Things To Do in New York in November
Things to do in November NYC
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. The Big Apple is packed with autumn adventures (speaking of apples, don’t miss out on New York City’s farmer’s markets – it’s harvest season)!
Whether you want to find the best viewing spots for the Thanksgiving Day Parade, grab a traditional Turkey Dinner, hit the Ice Skating rinks or cheer on one of our major sports teams, we offer you our insider tips and guide to a great November in NYC.
FREE Central Park Walking Tours
New York City offers FREE walking tours all year round, and autumn in New York is incomparable when it comes to beautiful views of Central Park.
Against a backdrop of cobblestone and some of the world’s greatest ‘parkitechture’, learn about the history, geology and design of one of the world’s most fabulous parks.
See famous sites from movies and TV, find out about fun, free things to do in Central Park, catch the performances of some of NYC’s most gifted entertainers giving it away free (although a small donation in a guitar case or coffee cup is always appreciated), soak in Central Park’s colorful beauty and walk off those famous New York City hot dogs. This is a great way to spend an autumn afternoon in New York City.
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Photo Credit: Margaret Sneddon, Harpist
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Check the NYC Insider Guide November Events Calendar
Check out all our cool NYC events in November: The New York City Marathon, Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Rockettes at Radio City, Disney on Ice, Veterans Day, Holiday Markets, Ice Skating, NIT Season Tip Off and Championship Game, Nutcracker Ballet at Lincoln Center, Holiday Train Show and so much more.
There is never a shortage of things to do in New York in November!!!!
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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 more iconic Ice Skating.
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Make Thanksgiving Reservations
With hundreds of delicious choices for Thanksgiving Dinner in New York City, it may be hard for you to choose just one place. There are 100’s of Thanksgiving Dinner options, ranging from innovative menus to spectacular boat cruises with amazing skyline views around Manhattan. Most of the cruises sell out EARLY, so make your reservations soon.
Daytime Parade Views: There are also dozens of great breakfast spots along the parade route, or you can reserve a private restaurant table, hotel room or a spot on a rooftop. See more:
- Macy’s Thanksgiving VIP Brunch Parade Options
- Hotels and Restaurants on the Thanksgiving Parade Route
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Pre-Thanksgiving Parade Balloon Inflation
Though it may be crowded, it’s worth showing up on parade-eve to watch the world famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Balloons get inflated. They’ll arrive in boxes on Wednesday morning and get lined up on 77th and 81st Streets (the streets below and above the museum) between Central Park West and Columbus Avenues. Though most websites will tell you to go after 3pm, a lot of the prep work and inflating takes place earlier.
Come early, stake out a spot by your favorite balloon, or for whichever one you can get a good spot, and watch it go from flat to full. Once the balloons are inflated, they remain up all night for viewing. The best times to go to avoid the biggest crowds are either very early – we’re talking breakfast and balloons – or very late – perhaps balloons and a midnight snack!
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Catch a New York City Sports Team
New York City is home to some of the most exciting sports teams in the world. Go for the fans, go for the food, go for the game.
MetLife Stadium (formerly the Meadowlands) hosts both the Jets and the Giants; and in the heart of midtown Manhattan, watch the Knicks rock the backboards or the Rangers slash the ice at Madison Square Garden. You can also check out some of our newer teams, the Brooklyn Nets and the NY Islanders, both at Barclay’s Center, and the NYCFC at Yankee Stadium.
Whether your NYC sports adventure takes you on a subway to Queens, Brooklyn or the Bronx, on the bus to New Jersey or just down the street to MSG, fall sports are definitely one of the best things to do in New York in November.
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Ice Skating in NYC
Do you like to see? Or be seen? Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is a chance to be in the spotlight; or perhaps, spot a figure skating star. There’s also lots to do around Rockefeller Center, from fabulous shopping to television studio tours, this can be a great way to spend an afternoon in NYC.
Other great skating spots, for those who want a little more ice time and a little less glitz, Lasker and Wollman rinks in Central Park and Winter Village in Bryant Park are great bets. Read more insider tips at our guide to Ice Skating in New York City
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Fashion Designer Sample Sales
November is a HUGE MONTH FOR SAMPLE SALES in New York City. Manolo Blahnik, Valentino, Armani, Hugo Boss, Joseph Abboud and lots more.
