November hosts several big events in the Big Apple, such as the New York City Marathon and the New York Comedy Festival. And with the holiday season is fast approaching, the city is alive with the excitement of both Thanksgiving and the upcoming Christmas holidays. From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the unveiling of the legendary holiday storefront windows, November is a beautiful time of year to experience the magic of Manhattan.
New York City Marathon
This annual event which takes place the first Sunday is November has evolved over the last few decades from a modest few dozen runners to the largest marathon in the U.S. The course runs through all five boroughs in New York City, with the finish line located in Central Park. Over two million spectators fill the city to cheer on their favourite athlete, and the event is watched by an estimated 315 million viewers around the world. Entry to the New York City Marathon is gained by a lottery system due to its massive popularity- more than 100,000 people apply each year.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. takes place on the fourth Thursday in the month of November, and lucky travellers who are in Manhattan at this time should check out the incredible spectacle that is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This annual Thanksgiving Day tradition is a popular destination for travellers and home-grown New Yorkers alike. The colourful festivities get started at 9a.m. at 77th Street and Central Park West, and the best place to watch the parade go by is between 61st and 72nd Streets on Central Park West. Arrive early for an optimal viewing area and remember to bundle up. For more detailed information on the parade route, visit the official Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade website.
Holiday Storefront Windows
The Fifth Avenue shopping area and its world-renowned boutiques are already a popular destination for travellers, but the stunning holiday storefront windows are an absolute must-see. Unveiled in mid to late November, retailers like Bergdorf Goodman at 57th and 58th Streets offer holiday shoppers creative and colourful displays that draw crowds of window-gazers. Sak's Fifth Avenue at 50th Street showcase animated windows with imaginative themes; past windows have been inspired by children’s story books and feature mannequins adorned with creations by famous designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Ralph Lauren. Macy’s also unveils an elaborate set of displays along Broadway and 34th Street, with the windows along 34th inspired by scenes from the classic movie Miracle on 34th Street. And not to be outdone by the others, Bloomingdale's flagship location at 59th Street unveils spectacular holiday displays in its Lexington Avenue windows with a different theme every year.
New York Comedy Festival
Comedians like Ricky Gervais, Tracy Morgan and Andy Samberg are some of the big names that take the stage at the New York Comedy Festival, along with 150 other entertainers. Shows take place at ten venues across New York City, including Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden and Carolines on Broadway. Tickets to each event can be purchased online.
Other fun events to check out in New York in November include the annual Chocolate Show, where visitors can cross the chocolate lovers off their Christmas list. The show features hundreds of exhibitors offering delicious delicacies. This massive all-about-chocolate event also features demonstrations by chocolatiers and pastry chefs, and a chocolate fashion show. Tickets are $28 and available online.
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