Rossilynne Skena Culgan

Looking for the best things to do in NYC this weekend? Whether you’re the group planner searching for more things to do in NYC today or you have no plans yet, here are some ideas to add to your list for this weekend: Post-Thanksgiving Hikes, Small Business Saturday shopping, holiday light shows, the Rockettes, and Schtick a Pole In It—plus free events around town. All you have to do is scroll down to plan your weekend! Start planning a great month now with our round-up of the best things to do in December.  RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best New York attractions Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

Sure, New York attractions are known across the globe, but what about the lesser-known, secret NYC spots? Thanks to us, you don’t have to do much digging. This is a classified list of hidden parties in NYC, in-the-know dinners and buzzy speakeasies in NYC. Just one thing: Let’s try to keep this information between us, cool? RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in NYC

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is no doubt the highlight of Thanksgiving in NYC, kicking off the holiday season. It’s up there with the best New York attractions and one of the best things to do in New York in the fall. Before chowing down on turkey and sides, who doesn’t love tuning in to watch the fabulous floats, singing celebs, skilled dancers, top-notch marching bands and of course the iconic Macy’s parade balloons? Lucky New Yorkers can see the parade in person, but the rest of us can stay cozy and warm on the couch and check out the parade on TV in our pjs. The balloons in the Macy’s parade have evolved over the years, but they always feature beloved cartoon characters both old and new. This year’s parade will feature five new balloons alongside the classics. Whether you’re seeing the parade in person or watching from the comfort of your home, here are the Macy’s parade balloons to look out for, plus some photos from past parades to conjure up those Thanksgiving feels. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade Which Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons will I see this year? In this year’s parade, you’ll see giant floating versions of your favorite characters. Balloons this year include five new scene-stealers: Buzz Lightyear, PAC-MAN, Mario, Derpy Tiger and Shrek’s Onion Carriage. They'll join with classics like Smokey Bear, the Pillsbury Doughboy, Pikachu, Snoopy and Minnie Mouse. There are also four "balloonicles," hybrid balloon-vehicles that

Since New York City transforms into a magical wonderland with millions of holiday lights right after Thanksgiving, it's helpful to know where to find the best Christmas lights in NYC. Expect to see over-the-top inflatable Santas at the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn and iconic displays at Central Park and Rockefeller Center. Take it all in and get ready to “ooh” and “ahh” at these landmarks, holiday markets and neighborhoods that create the most picturesque holiday light displays during the holiday season.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in New York Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

Whether your Christmas queen is Mariah or Sabrina, it's time to begin celebrating the holiday season! We've gathered the best things to do for Christmas and the holidays in NYC. From uptown to downtown, the city boasts holiday offerings like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, festive light displays, and the best holiday markets NYC has to offer. Whether you channel your inner grinch or cheery elf during NYC's most wonderful season, we've got you covered with memorable activities. As locals, we've been to many of these events and are including some of our favorites right here. Check back for updates as we'll continue adding to the list as the holidays approach.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best Christmas hotels in NYC Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining.  Check out our Winter Village video: 

Every December, long lines form throughout Grand Central Terminal. No, they’re not lines for the Metro North or the subway. Instead, these lines are to see miniature trains on the beloved model railroad presented by the New York Transit Museum.  The museum’s annual Holiday Train Show features a 34-foot-long display festooned with tiny versions of city landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building. Lionel model trains depart from a miniature replica of Grand Central, then chug along over the East River and through the woods to reach their final destination, the North Pole. A tradition for 21 years, it’s one of the few free holiday events in the city—and it’s a magical sight to see.  Regina Shepherd, the museum’s acting director, is one of the people who make this moment of joy possible for New Yorkers. We sat down with her inside Grand Central to learn more about the display and what new surprises await this year. Go see it from November 13 through February.  Photograph: By Ben Hider / Courtesy of New York Transit Museum For someone who hasn’t seen the show, what is it? It’s a winter in New York scene where you can get transported from Grand Central up to the North Pole. There’s everything from the subway lines that run underneath the city to little stores on top. It includes the commuter railroads in New York, going from city to country. What makes the Holiday Train Show so special even after 21 years? Model trains are just magical ways to see the city

