EVERY SEASON HAS ITS OWN MAGIC
If you’ve decided that New York is your next destination, the next big question will be: “But when should we go?” Needless to say, New York is dazzling year-round, but each season holds its own unique charm…
Let’s look at the key factors to consider when choosing your travel dates.
SEASONS, TEMPERATURES & DAYLIGHT
New York has a climate similar to Hungary.
WINTER
Winter is usually harsh with little daylight. While this may seem unfavorable, it actually makes the city perfect for more intense sightseeing and gives it a unique charm that many people adore. The Christmas decorations, festive atmosphere, and snow add a magical touch—wherever you look, the lights warm your heart.
Many visitors head to Dyker Heights during this season, where the neighborhood is famous for its over-the-top Christmas lights and decorations. There isn’t a single house without glowing displays (more details below).
Winter temperatures in New York generally range between 6°C and -3°C, with January being the coldest month.
During winter, it’s best to choose indoor activities, giving you the chance to warm up—just like New Yorkers do. Here are a few classic things to enjoy in winter:
BROADWAY MUSICALS
Broadway musicals are world-famous and offer an unforgettable spectacle. Broadway has been the home of musicals for decades, and seeing a show here is truly a once-in-a-lifetime New York experience—especially on cold or rainy winter days.
Many visitors hesitate due to language barriers or ticket prices, but I highly recommend it. If you book tickets in advance, prices are much lower.
👉 You can buy tickets here: Broadway Shows & Tickets
SPORTS EVENTS & GAMES
Attending an American sports game—whether basketball, ice hockey, or baseball—is not something most Europeans are familiar with, but it’s an amazing cultural experience.
The atmosphere in the arenas is electrifying: families, kids, young people, and seniors all gather together, united by the joy of sports. The sheer size of the stadiums will take your breath away.
- Basketball – New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets
- Ice Hockey – New York Rangers
All are played in indoor arenas, making them a great choice for winter.
ICE SKATING IN NEW YORK
Bryant Park or Rockefeller Rink – these are the iconic spots if you want to experience ice skating in New York. They are world-famous and truly beautiful rinks. Of course, there are many more skating rinks in the city, but these two are centrally located and have a unique charm of their own.
CHINESE NEW YEAR
The Chinese New Year, which usually takes place between late January and early February (the exact date depends on the second new moon after the winter solstice), brings vibrant celebrations to the city. And of course—where else but in Chinatown? The festival combines cultural dance, music, and martial arts performances, ending with spectacular fireworks.
CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK
Let’s take a look at the main activities that are unique to this season—traditions you won’t find at any other time of the year.
THE ROCKEFELLER CENTER CHRISTMAS TREE
Between late November and early December (I’ll detail this in another article), the lights of the world’s most famous Christmas tree are switched on again. For 80 years, this tree has been a major tourist attraction.
As many movies have shown us over the decades, the tree stands above the ice rink at the base of the magnificent Rockefeller Center complex, remaining lit for several weeks after the official lighting ceremony.
📍 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN DYKER HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN
After Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday of November), the brightest spot in all of New York is without doubt Dyker Heights in Brooklyn.
It is absolutely worth visiting—this neighborhood takes holiday decorations to an extreme level that is hard to beat.
This tradition started with the residents of Dyker Heights, who either hire professional decorating companies or do it themselves, covering their homes with thousands of lights, toy soldiers, reindeer, Santas, and angels—many of them moving or set in choreographed displays. You have to see it to believe it. It’s a full-on Christmas show.
The area isn’t easy to reach by public transportation, so if you don’t want to miss out, you can join a guided tour here:
👉 Brooklyn & Coney Island Tour
(The tour runs from late November to mid-January—basically from Thanksgiving until Epiphany.)
📍 11th–13th Avenue, 83rd–86th Street
CHRISTMAS SHOW AT RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
Another must-see holiday highlight is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the world-famous Rockettes. Since 1933, this 90-minute theatrical performance has been presented every year, with more than 140 performers showcasing traditional dances, songs, and sketches.
It’s highly choreographed, making it enjoyable even for those who don’t understand much English.
I organize tours to Radio City every Monday evening during the season (mid-November to mid-January). If you’d like to join, you can sign up here.
📍 Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas
NEW YEAR’S EVE AT TIMES SQUARE
This is one of the world’s most iconic events: the famous ball drop at Times Square.
