If you’re unsure what month or season you are going to visit NYC, this guide is perfect for you! We compiled month-by-month things to do in NYC so if you ever find yourself in the city, no matter the month, it will come in handy.
January
Following the exodus of tourists leaving after the Christmas season, January is a good time to visit NYC if you’re on a budget. Hotel rates are usually lower at this time. Just make sure to pack some winter clothes.Â
- New Year’s Day Parade and Celebration. Join the crowds in Times Square to celebrate the New Year with the iconic ball drop and fireworks.
View of New Year’s Eve fireworks over Times Square and Central Park
- If you’re a foodie, Restaurant Week offers a full dinner at any of the participating restaurants for an affordable price. It runs from January to February.Â
New York During Restaurant Week
- Theater fans are in for a treat as well, as Broadway Week gives you the chance to score 2-for-1 tickets!
Broadway, New York
- You can also go ice skating at one of the most popular rinks in the city. You can take your pick out of Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and Bryant Park.
Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
FebruaryÂ
- Lunar New Year Parade and Festival. Chinatown hosts vibrant parades, traditional performances, and delicious food to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Chinese Lunar New Year Parade And Festival
- As mentioned above, Restaurant Week can be extended until February. Check the official schedule to have the opportunity to taste dishes prepared by acclaimed chefs for a cheaper amount!
Empire Diner in the Chelsea Neighborhood of Manhattan
March
- If you’re in town in March, you can’t miss the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Occurs annually every March 17th, and thousands of people dressed as Irish folk celebrate the occasion. You might also try the famous Green Beer, a traditional beverage for the holiday.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Bryant Park Winter Village is considered to be the biggest and most popular winter market in New York. Join in the fun with the skating rink or observe and just enjoy the cheerful atmosphere.
Ice Skating Rink at Bryant Park’s Winter Village
April
- As spring comes, outdoor markets and street fairs pop up. The biggest weekly outdoor food market is Smorgasburg. It boasts a variety of food vendors and unique products.Â
Smorgasburg
- During the annual Easter Parade & Bonnet Festival, the city is littered with around 300 sparklingly painted Easter eggs. Look out for the most creative and innovative hat!
Easter Celebrations
May
May is a great time to visit NYC. The weather is great, everything is blooming, and the sun is out.Â
- Twice a year, there’s an interesting phenomenon that happens in NYC. It’s called Manhattanhenge–happens when the sun aligns perfectly in between the city’s skyscrapers. Aside from seeing this hypnotizing event, bonding with other people wanting to witness the same thing makes this a pretty special experience.
Manhattanhenge
- For those inclined in the arts, Frieze New York happens in May. Hosted on The Shed at Hudson Yards, it features diverse works from over 1,000 artists and 200 galleries worldwide.
Frieze New York 2022 at The Shed
June
- Take Pride! The New York edition of the Gay Pride Week is the oldest in the world. It has since become a tradition, garnering over 500,000 visitors every year. It’s a celebration for the LGBTQ+ community.
The New York City Pride Parade
- Tribeca Film Festival is perfect for film enthusiasts. It is open for everyone and is created to commemorate storytelling in all its different forms–film, TV, music.Â
Tribeca Film Festival. Courtesy Tribeca Film Festival
July
- Celebrate the 4th of July! A New York tradition since 1976, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks is a must-see attraction. The sky is adorned with dazzling and glittering fireworks. The perfect way to celebrate independence!
Macy’s/KentMillerStudios
- SummerStage Festival offers over 100 concerts & shows for FREE! The event takes place all over New York parks.
Central Park SummerStage
August
- Opening of the US Open is probably one of August’s biggest events. Matches take place at the Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Tennis enthusiasts from all over the world are kept at the edge of their seats when this season starts.
US Open
- Meanwhile, Summer Streets takes place on the first three Saturdays of the month. A large area of Park Avenue will be closed off to give way for outdoor activities.
Photo courtesy of Summer Streets
September
- Labor Day is observed on the first Monday of the month. The streets will be packed, both with people but also with outdoor activities and parades.
Labor Day in NYC
- The Feast of San Gennaro occurs during September in Little Italy. Indulge yourself in various traditional Italian cuisines and delicacies.Â
The Feast of San Gennaro
October
- For comic and anime fans, the New York Comic Con is held every October. It is maybe the biggest pop culture event in New York. See some of your superheroes and film and TV characters in the flesh!
New York Comic Con
- Dress in your spookiest clothes as we celebrate Halloween. Parties, parades, and events surrounding the occasion happen throughout NYC. The Village Halloween Parade garners over two million spectators.
The Village Halloween Parade
November
- The New York Marathon is the biggest and most famous marathon in the world. It attracts thousands of runners and visitors alike. Even if you’re not an athlete, being part of the crowd encouraging and motivating the runners can be a fulfilling experience.
NYC Marathon
- Fan of comedy? You’re in luck! The New York Comedy Festival is celebrated in November.
The New York Comedy Festival
December
- The famous Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Plaza will be lit up throughout the whole month. It is adorned with 50 LED bulbs and an assortment of Swarovski crystals. Seeing the tree will undeniably get you into the holiday spirit.
Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Plaza
- Watch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Over 150 equally talented dancers perform in the iconic Christmas Spectacular. Eye-popping costumes, intricate set design, and Christmas songs put everyone in a festive mood.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
A Whole Year of Fun and Events for All
Before going to any events or shows, remember to check the specific dates and any potential changes or cancellations closer to your travel time. NYC is known for its vibrant and diverse cultural scene, so you’re bound to find something exciting happening no matter when you visit!
