Best Things To Do in NYC This Week (Nov 24–30, 2025)
Can you believe it’s already the last week of November? The city’s in full-on festive mode with Thanksgiving celebrations, Black Friday deals, and twinkling holiday lights setting the perfect atmosphere everywhere you look. So, if you’re ready to make the most of it, this guide to the best things to do in NYC this week (Nov 24–30, 2025) is exactly what you need. And yes, I’ve even included a few great options just outside the city for a quick little getaway.
Always check the official event pages for the latest info as details can change. Even if entry is free, be prepared to RSVP or pay extra for food, drinks, or special add-ons.
Fun Things To Do NYC Nov 24-30: Thanksgiving Parade, Dyker Lights
Free Fun Events
Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
Saks brings back its famous holiday light show with a fresh design this year. Watching from the Channel Gardens gives you a great view without the rush.
- When: November 24, 2025-Early January 2026
- Where: 611 Fifth Avenue, New York City
- Tickets: Free to visit
- Best for: Visitors wanting a classic NYC moment.
NYC Apple Orchard
No need to head upstate when Fifth Avenue has 20,000 pounds of apples waiting. Grab a bag, sip warm cider, and learn how Farmlink supports families across NYC.
- When: November 25, 2025
- Where: 261 5th Avenue, New York
- Tickets: Free admission (donations encouraged)
- Instagram: @farmlinkproject
- Best for: A quick feel-good stop.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
No matter how many times you’ve visited NYC or how long you’ve lived here, the Macy’s Parade still hits. The floats, the marching bands, and the Broadway numbers offer the classic NYC experience.
- When: November 27, 2025
- Where: The Parade will travel 2.5 miles on Thanksgiving morning, ending at the Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square.
- Tickets: Free to watch
- Website: https://www.macys.com
- Best for: Parade lovers, locals, and tourists.
Central Park Run Club Turkey Trot
Just show up, run a loop, and enjoy a free post-run bagel. It’s pretty simple, and that’s what makes it good.
- When: November 27, 2025
- Where: Loeb Boathouse (Central Park), New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Instagram: @centralparkrunnuing
- Best for: Anyone who wants movement before the big meal.
Wayflyer House of Black Friday
Scrolling gets old fast, so this in-person Black Friday pop-up feels like a better idea. Seventy-plus brands bring fashion, beauty, food, and home goods to one place.
- When: November 28-December 2, 2025
- Where: 95 Rivington Street, New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Instagram: @wayflyerapp
- Best for: Shoppers who like browsing IRL.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tours
If you’ve never done Dyker Heights during the holidays, this is your year. The entire neighborhood goes all out with towering Santas, inflatable reindeer, glowing snowmen, and bright lawns.
- When: Weekend after Thanksgiving until the end of the first week of January
- Where: From 11th to 13th Avenues (Dyker Heights Blvd) from 83rd to 86th St in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Free to explore (paid guided tours also available)
- Best for: Holiday display lovers.
Queens Craft Brigade
Over in Astoria, the Queens Craft Brigade is throwing its signature maker market. It’s filled with local makers, queer-owned brands, and handmade products.
- When: November 29, 2025
- Where: QED (27-16 23rd Ave, Astoria)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://queenscraftbrigade.com
- Best for: Shoppers who support local vendors.
Park Slope Tree Lighting
You’ll enjoy crafts, Santa photos, snow bubbles, hot chocolate, and live music before the tree lights up at 5:15. It’s cheerful without being too busy.
- When: November 29, 2025
- Where: 5th Avenue at 4th Street in Park Slope
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://parkslopefifthavenuebid.com
- Best for: Families wanting a friendly neighborhood event.
Grand Holiday Bazaar
Need to start (or finish) your gift shopping? Head to the Grand Holiday Bazaar, where you’ll find handmade jewelry, comfy knits, baked treats, and more.
- When: November 30, 2025
- Where: 100 West 77th St., New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://grandbazaarnyc.org
- Best for: Holiday shoppers.
Wicked: For Good Soundtrack Penn Plaza Pop-Up
This pop-up is packed with photo spots, merch, and giveaways like Glinda’s wand. Even casual fans end up feeling a little more “Wicked-ready” than planned.
- When: Until November 26, 2025
- Where: 2 Penn Plaza, New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Instagram: @wickedthesoundtrack
- Best for: Broadway fans stocking up early.
Holiday Under the Stars: Columbus Circle
Those giant glowing stars put on a light show every half hour, and you’ll find it hard not to watch twice. The extra lights at both entrances make it easy to grab a solid photo without trying too hard.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 10 Columbus CircleNew York
- Tickets: Free admission (some events are ticketed)
- Website: https://www.theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com
- Best for: People who love low-lift holiday fun.