Huge crowds gather, waiting in the cold for hours just to see the clock strike midnight. If you don’t arrive early enough, you’ll only be able to watch from a distance.
Here, it’s considered “the event of events at the center of the world.” Experiencing it—even once in your life—is said to be worth every bit of effort.
SUMMER
Summer in New York means heat (sometimes extreme) and long days filled with light—perfect for walks, day trips, and outdoor activities, but sometimes exhausting. Humidity is very high, subway stations can feel stifling, and the transition between hot streets and air-conditioned trains is intense. Always carry a scarf or light sweater.
The first question to ask yourself: “How well do I handle the heat?” If your answer is “pretty well,” then summer in New York is for you. The city is in its full glory during this season, thanks to the warmth and long daylight hours.
It’s no coincidence that summer is one of the busiest tourist seasons (besides Christmas), attracting millions of visitors from around the world.
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Boat Tours & Cruises – A must-do in any season, but in summer the fresh breeze is especially refreshing. A Hudson River cruise lets you cross under iconic bridges and admire the Statue of Liberty up close. This will be one of the highlights of your trip—I guarantee it.
New York has many cruise companies offering tours, sailing trips, speedboats, and rentals. Tours run at different times of day and along different routes, so you can choose the best option. If you’d like to do one with me, you can book here:
👉 Manhattan Downtown Tour
Film Festivals – June is the month of two very famous film events:
- Tribeca Film Festival – founded by Robert De Niro, focusing on new, independent, and creative cinema.
- Bryant Park Summer Film Festival – outdoor “Movie Nights” every Monday from June to August, free of charge.
Museum Mile Festival – Held in June, this cultural event keeps museums like the MET and Guggenheim open for free evening visits (for 3 hours). It’s a great chance to see top museums for free, though it’s often overcrowded.
Shakespeare in the Park – A beloved summer tradition offering free performances in Central Park from June to August. Tickets require hours of waiting in line, so consider whether it’s worth it—or simply see a Broadway show instead.
Summer Restaurant Week – Around 20 days in July/August where restaurants offer fixed-price menus, giving you the chance to try fine dining at a discount. There’s also a winter edition. Reserve in advance here: NYC Restaurant Week
Smorgasburg – NYC’s famous street food market (June–September). Known for creative and exotic dishes, like the viral “raindrop cake.” Details here: Smorgasburg
Gay Pride – The world’s most historic Pride, held since 1970 in response to the Stonewall riots. Millions attend each June, with parades, concerts, and celebrations. Even if you’re not part of the LGBTQIA+ community, it’s an incredible experience of color, music, and inclusivity.
Governors Island & Jazz Age Lawn Party – Only open from May to October, Governors Island is a car-free oasis near Lower Manhattan. Perfect for picnics with skyline views. The highlight event is the Jazz Age Lawn Party, featuring 1920s music, costumes, vintage cars, and dance. Governors Island Events
INDEPENDENCE DAY (JULY 4TH)
Many of you ask: “What do New Yorkers do on this day?” Families usually barbecue at home, in friends’ gardens, or in city parks. In the evening, fireworks light up Manhattan—and the biggest is the Macy’s Fireworks Show (lasting about 2 hours).
You can also cool off at the beach, like Coney Island, where you’ll also find the famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Nathan’s is New York’s most iconic hot dog spot. Coney Island also offers an amusement park, boardwalk, and classic seaside fun a perfect holiday outing.
Many of you ask: “What do people do on this day?” On Independence Day, every family usually has a barbecue at home. Those without a garden visit friends or head to a nearby park for a picnic. In the evening, fireworks light up the sky across Manhattan and beyond—but the largest crowd always gathers for the Macy’s Fireworks Show, which lasts about two hours.
On hot summer days, you can also head to the beach, such as Coney Island, where the famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest takes place. Nathan’s is known as the most famous hot dog stand in New York. While in Coney Island, you can also visit the amusement park, stroll along the beach and boardwalk, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
(I’ll be writing a dedicated article about Coney Island soon, especially useful for those visiting with kids. And of course, I’ll cover Independence Day in detail too.)
FALL & SPRING
Fall and spring are probably my favorite seasons, since the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. Of course, everyone has their own preferences when it comes to travel.
Both spring and autumn are quite unpredictable in New York—you can expect plenty of rain, wind, and sometimes even snow. My advice is to dress like an onion: in layers, so you can adapt to the weather.
