Best Things To Do in NYC This Week (Nov 17–23, 2025)
November’s moving fast, and New York’s officially in its “hot cocoa and holiday chaos” era. Between light shows, concerts, and pop-up markets, the city’s packed with ways to make the most of this week. To help you plan your next few days around town, this guide to the best things to do in NYC this week (Nov 17–23, 2025) is packed with can’t-miss events, foodie finds, and festive experiences worth bundling up for.
Heads up: Always check the official event pages for the latest info—details can change. Free entry might still need an RSVP or have separate costs for food, drinks, or activities.
Things To Do NYC Nov 17-23: Stevie Nicks, NYBG Train Show & More
Free Fun Events
Diamond Crystal Salt’s House of Brining
Thanksgiving prep but with a spa day twist? The House of Brining pop-up reimagines brining as self-care, complete with custom spice blends, mini massages, and free goodies.
- When: November 20, 2025
- Where: 95 Rivington Street, New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.houseofbrining.com
- Best for: Foodies, home cooks, and wellness fans.
Homecoming Bazaar
If your weekend plans involve “just browsing,” the Homecoming Bazaar at Grand Bazaar NYC might test your willpower. This community market is filled with local gems, such as vintage fashion, handmade jewelry, global textiles, and gourmet treats.
- When: November 23, 2025
- Where: 100 West 77th St., New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://grandbazaarnyc.org
- Best for: Weekend wanderers and local shoppers
Nature Made Wellness Experience at TENSPACE
Feeling burnt out already, and it’s not even December? Swing by TENSPACE for the Nature Made Wellness Experience, where you can sample vitamins, make a self-care promise, and feel a little more balanced before heading back into the city rush.
- When: Until January 31, 2026
- Where: SoHo (434 Broadway, New York)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.tenspacebrand.com
- Best for: Anyone in need of a wellness break.
NY Transit Museum Holiday Train Show
The Holiday Train Show at Grand Central returns with model trains, tiny landmarks, and a glittering North Pole finish line. It’s pure nostalgia on rails, and it’s totally free.
- 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: Kids and grown-ups who love model trains.
Bryant Park’s Winter Village
It’s official: Bryant Park’s Winter Village is in full swing, and the city’s holiday season has started. Grab your skates (or rent some), glide under the skyline, and check out the holiday shops that make this park feel like a winter fairytale.
- 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: Ice skaters, gift hunters, and people who love a good midtown moment.
Paid & Ticketed Things To Do
The Big Shabbat
A dinner with 3,000 people? The Big Shabbat is going for a Guinness World Record with a kosher vegetarian feast, pounds of salmon, mountains of challah, and thousands of hors d’oeuvres. Just remember, once the meal starts, no leaving your seat for an hour — Guinness rules.
- When: November 21, 2025
- Where: North Javits (445 11th Avenue, New York)
- Tickets: Currently sold out, but you can join the waitlist.
- Website: https://www.thebigshabbat.com
- Best for: Foodies and anyone who wants to be part of a world record.
Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
A New York Christmas isn’t complete without the Rockettes. This year marks their 100th anniversary, so expect even more sparkle, synchronized kicks, and holiday nostalgia.
- 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: Holiday traditionalists.
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
This one’s pure enchantment. Lightscape transforms the Brooklyn Botanic Garden into a glowing wonderland with over a million lights, art installations, and yes, a giant “Winter Cathedral” tunnel perfect for selfies.
- When: November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026
- Where: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.bbg.org
- Best for: Couples, friend groups, and anyone who loves a stroll.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Forget regular zoo trips because the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights turns the whole place into a glowing wildlife wonderland. Enjoy glowing animal lanterns, millions of LEDs, snow tube slides, and even an illuminated ice throne.
- When: November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026
- Where: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://bronxzoo.com
- Best for: Families and anyone who loves holiday lights.
New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
If you’ve never seen a city built entirely from bark, seeds, and leaves… well, here’s your chance. The Holiday Train Show at NYBG is back, featuring mini trains that zip past natural replicas of iconic NYC landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.
- When: November 15, 2025-January 11, 2026
- Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.nybg.org
- Best for: Families and train enthusiasts.
Skate at Domino Park
Over in Brooklyn, SKATE at Domino Park keeps things fresh with DJ nights, live performances, and themed skating parties. Twirling gracefully or just trying not to fall? Well, it’s all part of the fun.
- When: Until February 22, 2026
- Where: 15 River St, Brooklyn
- Price: Tickets will go on sale soon.
- Website: https://www.dominopark.com
- Best for: Group hangs.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Skating under the golden Prometheus statue at Rockefeller Center never gets old. It’s touristy, it’s iconic, and it’s still one of the most magical spots in the city. Go early if you can, as lines can get long once the tree lights up later this month.
- Where: 600 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com
- Best for: Tourists and first dates.
Gottesman Rink at the Davis Center
Good news for uptown, the Harlem Meer now has its very own ice rink. The Davis Center Rink is the city’s newest spot for winter skating, hockey, and figure skating lessons with a killer view.
- 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: Families and skating/hockey enthusiasts.
Concerts
Maroon 5 – LOVE IS LIKE Tour
Adam Levine and the band are back, and their latest tour brings all the hits and new songs, from “This Love” to “Sugar.” Expect big energy, nostalgia, and a few people trying (and failing) not to sing along.
- When: November 19-20, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.maroon5.com
- Best for: Pop-rock fans.
Stevie Nicks
The legend herself, Stevie Nicks, graces NYC this week. Her voice, her energy, that unmistakable aura — it’s all there. Prepare for a night of goosebumps and maybe some tears during “Landslide.”
- When: November 19, 2025
- Where: Barclays Center (620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://stevienicksofficial.com
- Best for: Fleetwood Mac fans and pop-rock listeners.
Katseye
If you’ve been watching this global girl group on TikTok, here’s your chance to see them live. Katseye’s mix of powerhouse vocals and choreography is pure pop perfection, and they’re bringing that global energy straight to New York.
- November 21: Hammerstein Ballroom (311 W 34th St., New York)
- November 22: The Theater at Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here (Nov 21) or here (Nov 22).
- Website: https://www.katseye.world
- Best for: EYEKONS and pop fans.
Feeling the holiday spirit yet?
If this week’s plans have you in full festive mode, you’ll love my next read — How to Experience Holiday in NYC on a Budget: A Guide to Free & Cheap Fun. It’s packed with wallet-friendly ideas to keep the cheer going without breaking the bank. Because in New York, you don’t need to spend big to have a magical time.
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