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Things to Do in New York in November

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Updated: October 22, 2026
 By Stephen

November is an exciting time to visit New York City. Fall foliage may linger early in the month, while Thanksgiving traditions and holiday celebrations bring a festive atmosphere as the month progresses.

There are plenty of things to do in NYC in November, whether you're looking for free activities, Broadway shows, sporting events, family-friendly attractions, or holiday experiences.

As local tour guides, we've helped thousands of visitors explore New York City. This guide combines our recommendations with seasonal activities and events to help you plan your visit.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN NYC IN NOVEMBER

Here are some of the best ways to enjoy New York City in November, from exploring its neighborhoods to experiencing the start of the holiday season.

For year-round ideas, see our comprehensive guide to Things to Do in NYC. 

Several of the items below are already included for free with the purchase of a tourist pass.

For tips on the most popular activities in NYC, check out the following posts:

1. Attend a Sports Event

November is a great month for sports fans. Basketball and hockey seasons are underway, and football games offer another way to experience the city.

Teams to look for include:

  • Basketball: New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets
  • Football: New York Giants and New York Jets
  • Hockey: New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and New Jersey Devils
  • Soccer: Check the schedules for New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls.

Check the official team schedules for November home games and ticket availability.

You can also take a behind-the-scenes Madison Square Garden All-Access Tour. It's a chance to learn about one of the city's most famous sports and entertainment venues.

2. See a Concert

New York City is one of the country's major live music destinations, with performances ranging from large arena concerts to smaller shows in intimate venues.

Depending on your musical tastes, you might find rock, pop, jazz, classical music, or other live performances during your November visit.

Concert schedules change throughout the year, so check current listings for New York City and nearby venues before making plans. If there's a particular performer you'd like to see, booking ahead can help you secure tickets.

You can also look for special performances and music events taking place around Thanksgiving weekend.

Concerts

Other artists are scheduled to perform in New York City and the surrounding area throughout November. Check concert listings for additional shows during your visit.

Music Festivals

  • Time Warp New York | November 20–21 | Duggal Greenhouse and Agger Building, Brooklyn Navy Yard

TIP: See the inner workings of Madison Square Garden on their All-Access Tour!

You can find additional family-friendly activities below.

3. Enjoy a Broadway Show

November has some great shows opening.

This includes the annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

You can buy tickets to The Rockettes shows here.

Broadway Shows

New and Special Productions

November also brings several new productions and limited engagements to Broadway, including:

Not sure what to see? Read our guide to the Best Broadway Shows in NYC for recommendations and help choosing a show.

Show schedules and performance dates can change, so confirm details before booking. Thanksgiving week can be especially busy, and popular performances may sell out.

TIP: Matinee performances can be a good way to fit a Broadway show into a busy sightseeing day. For Thanksgiving week, check the schedule carefully because individual shows may adjust their usual performance times.

See what other shows are on this month. 

4. Take a Walking Tour 

November can be a wonderful time to explore New York City on foot. Early in the month, you may still catch fall colors in the parks, while later visits bring the excitement of holiday decorations and seasonal displays.

Our local guides lead walking tours through some of the city's most interesting neighborhoods, sharing the history, architecture, and stories that make New York unique.

Some popular options include:

  • Lower Manhattan: Discover historic sites and the origins of New York City.
  • Greenwich Village: Explore charming streets, local history, and stories of the neighborhood's artists and writers.
  • Central Park: Learn about the park's history and landmarks.
  • Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO: Enjoy skyline views and explore one of Brooklyn's most recognizable waterfront neighborhoods.
  • Midtown Manhattan: See famous landmarks and discover the stories behind the city's iconic buildings.
  • Harlem: Discover the neighborhood's rich African American history, cultural landmarks, music, and connections to the Harlem Renaissance.

We also offer private walking tours, food tours, and self-guided audio tours, and special theme tours like our ghost tour, so you can explore New York City in the way that works best for you.

Browse our New York City walking tours to find a tour that fits your interests and schedule.

5. See New York City from the Water 

A boat cruise offers a different perspective on New York City. From the water, you can enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty.

November can be chilly on the water, especially on an open deck, so bring an extra layer and check the weather before your trip.

There are several ways to experience the waterfront:

  • Take a sightseeing cruise around Manhattan.
  • Choose a cruise that offers views of the Statue of Liberty.
  • Ride the free Staten Island Ferry for views of Lower Manhattan and the harbor.
  • Take the NYC Ferry for a more affordable ride along parts of the East River and other waterfront routes.

The Staten Island Ferry is particularly appealing if you're looking for an activity that doesn't require a sightseeing ticket. Just remember that it operates as public transportation, not as a guided sightseeing cruise.

6. See a Stand-Up Comedy Show

New York City has a thriving comedy scene, with everything from intimate club performances to shows featuring nationally known comedians. November is an especially good time to visit because the New York Comedy Festival brings performers to venues across the city.

