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NYC events in November 2020
Plan your month with the best NYC events in November 2020 including Thanksgiving festivities, holiday markets and more
Give thanks for our list of NYC events in November 2020, which will help you make plans for things to do on Thanksgiving and the rest of the month. Our guide will help you find the best holiday events, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and amazing holiday markets. But that’s not all!
RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar for 2020
Featured NYC events in November 2020
1. The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
2. Cider Week
There are many types of apples (Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Granny Smith), but the best variation of everyone’s favorite autumnal fruit is clearly the fermented kind. And for seven glorious days, you can guzzle barrels of the good stuff at more than 30 bars and restaurants in NYC and indulge in free tastings, events and workshops at popular drinking dens.
3. The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Out of all the yuletide razzle-dazzle NYC has to offer, the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2018 display is by far the most spectacular. (Sorry, Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree). Each year, over 100,000 people flock to the Brooklyn nabe to witness some of the most over-the-top Christmas lights we’ve ever seen—think huge inflatable Santas and snowmen, and houses that blast Christmas carols from loundspeakers. There is a lot of ground to cover, as many houses in the area participate over multiple blocks and avenues. (We’re talking tens of thousands of lights).
4. LuminoCity Festival
All of the lights! This winter, there’s a brand new must-see experience to add to your usual holiday rotation, a massive immersive lights festival on Randalls Island called LuminoCity. LuminoCity Festival, which runs from November 23 to January 5, will be a holiday-obsessed folk's paradise. Picture 12-acres covered with glorious (and massive) LED art installations. While adventuring around the festival, you’ll want to have your camera ready for things like a giant glowing donut tunnel. You'll also be able to climb to the top of an illuminated castle in the sky and then glide back down via its tall slide. Magical Winter Lights If you’re a fan of the board game Candy Land or anything Willy Wonka-related, then the sweets forest in the festival is most definitely your scene. There you'll find both a 22-foot-tall technicolor tree and a candy mountain with a surrounding rainbow field of candies, covered in lights and set to change color. You can also expect to pass things like a glowing unicorn, a fluorescent mushroom forest and a rainforest with animal light sculptures on the grounds. Magical Winter Lights While on a lights break, you can snack on goodies from the festival's food stalls including fried ice cream, festive rainbow cookies and of course, hot wint
5. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Fall getaways from NYC
Ithaca, NY
Ithaca, on the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, is a college town through and through, but it's also got that rustic, upstate vibe and gorgeous fall foliage you're looking for with quaint Victorian homes to gaze at. It's a great getaway for those who want to go leaf-peeping and pumpkin picking but also want to check out the local town nightlife and its plethora of restaurants. The best part? It's near to some of New York's most incredible gorges and waterfalls. They don't say "Ithaca is gorges" for nothin'!
What to do: Grab breakfast at any one of its popular joints, from Ithaca Bakery to DeWitt Cafe, and head out for a day in the leaves at Robert S. Treman State Park nearby, which is home to Lucifer Falls and a Lord of the Rings-eque gorge you can hike into. And don't skip Taughannock Falls, which is 215 feet tall, and empties into its own gorge. When you're done communing with nature, make sure to go antique hunting at Found In Ithaca and Mimi's Attic, and hit up the Ithaca Farmers Market for homemade pies and apple cider doughnuts, hard cider from local cideries, fresh flowers and much more. And definitely have dinner at Mercato.
Where to stay: The William Henry Miller Inn is located right in the heart of downtown Ithaca and within walking distance of as many as 50 restaurants. It's also an incredibly beautiful, historic building from 1878
Catskills, NY
Forever cemented in pop-culture as the site of Woodstock (and the backdrop of Dirty Dancing) the Catskills boasts some of New York’s most charming small towns, many of which are just two-and-a-half hours outside of the city.
What to do: A hiking trail on Overlook Mountain leads to the Instagram-worthy remnants of an unfinished luxury hotel and views of Echo Lake. The General Store of Catskill (356 Main St, Catskill; 518-653-9188, thegeneralstoreofcatskill.com) is another draw, located on the town’s historic Main Street and offering an array of locally-made bath, body and wellness products.
Where to stay: It’ll be hard to return to your NYC apartment after a few nights at Table on Ten (52030 NY-10, Bloomville; 607-643-6509, tableonten.com). The three-room inn is also a restaurant, serving wood-fired pizzas Friday and Saturday nights.
Hudson Valley, NY
Something tells us glampers dig the Instagram. Maybe it’s the constant postings. Whatever the reason, more than enough ’Gram gold can be found in Hudson Valley—a glamper's paradise.