Last updated November 24, 2025: The glittering holiday lights are back, as the holiday season has officially arrived in New York City. Make the most of this festive season with Christmas and Hanukkah events sure to get you in the seasonal spirit. Plus, our city's iconic museums, big attractions and favorite restaurants have the coolest exhibits, shows and menus right now.  How we choose the best things to do in NYC: Time Out editors traverse New York City from end to end looking for the coolest things to do, the most delicious places to eat and the most impressive shows to see. We then pick the very best items to make it to this list each month.  From its art museums (The Met and MoMA) to its attractions (Broadway theaters and sunrises from the Empire State Building), we are certain that New York City is the best city in the world. Its dining and drinking scenes are still unbeatable with unrivaled bars, restaurants and creative culinary inventions. Every day, we’re discovering something new and wonderful about our city, whether it’s one of the best parks, incredible views, cool hotels, must-see art or quirky museums—and we’re highlighting the best of the best right here. Quick picks: The best things to do in NYC at a glance Central Park: The world's most famous green space, stop by to enjoy some peace and quiet. (Free entry) The Metropolitan Museum of Art: This massive museum spans 5,000 years of art history to get lost in. ($30/adult)  The High Line: This innovative reclaim

If you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC this week, or even for today, there are tons of fun options, including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, post-Thanksgiving hikes, an event with Slick Rick & Doug E. Fresh, holiday light shows, and awesome free events in NYC! For more ideas, scroll down to see this week's best things to do in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in New York Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is up, the weather is cooling down and it’s almost time for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! The tradition that began in 1924 is one of the best fall events in NYC, and we’re already looking forward to it. For now, look back on decades of photos of the creatures and characters that once took flight on the city streets on Thanksgiving in NYC. RECOMMENDED: The guide to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Time to toss 2025 to the curb and ring in the new year right with the best New Year's Eve events in NYC. No matter how you’re hoping to ring in 2026—sloppy, sober, laid-back or buckwild—we’ve got the NYE celebration for you. So don your festive getups and get ready for a night of amazing dinners and more first-of-the-year festivities with this roundup of the best attractions and events for ringing in the New Year. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to New Year’s Eve in NYC

Only one night of holiday celebration? Please. Hanukkah (or Chanukah or even Hanukah) means you have more than a week to drink and celebrate at some of the best bars in NYC, boogie at one of the best events in December and party your face off. Speaking of your mug, you should also stuff your face with fried foods (or hit up some kosher restaurants). Hanukkah 2025 starts at starts at nightfall on December 14, 2025 and ends with nightfall on December 22, 2025. L’chaim! RECOMMENDED: See the full guide to Hanukkah in NYC

Spending Christmas in NYC with your kids makes for a truly memorable experience. The city sparkles with joy and wonder, as kids of all ages get swept up in the holiday spirit. Once you’ve picked out your Christmas tree, you can see a spectacular holiday light show, take a few spins on an ice skating rink, shop holiday markets and more. After you’re done, warm up with a mug of hot chocolate and snuggle up at home with a time-honored classic Christmas movie. As the pros on delivering holiday delight for all ages, these are our favorite family-friendly events sure to make everyone merry and bright.

Sure, you've heard of wine pairings. But what about books and burlesque pairings? During this holiday-themed show at Caveat on Saturday, December 13, award-winning authors will read excerpts from their new books. Then, a burlesque or drag performer will present a spectacular new act they created that was inspired by the book pairing.  This literary evening of "lore and allure" boasts an excellent lineup featuring: Eshani Surya's debut novel Ravishing paired with a performance by Queensinera; debut novel The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery by Clarence A. Haynes as interpreted by Professor M.; a perfomance by Trinity Starlight coupled with Lauren Morrow's debut novel Little Movements; a reading of Elissa Altman's nonfiction book Permission: The New Memoirist and the Courage to Create paired with Fancy Feast; and Calamity Chang's take on Peter J. Kim's Instant Ramen Kitchen cookbook. The show's produced and hosted by Fortune Cookie. Local bookstore Book Club Bar (197 East 3rd Street) will sell signed copies of all the books featured at the show. Time Out tip: Tickets go fast for this show, but if it sells out, there will be a waitlist at the door. There's also a livestream option.

