Top NYC Things to Do
NYC Insider Guide November Events Calendar
New York City Events November 2020 certainly look different than in prior years, but there is still a ton of fun to be had in November in NYC for those who live locally and/or can pass the quarantine standards.
We are still safely lighting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, having Thanksgiving Dinner and hosting a variety of holiday cruises and tours to keep everyone in the winter and holiday spirit.
Outdoor attire will likely include scarves, gloves and hats. The fall foliage is still beautiful and Central Park is a must-see on a sunny November day. The theme of the month is “the Holidays are coming,” and toward the end of November, many of the department store windows will open their beautiful displays!
Please check sightseeing and holiday hours for Veteran’s Day (always November 11th) and Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 26, 2020).
Please add your event or business to NYC Insider Guide.
Safe NYC Holiday Cruises 2020
Holiday Markets in NYC
The Union Square and Columbus Circle Holiday Markets are closed in 2020. Please visit the Bryant Park Holiday Market and the Grand Central Holiday Fair or you can take a New York Holiday Markets and Christmas Lights Tour - all being safely held in 2020.
Explore the top holiday markets in NYC, sip hot cocoa, ice skate and shop your way through our fantastic holiday bazaars, featuring unique artisan gifts for the whole family. We review Grand Central Holiday Market, Union Square Holiday Market, Shops at Winter Village Bryant Park, flea markets, Holiday Markets Shopping Tours and more.
Cross off your holiday shopping list with our full season Guide to Holiday Markets in NYC
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Top NYC Things to Do
Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The 2020 Parade will be shown on TV Only this year.
Thursday, November 26, 2020
9am-12pm on NBC
What could be more fun than Broadway Stars, Shrek, Spider Man, Hello Kitty, Smurf, SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Snoopy, Mickey Mouse and Buzz Lightyear all partying together in New York City?
Insider Guides (mostly 2019 info):
- Thanksgiving in New York City
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Hotels
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Thanksgiving Dinner in New York City
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LuminoCity Festival of Lights
November 27, 2020 - January 10, 2021
Randall's Island
This year's festival is one of the few large-scale events happening this holiday season - all outdoors and socially distanced. This year, the festival will present a brand new theme and never-before-seen art installations on view for 29 nights.
- More Info & Tickets: LuminoCity Festival of Lights
- Directions: Take the Uptown or Downtown 4, 5, or 6 train to 125th St and transfer to the M35, which goes right to Randall’s Island.
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New York Botanical Garden GLOW – An Outdoor Light Experience
This holiday season, let it GLOW at The New York Botanical Garden in an all-new outdoor experience illuminating NYBG’s landmark landscape and Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
November 27 & 28
December 5, 12, 18, 19, 26, 27, 28, 29, & 30
January 1, 2, & 9
5–10 pm
Explore a glowing world of color and light featuring the Haupt Conservatory as the centerpiece—its iconic exterior a glittering canvas. Washes of brilliant colors, thousands of dazzling lights, and picture-perfect installations fill the Reflecting Pool and enliven surrounding gardens and collections. Also during your visit, enjoy artistic ice carving displays, roving dancers and musicians, plus more outdoor fun. @ NYBG
Holiday Train Show 2020 – With tickets and capacity very limited due to enhanced safety protocols that include social distancing, the only way to see this captivating display is as a Member, Patron, Corporate Member, or Bronx Community Partner.
Located in the Bronx, accessible by Subway and Metro North.
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NEW! Friends Experience NYC
November 20, 2020 - January 3, 2021
130 East 23rd St (23rd @ Lex)
After a successful Friends Pop Up in SoHo last year, the new Friends Experience is back with two floors of set recreations, including Monica and Rachel’s apartment, dozens of new photo opportunities, and you’ll even be able to poke Ugly Naked Guy (6 feet apart, of course).
More Info: Friends Experience NYC
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New York City Marathon – Virtual
Start of New York City Marathon
Run New York City in your hometown! Complete your virtual 26.2-mile race anytime between October 17 and November 1. Join runners from around the globe and make this the world’s largest virtual marathon.
