Events & Things To Do

New York City’s longest-running Kwanzaa celebration returns for its 17th year

Credit: Winston Williams

December 24, 2024

New York City’s longest-running Kwanzaa celebration returns for its 17th year

Celebrate the spirit of Kwanzaa at the Brooklyn Children's Museum's 17th annual celebration in Crown Heights, the largest and longest-running Kwanzaa event in New York City. Hosted in partnership with the Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation, the five-day festival will take place from Thursday, December 26, through Monday, December 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It features daily candle-lighting ceremonies, cultural performances, and hands-on workshops that explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the Nguzo Saba, emphasizing unity, self-determination, collective work, and creativity.
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24 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024 in NYC

Credit: Artem Kniaz on Unsplash

December 24, 2024

24 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024 in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

As 2024 draws to a close, it's time to celebrate the great moments we've had and kiss goodbye to the ones we'd rather forget. Whether you're looking for a high-energy dance party or a delicious five-course meal by a Michelin-starred chef, New York City offers something for everyone to ring in the new year. Ahead, here are some of the best ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in NYC, from dazzling fireworks and ball drop views atop towering sky decks to extravagant celebrations at luxurious hotels and rooftops.
say hello to 2025!

Events & Things To Do

Festive public art installations now illuminate the Meatpacking District

Images courtesy of ©BrakeThrough Media

December 23, 2024

Festive public art installations now illuminate the Meatpacking District

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Meatpacking District's charming cobblestone streets have been transformed into an enchanting holiday forest. Back for another festive season, "Lights on the Cobbles" illuminates Ninth Avenue with large-scale installations, including dazzling holiday lights, a reflective illuminated pathway through Gansevoort Plaza, larger-than-life snow people, and more. The captivating holiday decor is on display through January 15.
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How to spend a perfect holiday afternoon in Central Park

A snow day in Central Park last year. Photo courtesy of the Central Park Conservancy.

December 19, 2024

How to spend a perfect holiday afternoon in Central Park

By Lidia Ryan

Is there anywhere more magical than Central Park during the holidays? With Christmas and Hanukkah beginning on December 25, take some time and appreciate the peaceful feeling of a day in the park before the rush of parties and gift-giving commences. Read on for our idea of a perfect holiday afternoon in Central Park.
our itinerary, this way

Events & Things To Do

Here are the library books New Yorkers borrowed the most in 2024

Photo credit: Peter Frasco/ The New York Public Library

December 18, 2024

Here are the library books New Yorkers borrowed the most in 2024

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's three public library systems revealed the annual most borrowed books of 2024. Across all three of the systems—the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library—the most checked-out title was "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin, followed by "Happy Place" by Emily Henry and "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yaros.
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Credit: Brookfield Place

December 17, 2024

17 ways to celebrate Hanukkah in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

With Hanukkah coinciding with Christmas this year, New York City is transforming into a festive hub of holiday celebrations. This year, the Festival of Lights begins at sunset on Wednesday, December 25, and lasts until sunset on Thursday, January 2. Across the five boroughs, there are many ways to enjoy the eight-night holiday, from menorah lighting celebrations to live music performances. Ahead, discover ways to celebrate Hanukkah in the Big Apple, from competing giant menorah lightings to live klezmer band performances at Brookfield Place.
Find ways to celebrate ahead

Events & Things To Do

New Brooklyn Public Library exhibit features rare photographs of James Baldwin flourishing in Turkey

Baldwin sitting in a Triumph Herald on the Bosphorus Ferry © Sedat Pakay

December 13, 2024

New Brooklyn Public Library exhibit features rare photographs of James Baldwin flourishing in Turkey

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Brooklyn Public Library is celebrating the centennial of civil rights activist and writer James Baldwin’s birth with a special exhibition of never-before-seen photographs. Called "Turkey Saved My Life - Baldwin in Istanbul, 1961-1971," the installation features photographs by Turkish photographer Sedat Pakay that shed light on a fertile period in Baldwin’s life when he traveled to the country to distance himself from the racism and homophobia present in America. The exhibition is on view in the lobby of the Central Library through February 28, 2025.
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Largest and most expensive Stegosaurus fossil now on view at AMNH

The Apex Stegosaurus on view in the American Museum of Natural History’s Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. Alvaro Keding & Daniel Kim/© AMNH

December 6, 2024

Largest and most expensive Stegosaurus fossil now on view at AMNH

By Aaron Ginsburg

One of the largest and most complete Stegosaurus fossils ever discovered—and the most expensive—is now on display at the American Museum of Natural History. Known as Apex, the 150-million-year-old fossil, measuring 11.5 feet tall and 27 feet long, was unveiled on Thursday just inside the entrance to the museum's Richard Gilder Center in the Kenneth C. Griffin Exploration Atrium. Nearly 80 percent complete, the fossil was loaned to AMNH by Griffin, who purchased it for a record-breaking $44.6 million at a Sotheby’s auction in July, according to Gothamist.
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Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Botanic Garden