You won't believe how seamlessly good comedy can work with pole dancing (you can read about it here). While stellar stand-ups deliver sets, pro dancers give the crowd something stare at. Think of it as a full-brain experience. Comics Dan Goodman, Joanna Ross and special guests will welcome talented pole dancers and comedians from across NYC.  Every show features a different musical theme, and each one is full of surprises. This time, on Saturday, November 29, the music of Billy Joel will put audiences in a "New York State of Mind." Expect to hear jokes from five comics and see performances by five dancers. "They're not strippers, it’s not burlesque. It’s aerial dance with a side of crazy gymnastics, and death defying tricks that make your jaw drop," event planners explain. As the event organizers say: "If you don't see shows like this, why are you even paying the NYC rents?" See it at Drom in the East Village.

Spend an evening at this variety show featuring comedians sharing their joy in standing out. Comedian Lauren LoGiudice knows that being different can be tough, and that's why she's hosting her acclaimed Misfit Variety Show on December 3 at Brooklyn Art Haus to kick off the holiday season with a night of irreverent comedy and heartfelt connection.  "The holidays amplify everything — the pressure to belong, the ache of difference, the yearning for connection," LoGiudice says. "We need spaces that honor the complex, messy reality of who we actually are." What sets the Misfit Variety Show apart is its ability to transform personal discomfort into collective celebration. When audience members share their anonymous stories of awkwardness and alienation, the resulting laughter becomes a form of group therapy. "It's a space where everyone from the GenZ barista to the Boomer accountant are welcome to be appreciated for their uniqueness," as event organizers say. The show features standup comedy, storytelling, and some character work. In addition to LoGiudice, the lineup includes Carmen Lynch, Ethan & Gigi, Jackson Sturkey, Tom Achilles, Lexi Lewis, and DJ AIROS.

Jamaica, Queens' annual three-day celebration is back for its 11th year, running from December 5 through 7. Expect food vendors, an artisan holiday winter village, Christmas displays, the largest Christmas tree lighting in Queens on Friday night, a parade on Saturday, and toy giveaways on Saturday.  The Parade on Rockaway—the biggest parade in the whole borough—will take place on Saturday, stretching from 130th Street to 143rd Street on Rockaway Boulevard. 

Talk about shining bright! Two million twinkling white lights now adorn Hudson Yards for the shopping center's sixth annual holiday display. This year's seasonal illumination includes 115 miles of string lights, 725 evergreen trees dressed to create a gleaming forest and a massive 32-foot hot air balloon centerpiece suspended in The Great Room of The Shops & Restaurants.  New this year, look for a series of ten 11-foot-tall toy soldier statues, as well as photo opps with Santa's sleigh. On December 15, don’t miss the Hanukkah Menorah lighting celebration in partnership with the local Chabad of Midtown. In addition to the awe-inspiring light display indoors and outdoors at the Vessel, there are plenty of stores to shop for everyone on your list (including yourself). The lights will be up through January 7, 2026. 

Framed perfectly inside the park's famous arch, Washington Square Park's beautiful tree is a sight to behold. It officially lights up on Thursday, December 11 (6-7pm), and all are invited to the festivities. The tree lighting ceremony includes carols by the Rob Susman Brass Quartet and vocalist Linseigh Green. Santa Claus himself has promised to appear, candy canes in hand, to lead the illumination countdown.  If you miss the tree lighting, you can see the beautifully lit 45-foot tree throughout the holiday season, lit from 4pm-1am daily. Also mark your calendar for Christmas Eve caroling on December 24 at 5pm. 