Check our New York City sample sale calendar for updates on details, dates and sample sale locations.
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The Best Museum Deals in NYC
Check out our guide to New York City’s Museums, including multi-museum passes and information on which museums are free and when.
Whatever your interests, New York City has a museum worth checking out. There are over a hundred museums in New York City, from the biggest and most famous to the smallest and most obscure.
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Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes
Nov 6, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 (Tickets On Sale April)
Daily @ 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm (some variations)
- Great Seats: 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.
Rockettes Tour Packages
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BB Kings
In the heart of midtown Manhattan, BB Kings Blues Club & Grill offers world class performances for modest prices; November boasts a great lineup including Dionne Warwick, Paul Mooney and more (you can even spend an evening with Joan Collins).
BB Kings also hosts some of the best tribute bands in the business – Saturday’s BEATLES Brunches, Louis Armstrong and Bruce Springsteen tributes are just a few of the great tributes you can catch at BB Kings – and every night, there is free live music at Lucille’s; a separate venue within BB Kings. To top off the list, if you’re looking for an amazing Thanksgiving Dinner in New York City idea, here’s a thought: STRAWBERRY FIELDS, The Ultimate Beatles Tribute, and a prix fixe menu ($Adults $49.00, Children $25.00).
What to Wear – What to Bring – November in New York
The short answer? Everything! Average temperatures range from the mid-40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit, but can also shoot up into the high 70s. Millions of dedicated Thanksgiving parade-goers have watched in everything from umbrellas through rain, sleet and snow; to short-sleeved shirts. It’s hard to advise on what to wear this time of year.
Before packing, consult with a weather website, but always include outfits with layers this time of year, along with basics like hat, scarf, gloves, waterproof boots/shoes and a small knapsack for dumping layers into while walking around.
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More Things to do in New York City
Fun Things to do in New York in Winter
- Fun Things to do in New York in Winter
- Ice Skating in New York City
- Things to do in NYC in December
- Things to do in NYC in January
- Things to do in NYC in February
- Holiday Markets in NYC
- Christmas in New York City
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
- Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
- New York City Museums
- NYC Helicopter Tours
- Free Things to Do in New York City
Newest NYC Experiences – Be The First!
Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
NYC Hotel Rooftops offer some of the best skyline views in the whole City, along with cocktails and food, views, pools, cabanas, sundecks and retractable roofs. Our top picks for the most surreal views and cocktails include:
- Ink48 Hotel – right next to the Intrepid Museum and my ALL time favorite rooftop!
- The Ready @ Moxy NYC East Village – all-season rooftop with an amazingly eclectic vibe and great skyline views. (photo)
- The Empire Hotel – year-round indoor/outdoor rooftop with seasonal pool and cabana rentals
See More: Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
Museums
Museums and attractions are open, some with reduced capacity, safety protocols, reservations and vaccination proof. Check out the new Museum of Ice Cream (SoHo), Guggenheim, MoMA, Whitney and so many more NYC Museums from which to choose.
Attractions & Sightseeing
NYC attractions are open, some with reservations required. Whether you want to sightsee from the sky or selfie with celebs @ Madame Tussauds, you can be safe and explore.
Go HIGH or Go Home
Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or the new SUMMIT? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.
- Empire State Building – (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
- Top of the Rock – (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
- One World Observatory – (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
- Edge – (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
- Summit One Vanderbilt – (91-93 floors) Opened Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building. One of the hottest tickets in town
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Sightsee from the Sky
Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or Summit? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.
- Empire State Building – (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
- Top of the Rock – (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
- One World Observatory – (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
- Edge – (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
- Summit One Vanderbilt – (91-93 floors) All glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building
See All: Top New York City Tourist Attractions
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New York City Night Cruises
See our beautiful Skyline from all angles – in any weather!