December 5, 2024

8 best spots for holiday lights in NYC

By Devin Gannon

With Christmas trees illuminated, festive bars and restaurants decked out in tinsel, and seasonal markets in full swing, the holiday season has officially landed in New York City. In addition to gift-giving and Santa selfies, an easy way to get into the holiday spirit is by experiencing one of the city's many holiday light installations, whether it be in gardens, zoos, or on the Hudson River.
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Williamsburg’s first waterfront ice skating rink opens in Domino Square

All photos courtesy of Two Trees Management

December 4, 2024

Williamsburg’s first waterfront ice skating rink opens in Domino Square

By Aaron Ginsburg

The first ice skating rink on the Williamsburg waterfront is now open. Located within the newly-completed public plaza Domino Square, the 7,000-square-foot rink offers skaters stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River. The rink offers public skating, themed events, and private rentals, with holiday-themed skate nights and live DJ sessions throughout the season.
LET'S SKATE

Events & Things To Do

The best Christmas trees in New York City

By Aaron Ginsburg

With holiday festivities ramping up in New York City, neighborhoods across the five boroughs are coming alive with dazzling displays of festive cheer. The city's Christmas and holiday trees, whose allure brings visitors from all corners of the world during the holiday season, all come with their own festive flare. Discover some of the city's most stunning holiday trees, from Rockefeller Center's world-famous tree to lesser-known—but just as elegant—trees at the South Street Seaport and Luna Park.
Find the holiday magic

Events & Things To Do

New York Public Library announces the best books of 2024

Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

December 3, 2024

New York Public Library announces the best books of 2024

By Devin Gannon

The New York Public Library has released its annual list of the best books of the year. The list, selected by committees and librarians who read hundreds of books across several genres, chose the best books of 2024 for kids, teens, and adults. This year, the library staff also released books about, or set in, New York City. The lists build on NYPL's century-old tradition of recommending the most-loved titles to New Yorkers of all ages, choosing books that reflect the city's diverse readership.
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Events & Things To Do

MTA rolls out first-ever festive ‘holiday train’ on Metro-North

Credit: MTA / Emily Moser on Flickr

December 2, 2024

MTA rolls out first-ever festive ‘holiday train’ on Metro-North

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is spreading holiday cheer across the tri-state region, offering commuters a festive way to ride the rails. The transit agency on Friday introduced the first-ever Holiday Lights Train on the Metro-North, operating on random rotation on the Hudson Line, Harlem Line, and New Haven Line at all times through the New Year. The festive trains are decked out with colorful exterior lights and play special holiday-themed safety messages at select stations.
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The 23 best NYC holiday markets this year

FAD Holiday Market at Dumbo Empire Stores. Photo courtesy of FAD Market.

November 27, 2024

The 23 best NYC holiday markets this year

By Aaron Ginsburg

The holiday season has officially arrived in New York City, bringing with it the quest for the perfect gift. Whether you're searching for one-of-a-kind jewelry or artwork, or are craving a festive treat, the city's holiday markets will have something special for everyone. Ahead, find some of the best spots to find unique and meaningful gifts for loved ones this holiday season, from long-standing markets at Bryant Park, Union Square, and Columbus Circle to exciting newcomers like Macy's Holiday Square.
your gift hunt starts here

The 2023 parade. Photo courtesy of Macy’s, Inc.

November 26, 2024

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade by the numbers: Fun facts and figures

By Devin Gannon

One of New York City's most cherished traditions returns on Thursday. The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will hit the streets of Manhattan for the 98th time on Thursday, November 28. As one of the city's biggest events (30 million people watch from home and 3.5 million in person), the parade kicks off the holiday season with giant character balloons, intricately designed floats, marching bands, and musical performances. Ahead of the big event, learn some fun facts and figures about the parade, from the number of volunteers (5,000) and the hours of work by the Macy's team (8,000+) to the number of new balloons (6).
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Macy’s Herald Square reveals 2024 holiday windows

All photos courtesy of Macy’s, Inc. unless noted otherwise

November 26, 2024

Macy’s Herald Square reveals 2024 holiday windows

By Aaron Ginsburg

Macy's Herald Square unveiled its iconic holiday window displays last week, continuing a cherished tradition that has enchanted New Yorkers for generations. Macy's was the first department store to feature Christmas window displays in 1874, and this year's delightful creations will capture onlookers and invite them indoors to explore the store's cheerful celebrations.
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Events & Things To Do

‘Snowscape’ will turn Hudson Yards’ Edge into a winter wonderland with real snow

Credit: Edge

November 26, 2024

‘Snowscape’ will turn Hudson Yards’ Edge into a winter wonderland with real snow

By Aaron Ginsburg

No matter the temperature in New York City, there will be snow. Hudson Yards next month will unveil "Snowscape," a new experience that will make it snow at Edge, the city's highest outdoor sky deck. Starting December 2, snow will fall at the observation deck from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Sundays, guests can pose with an installation of real snow and snowmen.
let it snow

Events & Things To Do

View of Fifth Avenue looking north from 45th Street, Dec. 1919. Photo courtesy of Fifth Avenue Association.