Catch a free Broadway performance under the glittering holiday lights at Columbus Circle during Broadway Under the Stars. This series of free performances inside The Shops at Columbus Circle brings performers from some of the hottest shows right now for music and intimate conversations moderated by Broadway alumnus George Psomas. Performances happen on Thursday evenings from 5-6pm on the second-floor stage. While you're there, enjoy the seasonal spectacle with 300,000 shimmering lights and 44 floating stars illuminating the entire complex in holiday cheer.  Here's the full lineup: • November 13: Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Death Becomes Her, & Juliet• November 20: MAMMA MIA!, The Outsiders, Maybe Happy Ending• December 4: The Lion King, Aladdin, Hell’s Kitchen• December 11: SIX The Musical, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), The Queen of Versailles• December 18: Operation Mincemeat, The Book of Mormon, Chicago

Hotels like The Plaza loom large in the imagination. Even if you’ve never stepped foot inside of this New York City icon, you likely have some sense of the place, whether that’s from Eloise’s adventures “on the tippy-top floor” or Kevin McCallister’s surprising luxury retreat complete with a massive sundae. The Plaza not only lives up to its hype as both a place for rejuvenating relaxation and for posh leisure—it exceeds expectations in every facet.  From the moment I stepped inside, welcomed by the hotel’s signature gardenia scent, my eyes delighted by the floral displays and glittering chandeliers, I knew I’d arrived somewhere special—and I was immediately treated like someone special, too.  Why stay at The Plaza? This Fairmont property is a destination in and of itself and has been since it opened in 1907. You could stay on-property for an entire day and still get a solid New York City experience. With a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, the midtown venue has had an impressive guest list of celebs, from the Beatles to Liza Minelli, and it’s served as the backdrop for many cultural works like The Great Gatsby and North by Northwest. A night here is a divine treat, whether you’re visiting from out of town or need a staycation. What are the rooms like at The Plaza? Among the 282 guest rooms, there are a variety of options, starting with the Plaza King and going all the way up to the Edwardian One-Bedroom Suite King, in which I was lucky enough to spend the nig

And Scene is a half-scripted comedy show where actors and improvisers are paired up to perform scenes together. The actors can only say the words as they come in the script, and the improvisers don't know what play they're in, making for a truly chaotic and hilarious evening. The November 10 show at Caveat boasts a stacked lineup including the following improvisers and actors: Colby Minifie, Sara Haider, Mick Szal, Josh Sharp, Connor Ratliff, Jim Santangeli, Abra Tabak, Kaya Rosenthal, and Alex Dickson. Can't make it to this one? The next show's on December 15.   

Self-described "mad potter" Jonathan Adler, known for the quirk and charm in his stunning ceramics works, gets the spotlight at this new exhibit at the Museum of Arts and Design in Columbus Circle. The exhibition, The Mad MAD World of Jonathan Adler, combines Adler's own work with some of his favorite pieces from the museum's collection. You'll see more than 150 pieces of ceramics, metal, fiber and more that help to tell the story of Adler's 30-year career. It's on view through April 19, 2026. No matter your personal taste, there's bound to be something in this exhibition you wish you could take home. Perhaps it's the adorable fox with a twisty tail or the erotic vase decorated with breasts or the psychedelic spin on a Delft blue container reading "shrooms." Every piece is exquisitely crafted, of course, but it's Adler's signature quirk and charm that takes the show to the next level. How often can you say a ceramics show will make you chuckle? Adler's will.  Think of it as a thematic tour of Adler's fascinations. For example, the Authentica section celebrates the sleek forms of mid-century modern ceramics, while the Optimistica segment embraces exuberance in all its forms. Each section feels like gazing into a beautiful shop window—and that's by design. Legendary window dresser Simon Doonan, also Adler's husband, designed the exhibition.  The show is a full-circle moment for Adler, as he sold his first pots in the museum's store back in 1993, helping to kickstart his success

If you found your jaw dropping over the jewelry in the blockbuster films Black Panther (2018) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), then you've got to check out this exhibit at Museum of Art and Design in Columbus Circle. Called "Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture," the show features the jewelry Fletcher made for Queen Ramonda and the Dora Milaje, displayed with a selection of the films' costumes by Academy Award–winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter. The exhibition offers a behind-the-scenes look at how adornment defines character, advances world-building, and represents Black sovereignty on screen. Treat your eyes to these pieces in brass and gold featuring semi-precious stones. With bold, sculptural designs, this jewelry is meant to articulate Black identity and embody spiritual meaning. Expect to see 75 works from the artist’s collection, which tell Fletcher's story of growing from a self-taught metalsmith to an influential designer. It also explores how her practice exemplifies the ethos of Afrofuturism, a cultural movement that reclaims Black identity and history while envisioning egalitarian futures. It's on view through March 15, 2026.