What to do: Head to Storm King Art Center (1 Museum Rd, New Windsor, NY; 845-534-3115, stormking.org), a bucket-list site that has striking contemporary sculptures amid 500 acres of resplendent green, yellow and brown foliage. Afterward, move between art and antiques on Warren Street in Hudson, where NYC expats helm stylish galleries and boutiques. Then brunch at the oh-so-pretty Rivertown Lodge (731 Warren St, Hudson; 518-512-0954, rivertownlodge.com), a hip hotel for design lovers, which recently opened a new tavern that serves Dutch baby pancakes.
Where to stay: Book a tent at the just-opened Collective Hudson Valley (129 Ostrander Rd, Hudson; 970-445-2033, collectiveretreats.com; $500–$700/night) on an organic farm. Its luxe, low-pitched tents require no setup and are stocked with rustic furnishings and a generous dollop of ritz—like electricity, private bathrooms and 1,500-thread-count sheets on which to count sheep.
Lake Placid, NY
The beloved lake is just the beginning: This prime Adirondacks spot features shopping, hiking, swimming and one killer mountain.
What to do: Beyond mountain biking and hiking, you can head to the lake for a vast array of watersports. The town of Lake Placid has a rich collection of art and shopping.
Where to stay: The seven-acre, 131-unit Mirror Lake Inn (mirrorlakeinn.com) can't be beat. Every room looks over the lake, and the the cozy fireside accomodations (along with two restaurants and a spa) will keep you in your robe late into the day.
North Fork, LI
South Fork is so last season. Instead, skip it for Long Island’s North Fork this fall, where the bucolic coast is just warming up. Without traffic you can make it to this venerable stretch of farms and vineyards in a hour and a half. Bring your taste for Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio.
What to do: Winery tour options abound here, so take your pick! Sample Merlot at One Woman Wines and Vineyards (5195 Old North Rd, Southold; 631-765-1200, onewomanwines.com), try Coffee Pot Cellars’ sauvignon blanc (31855 Main Rd, Cutchogue; 631-765-8929, coffeepotcellars.com), or sip on something bubbly at Sparkling Pointe (39750 Middle Rd, Southold; 631-765-0200, sparklingpointe.com). No judgment if you decide to hit up all three.
Where to stay: North Fork is perfect for a day trip, but if you want to extend your stay, tap Arbor View House B&B (8900 Main Rd, East Marion; 631-477-8440, arborviewhouse.com), known for it’s plush garden and gourmet breakfast, as your relaxing home away from home.
New Paltz, NY
If you’ve ever walked the six-mile perimeter of Central Park and felt wistful leaving the North Woods—which were designed to resemble a forest in the Adirondacks—then it might be worth heading to New Paltz, NY to tackle some serious hiking. A nature-filled weekend starts by booking a roundtrip ticket to Mohonk Mountain House via the Catskill Carriage, which is redefining the charter bus experience. During your trip, you are provided with every amenity you could possibly need. Wifi, outlets, snacks, candy and even homemade cookies? MTA, take notes.
What to do: The best reason by far to visit Mohonk is to get outside and explore its extensive hiking trails, which are set in 2,200 acres of forests. One of the most popular hikes is a relatively easy trek up to Sky Top Tower, a stone structure that was built about 85 years ago in honor of one of the resort’s founders, and which offers fantastic views of the surrounding area. All of the hiking trails are well marked and maps are provided, offering hikers everything from a beginner path to some serious rock scrambles located along a network of paths situated on lakeside cliffs.
Where to stay: Situated at the top of the Shawangunk Ridge, Mohonk Mountain House (1000 Mountain Rest Rd; 845-765-3286, mohonk.com) overlooks the half-mile-long Lake Mohonk and is a National Historic Landmark that has been owned by the same family for almost 140 years. While staying at this 265-room Victorian castle with a full-service spa isn’t exactly roughing it, photos of long-gone relatives, fireplaces and the lack of TVs in each room add some rustic charm.
Warwick, NY
A day at the orchard sounds nice, right? And just an hour and a half away from NYC? Even better.
What to do: Warwick’s main attraction is Masker Fruit Farms (45 Ball Rd; 845-986-1058, maskers.com)—a 200-acre orchard open for apple picking seven days a week. Admission is free and and apples are $28.95 per half bushel (about 20). Swing by the country store on your way out to pick up apple butter and a jug of cider.