Planning ahead can be tricky because of the changing conditions—will it rain or not? That’s why I suggest buying tickets to attractions only a few days in advance, once you have a clearer idea of the forecast.
🌧️ Tip: Avoid planning Central Park or Times Square visits for heavy rain days—instead, consider spending time in one of the city’s skyscraper observatories.
SPRING PROGRAMS
Visiting New York in spring has plenty of advantages. Between March and May, the city feels colorful, warm, and full of new energy.
For Hungarian travelers, spring is also a great time to plan a trip, since national holidays often create long weekends around Easter, Pentecost, March 15th, or May 1st.
CENTRAL PARK & THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
One of the most memorable things to do in New York in spring is to take a stroll through Central Park or the New York Botanical Garden.
In spring, New York’s gardens become truly stunning thanks to the blooming flowers and the milder temperatures that make walking outdoors so enjoyable. A real gem is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where cherry blossoms bloom from mid-March to late May. In fact, during this season the Japanese Garden and pavilion become the most popular attractions, drawing thousands of visitors every day to admire a piece of traditional Japanese landscape in the heart of New York.
OUTDOOR FLEA MARKETS
Spring also brings life back to New York’s flea markets—open-air markets where you can find all sorts of unusual treasures.
Visiting them on a spring day is a truly pleasant experience. At a New York flea market, you’ll find a little of everything: vintage clothing, handmade crafts, antique furniture, collectibles, and even culinary specialties. These aren’t “cheap” markets—they offer a wide range of items, from bargain finds to higher-end goods.
The most famous ones are:
- Brooklyn Flea
- East 67th Street Market
- Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market
All are very popular among both New Yorkers and tourists. Flea markets usually take place on weekends, from spring through fall, across different parts of the city. Just search any of the three names above and you’ll find plenty of useful information.
BASEBALL GAMES
SPRING SPORTS – BASEBALL
Spring is also the season for outdoor sports, and first and foremost for baseball, an American classic that is incredibly popular throughout the United States. The baseball season runs from April to September, and attending a game is an ideal activity for anyone visiting New York during this time.
New York has two teams: the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. Both teams have passionate local followings, and each has its own stadium where you can catch a game.
CONEY ISLAND
In April, the famous Coney Island amusement park reopens, located south of Brooklyn. It’s famous for its long sandy beach, cozy clubs, and above all, its historic amusement park.
Coney Island is a destination suitable for both adults and children, though it’s often skipped on tourist itineraries because it’s about an hour by subway from Manhattan.
👉 If you’d like to explore Coney Island with me, you can sign up here: **www.nyctriptip.com/**…
Still, it remains one of New York’s most iconic and fun spots: you can visit the New York Aquarium, take a ride on the original Ferris wheel (there since 1920!), and stroll along the wooden pier that has appeared in countless movies and TV shows.
MACY’S FLOWER SHOW
The Macy’s department store serves as an ambassador of holidays and celebrations throughout the year, such as the famous Thanksgiving Parade. Spring is no exception, and Macy’s welcomes it with a very special event.
To celebrate the arrival of spring, the Macy’s Flower Show is held every year for two weeks (usually between March and April). During this time, the store is filled with elaborate and inspiring floral decorations, following a different theme each year. The Flower Show transforms Macy’s into a breathtaking indoor garden, with unique displays in the shop windows and throughout the store.
EASTER IN NEW YORK
We close with an event that is celebrated in a particularly unique way in New York. In fact, Americans celebrate Easter differently than in Hungary—it is not viewed as a religious holiday.
One of the highlights is the Easter Bonnet Festival, a parade that runs through New York City and is open to everyone. The only rule: you must wear a colorful, eye-catching hat—preferably decorated with a spring theme!
The Easter Bonnet Festival dates back to traditions of the 1800s and remains highly popular today. Thousands of people participate every year, and even if you don’t want to join, it’s worth watching the vibrant parade as it passes through the streets of New York.
Another Easter tradition in New York is the Easter Egg Hunt, where brightly colored eggs are hidden throughout the city’s parks and gardens. This activity is especially fun for families traveling with children, who love the excitement of hunting for the hidden eggs.
FALL PROGRAMS
AMERICAN FOOTBALL
FALL PROGRAMS
NFL SEASON
Fall also marks the beginning of the NFL (National Football League) season—an American sport that has been steadily gaining popularity here in Europe as well. Many fans even stay up late at night to watch the games live.