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Take in ALL the Tours, Landmarks and Attractions and SAVE
NY Sightseeing Pass, New York Pass, NY Explorer Pass, CityPASS Compared
- Sightseeing Pass – Unlimited Hop on Hop off Buses, One World Observatory, Edge
- New York Pass – 80+ tours and attractions, Choose 1-10 Days
- Explorer or Go Select – Choose from 55+ sights or Build your Your
- New York CityPASS – 6 top attractions, good for 9 days from first use
See All: New York City Pass Comparison Chart
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Things to do in New York with Kids
One of the best parts of NYC is that what is fun for kids is usually just as much fun for adults. If you are joining us in NYC for a family vacation, then please read all about our local kid’s favorites, along with special tips just for visitors.
- Things to Do in New York With Kids – best NYC activities, tours, attractions and Insider Tips for kids and families
- Broadway and Off Broadway Shows for Kids – choose a dream show, like Aladdin, Wicked or Lion King, see the latest Kids shows, or save BIG and entertain kids and little ones under 4 with an awesome Off Broadway Show
- Best NYC Hotels for Families – special perks, freebies, bunk beds, larger rooms, suites
See All: Visiting New York with Kids.
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FREE Things to do in New York City
There are tons of free things to do in New York all day, every day! Tours, attractions, museums, events, shows, sports, movie and more. Kids, adults, outdoors, indoors, active, lazy…you name it!
- NYC Museums Free Days and Times – weekly guide to free museum admissions
- Free New York City Walking Tours – guided or downloadable free NYC walking tours
- More Things to Do in New York City – kids, by month, by season, free, budget
See All: Free Things to Do in NYC – weekly calendar of all free walking tours, free museum admissions, free things to do by season and more
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New York City Shopping Guides
- New York City Shopping Guide
- Shopping in NYC Department Stores
- Discount Budget Shopping in NYC
- Resale and Consignment Shops
- Shopping Guides by Neighborhood
- NYC Designer Sample Sales
- New York Outlet Malls
- New York City Gift Shopping
- Holiday Markets in NYC
- New York City Shopping Tours
- Add YOUR NYC Shop,Tour, Sample Sale
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
- InviteOnly Party @ the Hottest NYC Clubs – VIP access to NYC Clubs with Bottle Service and dancing.
- New York Dinner Cruise – family-friendly and/or romantic cruise with excellent service, spectacular sights and delicious menu offerings.
- Broadway Comedy Club – laugh out loud all night long
- NYC Night Bus Tour – From Times Square to the Brooklyn Bridge, see our city wink and twinkle right at you.
See all our Top Picks: New York City Nightlife
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Save HUGE $$$$ in NYC
- New York City Coupons Guide
- Save on NYC Hotels
- Half Price NYC Tickets
- Ticketmaster Deals
- NYC Museums FREE Days
- Free NYC Printable Maps
- NYC Restaurants and Food Discounts
- New York Attractions Discount Passes
- Free New York City Walking Tours
- Free Things to Do in New York City
- NYC Designer Sample Sales
- Visiting New York on a Budget
Romantic Things to Do in NYC
There are tons of things to do on your romantic New York City vacation. Attractions open late with skyline views, Central Park Tours, VIP Experiences, a helicopter ride. Some of the most popular romantic ways to see NYC include:
See more romantic things to do at: Romantic New York City Vacation and Valentine’s Day in NYC
Explore and Indulge Like a Real NYC Foodie
There is no shortage of pizza, bagels, street vendors, cupcakes, craft beer and cocktails, rooftops and mini food parks to explore and so many more food choices in the five boroughs, along with wonderful guides who can’t wait to show you them all!!!!
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Spot Celebrities in NYC
Where to find celebrities in NYC or which celebrities are living in NYC today are common questions by all, but celebrity sightings in NYC are way easier than you may think and happen all the time. You will, of course, see them on the subway, in Central Park, at the gym, in restaurants, at all the current hotspots, at shows and more. But here are some unique ways to see celebrities all over the city.
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Get Out of Town for a Day
NYC is within 3 hours of so many other cities and areas you can visit for just one day. Easily head to Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls, the Hamptons, Woodbury Common Shopping Outlets and more. Whether you live in NY or are visiting, and no matter how much you love NYC, escaping for a day is a treat for everyone. Top choices for 1-day Out of Town:
See All: Day Trips Out of New York City
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More from NYC Insider Guide:
NYC Printable Guides & Itineraries
