The best events in NYC: Your travel calendar for 2025

Planning your New York City 2025 trip? Every month, the city rolls out a lineup of cultural icons, community traditions, and electric entertainment that’s hard to rival. 

Whether you’re dreaming of fireworks over the Hudson, confetti in Times Square, or stumbling across a movie shoot, NYC in 2025 promises a jam-packed calendar. This month-by-month guide covers the biggest and most exciting events in NYC for 2025.

The new year means new adventures. January in New York City kicks off with bold traditions and comforting indulgences, because hibernating isn’t the NYC way.

Polar Bear Club New Year’s Day Plunge

Start the year by bravely immersing yourself in the cold Atlantic waters.

This Coney Island tradition is as wild as it sounds, but it’s also filled with community spirit and charitable vibes. Whether you’re ready to plunge in yourself or you’d like to support from the sidelines, it’s an unforgettable local spectacle. 

NYC Restaurant Week

Held in January (and again in summer), this event sees hundreds of restaurants across all five boroughs offering special prix-fixe (fixed price) menus at a fraction of the usual cost. There’s something for everyone, from buzzy new openings to Michelin-starred favorites. Settle in for a quick bite or take your time with a three-course feast.

You can expect to spend $30–60, depending on the venue. The event is wildly popular, so booking ahead is a must.

Ice skating at the Rockefeller Center

Did you miss the Christmas crowds? That’s okay – the charm of bells and candy canes still lingers well into January. Whether you want to skate or spectate, there’s something magical about twirling on the ice under that golden Prometheus statue.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day in NYC

From thought-provoking exhibitions to community service initiatives, NYC offers meaningful ways to reflect and celebrate the legacy of Dr. King.

The shortest month doesn’t skimp on energy. February mixes high style with heritage as parades and seasonal celebrations light up the city.

Lunar New Year Parade

The streets of Chinatown burst into color, rhythm, and firecrackers for the Lunar New Year. There’s food, dancing dragons, and a buzz that’s pure NYC.

Fashion Week events in NYC

Fashion Week turns Manhattan into one big runway. Even if you’re not strutting into shows to eye the new designs, the people-watching is unbeatable.

As spring edges closer, March is certainly a spectacle.

Yankees and Knicks season openers

There’s nothing like the buzz of catching a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden or seeing the Yankees swing into action at home. The fans are electric and the hot dogs are essential.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

On March 17, Fifth Avenue fills with floats, fiddles, and so much green – making it easily one of the most joyful New York parades.

New York 2025 International Auto Show

This one’s for the motor heads. If you’ve ever wanted to geek out over the latest concept cars, future-tech, and classic beauties, you’ll find it all under one roof at this must-see event.

April is when NYC starts to bloom, literally and figuratively. From cherry blossoms to Easter parades, it’s a month of celebrating the sweet return of sunshine.

Cherry Blossom Festival

Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s cherry blossoms are otherworldly. Bring your camera or your sketchpad and admire the petals.

Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival

Where else can you see a New York parade filled with people wearing hats shaped like bunnies, teacups, and mini garden scenes? It’s quirky, it’s colorful, and it’s so NYC.

With warmer days and longer nights, May is made for exploring. From flavor-packed street festivals to neighborhood celebrations, the city’s creative spirit spills onto every corner.

JAPAN Fes

Held across multiple weekends in neighborhoods like the East Village, Midtown and Chelsea, this festival brings together Japanese chefs, food vendors, and artists from Japan and NYC. Visitors can sample everything from freshly grilled yakitori and matcha desserts to rare regional dishes and award-winning ramen – all served from bustling food stalls and pop-ups.

Cinco de Mayo

Expect neighborhood block parties, live mariachi (traditional Mexican music), and some of the city’s best tacos. Check out East Harlem and Sunset Park – they usually go all out.

Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer. Rooftop BBQS, parades, and Fleet Week make this long weekend one to plan around.

The city turns into a living, breathing stage in June. From Pride parades to outdoor performances, New York’s summer curtain rises with flair, music, and plenty of park picnics.

NYC Pride

There’s no celebration quite like this. From the joyous march down Fifth Avenue to the citywide events leading up to it, NYC Pride is about love, resistance, and standing together as one.

Shakespeare in the Park

This is the kind of experience that makes you fall in love with New York. Experience free world-class theatre in Central Park, surrounded by strangers who by the end of the day feel like your closest friends. Pack snacks, arrive early, and bring something comfy to sit on.

Summer movie nights

Enjoy open-air cinema and picnics across the city – from the Brooklyn Bridge to Bryant Park. Take your pick of classics or cult hits and keep an eye out for surprise appearances from unannounced celebs.

Tribeca Festival

Dive into a lineup of screenings, live music performances, thought-provoking talks, immersive storytelling, and innovative experiences that spotlight creativity across every medium. And with red carpet premieres and industry insiders in attendance, you might even spot a celebrity.

Puerto Rican Day Parade

This Fifth Avenue takeover is bold, beautiful, and packed with energy. Music, dance, and culture take center stage at this vibrant New York parade.