The NYC Marathon is 26 miles and 385 yards of the world’s most diverse marathon course. Make sure to map your route carefully on this day, as many streets will be blocked and closed. Especially the Upper East Side (Met and Frick) and the finish line in Central Park. More Info: www.ingnycmarathon.org
Spectators – First Avenue covers miles 16-19 of the race. The biggest crowds on the course line the streets on First Avenue, giving the runners a boost as they head toward the Bronx. If you want to leave First Avenue afterward, make sure to stand on the West side, as you will not be able to cross 1st Ave again until after the race.
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Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 2020
Coming this holiday season, the 2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be displayed on The Plaza between West 49th and 50th streets and Fifth and Sixth avenues. Additional details about this year’s Tree and the Lighting ceremony will be announced after late October. There will be no crowds or parties, but the lighting ceremony will most likely be on NBC.
Wednesday, December 2, 2020 (our best guess)
Ceremony, 7-9 pm
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting is a highlight of every winter in NYC. The unlit tree arrives in November, and after Black Friday and Thanksgiving, the department stores open their famous window holiday displays.But, it is the week after Thanksgiving that represents the true start of Holiday Season in NYC for many New Yorkers.
Check the full NYC Insider Guide to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
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Below is ALL November Events 2019
Top NYC November Events
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
- Thanksgiving Dinner
- Jerry Seinfeld, Billy Joel, Elton John
- New York City Marathon
- Black Friday NYC Sales
- Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- Fall Foliage Cruises
- Nutcracker Ballet
- NY Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
- Thanksgiving Day
- NY Giants & Jets, Knicks & Nets, Rangers & Islanders
- Holiday Markets in NYC
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Where to Stay during November in New York City
November is the perfect time to check into one of our hotels near Rockefeller Center (Rockettes at Radio City, Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Ice Skating) or on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Route or near Central Park for iconic Ice Skating.
Macys Thanksgiving Parade Hotel 2019
The best Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Hotels allow you to stay warm and dry, use a rest room, eat and STILL watch the Parade from a prime spot.
- JW Marriott Essex House New York – unparalleled views without the hassle of crowds and cold weather
- the Quin – ‘Great Hotel for The Thanksgiving Day Parade!!!’ and ‘I would definitely return!!!’
- New York Hilton Midtown – ‘Great location to see the Macy’s parade.’ and ‘All we had to do was go downstairs and watch the parade pass by.’
See All: Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Hotels
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Central Park NY Hotels
Some of our top value picks near Central Park include:
See the Insider Guide for dozens more Central Park NY Hotels and download our free Central Park map at Central Park NY Guide
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Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes 2021
On Sale Now: November 5, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Cancelled - Nov 6, 2020 – January 3, 2021
Daily @ 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm (some variations)
- Great Tickets: Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
- Insider Guide: Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall Guide
With up to 5 shows per day on weekends, the Rockettes are a tradition during the NYC Holiday Season for more than 75 years. Don’t miss the signature eye-high kicks, precision choreography and exciting, show-stopping numbers – including one with Santa.
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Best Hotels Near Rockefeller Center
Some of our top value picks near Rockefeller Center include:
- The Jewel facing Rockefeller Center - great value and location. My NY high school classmates stayed here for our reunion
- Night Hotel - Rated the #1 Sexiest Hotel in America (best for couples)
- 3 West Club - consistently receives excellent reviews, especially the location and value for the price.
- Radio City Apartments - a NYC Insider Guide Favorite
See the Insider Guide for dozens more Hotels Near Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center runs from 47th - 50th Streets, between 5th and 6th Aves. Download our free neighborhood maps at Midtown East Hotels and Midtown West Hotels
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Best New York City Marathon Hotels
The Best New York Marathon Hotels depend on whether you are a runner or spectator and if you want to be close to the start, finish or cheer on your favorite runner.
- Hampton Inn Manhattan Financial District – closest to the Staten Island Ferry
- NYLO NYC – Right near the finish line for both spectators and runners
- JW Marriott Essex House – Right on Central Park to cheer on your favorite runner at the finish line
See All: Best New York Marathon Hotels
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Get Your NY Discount Pass Before Peak Season!