New York is home to two football teams, the most famous of which is the New York Giants, who play at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. From August through January, the Giants actively compete in the NFL championship, offering a perfect opportunity for visitors to catch an authentic American football game during their New York vacation.
FEAST OF SAN GENNARO IN LITTLE ITALY
It may seem surprising, but Neapolitans aren’t the only ones who celebrate the Feast of San Gennaro. In fact, this celebration is one of the most famous events in Little Italy, thanks to the large Neapolitan community in New York.
Originally a religious festival, today it has become a broader celebration of the bond between Italians and Americans who found a second home in New York.
The Feast of San Gennaro takes place in the second half of September and lasts for about 10 days, mainly along Mulberry Street. It attracts many curious tourists, and beyond the traditional processions—where the saint’s statue is carried through the streets—visitors can enjoy activities like the famous cannoli-eating contest and countless street food vendors offering dishes prepared by Italian restaurateurs.
COLUMBUS DAY
Still staying with Italian traditions, fall is also when Columbus Day is celebrated, honoring the Genoese explorer who discovered America in 1492. (Although Columbus first landed in the Bahamas—then still a British colony until 1973—with his three ships, and insisted until his death that he had reached Asia. Hopefully, from above, he now knows what he truly discovered for us.)
Columbus Day is celebrated every year on the second Monday of October. The main event is a large parade featuring floats, marching bands, and military units, all making their way down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
HALLOWEEN
Halloween is perhaps the most iconic fall holiday, and in New York, it takes on an especially remarkable dimension. Even in the days leading up to October 31, the city transforms—shops and neighborhoods are decorated with spooky themes. On Halloween night, New York is filled with witches, vampires, zombies, and other creatures of the night.
Halloween is hugely popular here, attracting thousands of participants each year. The city celebrates in grand style, with haunted houses for both kids and adults, themed events at attractions, and above all, the Village Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village—the largest Halloween parade in the world.
Be aware: everyone dresses up for Halloween, both children and adults. So if you’re lucky enough to be in New York at this time, make sure to wear a costume—because the only strange thing would be not to! I promise, it will be an unforgettable experience.
NEW YORK CITY MARATHON
For athletes, the New York City Marathon is certainly one of the most prestigious and memorable events. Held every year in early November, the marathon and half-marathon attract thousands of runners who follow a legendary course starting at the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge on Staten Island, passing through all five boroughs, and finishing in Central Park.
While it may seem like an event only for runners, that’s not the case. As one of the most famous sporting events in the world, it’s also a major tourist attraction.
On marathon day, New York becomes a unique ecosystem, prepared to welcome thousands of runners pursuing not just athletic goals but also personal dreams. It’s almost impossible not to stop, cheer, and get swept up in the festive atmosphere that fills the city for the entire day.
THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving Day is celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday of November, and it is without a doubt one of the most heartfelt and famous American holidays.
The holiday dates back to 1621, when the first settlers gave thanks to God for surviving—thanks in part to the help of Native Americans, who shared crops and taught them how to raise local animals, including turkeys. Today, turkey remains the centerpiece of every Thanksgiving meal.
As often mentioned, Macy’s also plays a major role, hosting its famous Thanksgiving Parade in Manhattan, complete with giant balloons, floats, and performers.
Since Thanksgiving falls on a Thursday, the next day—Friday—is important for another reason: Black Friday, followed by Cyber Monday. These are the biggest shopping days of the year, when people flock to stores (though online shopping has eased the crowds a bit).
From the day after Thanksgiving, homes start getting decorated for Christmas. Even Dyker Heights, famous for its spectacular lights, begins its holiday transformation right after Thanksgiving.
OPTIONAL TRAVEL TIMES
For many of you, travel opportunities are tied to specific periods of the year. Think of the summer holidays in July and August, or the Christmas season, which often provide the only windows for a New York trip.
Families, in particular, must take into account the school schedule, since New York usually requires more than just a short getaway.
This makes the choice somewhat restricted, but as I mentioned earlier—New York is magical at any time of year.
If your travel dates are flexible, you can decide which season best fits your preferences. After all, this journey is a deeply personal experience, shaped by your tastes, expectations, and of course, your budget.
WHEN IS IT CHEAPEST TO TRAVEL TO NEW YORK?
During the summer months and between Christmas and New Year’s, the city sees a flood of tourists, which drives flight and hotel prices significantly higher. By contrast, during less “touristy” months, prices can drop by as much as half—making it a much more affordable time to visit.