NYC has something to offer every season of the year, but fall is particularly magical. The arrival of autumn fills the city’s calendar with theater, ballet, and celebrations as NYC starts gearing up for the holidays. From pumpkin patches and pumpkin spice to fall foliage and fun activities and events, there is something for everyone to experience in the city. Read on for the top things to do in NYC this fall.
See the Fall Foliage
The best thing about fall is its spectacular color show. Follow the New York fall foliage report to find out when leaves will reach their peak. Stroll around Central Park’s best spots to see the changing colors: the Ramble (73rd to 79th St.), the North Woods (101st to 110th St.), and the Reservoir (85th to 96th St.).
Rent a Boat on Central Park Lake
Rent an old-fashioned rowboat at the Loeb Boathouse through November and see the fall foliage’s bright golds, reds, yellows, and browns from a different perspective. Each boat holds up to four people, making it the perfect outing for dates or families alike.
Attend the Harvest Festival
The annual Harvest Festival returns to Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park Oct. 22 with a kick-off procession, arts and crafts, storytelling, lawn games, and a signature pumpkin patch to celebrate the changing of the seasons.
Visit the New York Botanical Garden
NYBG’s Fall-o-ween experiences for the 2022 season include plentiful pumpkins and hordes of gourds in the Conservatory Plaza, pumpkin carving face-offs, pumpkin parades, artisan demos with food and drink talks, and select beer sampling weekends.
Eat and Drink Pumpkin Spice (and all the Fall Flavors)
Fall is the season of pumpkin spice everything. Think: pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin spice cupcakes and muffins, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin spice cocktails. Check out these cozy coffee shops near The Manhattan Club that are sure to have what you’re looking for. Other classic fall flavors that steal the show every season include apple cinnamon, salted caramel, maple, chai, sage, pear, brown butter, ginger, and bourbon.
Watch the Halloween Dog Costume Parade
Tompkins Square in the East Village hosts the annual Halloween Dog Festival on Oct. 22 in what CNN has called "the largest dog costume parade in the world” with hundreds of dogs in costumes and thousands of spectators. The free event is open to anyone who wants to watch or bring their dogs in creative costumes.
Participate in the Central Park Pumpkin Flotilla
The Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla on Oct. 27 is always free and open to everyone. Carve a pumpkin, hear scary tales, and drop off your jack-o’-lantern at sundown. Find a spot along the edge of the Harlem Meer to watch your jack-o’-lantern float by in New York’s largest pumpkin flotilla.
Dress up for the Village Halloween Parade
The most fun and popular Halloween parade in New York takes place in Greenwich Village. Watch outrageous, spooky, and hilarious costumes in their full glory. The 49th annual parade is held on Halloween night beginning at 7 p.m.
Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The 96th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off the holiday season. You may have watched it on TV, but nothing beats being part of the holiday atmosphere. Check out The Manhattan Club’s guide to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade here.
Have a Classic Thanksgiving Dinner
Just because you’re on a NYC getaway doesn’t mean you have to forgo a delicious homestyle dinner on Thanksgiving. Check out OpenTable to find out which restaurants are open on “Turkey Day.” For a new take on the traditional, check out these NYC plant-based eateries that serve up tasty spreads every holiday.
See a Broadway Show
Broadway’s back with a plethora of new and exciting theater this fall. See what’s new here, including breakout shows like Death of a Salesman, The Piano Lesson, & Juliet, and Almost Famous. Book now with The Manhattan Club to get to your Broadway show faster. We're only blocks from Broadway. Plus, now for a limited time, we’re offering 20% off your nightly rate, a box of Leonidas Belgian Chocolates, and an Uber voucher. Read more.
Get Tickets to the NYC Ballet
Honor the holiday season tradition of watching the magic of Tschaikovsky’s iconic The Nutcracker at the Lincoln Center. George Balanchine's iteration of the classic tale is one of the most complex theatrical, staged ballets in the Company's active repertory - 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 40 stagehands, and more than 125 children, in two alternating casts, from the School of American Ballet join forces to make each performance as magical as possible.
For more seasonal things to do in New York City, visit The Manhattan Club Blog.
Enjoy a classic night of theater while you’re staying with us at The Manhattan Club. We're perfectly located in Midtown to provide convenience to the theater district and Central Park, as well as a host of other NYC attractions. Relax with upscale suites, unique amenities, and special extras in the heart of Manhattan. Choose from our best rates and special offers when you book direct.
