New York in November 2026
Fall colours, game nights and the first taste of the holidays. Our shortlist for locals and visitors planning the rest of November.
By Frances & Francis · Checked · All times New York time
We would start with Central Park, an NBA night and Bryant Park. The other picks give you options for a special occasion, a last-minute outing or Thanksgiving week. “On our radar” means we have not reviewed that event firsthand. Ticket availability and prices can change; confirm with the linked venue before travelling.
Catch Central Park’s fall colours
- When
- Go soon · weather dependent
- Where
- Central Park, Manhattan
- Cost
- Free
Our November walk still had plenty of gold. Make this an early stop on your November plans: colour changes across the park and will not last all month. Check the live foliage tracker before choosing your route.
Skate, browse and eat at Bryant Park
- When
- Open throughout the rest of November
- Where
- Bryant Park, Midtown
- Cost
- Free to browse · skating rentals extra
Come for the rink, then leave time for the food stalls and Holiday Shops. You can enjoy the atmosphere without skating. Rink admission is free; rental skates and other extras are charged separately. Check skating reservations before you go.
Afternoon tea at The Plaza before its closure
- When
- Book ahead · before January 2027
- Where
- The Palm Court, Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
- Cost
- Splurge · check current menu
A special-occasion stop to pair with a Central Park walk. The hotel has announced a closure of at least four years from January 2027 for façade restoration, affecting The Palm Court too. Afternoon tea is currently served from 11am to 4pm; reserve a seating and check the menu and dress code.
An NBA night: Knicks at MSG or Nets in Brooklyn
- When
- Selected home games · November 12–30
- Where
- Madison Square Garden / Barclays Center
- Cost
- Ticketed · prices vary
Two arenas, two different nights out. Our seat reviews show what we paid on earlier visits—not today’s ticket prices. Barclays lists Nets home games against Philadelphia (Nov 16), Chicago (Nov 18), Orlando (Nov 20) and Oklahoma City (Nov 30). For the Knicks, choose your date from the official MSG calendar and confirm the opponent and tip-off time before booking.
Nets and Barclays calendar · Our Knicks seat review · Our Nets seat review
Catch the final days of New York Comedy Festival
- When
- Through November 15
- Where
- Venues across New York
- Cost
- Ticketed · varies by show
A short window for a comedy night before the festival wraps. For one specific option, UCB lists What the Hell? An Incredible Improv Show on November 14 at 7pm, at 242 East 14th Street. Check the show page for tickets and entry requirements.
Miniature New York at the Holiday Train Show
- When
- From November 14
- Where
- New York Botanical Garden, Bronx
- Cost
- Ticketed · advance booking recommended
Make room for the Bronx in your itinerary. Model trains weave through New York landmarks recreated from natural materials. Choose a daytime visit or check the selected extended evening sessions, including November 27–29. The exhibition continues into January.
Jennifer Lopez in person at 92NY
- When
- November 15 · in-person program starts 6pm
- Where
- Geffen Stage, Kaufmann Concert Hall · Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street
- Cost
- Ticketed · check in-person availability
This event is in New York. The JLO Show: Live in Las Vegas is the concert film being screened; Jennifer Lopez joins a conversation afterward. Select the in-person option when booking. The separate 8pm streaming ticket covers the conversation only and does not include the screening.
Holiday lights and Anthony Ramos at Hudson Yards
- When
- November 16 · ceremony 6pm, doors 5pm
- Where
- Hudson Yards, Manhattan
- Cost
- Free public ceremony and exterior light show
The opening ceremony includes an announced performance by Anthony Ramos. If you miss opening night, the seasonal lights and free exterior Vessel light show continue through the rest of November. Entry inside Vessel is separately ticketed. Our older holiday post offers a feel for the neighborhood, rather than a preview of this year’s exact display.
A festive night with the Radio City Rockettes
- When
- Selected performances throughout November
- Where
- Radio City Music Hall, Midtown
- Cost
- Ticketed · varies by performance
The Christmas Spectacular is a festive show option for a first New York trip or a local holiday outing. Compare performance times before picking your seats. This is a Radio City production, so look for it separately from Broadway theatre listings.
The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- When
- November 26 · Thanksgiving Day
- Where
- Manhattan · check the official route
- Cost
- Free public viewing
The big date for Thanksgiving week. Plan around large crowds and check the official route, viewing restrictions and access information before setting out. We would keep the rest of the morning flexible rather than squeeze this between timed reservations.
SKULLPANDA’s OFF MODE pop-up
- When
- Through November 30
- Where
- 423 West 14th Street, Meatpacking District
- Cost
- Listed as free · check entry arrangements
A playful detour for a Meatpacking District afternoon, with immersive rooms and a shop selling collectibles. The event listing runs through November 30. Check opening hours and reservation requirements before making a special trip; purchases are extra.