Comedy Shows

You can also find regular stand-up showcases and independent comedy performances at venues throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.

  • Comedy Cellar | A famous Greenwich Village club known for stand-up performances.
  • The Stand | A comedy club and restaurant featuring established comedians and rising talent.
  • New York Comedy Club | Offers stand-up shows at multiple Manhattan locations.

Check the November schedule at The Stand for additional shows, dates, and ticket availability.

TIP: Check age restrictions and showtime details before booking. Some comedy clubs have a minimum age requirement or other admission policies.ightseeing. Check age restrictions and any minimum purchase requirements before booking.

7. New York Comedy Festival

The New York Comedy Festival brings more than 200 comedians to venues throughout New York City's five boroughs. The 2026 festival runs November 6–15, with stand-up, improv, sketch comedy, and special performances.

New York Comedy Festival 2026 Highlights

These are just some of the festival's scheduled performances. Visit the official New York Comedy Festival website to browse the full lineup, check ticket availability, and find additional shows.

TIP: Want to see a TV show being filmed in New York City? You may be able to get free tickets to a live taping of a late-night talk show or other TV program. Read our guide on how to get free tickets to a TV taping in NYC to learn which shows offer tickets and how to request them.

8. Visit a Top Attraction Without the Crowds

November can be a good time to visit New York City's museums and major attractions, particularly on weekdays outside the busiest holiday periods. However, Thanksgiving weekend and popular seasonal attractions can still be crowded, so plan accordingly.

Consider visiting one of the city's many museums and attractions, including:

If the weather is cold or rainy, an indoor attraction can also be a useful addition to your itinerary.

Before purchasing tickets, compare admission prices and check whether reservations are required.

You can also compare New York City tourist attraction passes to see whether a pass could save you money if you're planning to visit several paid attractions.

See a long list of other top attractions and museums here.

9. Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of New York City's most famous annual events and a highlight of the holiday season.

In 2026, the parade takes place on Thursday, November 26, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Giant character balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, and live performances make it an unforgettable experience for many visitors.

Watching from the public parade route is free, but popular viewing areas can become crowded. If you plan to attend in person, arrive early and dress warmly. November mornings can be cold, especially when you're standing outdoors for an extended period.

Check the official Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade website for the latest information on the route, viewing arrangements, and event details.

For additional advice on where to watch and how to plan your visit, see our guide to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Find more free activities in the section below. You can get more inspiration for family-friendly events below, too.

10. Utilize a Tourist Attraction Pass

If you're planning to visit several major attractions during your New York City trip, a tourist attraction pass may help you save money.

Depending on the pass, included experiences may feature:

  • Museum of Modern Art
  • Empire State Building
  • Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
  • Madame Tussauds
  • 9/11 Memorial and Guided Tour
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Madison Square Garden All-Access Tour

These passes save you money by bundling dozens of popular attractions and tours into one concessionary ticket (up to 55% off).

They can also save you time by allowing you to skip the ticket lines and numerous locations. Read our post comparing your options.

For more ideas for any time of year, be sure to read our master post on things to do in NYC.

best time to visit new york

FREE THINGS TO DO IN NOVEMBER

November is a great time to take advantage of the many free events and activities in NYC.

For even more free activities, see our Guide to Free Things to Do in NYC.

Veterans Day Parade   

New York City's annual Veterans Day Parade takes place on November 11. The event honors military veterans and typically features marching bands, veterans' organizations, and other participants.

There will be floats, marching bands, and various veterans groups joining in.

The parade "steps off" at 9:30 am. 

It travels up 5th Avenue from 26th Street and ends at 45th and 5th Street, just blocks Rockefeller Center. 

For more information, check out the Veterans Day Parade website. 

Keep in mind that Veteran's Day is a public holiday so some hours and closures for activities may occur that day.

Watch the New York City Marathon

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon takes place on Sunday, November 1. Spectators can watch runners travel through all five boroughs, creating an energetic atmosphere throughout the city.

Choose a viewing location in advance, check the official route, and allow extra time for street closures and public transportation changes.

Check the official NYC Marathon route and choose a spot to cheer on the runners. Here are three neighborhoods to consider:

Stroll through Central Park

While most of the trees will change color in late October, in early November, the trees still have some colorful foliage.

There are so many things to see in this huge park and our free, self-guided tour and audio tour of Central Park can help you find all the points of interest.

If you prefer to go with a guided tour, see our post on Central Park Tours, where you can find out about the many tours available, some free and some with a fee. 

Take a Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge  

This bridge is loved by locals who never tire of the sense of freedom one feels when walking across the bridge.

Tourists love it because of the incredible skyline views.

Whether you join our Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO tour or go on your own, this is a walk you absolutely should make while in New York City.  

Use our guide to Walking the Brooklyn Bridge to make your walk unforgettable.  

TIP: Our Guide to Free Things to Do in NYC lists hundreds of activities and events that won't cost you a dime!

