NYC events in November 2025

If you didn't get to visit before Halloween, don't worry because The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze stays open into November. The event showcases 7,000 glowing, intricately carved pumpkins in all kinds of delightful arrangements.

Blaze: Hudson Valley runs at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson in Westchester County runs through November 16. Tickets are on sale now with prices starting at $24.

The New York Comedy Festival is where the best of the best comedians of NYC gather each year, and this year, it’s celebrating its 21st anniversary with more than 200 comedians performing more than 100 shows at venues throughout the five boroughs.

If you've laughed at comedy shows in NYC in the past few years, it probably had something to do with at least one of the comics on the super stacked lineup this year.

Its initial blockbuster lineup has just been announced, with comedy legends like Margaret Cho and (somehow) Louis C.K. welcoming members of the podcast generation, including The Basement Yard and Hannah Berner. A special treat comes in the form of a Strangers with Candy reunion, with cast members Amy Sedaris, Stephen Colbert and Paul Dinello reuniting on the 25th anniversary of the cult Comedy Central series’ cancellation.

The dates for the New York Comedy Festival are Friday, November 7 through Sunday, November 16, 2025. Get tickets on the NYCF website.

NYC's biggest running event is back with the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, which will see thousands of runners from all over the world compete in a 26.2-mile race that spans all five boroughs. It's impressive, to say the least!

Even if you’re not running in the event, turning out to cheer on the athletes is time well spent. This year's race is on Sunday, November 2.

Union Square is packed with excellent dining options, but it can be hard to find time to try every single one. The answer to that conundrum: Harvest. This annual benefit for Union Square Park will unite dozens of celebrated restaurants, bars and cafes for a festive evening of tastings and fun to benefit Union Square Park.

The Union Square Partnership will host the event Thursday, November 13 event at Civic Hall (124 E 14th St) to benefit the sustained care and maintenance of Union Square Park. Tickets are on sale now starting at $100.

This culinary showcase offers a chance to interact with Union Square’s most acclaimed chefs and mixologists, from neighborhood favorites to exciting new voices.

The annual pageant of giant balloons, floats, cheerleaders, clowns, marching bands, theater and Broadway in New York performances and celebs is a must-see.

The parade is on Thanksgiving Day, of course! But we’ll spell it out for you: Thursday, November 27.

Lightscape, Brooklyn Botanic Garden's gorgeous, after-dark illuminated spectacular promises a glittering winter wonderland where you'll feel like you're strolling through an enchanted forest. More than 1 million lights combine to form illuminated trail of art by local and international artists.

Don't miss the iconic Winter Cathedral, where you'll definitely want to snap a selfie. Plus, expect firefly fields, glowing bluebonnets, flocks of luminous birds and a reimagined Sea of Light.  

As always, a curated playlist of music brings the light art to life, and there will be food concessions along the trail that offering seasonal treats like hot cocoa, hot cider, and mulled wine as well as light bites, cookies and sweets.

Tickets are now on sale for the event, which runs from November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026. This year’s show offers off-peak and peak pricing, ranging from $29-$44 for adults and $15 to $28 for kids.

Out of all the yuletide razzle-dazzle NYC has to offer, the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights display is among the most spectacular. Each year, more than 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).

The festivities typically start the weekend after Thanksgiving. Here's our full guide to the fun.

Every year, The Rink at Rockefeller Center ushers in the holiday season by opening up to the public to skate under a golden Prometheus. Once peak season hits, there’s going to be a bit of a wait to get on the slick stuff.

Tickets start at $22 per person, but the exact price depends on the date, the time of day and age. Skate rentals are available for $12. Tickets are on sale now.

The winter festivity has already begun even before the snow falls. The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park returns to NYC with exciting holiday shops, food and activities. 

Its 17,000-square-foot ice-skating rink that’s free to use (if you bring your own skates) is always the highlight, but its Winter Village in all its holiday spirit is a close second. This year, over 190 new and returning kiosks will be there for you to peruse through—all at one of the best NYC parks.

The Winter Village is open through March 1, 2026, but the holiday market closes on January 4.

After being closed for construction since 2018, the Studio Museum in Harlem will reopen on Saturday, November 15 in a new seven-floor, 82,000-square-foot building on West 125th Street. To celebrate the grand opening day, the museum will host a community event with free admission and activities for all ages. 

