11 Things to Do in New York in November
With the arrival of November, temperatures begin to drop. Even so, the schedule of celebrations such as Thanksgiving makes it a special time to visit the city.
Enjoying autumn in Central Park | ©Jakob Owens
November is between two of the most important festivities in the United States: Halloween and Christmas. But this month has its own personality and, on the one hand, the Christmas markets that are installed in the city begin, Christmas in New York is just around the corner and stores and streets begin to decorate for the occasion.
It is also the month of the most spectacular offers on the occasion of Black Friday, whose tradition began in this city. And, as if that were not enough, we have events as relevant as the celebration of Thanksgiving with its respective parade already mythical organized by Macy's. Learn about all the plans you can enjoy if you travel to New York in November.
1. Celebrate Thanksgiving in style: go to the famous Thanksgiving parade
Thanksgiving is one of the most typical and peculiar festivities of the Americans and in New York it is given the importance that the occasion requires.
The holiday is marked by the family union of Americans, who gather on the fourth Thursday of November for a meal where the protagonist of the kitchen is undoubtedly the turkey. In addition, this holiday is considered the beginning of Christmas and is an ideal time to book a Christmas tour of Brooklyn. It is really amazing how New Yorkers decorate this neighborhood for the occasion. In addition, Thanksgiving also gives way to Black Friday, which is celebrated in the following days.
One of the events of this day that you can not miss is the Thanksgiving parade, especially if you are traveling with children. It is made up of balloons, cheerleaders, clowns, floats, musical groups and the big star: Santa Claus, who will greet you from the top of his float wishing you a Merry Christmas!
2. Go crazy with the Black Friday sales
Black Friday is one of those traditions that have been adopted by Europe, and in the United States it is one of the most anticipated times of the year. Discounts and offers abound in stores of all kinds and you can take advantage of real bargains.
As I mentioned in the previous point, Black Friday starts with Thanksgiving Day and at 8 pm you can already find the first discounts.
Take the opportunity to book a shopping trip in New York and do not miss the best stores. Even if you don't buy anything, the experience is a must.
3. Catch the start of the Rockettes Show at the legendary Radio City Hall
November is also the kick-off for one of the most special events of the winter: The Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which begins in early November and runs through the first week of January.
It is an unforgettable show in the form of a musical set in the North Pole, where more than 130 artists and 1,300 costumes including Santa Claus, surrounded by dancers who will star in the most famous Christmas show in New York.
Don't hesitate to book your ticket for Radio City Christmas Spectacular, there will be lots of music, dancing and, above all, magic, you can't miss it!
4. Stroll through Central Park in autumn
Visiting this park is a "Must See" at any time of the year when you travel to New York, but autumn is an ideal season to book a tour of Central Park and walk through it, as it exudes a special beauty.
The fallen leaves of deciduous trees cover the ground of Central Park creating a carpet of oranges, browns, yellows and other autumnal tones. Even when it rains, it is especially enjoyable.
It is an occasion to take spectacular photographs thanks to the film-like atmosphere that is created. If you are traveling as a couple in autumn it is a fantastic plan to experience a magical and romantic date.
5. Enjoy an NBA game
Even if you don't like sports, watching an NBA game in the USA is a spectacle: dancing, partying, music and, of course, basketball. An experience to live at the highest level.
If you are up for it, do not hesitate to read the post NBA tickets in New York and learn all the details of how to attend a New York Knicks game. This team plays at Madison Square Garden, which is located at 4 Pennsylvania Plaza.
A tip: When you buy your ticket, choose your seat well to enjoy the game to the fullest, and on game day, go with time to fully enjoy the experience.
6. Stroll through the city's Christmas-ready storefronts
As I said, November is the appetizer of Christmas and everything is prepared so that no detail is absent. One of the first things that are installed are the shop windows, which are decorated with the best finery in the form of flashy lights and decorations of the most peculiar. I recommend that so you do not miss any detail, book a tour of the Christmas windows of New York in which a guide will make you feel like never before the magic of Christmas.
When night falls, the city wakes up again and strolling through the shopping streets is a danger if you want to save money! If you are also looking for the best deals, don't hesitate to visit the best outlets in New York to get the best prices on the most popular brands.
7. Visit the Winter Village Christmas Market in Bryant Park
During the month of November, the city prepares for the most special time of the year, Christmas. You have to visit Bryant Park!
Christmas markets flood the city and the most incredible window displays are set up. One of the most important is the Winter Village, located in Bryant Park. It is made up of more than a thousand stalls of handicrafts, food and even has an ice rink!
One of the traditions is to drink hot cider in one of its stalls. The cold is already settling in the city and I assure you that it will be great for you! Plus, there's so much more to see and do in Bryant Park, so don't hesitate to spend an afternoon here - it's one of the best parks in New York!
8. Attend The New York Marathon as a spectator or if you dare as a runner
The fact that this marathon is in one of the most emblematic cities in the world and that it is also free, makes it one of the most popular marathons in the world and one of those that hosts the most runners. If you like sports, it is a great opportunity to get the medal of having participated in one of the most famous races.
It is usually held on the first Sunday of November and the city is full of people cheering the more than 50 thousand runners. On many of the street corners there are even marching bands that make the race much less hard. And you, do you prefer to run or cheer?
Sign up on the official website to participate.
9. Don't miss the North Pole at Macy's Santaland
The day after the Thanksgiving Day Parade you can visit Santaland in Mancy, and you can't miss what is an authentic Christmas experience in New York.
There is a North Pole scenography with elves, little trains, Mrs. Claus and Santa himself who will be waiting to hear your wishes, along with his reindeer!
The visit is highly recommended and even more knowing that it is free. If you want to enjoy it, you have to go to the 8th floor of Macy's Herald Square, 151 W 34th Street.
10. Taste craft beer at the Craft Beer Festival
If your November visit is as early as the first and second of the month, you have a plan to make as soon as you arrive, as the NYC Craft Beer Festival is taking place on November 1 and 2.
If you are a beer lover, this fair of craft breweries will not leave you indifferent. In addition, it has a special aroma the fact that, as they are craft creations, they are not produced in large quantities, so it has an exclusive touch that turns into magic.
You can find beers created using all kinds of ingredients such as thyme, other roots and herbs. Who knows if you will discover your favorite beer here in the Big Apple? I leave you all the information here.
11. Visit 5th Avenue on Veterans Day
The celebration of the end of World War I is an event to which New Yorkers, as well as New Yorkers all over the United States, attach great importance. We already know how patriotic they are, and on this day they show it in great detail.
During this day they honor all war veterans with a march that lasts about four hours along Fifth Avenue from 26th Street to 52nd Street.
Although it is a working holiday, most tourist attractions remain open, so it is a good day to visit the most interesting spots or take a tour of the Big Apple.
Prices in NYC in November
November is a month in which you can visit the city without too many crowds and you can enjoy all there is to see and do in New York, plus a Christmas atmosphere (albeit premature) without suffering the high costs of a visit to New York in December.
Plus, it's low season and between the low prices and the deals you can take advantage of, it makes this a very smart time to visit the Big Apple.
Weather in NYC in November
In November the cold is tolerable but the snow season has not yet begun, so as long as you go with a good coat, you will have no problem enjoying the city. And look what you have to do!
Temperatures in November in New York range, on average, from 5 to 12 degrees Celsius.
The days are very short and at first the sunlight lasts until about six in the afternoon, but a few days later the time change occurs and it gets dark at five o'clock. This is something to keep in mind so that your organization is as optimal as possible and you make the most of the daylight hours.