When Studio Museum opened in 1968, it was the first Black fine arts museum in the country, and it remains the place to go for historical insight into African American art and the art of the African diaspora. The museum reopened in 2025 after a seven-year closure for construction. The new space, located on the same footprint along 125th Street, doubled space for the groundbreaking exhibitions the museum is known for.  The abstract, towering building is centered around a sleek stone staircase, which stretches throughout the building like a spine. At the bottom, there's a community hangout area called the stoop. At the top, a lush garden with skyline views will no doubt become a popular space in warmer weather. Throughout, exhibitions fill each floor, drawing pieces from the museum's collection of 9,000 pieces and highlighting works by artists-in-residence over the years.  

It’s no secret that Union Square is one of the buzziest neighborhoods in Manhattan right now. This bustling neighborhood is home to one of the busiest subway stations in the city, a booming business district and a whole lot of foot traffic. But the millions who traverse this neighborhood each year might not be aware of the secrets beneath their feet. From historical facts to transit marvels, here are some of the most interesting fun facts about Union Square.   RECOMMENDED: 10 surprising secrets of Washington Square Park 1. It was designed by the same people as Central Park Union Square Park has long been a must-visit spot in NYC—even longer than Central Park. Union Square Park first opened in opened in 1839 and then was redesigned in 1872 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the same team behind Central Park’s beloved landscapes.  Vaux and Olmsted were charged with executing a new vision for the park. They removed a fence and hedges that enclosed the space, opening it up to accommodate mass meetings, NYC Parks explains. They also planted trees and added an official reviewing stand.  Photograph: By Sean Mackell, NYC CLC 2. It was home to the first Labor Day Parade  That redesign turned out to be especially worthwhile, as just 10 years later, Union Square played an important role in the country’s first Labor Day celebration.  On September 5, 1882, a crowd of 10,000 workers paraded up Broadway and filed past that very reviewing stand, as NYC Parks documents. Shortly the

Exactly 5,280 Waterford crystals cover the 2026 Times Square New Year's Eve ball, creating a glittering spectacle that will be viewed by millions this December 31. Already an icon, this year's ball—dubbed The Constellation Ball—is bigger and more beautiful than ever before.  For the first time in the ball's 118-year history, circular Waterford crystal discs cover its surface, rather than the triangular shapes from years past. Three different sizes of discs combine to form the design, each one emblazoned with an intricate pattern. This year's ball measures 12.5 feet in diameter, weighs 12,350 pounds and features double the amount of crystals compared to its predecessors. It will light up with vibrant colors as it drops from the 139-foot pole atop One Times Square to herald the start of a new year.  RECOMMENDED: The best New Year’s Eve events in NYC For the renowned Irish crystal brand Waterford, this year's crystal discs symbolize infinite joy, infinite light and infinite beginnings, reflecting radiant optimism from every angle. Going forward, Waterford will change the design each and every year, reflecting themes to match the current moment. Photograph: Courtesy of Times Square Ball "The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball represents hope, unity and new beginnings," said Tom Harris, president of the Times Square Alliance, during an unveiling event earlier today. "For well over a century, this iconic symbol has brought people together from all over the world to celebrate the tu