November 22, 2024

Fifth Ave celebrates 200th anniversary with car-free birthday bash

By Devin Gannon

One of the world's most famous streets turns 200 this year. In 1824, the first section of Fifth Avenue opened, marking the start of its transformation from a country road to an iconic thoroughfare known for its upscale retail and residences and cultural clout. In celebration of this milestone, the Fifth Avenue Association and the City of New York announced plans to throw the Avenue a 200th birthday party on December 8, kicking off a year-long series of anniversary programming.
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Events & Things To Do

November 18, 2024

American Museum of Natural History’s origami holiday tree features 1,000 pouncing paper animals

By Aaron Ginsburg

The American Museum of Natural History’s beloved Origami Holiday Tree returns this year, featuring over 1,000 hand-folded paper models inspired by the world’s leaping critters. In honor of the leap year's end, this year's theme is "Jumping for Joy," celebrating animals that hop, from rabbits, grasshoppers, and kangaroos to frogs, squirrels, and the newly-discovered leaping leech. The 13-foot tree will be on display in the Ellen V. Futter Gallery on the first floor starting November 25 through mid-January.
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NYBG’s Holiday Train Show is a tribute to NYC’s architectural heritage

A model train passing by the NYC skyline. Courtesy of the New York Botanical Garden

November 13, 2024

NYBG’s Holiday Train Show is a tribute to NYC’s architectural heritage

By Aaron Ginsburg

A quintessential New York City holiday tradition is back for its 33rd year. The New York Botanical Garden's beloved Holiday Train Show enchants guests with G-scale miniature trains that zip through nearly 200 plant-based models of iconic city landmarks, displayed inside the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and outdoors. For the first time, guests can experience the show in a new light with Holiday Train Nights, where the trains and displays twinkle under the night sky. The show runs from November 16 through January 20, 2025.
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Saks Fifth Avenue cancels holiday light show

Credit: Matt Kieffer on Flickr

November 12, 2024

Saks Fifth Avenue cancels holiday light show

By Aaron Ginsburg

For the first time in nearly two decades, Saks Fifth Avenue's holiday light show—a beloved New York City tradition—will go dark this year. As first reported by the New York Post, the festive experience, which attracts hordes of holiday shoppers and tourists to Midtown, has been canceled this year to save money during what has been a "challenging year" for luxury stores, according to the company.
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Events & Things To Do

Everything you need to know about the 2024 Veterans Day Parade in NYC

Photo by Sgt. Randall A. Clinton for MarineCorps New York on Flickr

November 8, 2024

Everything you need to know about the 2024 Veterans Day Parade in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

This year's Veterans Day returns to New York City on Monday, November 11. As the country's largest Veterans Day commemoration, the event features 20,000 marchers and over 150 vehicles traveling down Fifth Avenue in tribute to our armed forces. The 105th annual parade starts at 12:30 p.m. at 26th Street and Fifth Avenue and heads north until ending at 47th Street. The United States Marine Corps is this year's featured service.
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Events & Things To Do

20 places to volunteer in NYC this holiday season

Credit: West Side Campaign Against Hunger

November 7, 2024

20 places to volunteer in NYC this holiday season

By Aaron Ginsburg

As the holiday season rolls around and we enjoy time with loved ones, it's easy to overlook New Yorkers facing hunger, unemployment, homelessness, or health challenges. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to lend a hand across the five boroughs—whether it's serving at food pantries or helping deliver meals to seniors. Ahead, discover volunteer opportunities in NYC where you can make a meaningful difference this holiday season and beyond.
give back

Tom Turkey appears during the 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2023. Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy’s, Inc.

November 4, 2024

2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Everything you need to know

By Devin Gannon

This month the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade returns for its 98th year, ushering in the 2024 holiday season in New York City. The parade, a century-old tradition, takes place on Thursday, November 28 at 8:30 a.m. and promises to be the biggest yet, with 17 character balloons, 22 floats, 15 heritage and novelty balloons, 700 clowns, 11 marching bands, and 10 performance groups, all made possible thanks to 5,000 volunteers.
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Events & Things To Do

Kenny Scharf’s painted swings at Luna Luna in Los Angeles. Credit: Joshua White/Luna Luna, LLC

November 1, 2024

Resurrected avant-garde art carnival Luna Luna opens this month at The Shed at Hudson Yards

By Michelle Cohen

Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy, the world’s first art amusement park, is coming to The Shed at Hudson Yards this month. Lost to time since its debut in Hamburg, Germany in 1987, the avant-garde art carnival is being recreated to dazzle, delight, and perplex 21st-century visitors in New York City after a spectacular resurrection in Los Angeles earlier this year. You'll be able to experience the original colorful, surreal riot of carnival rides and immersive attractions created by iconic 20th-century art stars like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, David Hockney, Salvador Dalí, Roy Lichtenstein, and more.
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