Save with a New York City Attractions Pass
Get savings coupons and find the best New York City Discount Pass for your NYC vacation. Unbiased reviews of the New York City Sightseeing Passes. Which is the BEST – NY Sightseeing Pass, New York City Explorer Pass, New York Pass or New York CityPASS?
NY Sightseeing Pass
- Choose from 100 sights
- Choose 1-10 days or # of Attractions
- Unlimited Hop On Hop Off Bus
- NY Sightseeing Pass
The New York Pass
- Includes 100 tours and attractions
- Choose 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 or 10 Days
- Digital or Physical Pass
- New York Pass
Go New York Explorer
- Choose from 90+ sights
- Good for 30 Days
- Smartphone, print or physical card
- Explorer or Build Your Own
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Sports New York City Events November
Make sure to add a NYC Game Day to your NYC vacation – it’s an absolute MUST in NYC! To many New Yorkers, Fall Equals the Holy Grail of Sports and this is why it is their favorite of the four seasons.
The Giants and Jets are right in the middle of football season. Knicks and Nets basketball is just getting started and the NY Rangers and NY Islanders hockey seasons are underway.
More November Sports NYC:
- NIT Season Tip-Off – November 27 & 29, 2019 @ Barclays Center
- Barclays Center Basketball – Legends Classic, Barclays Center Classic, Brooklyn Hoops Holiday Invitational
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November New York City Concerts and Shows
- Jerry Seinfeld – November 21-22; Beacon Theatre
- Ariana Grande – November 12, 2019; Barclays Center
- Jonas Brothers – November 23, 2019; Barclays Center
- Elton John – November 16, 2019; Nassau Coliseum
- We Will Rock You (Queen) – November 14-17, 2019; Hulu Theater at MSG
- Billy Joel – November 15, 2019; MSG (70th Show!)
- New York Comedy Festival – November 4-10, 2019
- Rockettes Christmas Spectacular – Nov 8, 2019 – Jan 5, 2020
- Nutcracker Ballet – Nov 29, 2019 -January 5, 2020
- Disney on Ice – Road Trip Adventures, November 6-30, 2019 (NY/NJ)
See More: NYC Concerts Shows November
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Holiday Shows in NYC
NYC is home to more special holiday shows this season than EVER before! Tickets are selling fast for the Rockettes, The Illusionsists on Broadway, A Christmas Carol on Broadway, Cirque du Soleil 'Twas the Night Before and The Nutcracker Ballet. Don't miss out - now is the time to score the best seats on the best days.
- A Christmas Carol - November 7, 2019 - January 5, 2020
- Rockettes Christmas Spectacular - Nov 8, 2019 - Jan 5, 2020
- The Illusionists Magic of the Holidays - November 29, 2019 – Jan 5, 2020
- Nutcracker Ballet - November 29, 2019 – Jan 5, 2020
- Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas the Night Before… - December 12-29, 2019 @ Hulu Theater at MSG
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Save $$ on New York Concert Tickets
- StubHub - best selection and seats in the house!
- Ticketmaster Deals - lots of shows with 2 For 1, Me+3 and 4-Pack deals
- Use Code NYCIG10 for 15% off ALL Tickets
Note: All of our ticket partners are legitimate, official, recommended ticket sellers and guaranteed to sell you official NYC Concert tickets.
Disney on Ice Road Trip Adventures
November 6-10, 2019, Prudential Center (NJ)
November 13-17, 2019, Barclays Center
November 21-30, 2019, Nassau Coliseum
Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a high-octane ride in Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures. Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy—and you—embark on a wild ride to your favorite Disney destinations. Travel with Moana to the sun-soaked Motunui, set off on a safari to the Pride Lands with Simba. Discover a whole new world as you’re swept up in Aladdin’s princely parade. Play at a larger-than-life carnival with Woody and Forky.
