What to do in November and December 2018 in New York?

November and December are my favorite months to visit New York because it’s the celebration of Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Weather forecast for November and December in New York

Average high: November: 12°C – 53°F //// December: 7°C – 44°F
Average low: November: 5°C – 41°F//// December: 0°C – 32°F

In the last 2 months of the year, New York experiences the fall season and then naturally winter comes but you’ll see that nothing is boring in this city. With fall, you’ll enjoy nice stroll in the streets of Greenwich Village and SoHo or even Central Park with its fall foliage. In November, you might still enjoy some mild temperatures during the day but watch out for evenings since it tends to be cold.

Then, keep in mind that snow can fall at any given time and for a number of days starting November, but in December when Christmas and New Year’s eve are celebrated you’ll experience a fabulous side of New York for the winter holidays.

Beware of temperature drop in the winter and make sure you are warm enough since you’ll be walking long hours. This isn’t the right time to get sick, but to comfortably enjoy New York.
When I say warm cloths, I really mean: warm walking shoes, scarves, hats and gloves if it’s extremely cold and a rain coat might be needed since it often rains in November.

Cultural events in New York

In November and December there’s several events you don’t want to miss!

The New York City Marathon

The first Sunday in November, the NYC Marathon takes place. Created in 1970, the New York Marathon welcomes athletes from around the world who have registered at one of the most famous and recognized race in the world.
This year, the New York Marathon falls on November 4, 2018. More than 35 000 registered participants in the last edition to cover the 5 boroughs or 26 miles (42, 195 km).

2018 New York Comedy Festival

From November 5 to November 11, the NY Comedy Festival takes place in several venues in the city.
It’s the festival you need in order to forget that winter ans its cold weather is coming. During this event typically from New York, you will see the biggest names in stand up comedies in different venues.

New York 2018 Veteran’s Day Parade

On November 10^th 2018, the Veteran’s Day Parade takes place. Each year, close to 20.000 people attend to the parade located between 23^rd Street and 59^th Street. You’ll see veterans, political figures, diverse veterans organizations and more.
This event has been around since 1929. More than 20, 000 people join the Veteran’s Day Parade in New York each year.
The memorial service starts with a ceremony at 10 pm at the eternal flame in Madison Square Park then the parade kicks in at 11 am.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November, 22^rd 2018

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is an annual parade sponsored by the department store, Macy’s. The parade lasts about 3 hours and takes place in New York on Thanksgiving Day, which always falls the 4^th Thursday in November.
You’ll see lot of trucks passing by in the streets of New York with notably famous balloon figures.

Are you planning to spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve in New York?

I wrote a whole post giving you travel tips to spend the holiday season in New York City with information on the:
– Christmas markets in New York
– department stores’ Christmas decoration
– ice skating rinks in NYC

Sports in November and December

Choose from NBA basketball, NHL Ice Hockey, NFL American Football or MLS Soccer:

In November and December, the NBA season is in full effect!!! If you like it or are not familiar with the sport, I really advise you to see a NBA basketball game!!! It’s a real American show where you won’t have time to get bored and you’ll see that it’s an American family tradition.

New York is home to 2 Ice Hockey teams: the NY Islanders and the NY Rangers

In Football, the 2 NY teams are the NY Jets and the NY Giants

As for soccer (or football), the local team are the Red Bulls and the New York City FC

Concerts and shows in New York in November and December 2018

New York is well-known for its shows in Broadway and concert in on of it typical venues, like the Radio City Music Hall, the Madison Square Garden or the Barclays Center to only name a few.

Memo

My fist trip to New York was in 2007 when I was working for an airline company. I was born in the US, I lived in Mexico, in Europe in between Belgium, Spain and France… Well, let’s say I know about travelling! I bring my experience of NYC to the blog, to provide the best travel tips you could imagine!