10 Can’t-Miss Things To Do In NYC This November

NEW YORK CITY — November is a busy month, with the year-end push at both work and school and social events marking the start of the holiday season, all competing for New Yorkers’ time.

There are two major holidays to plan around — Thanksgiving, which falls on the 27th this year, and Veterans Day, which is always observed on the 11th — as New York residents fill out their November calendars.

We’ve rounded up 10 can’t-miss events from around the city, including two winter light trails, holiday markets, post-Halloween pumpkin-smashing fun, a pre-Thanksgiving turkey trot, and more.

Are you planning an event this fall? Feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

Here are our picks:

Bryant Park Holiday Market

• What: Bryant Park’s Holiday Shops and winter village return this season, transforming the park into a European-inspired winter market and winter village curated by Urbanspace. Nestled along the park’s paths and plazas, the custom-designed “jewel box” kiosks feature unique gifts, local crafts, and artisan treats from New York and beyond.
• Where: Bryant Park, New York, NY 10018
• When: From Oct. 24 until spring

Viola's Room at The Shed

• What: Step into Viola’s Room, an immersive labyrinth of sound, shadow, and sensation from the creators of Sleep No More. Guided by an unseen narrator, visitors unravel a haunting gothic mystery where innocence fades and obsession takes hold.
• Where: 545 West 30th St., New York, NY 10001
• When: On select dates now until Nov. 16, More information here.

Pumpkin Smash

• What: Hudson River Park’s annual Pumpkin Smash returns this November, inviting New Yorkers to turn their post-Halloween pumpkins into compost. Bring your own pumpkin and enjoy smashing fun—then learn how your gourd will help keep the park green and growing all year long.
• Where: Pier 84, Hudson River Park, 555 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036
• When: Nov. 1

El Museo del Barrio’s Dia de los Muertos Celebration

• What: Celebrate Día de los Muertos at El Museo del Barrio’s Super Sábado on Saturday, November 1, with free admission from 12–6 p.m. Enjoy live performances, art-making, face painting, and a communal altar honoring loved ones past.
• Where: 1230 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029
• When: Nov. 1

New York Comedy Festival

• What: The New York Comedy Festival returns for its 21st year, bringing more than 300 shows and top comedians alongside rising stars to stages across the city. Events include performances, live podcasts, workshops and other special events.
• Where: In performance spaces all over the city. For events and venues, click here.
• When: Nov. 7-16

Hootenanny Concert: Celebrating Jewish Music + Summer Camp

• What: Congregation Rodeph Sholom is hosting The Hootenanny — a joyful night of Jewish music, camp spirit, and community benefiting URJ Eisner and Crane Lake Camps. The concert will feature top artists including Elana Arian, Noah Aronson, Michelle Citrin, Dan Nichols, Julie Silver, and more.
• Where: Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 7 W 83rd St, New York, NY, 10024
• When: Nov. 13

Studio Museum in Harlem Reopens

• What: After seven years of anticipation and $300 million in capital funds, the Studio Museum in Harlem has set an opening date. The museum, which focuses on work made by artists of African descent, will open the doors to its brand-new, 82,000-square-foot home on Saturday, Nov. 15, with a community celebration activating the new seven-floor space.
• Where: 144 West 125th Street, New York, NY
• When: Nov. 15

Lightscape

• What: Lightscape — the otherworldly light-filled winter trail — is returning to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden from Nov. 21 to Jan. 4. Now in its fifth year, the immersive experience features a mile-long trail with evocative light shows and 16 different larger-than-life sculptures made out of more than one million LED lights.
• Where: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, NY 11238
• When: Nov. 21-Jan. 4

Inwood Hill Turkey Trot

• What: The Inwood Hill Turkey Trot — Manhattan’s only Thanksgiving Day race — is back! Runners and walkers can kick off the holiday with a scenic 5K through Inwood Hill Park’s trails and fall foliage, all while supporting a great cause. All proceeds from the event go directly to support the Inwood Food Pantry.
• Where: Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
• When: Nov. 27

Disney Tim Burton’s "The Nightmare Before Christmas" Light Trail

• What: Step into a moonlit wonderland as Disney Tim Burton’s "The Nightmare Before Christmas" Light Trail returns to the New York Botanical Garden. Fans can wander through illuminated scenes from the beloved film, featuring Jack Skellington, Sally, Zero, and more — with expanded displays, themed treats, and spooky-fun merchandise.
• Where: 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10458
• When: Wednesdays through Sundays, now through Nov. 30

Macy's Day Parade

• What: The iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade returns for its 99th year to fill the city's streets with giant balloons, floats, marching bands, and even Broadway performances.
• Where: The celebration travels from the Upper West Side down to Macy’s Herald Square. For the route, click here.
• When: Nov. 27