Festivals in New York City
THE 10 BEST New York City Festivals & Cultural Events
Festivals in New York City
Category types
Events
Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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20 results sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Cultural Events
Randalls and Wards Islands
Art Galleries • Cultural Events
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Cultural Events
Military Bases & Facilities • Cultural Events
Cultural Events
Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas
Lookouts • Department Stores
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Cultural Events
Bars & Clubs • Theatres
What travellers are saying
- tinaNtravelSan Jose, CA2,153 contributionsWe were lucky to catch the Christmas show first week of January. The theater itself is very pretty, in particular the chandelier Christmas tree that was in the hallway when you first enter. On both sides is a pop in and out organ and during this show, both sides were out with two organ players. The show itself was fun and entertaining for all ages. It was certainly a nice treat before the holidays and even afterwards.Written 19 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tinaNtravelSan Jose, CA2,153 contributionsWe stopped by here to see the Christmas tree and ice-skating rink, The Christmas tree was huge and well worth seeing, but somehow the ice skating rink looks a lot larger in the movies than in reality. Of course, there was a huge crowd of tourists taking pictures of the tree, as were we, both day and night.Written 19 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Suzy BBedford, NH163 contributionsYes, we waited on our feet for hours in the cold, pouring rain, but there is no substitute for experiencing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as an on-street spectator. Arriving on the corner of 6th Avenue and 42nd street at 6 am put us one family back from the front. Next time we’d aim for 5:30 am arrival higher up in the 50’s where spectators are allowed on both sides of the street (one side is used for police staging in the 40’s). We passed the wait time chatting with our “neighbors” and the NYC police officers assigned to parade duty on our corner. Once the parade arrives, it’s good times all around with everything you know about the parade passing right in front of your eyes. Dress in layers, bring what you need for six hours standing in one spot and just do it. For an added bonus, attend the balloon inflation event on Central Park West the day before. You won’t be disappointed.Written 30 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Greg GCarrollton, GA3,270 contributionsI own a Comic Shop and started attending this event last year. Beginning this year, they created a specific day for the industry to get together and discuss issues. We also get to hear from others about how they are making their stores better. I hope this continues next year!Written 16 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Angela RStamford, CT349 contributionsLast night was an absolute blast! When I say there’s no place like New York City, I mean it—especially when it comes to celebrating Halloween. Sure, New Orleans has its charm, but NYC is a close second in my book.
What makes New Yorkers special is how their creativity and personality come alive during this season. The people we met and the experiences we shared at the parade were truly one-of-a-kind.
This year, we decided to go all out and dress up as Vikings. Our costumes turned out fantastic, and we had such a fun time showing them off! The weather was pleasantly warm, and the excitement in the crowd was infectious.
If you ever get the chance, I can't recommend visiting NYC during Halloween enough. Don’t forget to check out the parade—it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!Written 1 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Roger MRedhill, UK166 contributionsDespite the gloomy weather a lot of people turned out to this annual event. Good humoured and slightly bonkers!Written 12 June 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JanLinksGroningenGroningen, The Netherlands1,300 contributionsWhen You are in New York And You can see this, Go. But don’t travel more than 30minutes for It. But it is ok! A quiet nice experienceWritten 30 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Stacy G7 contributionsBucket list experience which is doable despite the hype about the cold. Expect to wait long hours.... the further back you are from the main square... the less of a party vibe and view of the ball itself... so try to get there early. The process to get in is also haphazard.
If you experienced a caribbean carnival... the ball drop will be underwhelming lolWritten 1 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - adventixBoston, MA2,005 contributionsThis year the festival was moved to Whitney Pond Park, LI. Parking and shuttle bus were easy and comfortable. The festival itself was OK. What I was mostly missing was some dynamic lights. Almost all the attractions were static illuminated sculptures. I think it is much more suitable for adults, which will enjoy the art. the kids just fast walk through all of it. Price-wise it is a bit expensive for the experience.Written 21 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- rmwhitt44Stamford, CT73 contributionsLots of interesting stands to choose from at this holiday market. Food stands were very crowded but the experience was fun! Convenient location near the subway means easy access.Written 23 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NYLadyDi2Binghamton, NY1,540 contributionsI liked the way everything was efficiently laid out and mostly in the shade. There was a huge variety of traditional fair food (from ice cream, blooming onions, fried dough and spedies to fresh lemonade and smoothies) and all sorts of vendors and entertainment. I paid the additional $5 to park at BCCC and ride the shuttle over. This was very convenient and we had no wait coming or going. I would make this an annual tradition.Written 5 August 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sharrieff B3 contributionsWonderful day had beautiful time, looking forward to seeing more w will be there again in June of 2025 will not miss, hope to have a wonderful time like the last time thank you for having meWritten 11 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.