11 things to Do in New York in November
With the arrival of November, temperatures start 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 a personality of its own and, on the one hand, the Christmas markets that are set up in the city begin, Christmas in New York is just around the corner and the shops and streets begin to decorate themselves for the occasion.
It is also the month of the most spectacular offers for Black Friday, whose tradition began in this city. And if that wasn't enough, we have events as important as the celebration of Thanksgiving with its now legendary parade organised by Macy's. Check out 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 American holidays and in New York it is given the importance that the occasion requires.
The holiday is marked by Americans coming together as a family on the fourth Thursday in November for a meal where the star 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 truly amazing how New Yorkers decorate the borough 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't miss is the Thanksgiving parade, especially if you are travelling with children. It features balloons, cheerleaders, clowns, floats, musical groups and the big star : Father Christmas, who will greet you from the top of his float wishing you a Merry Christmas!
2. Go crazy with the Black Friday sale
Black Friday is one of those traditions that has 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 shops of all kinds and you can take advantage of real bargains.
As I mentioned in the previous point, Black Friday begins on Thanksgiving Day, and at 8 p.m. you can already find the first discounts.
Take the opportunity to book a shopping trip around New York and don't miss out on the best shops. 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 also kicks off 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 Father Christmas, surrounded by dancers will star in New York's most famous Christmas show.
Don't hesitate to book your ticket for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, there's plenty of music, dancing and, above all, magic in store for you and it's definitely not to be missed!
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 the 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 for spectacular photographs thanks to the film-like atmosphere that is created. If you are travelling 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're up for it, don't hesitate to read the post NBA tickets in New York and find out 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 piece of advice: When you buy your ticket, choose your seat well so you can enjoy the game to the fullest, and on the day of the game, go with time to fully enjoy the experience.
6. Stroll through the city's Christmas window displays
As I was saying, November is the appetizer of Christmas and everything is prepared so that no detail is left out. One of the first things to be installed are the shop windows, which are decorated with the best of finery in the form of flashy lights and the most peculiar decorations. To make sure you don't miss a single detail, I recommend you book a tour of New York's Christmas windows, where a guide will make you feel the magic of Christmas like never before.
When night falls, the city wakes up again and strolling the shopping streets is a danger if you're looking to save money! If you're also looking for the best bargains, don't hesitate to visit New York' s best outlets for the best prices on the hottest brands.
7. Visit Winter Village Christmas Market in Bryant Park
During the month of November, the city prepares for the most special time of the year, Christmas, and Bryant Park is a must-see!
Christmas markets flood the city and the most incredible window displays are set up. One of the most important is Winter Village, located in Bryant Park. It has more than a thousand stalls selling crafts, food and even an ice rink!
One of the traditions is to drink hot cider at one of the stalls. The cold weather is already settling in the city and I assure you that it will be great for you! 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 iconic cities in the world and that it is also free, makes it one of the most popular marathons in the world and one of the most popular for runners. If you like sport, this is a great opportunity to get a medal for having participated in one of the most famous races.
It is usually held on the first Sunday in November and the city is full of people cheering on the more than 50,000 runners. There are even marching bands on many street corners that make the race a lot less strenuous. 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 out on what is a true New York Christmas experience.
There is a North Pole set with elves, little trains, Mrs. Claus and Santa himself waiting to hear your wishes, along with his reindeer!
The visit is highly recommended and even more so knowing that it is free of charge. If you want to enjoy it, go to the 8th floor of Macy's Herald Square, 151 W 34th Street.
10. Taste a craft beer at the Craft Beer Festival
If your November visit is as early as the first and second of the month, you've got a plan to make as soon as you arrive, as the NYC Craft Beer Festival is taking place on November 1st and 2nd.
If you are a beer lover, this fair of craft breweries will not leave you indifferent. What's more, it has a special aroma because, 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 favourite beer here in the Big Apple? You can find 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 the whole of the United States, attach great importance. We know how patriotic they are, and on this day they show it in great detail.
During this day they honour all veterans with a march that lasts about four hours down Fifth Avenue from 26th Street to 52nd Street.
Although it is a working holiday, most tourist attractions remain open, so it's 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 when 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 deals you can take advantage of, it's a smart time to visit the Big Apple.
Weather in NYC in November
November is tolerably cold but the snowy season has not yet started, so as long as you pack a good coat, you should have no problem enjoying the city. And there are plenty of things to do!
November temperatures in New York average between 5 and 12 degrees Celsius.
The days are very short and at first the sunlight lasts until about six in the evening, but a few days later the time change occurs and it gets dark at five o' clock. This is something to bear in mind so that your organisation is as optimal as possible and you make the most of the daylight hours.