After a hiatus in 2024, the beloved Saks Fifth Avenue New York holiday light show will return with a reimagined spectacle this holiday season. Expect a dazzling state-of-the-art show where "the lights will dance to a curated medley of uplifting music, creating a luminous celebration of light and sound," Saks announced today.  Though the lights dimmed last year amid financial uncertainty, the show is back this year as of November 24. It will run through Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas, lighting up each night for all to enjoy for free.  RECOMMENDED: Where to see stunning holiday lights in NYC The light show projects thousands of synchronized lights across the building's façade in time with festive music. Past displays have featured a Zodiac calendar, a castle and a tree, all festooned with illuminated flowers, icicles and plenty of glitz. The show repeats every few minutes after sunset until about 11pm.  The light-and-sound experience complements the store's six windows along Fifth Avenue. Each window display will bring enchanting New York City moments to life, from a snowy Central Park boat scene to a resplendent holiday tree. Additional windows will showcase Your Story in Lights, a visual ode to making the holidays your own, featuring motifs from the luxury store's holiday campaign and this season's fashions. Find it all at 611 Fifth Avenue (between 49th and 50th Streets) right across from the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and ice skating rink and wedged between an a

Consistently named to Time Out's list of best hotels in NYC for its skyline views, cool design and escapist energy, Hilton's Graduate Hotel on Roosevelt Island was known not only for the accommodations but also for rooftop bar Panorama Room and restaurant Anything At All. Now, it seems all three are set to close as of Monday, November 24.  Community news website Roosevelt Islander Online first reported the news yesterday, saying the reason for the closure is unknown. After the hotel opened in 2021, Hilton acquired it in 2024 as part of a larger acquisition plan for Graduate properties. We reached out to Hilton's public relations team but haven't heard back. RECOMMENDED: The 30 best hotels in New York City for 2025 The hotel's booking website lists all dates after November 24 as "sold out" online. Commenters online noted the tight turnaround on timing, with one writing on Instagram, "Right before the tourists come for Thanksgiving? Hmmm…" Another person who commented on the Roosevelt Islander's article shared "I had a 20 person family visiting and staying there for thanksgiving. I’m a Roosevelt island local."  Photograph: Courtesy of Graduate New York The hotel, accessible via the Roosevelt Island tram and the F train, helped to reinvigorate the East River island with its buzzy rooftop bar, arguably one of the best in the city. With luxurious velvet vintage-inspired tubular lounge sofas, chrome and marble touches, the luxe bar was known for its design as well as its cocktail

For New Yorkers, streets aren’t just a way to get from point A to point B. They’re our runways, our communities and sometimes our dining rooms. That’s the case with Orchard Street in Lower Manhattan, which is why we named it as one of the coolest streets in the world for 2025. New York City’s Orchard Street came in as No. 9 on the global list, joining with fellow USA streets Roscoe Street in Chicago and Pacific Coast Highway in Central Malibu. Rua do Senado in Rio de Janeiro took the top spot.  RECOMMENDED: The 31 coolest streets in the world in 2025 Each of the streets on the list boasts its own magic—views, architectural gems, museums, boutiques and more. Orchard Street, an eight-block stretch of the Lower East Side, is packed with fascinating shops, dining destinations and low-rise brick buildings. New additions to the street—like bookstore/podcast studio P&T Knitwear, photobooth museum AUTOPHOTO and a seasonal Open Streets program—attract crowds who are met with a bevy of dining and drinking options along the way. Photograph: Courtesy of Autophoto Perhaps most charming of all, the street still maintains its NYC authenticity and grit even as it changes. Old-school leather stores sit next to new galleries. Tattoo parlors abut fancy fragrance boutiques. Music spills out of bars while restaurants drag tables into the street for al fresco dinners.  The street offers a feast for the eyes—and the stomach. Stroll from end to end on these eight blocks, and you’ll be met with doz