Where to stay: Warwick Valley Bed & Breakfast (24 Maple Ave; 845-987-7255, wvbedandbreakfast.com) kicks casually accommodations up a notch with on-call massage therapists and a vegetarian or vegan breakfast made at your request.
Saratoga Springs, NY
Saratoga Springs has been a posh retreat from the big city for more than 200 years due to its natural mineral springs that spawned its name. The naturally carbonated wonders are some of the only ones in the country and attract throngs for their healing benefits, namely antacid properties to help upset stomachs and heartburn. But there’s plenty else to see and do in this upstate New York retreat in the fall, from apple picking and corn mazes to foliage hikes and autumnal farmers’ markets.
What to do: Zen out at Yaddo (312 Union Ave; 518-584-0746, yaddo.org, $10), an artists’ hub that opened in 1900 and sits on a bucolic 400-acre estate. Its mission is to give artists the space to work without interruption. Today it’s a center for choreography, film, literature, music, painting, performance art, photography, sculpture and video installments, and aside from all the arty happenings, it’s worth a visit just for the pleasant walk around the gardens. You can experience more culture at The National Museum of Dance (99 S Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY; 518-584-2225, dancemuseum.org), at which you can view an ever-growing collection of photographs, videos, costumes, biographies and more artifacts that pay homage to the art of dance, of course.
Where to stay: Right on bustling Broadway, Saratoga Arms (497 Broadway; 518-584-1775, saratogaarms.com, $289/night) is a stone’s throw from boutique shops and restaurants. Breakfast is included daily at this country-style inn, where you can find wraparound porches, fireplaces and balconies.
Stone Ridge, NY
This centrally located, historic upstate New York town is the jumping off point for the rest of the Catskills—a great home base for exploring Phoenicia, Kingston or Rosendale.
What to do: Build up a sweat at Minnewaska State Park (5281 Rte 44-55; 845-255-0752, parks.ny.gov), a nearly 23,000-acre nature preserve. The Millbrook Mountain trail is a five-plus–mile loop within the park that climbs the mountain along the cliffs of Shawangunk Conglomerate. The steep path gives way to several gaps in the trees, where rocky bluffs overlook hundreds of miles of untouched park, which will undoubtedly painted in glorious colors. (In other words: be prepared, Instagrammers.)
Where to stay: The recently reopened Hasbrouck House (3805 Rte 209; 845-687-0736, hasbrouckhouseny.com, $275/night) is in an 18th-century Dutch Colonial mansion, with 17 rooms and nearby carriage and stable houses. Spread across three separate stone buildings, each with a collection of both vintage and modern pieces, the property is surrounded by country gardens and pays homage to the locally sourced food and drink of the Catskills. The restaurant Butterfield takes on a country-tavern vibe but with elevated cuisine like its Three Little Pigs Sandwich with smoked paprika, pulled pork, house-cured ham and slaw on a potato bun.
Woodstock, NY
Though the name conjures a crowd splashed in tie-dye and the faint scent of marijuana, Woodstock isn’t actually where the 1969 festival was held. (That was in Bethel, about two hours away.) Even so, the town is a mix of retired hippies—a street there is named after the late great Band member Levon Helm—artists and city dwellers who feel the need to flee the metropolis on weekends.
What to do: Besides all the camping? If you’ve grown tired of that smoky campfire smell and yearn for a real table and chairs, pop into Oriole 9 (17 Tinker St; 845-OR9-5763, oriole9.com) in town. This local favorite is a café-cum-art-gallery that serves fantastic all-day breakfast and lunch. (Go for the curried coconut tofu hash.)
Where to stay: Trade in four walls and a ceiling for something a little more portable. Tentrr (tentrr.com, $120/night) is a campsite service available in Woodstock and elsewhere upstate. The idea is simple: Book a tent and arrive to a set-up campsite stocked with food and drink. It’s basically Airbnb for campers, touting fully-equipped campsites on private properties all across the Catskills. And don’t worry: Tentrr provides queen-size cots, because you’re too pretty to actually sleep on the ground.
The 50 best things to do in NYC
Marvel at flowers at the NYBG's Spotlight on Orchids
What is it? A limited Spotlight on Orchids across select galleries of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
Why go? The New York Botanical Garden is forgoing its Orchid Show this year but is doing You'll get to discover unusual orchids and artful floral creations by Botanical Garden horticulturists that combine expressive orchids with rocks, tree trunks, vines, and other found materials.
Don't miss: Intimate displays of orchids in brilliant white and striking colors set against the foliage of aroids, ferns, and bromeliads will be planted as they might be found in nature and blending gracefully with their surroundings, NYBG says.
