How to Watch the 2026 NYC Marathon: Best Spots Along the Route
A mile by mile guide to watching the five borough race, from Brooklyn dives to the Central Park finish line.
The season guide · 8 guides · dates checked September 30, 2026
The NYC Holiday Season 2026: Markets, Windows, Rinks, Parade and New Year's
From marathon Sunday to the last firework over Prospect Park: the markets, windows, rinks, parade and New Year's Eve, in the order they happen, with every guide we have written for the season.
Key dates.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center season opening
Official sourceWollman Rink season
Official sourceBank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park (rink)
Official sourceBank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park (Holiday Shops)
Official sourceTCS New York City Marathon
Official sourceChristmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
Official sourceRockefeller Center Christmas Tree arrival
Official sourceGrand Central Holiday Fair
Official sourceNYC Veterans Day Parade
Official sourceNYBG Holiday Train Show
Official sourceLightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Official sourceMacy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (the 100th)
Official sourceNew York City Ballet, George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
Official sourceRockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Official sourceHanukkah
Official sourceTimes Square New Year's Eve Ball Drop
Official sourceNYRR Midnight Run
Official sourceWinter Jazzfest
Official sourceMacy's Parade balloon inflation
Official siteUnion Square Holiday Market
Official siteColumbus Circle Holiday Market
Official siteMacy's Herald Square holiday windows unveiling
Official siteSaks Fifth Avenue holiday windows and light show
Official siteWorld's Largest Menorah lighting, Grand Army Plaza (Fifth Ave at 59th St)
Official siteProspect Park New Year's Eve Fireworks
Official site
Marathon weekend and November.
The season starts on the first Sunday of November, when the marathon closes the bridges and the whole city comes out to cheer. The rest of the month is foliage, Veterans Day and the first markets going up.
The Fall 2026 New York Bucket List
Thirty things to do between now and Thanksgiving, from a corn maze in Queens to catacombs after dark, the last Smorgasburg Sunday and a skeleton parade on Sixth Avenue.
Thanksgiving and the parade.
Balloon inflation the night before, the parade down Central Park West and Sixth Avenue in the morning, then dinner. Where to stand, where to eat and what to book now.
Things to Do in NYC in November 2026
From marathon pavement to Thanksgiving balloons, here is how to navigate the busiest and best month on the New York calendar.
Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in NYC
Skip the cooking and cleaning this November by booking a table at these exceptional New York restaurants.
Holiday markets and gifts.
Bryant Park, Union Square, Columbus Circle and Grand Central put up their stalls by mid November, and the smaller maker markets fill in the weekends through December.
Where to Eat Near Bryant Park
Dan dan noodles on 37th, oyster pan roast under Grand Central, a food hall in the Helmsley Building and rooftops for after work: where to eat around Bryant Park, plus Winter Village dates.
The Best Holiday Markets in New York City
Get into the festive spirit and shop local at New York's famous winter villages.
Ice skating.
From the famous rink under the tree to the free-admission rink in Bryant Park and the neighborhood rinks locals actually use, most open between late October and Thanksgiving.
The best ice skating rinks in New York City
Embrace the upcoming chill at the city's most magical outdoor and indoor ice rinks. These spots offer a perfect winter activity for every skill level.
December and winter.
Everything else that makes December and January worth staying in town for.
The Best Afternoon Tea in NYC
Fourteen afternoon teas in New York, from the Plaza's Palm Court and the Baccarat's crystal salon to a Japanese tea at the Waldorf and a $60 pot in the West Village, with prices, booking windows and the 2026 holiday teas.