‘Tis the season for New York City’s glittering holiday lights, bringing some much-needed holiday cheer across the five boroughs. Some installations are already switched on and others will illuminate very soon, transforming NYC into a winter wonderland aglow in spectacular colors. Dates have been set for nearly all of the most light-up celebrations across the city, and we’ve compiled them below. They’re listed in chronological order so you can find an event (or two or three) that fit into your schedule. We’ll continue updating the list as more festivities are announced, and if we missed one that you know of, email us (thisweek.ny@timeout.com).  What dates do Christmas lights go up in New York? Shine Bright Only at Hudson Yards Now open through January 7 Two million twinkling white lights adorn Hudson Yards for the shopping center’s annual Shine Bright event. The display includes 115 miles of string lights, 725 evergreen trees dressed to create a gleaming forest, and a massive 32-foot hot air balloon centerpiece. Harlem Holiday Lights Begins Thursday, November 18 Harlem is kicking off the holiday season with NYC's only parade of lights on Tuesday, November 18. After that, you can see the beautiful lights sparkling throughout the neighborhood. Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden Open November 21–January 4  Stroll through this illuminated trail of art with more than a million lights, plus dazzling colors and coordinated music. Be sure to snap a photo in the iconic Winter Cathed

As Miley Cyrus sings in her hit "Flowers:" "I can buy myself flowers." And buy flowers we will at Cj Hendry's new brick-and-mortar Flower Shop, now open at 172 Prince Street in Soho. After two years of sold-out Flower Market pop-ups, where fans lined up for city blocks to snag one of Hendry’s felt, soft, sculptural blooms, this marks the artist’s first physical shop. Unlike those fleeting installations, Flower Shop gives New Yorkers the chance to experience her work anytime, no RSVP or waiting list required. RECOMMENDED: Incredible immersive experiences to do in NYC right now The space reimagines the traditional florist from the ground up. Inside, guests will find walls lined with velvety stems in every color and shape, all crafted with Hendry’s signature attention to detail. The flowers may be fake, but their emotional resonance is real. And look for a new exclusive plush flower to drop every day, offering up a reason to return over and over. Maybe this is your new daily latte? Photograph: Courtesy of Cj Hendry Studio “Flowers are one of those universal things—people buy them for every occasion, from celebrations to apologies,” Hendry said in an official statement. “But the sad part is they’re gone in a few days. Flower Shop flips that idea on its head. These flowers never die, which makes them funny, a little cheeky, and—hopefully—the most fun gift you’ll ever give.” Open from 10am to 6pm, seven days a week, Flower Shop is perfectly timed for the holiday season rush. Each

Though only a few vestiges of this history remain, Union Square used to be known as New York City’s "Book Row," a literary commercial corridor once home to over three dozen booksellers between Union Square and Astor Place. A new abstract artwork captures the spirit of that literary legacy.  Titled Recess: Reads, this bright red steel sculpture by New York-based artist Fitzhugh Karol will soon be displayed at Triangle Plaza in Union Square. This eight-foot-tall artwork invites passersby to pause, play and discover new perspectives on a familiar cityscape. See it from November 19 through June 2026. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC right now "Union Square's history as New York's literary heart made it the perfect setting for Recess: Reads. The sculpture is inspired by the simple, transformative act of opening a book—an invitation to pause, reflect, and discover new perspectives," Karol said in a press release. "I wanted to create a form that feels both playful and grounding, one that people can move through, lean against or simply enjoy as part of the landscape. My hope is that it sparks curiosity and connection, much like the books and stories that once defined this neighborhood."  Karol initially created the artwork as part of a series for a children's library in Oklahoma City, then it traveled around the country before making its way to New York City. The piece is designed with a bi-fold shape as a nod to an open book. A circular hole in the center invites viewers to

The Studio Museum in Harlem first opened in an era of sociopolitical upheaval in 1968 following civil rights demonstrations, anti-war protests and the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. Now, more than 50 years later, the museum dedicated to Black art reopens once again in another era marked with political turmoil. Through the decades, the museum has stayed dedicated to exploring art by artists of African descent in a way that’s both “hyper local and super global,” as Thelma Golden, the museum’s chief curator explained during a press preview this morning.  Closed for construction since 2018, the building is set to reopen on Saturday, November 15, with a seven-floor, 82,000-square-foot footprint that doubles the space for groundbreaking exhibitions. “This building says to the world: Harlem matters. Black art matters. Black institutions matter,” the museum’s board chairman Raymond J. McGuire told reporters today.  RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now This is the first time the Studio Museum has a purpose-built home. When it debuted in 1968, it popped up in a second-floor loft just north of 125th Street. Eventually, it moved to a commercial building at 144 West 125th Street, adapting the space into a museum. Over the years, the building expanded, but it wasn’t until this renovation that the museum secured a space expressly designed for art and community thanks to a $300 million fundraising campaign, along with designs by Adjaye As