The building, custom-designed for the museum, will house art exhibitions, educational opportunities, program spaces and an expansive lobby. For its first show, the Studio Museum will present the work of the late sculptor Tom Lloyd; it’s a full-circle moment as his work was part of the institution’s opening back in 1968. Another debut show will draw from the museum’s vast collection, underscoring the museum’s role as a steward of art by artists of African descent.

Party for a great cause at the returning Gotham Gala, which this year will benefit Almost Home, a New York-based non-profit dedicated to rescuing and re-homing unwanted and abandoned animals.

Along with the worthy charitable component, the special event—taking place on Saturday, November 22 at Eden in Midtown—promises live music, performers, red carpet photo ops, opportunities to network, raffles and plenty of dancing. Plus, it's a fabulous excuse to get dressed up for a fun night out.

Shop 'til you drop at FAD Market, a curated fashion, art and design pop-up marketplace, which is back for 2025. Expect to see your favorite makers plus brand new creatives to help you live smarter, gift better and support local businesses. 

FAD—which stands for Fashion, Art and Design—takes over different venues with a horde of independent vendors and creators. Admission is free and dogs are welcome!

Peruse handmade jewelry, apparel, skincare products, tableware, artisanal packaged food, and more. Whether you're shopping for you or a friend (or even getting an early on that holiday shopping), there are plenty of local gems to pick up. 

Here's the fall schedule: 

• November 8-9: Fall pop-up at Empire Stores in Dumbo
• December 6-7: Holiday pop-up at Empire Stores in Dumbo; holiday pop-up at St. Paul in Cobble Hill 
• December 13-14: Holiday pop-up at Empire Stores in Dumbo; holiday pop-up at St. Paul in Cobble Hill 
• December 20-21: Holiday pop-up at Empire Stores in Dumbo; holiday pop-up at St. Paul in Cobble Hill 

Imagine the best kind of dinner party—but it's for 3,000 people, and the vibes are off the charts. That’s The Big Shabbat, set to take over Javits North in New York City on November 21. And it’s not just any Shabbat dinner: This is a bid for the Guinness World Record, aiming to eclipse Berlin’s current record of 2,322 attendees.

This year, it's New York's turn to show what community looks like. Picture a sweeping family-style, kosher vegetarian spread, curated by heavyweights like Adeena Sussman, Joan Nathan, Beejhy Barhany and Jake Cohen. There will be 300 challahs, 1,500 pounds of salmon and thousands of hors d'oeuvres, all orchestrated by 10 chefs, 45 assistant chefs and 156 servers. And yes, as per Guinness rules, once the motzi blessing is said, everyone must stay in their seat for a full hour to legitimize the record attempt.

The evening promises more than food and festivity. There will be a mini-Western Wall where guests can leave notes that might go to Jerusalem, as well as live music, dancing and special surprises. To break the Guinness World Record, attendees must check in by 6:30pm and remain physically present until 8:30pm. Tickets are $54 and can be purchased here.

Turns out, the North Pole knows how to throw quite a party. Join in on the fun at Santa's Secret, a seductive speakeasy and immersive wonderland that's back in NYC for a fifth year. 

Here's what's on tap at this adults-only holiday extravaganza: Delightfully cheeky characters, including mischievous living toys, seductive gingerbread ladies, and the famed jacked lumberjack. The journey culminates at Santa's Secret Speakeasy, where guests will enjoy live music, themed cocktails and a dazzling variety show featuring burlesque, aerialists and jaw-dropping acts.

This year, the event is moving to a massive new location: 10 Columbus Circle in Midtown. Just don't let Santa party too hard—or how will he deliver all the presents with a hangover?!

The show runs from November 13 until December 31. Tickets start at $65/person.

The Bronx Zoo's sparkling seasonal outdoor celebration featuring animated lights and LED displays of animals from around the world is back. Expect the zoo to dazzle with millions of lights and hundreds wildlife lanterns spread across six lantern trails. 

Beloved favorites return, including the holiday train and Enchanted Sea, plus look for new additions such as snow tube slides, an illuminated ice-themed throne and virtual snowball throwing.

Holiday Lights will run at the Bronx Zoo on select dates from November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026. Pricing starts at $26.95 for kids under 13 and $41.95 for adults. 

NYC is packed with holiday markets every fall with holiday spirit and unique gifts. While fancy Christmas window displays may entice you, NYC's holiday markets offer a chance to shop local. With everything from clothing to holiday ornaments to artwork, there's something for everybody on your holiday shopping list.

Shopping for the perfect gift doesn't have to be stressful; make it fun at these holiday markets.