Shine Bright at Hudson Yards
Two million lights, a giant floating balloon, Santa photos, and plenty of shopping fill the area. It’s an easy spot to drift around when you want something festive.
- When: Until January 7, 2026
- Where: New York City
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com
- Best for: Friends looking for bright holiday scenery.
PAC-MAN 45th Anniversary Macy’s Pop-Up
This pop-up features giant arcade machines, free games, and a generous dose of nostalgia. You might plan a quick visit, then stay way longer than expected.
- When: Until January 18, 2026
- Where: Macy’ Herald Square (151 West 34th Street, New York)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Instagram: @officialpacman
- Best for: Anyone who wants a fun break indoors.
Bryant Park’s Winter Village
When the weather turns cold, Bryant Park becomes the city’s holiday living room. Between the free ice skating (if you bring your own skates), 190+ holiday kiosks, and the smell of cocoa in the air, it’s impossible not to feel festive.
- When: Winter Village – Until March 1, 2026 / Holiday Market – Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 41st Street and, 6th Ave, New York
- Tickets: Free and paid
- Website: https://bryantpark.org
- Best for: Skaters and holiday shoppers.
New York Transit Museum Holiday Train Show
Back at Grand Central, the Holiday Train Show is pulling in again with tiny locomotives zipping through mini landmarks and even a pint-sized Polar Express. It’s free, festive, and a great excuse to linger in Grand Central without catching a train.
- When: Until February 2026
- Where: New York Transit Museum Gallery & Store (Shuttle Passage) Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd Street, New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://grandcentralterminal.com
- Best for: Train enthusiasts.
Minnie Rose X Zibby Media Holiday Pop-Up Bookstore
Books, soft sweaters, and author events all under one roof. It’s an easy place to wander when you want something calmer than holiday crowds.
- When: The pop-up is now permanent.
- Where: 1019 Lexington Avenue, New York
- Tickets: Free admission (RSVP for podcasts recommended)
- Instagram: @zibbyowens
- Best for: Readers who appreciate relaxed browsing.
Paid & Ticketed Things To Do
Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar
Mariah’s festive rooftop pop-up brings glitter, themed drinks, and the kind of playlist you already know by heart. Great lighting too, so photos turn out pretty well.
- When: Until December 28, 2025
- Where: Untitled Hotel (3 Freeman Alley, Freeman Alley, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Instagram: @mariahsholidaybar
- Best for: People who love holiday cocktails.
Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark
Christmas trees, games, hot chocolate, and heated glasshouses create an easy winter outing. You can make it quick or stay for dinner.
- When: Until December 30, 2025
- Where: 78 South Street, at Pier 15
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.santaswinterwonderlandnyc.com
- Best for: Families and groups.
Macy’s 2025 Holiday Window Display
Macy’s is bringing back the warm nostalgia this year with a window display built around its new holiday theme, “The Most Wonderful Stories Start Here.” Each window highlights iconic moments from Macy’s holiday past, blending classic charm with fresh visuals that make you stop for a second look.
- When: Until January 2026
- Where: Macy’s Herald Square (stretches along Broadway between 34th and 35th Streets)
- Tickets: Free to visit
- Website: https://www.macys.com
- Best for: Anyone who loves those classic New York holiday moments.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
For the traditionalists, the New York City Ballet’s Nutcracker is a must. Clara, the Sugarplum Fairy, and that 40-foot tree bring back all the childhood wonder.
- When: November 28, 2025-January 3, 2026
- Where: 20 Lincoln Center, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.nycballet.com
- Best for: Ballet fans.
Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
It’s not Christmas in New York without the Rockettes. This year marks their 100th anniversary, which means more sparkle, higher kicks, and a crowd full of people who planned their whole trip around this show.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: Radio City Music Hall (1260 6th Ave, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.rockettes.com
- Best for: Classic Christmas fans.
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
If you’ve ever wanted to walk through an enchanted forest, Lightscape is it. It’s where over a million lights create a glowing dreamscape of tunnels, firefly fields, and art installations.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.bbg.org
- Best for: Couples and families.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
The Bronx Zoo turns into a full-blown light safari, complete with glowing animals, lantern trails, and enough photo ops to max out your camera roll. Keep an eye out for the new snow slides and the icy throne photo spot.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://bronxzoo.com
- Best for: Families, kids, and light lovers.
Edge NYC x Museum of Ice Cream Pinkmas
Colorful ice-cream-themed installations fill the indoor sky deck, along with a banana jungle and fun photo moments. The views just make it better.
- When: Until January 5, 2026
- Where: 30 Hudson Yards, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.edgenyc.com
- Best for: People who love bright, playful scenes.