More Info and Discount Tickets: Disney on Ice NYC
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New York City Nightlife
How do you make the most of your time in the city that never sleeps?? Some of the best 'only in NYC' nightlife experiences include skyline views, dinner cruises, Museums and attractions open late til 2am, rooftops, night tours, comedy clubs and more. Some of our top NYC Nightlife picks:
- NYC Rooftop Lounge Tour - guaranteed access to exclusive nighttime hot spots as you sip cocktails under the sky
- The Ride Bus Night Tour - Let the city wink and twinkle at you with our street lamps, skyscrapers, and bridge lights that make the city truly come alive after the sun goes down
- Spirit of New York Dinner Cruise - family-friendly with the wait staff singing popular tunes and an after dinner DJ
- Broadway Comedy Club - laugh out loud all night long
See all our Top Picks: New York City Nightlife
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Things to do in New York in November
The best Things To Do in New York in November range from Hudson Valley fall foliage to major designer bargains at New York City sample sales. Some of our top November picks include:
- Central Park Bike Tour with Photoshoot – guided two-hour bike tour through the fall foliage with a personal photographer taking pictures the entire way!
- NYC Rooftop Lounge Tour – guaranteed access to some of our exclusive nighttime hot spots as you ascend to the city’s rooftop bars to sip cocktails under the starry sky.
See All: Things To Do in New York in November
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Black Friday NYC Deals
There are ton of amazing online NYC Travel deals on Black Friday every year. If you, or anyone you know, is traveling to NYC in the next year, this is THE day to buy your attractions passes, book hotels, buy sightseeing passes and much more.
- Booking.com offers 40% off select reservations worldwide for stays between November 27 – March 31, 2020. Book between November 25 – December 2, 2019 for a 40% discount.
- New York Sightseeing Pass – Up to 42% off Sightseeing Passes Black Friday and Cyber Mondya, adding to the already 20% Off November Sale and Up to $100. Includes Unlimited Hop on Hop off Buses, One World Observatory, $40 Credit to use towards Empire State Building Observatory and up to 100 attractions and tours. (Read our NYC Attractions Pass Comparison)
- New York Pass – on sale November 29 – December 2, 2019. Prices usually go up for the NYP in December, so now is the time to buy. What’s better than our best sale of the year? Taking your trip to NY to new heights with a helicopter ride over New York City. Everyone who buys a New York Pass between Black Friday and Cyber Monday will have the chance to win an incredible helicopter tour experience, courtesy of HeliNY.
- Go New York Card – November 25 – December 2, 2019, sightseers will receive an extra 15% discount on Go City passes.
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NYC Insider Print Map and Guide to Manhattan
NYC Printable Maps - Immediate Download
NYC Printable Map Guide Book
BONUS NYC Maps
NYC Travel Guide
More Info: NYC Printable Maps | Customer Reviews | Free Mini Guide
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Fun Things to do in New York in Fall
There is no shortage of fun things to do in Autumn in NYC. Whether it’s biking, sailing, boating, walking, horseback riding or cheering on one of our awesome New York sports teams, you can do it all with the glorious and vibrant colored leaves as your backdrop.
- Fall Foliage Cruises - Jump aboard a classic sailboat and head north up the Hudson River to take in the beautiful fall foliage.
- Explore Central Park on Bike or Foot or Horse Carriage Tour - the fall foliage is a don't miss in NYC!
- NYC Rooftop Lounge Tour - guaranteed access to exclusive nighttime hot spots as you ascend to the city’s rooftop bars to sip cocktails under the starry sky.
See All: Fun Things to do in New York in Fall
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Broadway Under the Stars
November 11-December 9, 2019, Mondays
Shops at Columbus Circle
Adults and children can watch FREE Broadway performances while holiday shopping at The Shops at Columbus Circle. Kick off the holiday season with Broadway Under the Stars and enjoy live performances featuring the most popular shows on Broadway!
November 11: Waitress, Chicago, Oklahoma!, The Lightning Thief
November 18: Come From Away, Rock of Ages
November 25: Dear Evan Hansen, Frozen, The Illusionist
December 2: Beetlejuice, Tootsie, Mean Girls
December 9: Phantom of the Opera, WICKED
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New York Comedy Festival
November 4-10, 2019
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Skip the Line and Do NYC VIP Style
Do you know how many attractions and tours let you skip (most) of the lines and be treated like a VIP? Save HOURS on your NYC Vacation.
