Discover the Best of New York City Year-Round: Seasonal Highlights for Every Tourist

Unique Attractions in New York City for Every Season

New York City has always had a special place in my heart. I was fortunate enough to live there for a year, which allowed me to truly immerse myself in the city. Over the years, I have returned many times, while the iconic landmarks continue to stand the test of time, each season brings out a different side of the city, providing fresh experiences and unique perspectives with every visit.

View NYC Seasonal Sightseeing Map on Google

Spring in NYC: Blossoms, Festivals, and Outdoor Fun:

Spring in New York City is a wonderful time to plan a visit. The mild temperatures make it perfect for exploring the city on foot. With fewer tourists around, you can enjoy a more leisurely exploration of NYC. Hotel room rates tend to be more affordable compared to peak seasons.

Cherry Blossom at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The bright pink Japanese cherry blossoms at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an event that draws New Yorkers in droves to capture on their phones during its approximately six-week bloom period. While there are many locations across the city to view these trees, the Botanic Garden stands out with its collection of over 20 cherry blossom species. Accessible via the subway, the garden offers free admission, and the peak bloom typically occurs in early April.

Tribeca Festival

The Tribeca festival is a major annual film festival founded by Robert DeNiro and showcases new films and emerging artists, showcasing about 600 films over ten days. The festival has grown in popularity and diversity, now incorporating music and video games, alongside panel discussions and live podcast recordings as part of its program. The festival offers a range of ticket options from single tickets to full festival access.

Macy’s Flower Festival

The Macy’s Flower Show is a unique floral exhibition hosted at Macy’s Herald Square on Fifth Avenue. Visitors exploring the flagship department store can take in the sight of the department store’s renowned brands presenting lavish artistic flower displays on all floors, savor a menu inspired by flowers, and experience a variety of new fragrances.

Summer in NYC: Sun, Heat, Theatre, and Music:

In the summer, New York City can become quite challenging. The sun heats up the asphalt, tall buildings block cooling breezes, and glass and concrete structures reflect sunlight, intensifying the heat. Many New Yorkers seize any chance they get to escape the heat by leaving the city whenever possible. Nevertheless, despite these obstacles, there are plenty of outdoor activities and attractions in the city that make a visit to New York City during the summer worthwhile.

Shakespeare in the Park, Movie Nights and SummerStage Concerts

Shakespeare In The Park‘s is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy free live theater in a beautiful setting, held at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park since 1962. This outdoor venue has hosted notable performances over the years, including John Lithgow in King Lear, Al Pacino in The Merchant of Venice, Anne Hathaway in The Twelfth Night, and Meryl Streep in The Taming of the Shrew. To access the venue, you can enter at 81st Street and Central Park West or at 79th Street and Fifth Avenue.

Note: Two noteworthy free outdoor events in New York City are Movie Nights at Bryant Park, where beloved films like Forrest Gump and Gladiator are screened, while you can bring your own picnic. The lawn for the screening opens at 5 pm, and the films typically start at 8 pm. “SummerStage” Concerts is an outdoor performing arts festivals held in Central Park, which runs from June to the end of August. The venue is located at Rumsey Playfield near Fifth Avenue and 72nd Street.

Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk

Coney Island is a historic amusement park and beach in Brooklyn, where visitors can enjoy a 2.7 mile (4.3km) boardwalk, playgrounds, amusement rides, courts for beach volleyball, handball, and basketball, as well as numerous restaurants and shops. Since 1983, Coney Island USA’s annual Mermaid Parade, has been highlight to attend. This colorful and quirky art parade takes place in June at 1 pm. You can easily reach Coney Island via the subway from the city.

Fall in NYC: Foliage, Thanksgiving and a Fear Inducing Parade:

Fall in New York City is another great season to visit, as the hot temperatures drop to a pleasant level. It’s THE time to enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage in Central Park while taking advantage of the more affordable accommodation options available during this shoulder season.

Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village

The Village Halloween Parade is a lively and creative costume parade that spans 1.4 miles (2.2 km) with over 1000 people dressing up on October 31st. The parade typically starts at 7 pm and lasts for approximately two to three hours, slithering up 6th Avenue from Spring Street in a spine-chilling procession of terror. Don’t worry, it’s suitable for most ages.

For those less inclined towards the thrills of Halloween, Open House New York is a weekend when the public get access to architectural gems that are usually closed to us. New York has been doing this since 2003, and features over 300 participating sites. In 2024, it will take place from October 20th to 22nd.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, hosted by Macy’s, is a beloved tradition not only in the city of New York but watched by millions on TV. It’s known for its giant balloon figurines and performances,  and takes place on the fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day). It starts around 9 am and finishes around noon, spanning 2.5 miles (4 km). The parade begins at 77th Street and Central park West, and concludes at Macy’s Herald Square. To avoid the large crowds at Macy’s, it’s often better to view the parade near the starting point.

Winter in NYC: Festivities, Lights, and Winter Wonderland Activities:

Winter in New York City is characterized more by dampness than snow, although January and February can be harsh. The biting wind is infamous, swiping through the city like a chilling ghost, intensifying the cold beyond actual temperatures. December tends to be a little easier, and more importantly, offers a magical experience with its festive lights, decorations, and holiday cheer.

Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

The Rink At Rockefeller Center operates from October to April. It’s generally open daily from 9 am to midnight and prices vary randing from $20 to $55 for adults. You can rent skates $15, and even get lessons if needed! I strongly advise you to book tickets in advance during peak times like weekends and holidays. If you don’t feel like braving the ice, visiting the rink is free and provides an iconic New York City experience.

“Fun” fact: I once witnessed the host anchor from Fox, Rosanna Sotto, break her wrist and fracture her elbow from a fall during the filming of a segment for Good Day New York while I was having lunch at the restaurant overlooking the rink. I can confirm, her former co-anchor, Greg Kelly did not trip her… Moments before the incident is captured in the image above.

Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays

Each year, stores along Fifth Avenue transform their windows into elaborate holiday displays, with Christmas lights illuminating the avenue, creating an unmissable tourist attraction. The most iconic display is usually at Macy’s Department Store in Herald Square, but don’t miss out on the stunning windows at Tiffany & Co., Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue. After a delightful dinner, I always recommend a stroll down Fifth Avenue after dark to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere.

The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall

A few years ago, I finally saw The Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular, a beloved New York City tradition at the iconic Radio City Music Hall. The Rockettes, an all-female dance troupe, first performed the show in 1933. During December, the 90-minute show runs several times a day, and tickets are easy to come by. The performance is suitable for all ages and truly captures the Christmas spirit.

Free Ice Skating, Broadway Week, Main Christmas Tree, and the Salvation Army

Lastly, a few more suggestions I’d like to note. The Bryant Park Winter Village features a holiday market and free ice skating (skate rentals costs money). Broadway hosts “Broadway Week,“ offering two-for-one tickets to many shows. New York City’s main Christmas tree is located at Rockefeller Center; it’s a Norwegian Spruce, though it comes from the U.S. Lastly, keep an eye out for the Salvation Army donation collectors around the city. Many are natural entertainers who put on impressive performances to encourage donations. You can usually hear their bells from afar.