The best things to do for Easter in NYC

This parade is all about the hats—lavishly decorated, from the exquisite to the outlandish. Anyone is welcome to join, just show up near St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 10am on Easter Sunday (April 9, 2023) to watch or saunter with the group up Fifth Avenue. The tradition dates back to the 1870s, so you might even see some participants in period costumes. But the highlight is the elaborate bonnets, some of which are truly over-the-top. 

All revelers are welcome. The only requirement is a bonnet, the more whimsical the better.

The Standard, High Line, is bringing the farm to the city with a menagerie of animals including sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, ducks and donkeys. You can meet these furry and feathered friends on Saturday, April 8 and Sunday, April 9 for free. Also check out a cotton candy artist, snack on popcorn and take home a goodie bag with Schmackary’s cookies. 

While you're at The Standard, upgrade the experience by treating yourself to brunch at The Standard Grill, which is offering Easter brunch specials, including Crab Cake Eggs Benedict and Key Lime Pie.

Head to The Seaport on Saturday, April 8 for a boatload of Easter fun, including an egg hunt, stilt walkers, live jazz music, face painting and traditional Ukrainian egg decorating workshops. 

Most of the events are free, including the egg hunt, the scavenger hunt, music and crafts. However, be sure to book tickets in advance for the Ukrainian egg decorating workshops, proeeds of which will benefit UNICEF to support children and families in Ukraine.

While you're at The Seaport, enjoy some brunch at one of the neighborhood's spots, like Seeds & Weeds at Tin Building, The Fulton and Malibu Farm.

What's even more fun than an Easter egg hunt? A dragon egg hunt! 

This adults-only (21+) egg hunt on Saturday, April 8 and Sunday, April 9 offers a chance to search for 250 regular Easter eggs, plus five dragon eggs with tickets to The Cauldron NYC's Potion Experience. Other prizes include gift cards, a round of drinks or appetizers on the house. 

The event's hosted by The Cauldron, Becketts, Route 66, and Havana Social on the oldest street in Manhattan, Stone Street. Be sure to register in advance to get in on the fun.

Hop aboard a City Cruises experience for a festive meal on the water. Easter brunches and Easter dinner are available on Sunday, April 9. 

During the brunch, expect a 2.5-hour cruise aboard New York’s European-inspired, glass-enclosed vessel on the Bateaux New York Easter Premier Plus Brunch Cruise. Taste specialty wines, sip unlimited mimosas, dine on a three-course meal with table service, and enjoy live entertainment to kick off the special morning. 

If you're looking for a more casual option, try the Signature Easter Brunch with a holiday buffet and classic cocktails. 

For the Easter dinner, options abound for more formal or casual dining. 

Part visual spectacle, part olfactory wonder and part ooey-gooey sensory splendor, Sloomoo Institute’s slime museum makes for a ton of fun anytime you visit. But for Easter, Sloomoo's throwing an extra special party. The Easter Bunny will visit on April 8 and 9 from 9am to 12pm. You can find the bunny in Sloomoo's signature slimy chair for a very unique photo op.

Visit Sloomoo at 475 Broadway in SoHo. Reserve your tickets online; general admission costs $48/person and the enhanced experience including the chance to get slimed costs $80/person.

Brunch is competitive in New York City any time of year, and interest ticks up even higher on holidays. On Easter Sunday in particular, which falls on April 9 this year, demand for mimosas, bloody Marys, eggs Benedict and all manner of pancakes soars higher than rooftop bars. It's a good time to plan ahead, is all, and these restaurants are receiving some of the best Easter brunch offerings in NYC this year. 

Magenta orchids cascade from tall rocks, water gently glides along a waterfall, a fresh botanical aroma wafts in and gravel paths beckon visitors to explore. That's the scene at this year's highly anticipated Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. 

The annual orchid show runs through Sunday, April 23, offering a lush tropical escape without leaving the five boroughs. Regular admission tickets ($35 for adults) are available here. 

The Garden is open from 10am–6pm on Easter Sunday.