You can smell it before you see it, the air thickly perfumed with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. And then when you do see it, there’s a moment of cognitive dissonance: How could a giant everything bagel with crispy, toasted onion flakes smell sweet? That’s because this massive, intricately crafted bagel is actually made of gingerbread as part of Museum of the City of New York’s annual Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off 2025. More than a dozen bakers across the city crafted their own versions of iconic NYC places, buildings and spirit, with the bagel sculpture collecting three awards this year. You can go see all of the gingerbread creations (and vote for your favorite) at the museum in East Harlem now through January 19, 2026. RECOMMENDED: Christmas in New York: The best things to do for a magical time this holiday season Now in its fourth year, Gingerbread NYC welcomes professional and amateur bakers to design fully edible gingerbread structures. This year’s “Iconic New York” theme saw everything from brownstones and Broadway to skyscrapers and subways.  Photograph: By Brad Farwell for MCNY For Juliet Galea, choosing to create a bagel and a to-go coffee was a natural fit. “No matter where you’re from in the world, here in the city, we’re all connected by a bagel and a coffee. It doesn’t make a difference where you’re from or if you speak English or not,” she tells Time Out. To create the design, she had to contend with making her food-inspired structures solid but n

Happy Halloweek, New York! Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun or some raucous 21+ partying, there are tons of events to keep you entertained in NYC this weekend. We've picked 10 of our favorites Halloween events below and listed dozens more in our full guide here. Keep scrolling for trick-or-treating, Halloween parties, parades, spooky stories and a pumpkin photo opp.  RECOMMENDED: The best Halloween events for 2025 in NYC Photograph: Courtesy Village Halloween Parade/Virginia Rollison 1. Village Halloween Parade The iconic Village Halloween Parade is a must-see, whether you're marching, watching from the sidelines or just watching on TV. The parade through Greenwich Village is back Halloween, Friday, October 31. Expect more than 50,000 zombies, ghouls, witches, monsters, robots, Jedis, giant puppets and more things that go bump in the night take to the streets for a night of costumed revelry.  Courtesy of the East Midtown Partnership10th Annual Halloween in East Midtown 2. Trick-or-treat through East Midtown More than 100 businesses in the East Midtown district are throwing open their doors to welcome trick-or-treaters aged 12 and under and their families to their annual Halloween celebration on Friday, October 31 from 3pm to 7pm.  Photograph: Courtesy of Single and the City 3. Find Your "Boo" Halloween Singles Party Being single on Halloween doesn't have to be scary. Find your "boo" at the Halloween Singles Soiree happening on Halloween night hosted by S

This Sunday, more than 50,000 runners will take to the five boroughs' streets for the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. As they traverse a challenging 26.2-mile course across the city, they'll be raising money for charities, chasing personal goals and hopefully having a ton of fun as the city turns into a party. Among the crowd, expect to see a few familiar faces. These stars—from the TV, film, sports and entertainment worlds—will put their personal mettle to the test as they try to earn a medal for running 26.2 miles across all five boroughs. If you want to cheer them on, here’s our guide to the best places to watch. You can also follow along with their times on the NYC Marathon app.  RECOMMENDED: The NYC Marathon 2025 guide Which celebrities are running the NYC Marathon 2025?  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Claire Holt (@claireholt) Actors  Merle Dandridge – The Broadway star and actor who recently completed a run as Persephone in Hadestown will run to support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Claire Holt – See if you can spot the actress known for her roles in The Vampire Diaries and Pretty Little Liars. Jordan Litz – The Broadway star and actor who currently stars as Fiyero in Wicked will support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.  Patina Miller – The Tony Award-winning Broadway star and actor is known for her role in Sister Act. Oliver Phelps – Best known for playing George Weasley in the Harry Potter film adaptations a