THINGS TO DO IN NYC AT NIGHT IN NOVEMBER

Below is just a short sampling of the many things to do at night in November. 

These are in addition to the items in the top 10 section, such as seeing a concert, attending a sports event, or going to the NY Comedy Festival.

For suggestions on other nighttime activities, see our post on things to do at night in New York City.

Attend WhiskeyFest New York

WhiskeyFest New York comes to the NY Marriott Marquis on November 20.

Depending on the type of ticket purchased, attendees will receive a nosing glass, program booklet, gift bag, admission to seminars, and access to a gourmet buffet.

Oh, and there will also be the chance to taste hundreds of whiskies.

VIP ticket holders can check in at 5:30 pm, and general admission ticket holders at 6:30.

For more information and tickets, visit the WhiskeyFest New York website.

Ride the Free Staten Island Ferry  

Take a free round-trip ferry ride from Manhattan to Staten Island and get spectacular views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. 

Our guide to Riding the Staten Island Ferry should come in handy. 

Since the ferry terminal is in Lower Manhattan, consider scheduling your ride at a time that allows you to take our pay-what-you-wish Lower Manhattan Tour.

If you can't join the tour, definitely look at our guide Things to Do in Lower Manhattan, or try our GPS-enabled audio tour. 

Go Ice-skating  

Get a jump start on winter by lacing up and hitting the ice at one of the several famous rinks around the city including the rink in Bryant Park, the rink at Rockefeller Center, and the Lasker Rink in Central Park. 

For more information see our post, Where to go Ice-skating in New York City. 

Take a Bus or Boat Night Tour 

Seeing New York City at night can make for an entirely new way to see the city.

The New York skyline is breathtaking when illuminated after dark and a night boat tour is a special way to see the city.

Night bus tours are also a great way to see many different areas of the city in a short amount of time.  

Lastly, try our free self-guided tours viewable on your device, or our audio tours equipped with GPS which are good for night or day.

Shop at a Holiday Market

Christmas starts early in New York City! Some Holiday markets open in November.

Find out which ones you can visit from our post on the best holiday markets.

TIP: For lots more ideas, be sure to take a look at our post on things to do at night in New York City. 

THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN NYC IN NOVEMBER

Here are a few fun activities that will keep kids and adults amused. 

Many of the events listed above are family-friendly, such as attending a sports event, watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade, or going ice skating. 

You can find even more information about visiting New York with kids at Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in New York City as well as our 3-day itinerary for families. 

Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden   

It's worth taking a bit a slightly longer subway train ride to the Bronx to see these G-scale mini-trains circle 150 of New York City's landmarks along a half-mile of track.  

See the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center re-created with only natural materials like bark and leaves.

Check the Holiday Train Show website calendar for the 2026–2027 season.

Catch NYBG GLOW

The Botanical Gardens also put on a holiday light show with light illuminating the historic buildings in the area after dark.

The event sells out quickly, so you'll want to grab tickets as soon as possible.

Dates run from October 3rd through November 2nd.

Find more information on NYBG GLOW here.

Watch the Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting usually takes place the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. Although the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting takes place on December 2nd in 2026, you can still visit Rockefeller Center in November and enjoy the ice rink. It's a classic New York City experience, especially as the holiday season gets underway. Check the official Rockefeller Christmas Tree website for the latest skating information and tree lighting details.

Visit the Bronx Zoo 

The Bronx Zoo is one of the best zoos in the country and November is the best month to visit as the animals are more active this time of year.

The Zoo also holds a Harvest Festival in the fall. Kids can participate in apple tasting, learn about composting, and also learn how to press flowers.

Be sure to see our post on ways to get price cuts on tickets to the Bronx Zoo! 

See our post, Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in New York City, and our 3-day itinerary for families. 

HOW'S THE WEATHER IN NYC IN NOVEMBER?

November weather in New York can range from mild fall afternoons to chilly mornings and evenings. Temperatures generally fall as the month progresses, so packing layers is a good idea.

Bring a jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and clothing suitable for changing conditions. If you're planning to spend time outdoors at the parade, on a boat, or walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, remember that wind can make it feel colder.

For average temperatures, rain, packing advice, and more, read our guide to New York City weather in November.

EXPLORE NYC ON FOOT WITH TOURS BY FOOT

One of the best ways to experience New York City is to explore its neighborhoods with a local guide. Free Tours by Foot offers walking tours that introduce visitors to the city's history, architecture, culture, and hidden stories.

Browse our New York City walking tours to find an experience for your visit.

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About The Author

Stephen

Stephen is the founder of Free Tours by Foot and Tours by Foot and has overseen the transformation of a local walking tour company into a global tour community and traveler’s advice platform. He has personally led thousands of group tours in the US and is an expert in trip planning and sightseeing, with a focus on budget travelers in the US as well as in Europe. Stephen has been published and featured in dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, BBC, Yahoo, Washington.org, and more.
Updated: October 22nd, 2026
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