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Lincoln Center - Opera, Ballet, NY Philharmonic, Jazz, Broadway
You really haven't been to NYC until you experience THE beating heart of our Arts & Culture scene, Lincoln Center, home to the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, NYC Ballet, Julliard School, Broadway and so much more. See what NYC's (always amazing) classic cultural scene has to offer while you are here.
- Metropolitan Opera - Sept - May
- NYC Ballet - September - May; (Fall, Nutcracker, Winter, Spring)
- NY Philharmonic - Sept to June
- Jazz at Lincoln Center - all year
More: Lincoln Center Venue Guide
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The Nutcracker Ballet at Lincoln Center
November 29, 2019 -January 5, 2020
Tickets on Sale in September
From the moment the lights dim, you will be transported to a magical place filled with adorable children, marching toy soldiers, a glowing one-ton Christmas tree that seemingly grows forever, mischievous mice, waltzing snowflakes, the Land of Sweets and some of the most glorious dancing on earth.
Photo: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™
More Info: Nutcracker Ballet
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New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
November 23, 2019 – January 26, 2020
With tickets and capacity very limited due to enhanced safety protocols that include social distancing, the only way to see this captivating display is as a Member, Patron, Corporate Member, or Bronx Community Partner.
A dazzling and detailed replica of Manhattan, made entirely from plants, leaves, seeds and bark. There are at least 14 electric trains running in loops around the city, which showcases more than 175 scaled iconic buildings and structures such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, and the Statue of Liberty. The exhibit is great for both kids and adults, and makes an especially beautiful date night with cocktails on "Bar Car Nights" in December. Located in the Bronx, accessible by Subway and Metro North.
Just like NYC, twinkling lights go on at night with both city and holiday lights. All NYC landmarks and buildings are created entirely from botanical “ingredients” such as, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, poppy pods, pine cones, berries, mushrooms, nuts, bark, leaves twigs and dozens of other plant parts. Humming along between familiar sites such as the Statue of Liberty and Rockefeller Center, large-scale model trains cover a quarter-mile of track to bring life to this traditional holiday landscape. The Holiday Train Show is definitely one of those “not-to-be-missed” and “only in NYC” unique and memory-creating things to do for couples, families and children.
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NYC Events Today
NYC events today, like every day, include shows, concerts, Broadway, sports, kids events and much more. Check our NYC events calendar to see things to do in NYC today, NYC Events, shows in NYC tonight, events in NYC tonight, NYC events this weekend and more New York City upcoming events!
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Giants & Jets MetLife Schedule
Ready to see the Giants star quarterback, Eli Manning or catch our newest star recruit, Saquon Barkley? Perhaps you'd rather see football's newest stars on the Jets roster? Either way, there's nothing like a traditional American football game, so head on out to MetLife Stadium, where tickets start at just $40 per game!
- Giants Tickets: StubHub | Ticketmaster | Groupon
- Jets Tickets: StubHub | Ticketmaster | Groupon
- Insider Guides: NY Giants and NY Jets
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Rangers MSG Schedule
Get your New York Rangers tickets and schedule to see our NY hockey team live in action at Madison Square Garden. The NY Rangers have made the finals and/or playoffs the last six consecutive seasons. Their games are the easiest sporting events in NYC to attend, right in Midtown Manhattan, a block from the Empire State Building.
- Rangers Tickets: StubHub | Ticketmaster | Groupon
- Insider Guide: NY Rangers Tickets, Schedule, Directions
NY Rangers Schedule – Home Games November
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Knicks MSG Schedule
No matter how they are performing, Knicks games are always a blast and there's nothing like an event at MSG. Come join our NY basketball team live in action at Madison Square Garden, "The World’s Most Famous Arena." Go NYC style with cheap seats, fast paced sports action, hot dogs and beer and cheer on the New York Knicks today! As a general rule, with plenty of exceptions, basketball games start at either 7:30pm or 12:00pm, November through April.
- Knicks Tickets: StubHub | Ticketmaster | Groupon
- Insider Guide: NY Knicks Tickets, Schedule, Directions
NY Knicks Schedule – Home Games November
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