Christmas Carousel
This double-decker carousel spins daily in Greeley Square. Kids love it, and adults usually enjoy it more than they expected.
- When: Until January 6, 2026
- Where: Greeley Square (33rd Street and Broadway)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://34thstreet.org
- Best for: A fun midtown stop.
New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
Going uptown? The Holiday Train Show features miniature NYC landmarks made of twigs, seeds, and bark while tiny trains zip through a forest of lights.
- When: Until January 11, 2026
- Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.nybg.org
- Best for: Families, date nights, and anyone who loves mini things.
Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off 2025
Local bakers recreate NYC icons using only gingerbread and icing. Expect everything from brownstones to subway stops done in edible detail.
- When: Until January 19, 2026
- Where: Museum of the City of New York (1220 5th Ave, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.mcny.org
- Best for: Holiday browsing with something sweet to admire.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
You know it, you’ve seen it, and you’ll probably still smile when you’re there. Skating at Rockefeller Center is one of those bucket-list NYC things that feels worth it.
- Where: 600 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com
- Best for: Skating enthusiasts.
Skate at Domino Park
Domino Park’s rink mixes winter fun with Brooklyn energy. There are themed DJ nights, holiday parties, and plenty of space to fall gracefully.
- When: Until February 22, 2026
- Where: 15 River St, Brooklyn
- Price: Tickets will go on sale soon.
- Website: https://www.dominopark.com
- Best for: Friends groups and skating enthusiasts.
Gottesman Rink at the Davis Center
The new Davis Center Rink in Central Park’s north end is basically winter’s newest hangout. It’s community-driven, scenic, and has programs for everyone, from hockey lovers to tiny first-timers.
- When: Until March 8, 2026
- Where: East side of Central Park (between 106th and 108th Streets)
- Tickets: Adults (17+) – $10 peak / $5 off-peak, Children (ages 4–16) – $5 for all sessions, Children (3 and under) – Free for all sessions, Skate Rentals – $10, Add-ons – Lock purchase $5; Skate aids $10; Skate sharpening $15
- Website: https://daviscenter.centralparknyc.org
- Best for: Locals and families.
Wollman Rink in Central Park
Skate with skyline views and plenty of space to warm up between laps. Lessons, rentals, and themed nights keep things interesting all winter.
- When: Until March 15, 2026
- Where: 830 5th Ave, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://wollmanrinknyc.com
- Best for: Skaters at any level.
Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park
If your dream winter day involves skating under the Brooklyn Bridge, Roebling Rink makes it happen. It’s romantic, scenic, and just chill enough to enjoy the season.
- When: Starting November 24, 2025
- Where: Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Click here (Now on Sale).
- Website: https://www.roeblingrink.com
- Best for: Couples and skaters.
All Time Low
Not ready for Christmas carols yet? All Time Low is taking over with their high-energy “Everyone’s Talking!” tour. Expect sing-alongs, throwback anthems, and a lively crowd.
- When: November 24-25, 2025
- Where: Hammerstein Ballroom (311 W 34th St., New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.alltimelow.com
- Best for: Pop-punk fans.
Other Events/Activities to Check Out
- WOLF & BADGER X W HOTELS Holiday Pop-Up – Until November 28 at 1567 Broadway, 7th Floor, New York
- Alison Roman First Bloom Pop-Up – Until November 30 at Casetta Wine Bar (61 Hester Street, Lower East Side, Manhattan)
- Santa’s Secret – Until December 31 at 10 Columbus Circle, Level 4, New York | Ticketed
- You Found Me SKULLPANDA Pop-Up – Until January 6, 2026 at Penn District (430 7th Avenue, New York)
- Thanksgiving Day Parade Brunch 2025 *Best View* – Residence Inn by Marriott – November 27 at 1033 6th Avenue, New York | Ticketed
- NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade Viewing Brunch at GABRIEL’S RESTAURANT 2025 – November 27 at 40 Central Park South, New York | Ticketed
- Premium Thanksgiving Parade Viewing Brunch CENTRAL PARK ART GALLERY 2025 – November 27 at 108 Central Park South, New York | Ticketed
- NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade Viewing Brunch 2025 at Gotham Hall – November 27 at 1356 Broadway, New York | Ticketed
- Thanksgiving Disco Night at 230 Fifth Rooftop – November 27 at 1150 Broadway, New York | Free admission
- Pop-Up Collective NYC Holiday Market – November 28-December 28 at 57 Bond Street, New York
Still got energy after your Thanksgiving feast?
Don’t head straight into a food coma just yet. There’s plenty more to do around the city once the turkey’s gone. Check out my guide to the 16 Things To Do in NYC After Your Thanksgiving Dinner, from chill night strolls to festive pop-ups and shows.
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