What to Do in NYC in November
When you pack your bags for a trip to New York in November, be sure to bring layers of warm clothes to fight off the chilly weather. The dreaded hurricane season is over, so with luck you will not need rain gear. November is a good time to get a head start on shopping before the holiday shopping crowds hit the New York streets. And in between shopping runs, you will have no problem figuring out what to do in NYC in November because there are many good options.
Macy's annual Thanksgiving Day Parade is enough reason by itself to travel to New York. The huge spectacular starts at 9am at Central Park West and 77th Street , and then wends its way through central Manhattan. It travels down to Columbus Circle, then over to 6th Avenue, and finally down to Herald Square , where Macy's flagship store is located.
You will have to do a bit of planning and get there early to get to the perfect viewing spot. Try the west side of Columbus Circle, and be prepared to defend your ground at the front of the crowd. The massive balloons and the appearance of Santa Clause are great crowd pleasers. If you are wondering what to do in NYC in November, this is one event you should see live once in your life.
One of the best vantage points to take in the glorious display of color is the roof of the Metropolitan Museum of Art . You reach the roof, which is on the fifth floor, by taking the elevator in the European sculpture galleries. A visit to the Roof Garden Cafe and Martini Bar for a bite and a cocktail can add to the pleasure of the panoramic views of the foliage and Manhattan.
In the last days of November, New York begins the winter holiday season with the unveiling of holiday decorations throughout the city. A week after Thanksgiving, Rockefeller Center lights its enormous Christmas tree with great fanfare. The lighting ceremony includes musical acts, a performance by the legendary Radio City Rockettes , and a demonstration of figure skating.
Though the Rockefeller Center tree is truly impressive, it is not the only one to see in New York. A very different kind of Christmas tree goes up in late November in the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side. It is an origami-decorated tree that features items from the museum's collection. Just across Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Christmas tree is breathtaking. Set up in the Medieval Sculpture Hall, the artistically lit tree is decorated with an 18th century crèche from the city of Naples.
Avenue and 58th Street. One of the world's most famous toy stores, FAO Schwarz stocks every kind of toy imaginable. To use an old saying, if you can't find it here, it doesn't exist.
To take something home for the teen who wants to emulate the latest celebrity styles, you must visit the upscale Henri Bendel on Fifth Avenue near 56th Street. Up-and-coming designers are featured in this boutique-like four-story department store.
Finally, to add one more standout from the infinite shopping experiences of Manhattan, those not into the upscale merchandise of Fifth Avenue can take a trip downtown to Canal Street, where the shopping is neither genteel nor expensive. Canal Street is the closest thing to the experience of a Mexican or Near Eastern market that you can find in the United States. Keep your hands on your wallet, and don't be lured by bargain knock-offs.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Macy's annual Thanksgiving Day Parade is enough reason by itself to travel to New York. The huge spectacular starts at 9am at Central Park West and 77th Street , and then wends its way through central Manhattan. It travels down to Columbus Circle, then over to 6th Avenue, and finally down to Herald Square , where Macy's flagship store is located.You will have to do a bit of planning and get there early to get to the perfect viewing spot. Try the west side of Columbus Circle, and be prepared to defend your ground at the front of the crowd. The massive balloons and the appearance of Santa Clause are great crowd pleasers. If you are wondering what to do in NYC in November, this is one event you should see live once in your life.
Central Park's Fall Colors
The leaves turn in New York's Central Park in the first two weeks of November, and the riot of fall color in the heart of such an urban landscape is a very special event in NYC. You certainly will not be alone when you walk in the park at this time of year, as all of New York seems to be out to see the spectacular annual show provided gratis by Mother Nature.One of the best vantage points to take in the glorious display of color is the roof of the Metropolitan Museum of Art . You reach the roof, which is on the fifth floor, by taking the elevator in the European sculpture galleries. A visit to the Roof Garden Cafe and Martini Bar for a bite and a cocktail can add to the pleasure of the panoramic views of the foliage and Manhattan.
New York's Holiday Decorations
In the last days of November, New York begins the winter holiday season with the unveiling of holiday decorations throughout the city. A week after Thanksgiving, Rockefeller Center lights its enormous Christmas tree with great fanfare. The lighting ceremony includes musical acts, a performance by the legendary Radio City Rockettes , and a demonstration of figure skating.Though the Rockefeller Center tree is truly impressive, it is not the only one to see in New York. A very different kind of Christmas tree goes up in late November in the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side. It is an origami-decorated tree that features items from the museum's collection. Just across Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Christmas tree is breathtaking. Set up in the Medieval Sculpture Hall, the artistically lit tree is decorated with an 18th century crèche from the city of Naples.
Shopping in New York
What to do in NYC in November is a no-brainer for the shopping-inclined. Take the opportunity to get some special presents for family and friends. If you have kids, don't miss FAO Schwarz at FifthAvenue and 58th Street. One of the world's most famous toy stores, FAO Schwarz stocks every kind of toy imaginable. To use an old saying, if you can't find it here, it doesn't exist.To take something home for the teen who wants to emulate the latest celebrity styles, you must visit the upscale Henri Bendel on Fifth Avenue near 56th Street. Up-and-coming designers are featured in this boutique-like four-story department store.
Finally, to add one more standout from the infinite shopping experiences of Manhattan, those not into the upscale merchandise of Fifth Avenue can take a trip downtown to Canal Street, where the shopping is neither genteel nor expensive. Canal Street is the closest thing to the experience of a Mexican or Near Eastern market that you can find in the United States. Keep your hands on your wallet, and don't be lured by bargain knock-offs.