events like the New York Comedy Festival, and transition seamlessly into the magic of the holiday season with the Macy's Parade and the opening of the Winter Village at Bryant Park. By planning ahead and focusing on these key entities and events, your November trip to the Big Apple will be an unforgettable experience.

12 Unforgettable Things To Do In New York City In November: The Ultimate 2024 Guide to Holiday Kick-Offs & Fall Foliage
what to do in new york in november
what to do in new york in november

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