Catch a movie at Syndicated Sidewalk Cinema
What is it? Syndicated Brooklyn, the theater/kitchen/bar mashup, is showing films outside on a 14-foot-wide white screen on its brick facade to customers ordering drinks and food
Why go? You'll also get to order from a great menu of good food and drinks, including crowd-pleasing wings, seasoned popcorn, and the new Pink Flamingo made with Mezcal, fresh watermelon juice, ginger syrup and lemon.
Don't miss: There are no tickets—seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Most films will play twice: 5:30 and 8pm.
Take in some culture via Elsewhere Sound Space
What is it? A new monthly series on Twitch by Elsewhere, hosted by trans comedian and actor Peter Smith.
Why go? Catch musical guests and live performances from New York City’s underground music and arts scene each month.
Don't miss: Comedic skits, psychedelic musical performances, candid artist interviews and holistic wellness treatments.
Zen out at the Rubin Museum's mindfulness meditation
What is it? A 45-minute weekly program inspired by different works of art across the museum's collection that includes an opening talk, a 20-minute sitting session and a closing discussion.
Why go? Calm your mind and connect yourself to the world around you. It's a healthy practice that can help you feel more grounded and connected that doesn't require a lot of time or energy.
Don't miss: The program is pay-what-you-wish.
Get creative at an '80s-style risograph workshop
What is it? A class on the speedy way to screen print layers of paint-like ink in order to create vibrant designs for posters, comics and illustrations.
Why go? It's a bit more complex but produces a really cool result you can call your own.
Don't miss: NYC has several incredible riso studios to visit offering private sessions including Lucky Risograph and Secret Riso Club.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Atla
What is it? An all-day café by Daniela Soto-Innes and Enrique Olvera (of Cosme)
Why go? It's one of our top spots to get food and drinks. The spot is all about the nuances of Mexican and Central American cuisine through high-end dishes.
Don't miss: Dishes like its bright sea-bass aguachile; its al pastor is perfectly sweet and tangy, cauliflower demonstrating that humble vegetables can be elegant; and the mole negro.
Check out BRIC's Latinx Abstract exhibition
What is it? BRIC is presenting "Latinx Abstract," a groundbreaking exhibition that asserts the enduring legacy of abstraction among Latinx artists.
Why go? It's a cross-generational survey of ten artists—Candida Alvarez, Karlos Carcamo, Maria Chavez, Alejandro Guzman, Glendalys Medina, Freddy Rodriguez, Fanny Sanín, Mary Valverde, Vargas-Suarez Universal, and Sarah Zapata. The artists' work "challenges the established history of abstract art in the United States, which largely excludes the contributions of Latinx artists, individuals of Latin American descent based in the United States."
Don't miss: The show will be on both virtually and in-person at BRIC House (647 Fulton St). In-person viewing at BRIC will be available during reduced hours, Wed-Sat 11am-6pm, and at reduced capacity. Visitors are encouraged to reserve a space 48 hours in advance by contacting BRIC. In-person viewing availability is subject to change.
Indulge in a backyard sauna at cityWell Brooklyn
What is it? A “boutique bathhouse” located in Gowanus,
Why go? You can enjoy the full gamut of classic spa options including massage therapy, hydrotherapy options and body treatments.
Don't miss: The backyard saunas where you can schvitz to your heart’s content. Try the “Backyard Bliss for One” package with a 45 minute shower/soak/sauna, a white clay mask, a 45-minute cabin massage and your choice of a glass of bubbly, beer or coconut water.
Get crafty at Brooklyn Craft Company
What is it? A DIY mecca with workshops on all kinds of crafting skills, from knitting to macrame.
Why go? They'll put your hands to work and your mind at ease.
Don't miss: There's an online store where you can purchase the necessary supplies you'll need.
Reflect on the last year at New York Responds: The First Six Months
What is it? The Museum of the City of New York is extending its outdoor photography installation that it opened this summer, reflecting the changes and challenges of life in New York City from March through August 2020, until April 11.
Why go? It's an intimate and widespread look at how New Yorkers have made it through the past year through photographs, objects, videos, and works of art.
Don't miss: Creative handmade masks and social distance markers; photographs of mutual aid efforts, including food donation, community fridges, and volunteers; a pan used in the 7 o’clock clapping for health care workers; photographs of activism for Black Lives Matter, including healthcare workers taking a knee; an innovative ventilator devised by medical personnel at The Mount Sinai Health System; and photographs of essential workers, including food delivery and public transportation.