NY Philharmonic in the park

Experience the magic of live classical music under the open sky as the world-renowned New York Philharmonic Orchestra brings its summer concert series to various NYC parks. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy a free evening performance surrounded by fellow music lovers. Make sure you stay until the fireworks display at the end.

Juneteenth celebrations

From museum events to street festivals, NYC’s Juneteenth calendar keeps growing. It's celebratory, reflective, and deeply rooted in the city’s communities.

Fireworks, movie nights, and sun-drenched strolls – July in NYC is pure magic. It’s the kind of summer energy that will leave you with a camera roll full of unforgettable moments.

Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks

Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks are big and loud. The Equinox Hotel is a great place to stay if you want to watch the fireworks from your accommodation. But it’s also an experience to be on the streets in the middle of it all. That way, you can see the whole city turning up to watch.

Manhattanhenge

For about two days in July, the sun sets perfectly between NYC’s east-west streets. Bring your camera and tripod – it’s a photographer’s dream.

Summer Streets

Park Avenue turns into a pedestrian playground with art installations, fitness classes, and bike routes. It’s an easy way to see the city from a whole new angle.

August brings the best kind of city buzz: laid-back, sun-soaked, and full of flavor. Whether you’re courtside, curbside, or lakeside, events in NYC in August show no signs of slowing down.

Broadway in Bryant Park

There’s something delightful about watching Broadway New York stars perform in their off-duty finest while surrounded by people enjoying lunch and taking in the performances.

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

Watch as vibrantly decorated dragon boats race across Meadow Lake, powered by synchronized teams from around the world. Beyond the races, you can also enjoy traditional Chinese music, dance, and martial arts demos. Don’t forget to try the tempting array of cuisine and beverages. Dive into dumplings, scallion pancakes, zongzi (sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves), skewers hot off the grill, and plenty of bubble tea to keep you cool between races.

Harlem Week

Harlem Week showcases live jazz and gospel concerts, as well as movie screenings, fashion showcases, and local food vendors. With programming that spotlights Harlem’s contributions to music, art, business, and social change, it’s a powerful celebration of pride, progress, and place that families shouldn’t miss.

U.S. Open

Grab a ground pass, find a sunny spot, and soak up the thrill of world-class tennis. Even if you’re not a super fan, the energy is infectious.

As summer cools, NYC heats up with street festivals, cultural feasts, and theater thrills. It’s the perfect month to eat, explore, and snag a Broadway New York bargain.

Atlantic Antic

Think Brooklyn block party, but on a giant scale. It’s a mix of live music, food stalls, street games, and shopping, all wrapped up in a family-friendly atmosphere that’s full of character.

Feast of San Gennaro

This is an Italy-inspired celebration. Come for the cannoli-eating contest, stay for the lights and music.

NYC Broadway week

Snag two-for-one tickets to major Broadway events. Our advice? Plan early and be flexible – you never know which surprise hit might end up being your favorite.

From highbrow movie fests to full-blown Halloween flair, October delivers a delightful mix of spooky and sophisticated. Dressing up is optional, but curiosity is essential for having a good time.

New York Comic Con

You’ll see everyone from Marvel super fans to Stranger Things tributes. It’s joyful, creative chaos.

New York movie Festival

The Lincoln Center rolls out the red carpet for the best in global cinema. It’s a chance to be one of the first to catch award-winning movie contenders and see what’s shaping the future of movie.

Village Halloween Parade

A true New York original, this wildly imaginative parade takes over the streets of Greenwich Village on October 31 every year. Thousands of costumed participants, from giant puppets to dancing skeletons, march alongside musicians, artists, and all manner of spooky spectacle. 

NYC events in November bring heart and a lot of hustle. With marathons, parades, and the first signs of holiday sparkle, this month you’ll see the city begin to move with soul and pageantry.

NYC Marathon 2025

You don’t have to be a runner to feel the adrenaline. Standing on the sidelines, cheering with a homemade sign? That’s the NYC spirit in action.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

With gigantic balloons, Broadway numbers, and the arrival of Santa, this iconic parade is tradition and nostalgia in one.

Rockefeller Tree Lighting

Every year, thousands gather at the Plaza to watch one of New York’s most iconic holiday traditions – the lighting of the massive Rockefeller Tree. From live performances and festive crowds to witnessing that first flicker of holiday light, it’s a signal that the season has arrived.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Events across the city honor Native American history, art, and culture. Look out for concerts, talks, and pop-up markets.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a movie-moment December, this is it. With lights to be seen everywhere and the feel of excited end-of-year energy floating through the crowds, New York always finishes the year on a high and with a whole lot of sparkle.

The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center

Performed by the world-renowned New York City Ballet, The Nutcracker is a holiday classic that blends storytelling, stunning choreography, and a sweeping score by Tchaikovsky. Set in a dreamlike world of snowflakes and toy soldiers, it’s a must-see for visitors of all ages.

NYRR Midnight Run

Why not run into the new year, literally? This four-mile race through Central Park features fireworks and a wholesome party vibe.

Times Square 2025 Ball Drop

Each New Year’s Eve, more than a million people gather in the heart of Manhattan to watch the glittering crystal ball descend as the final seconds of the year slip away. With confetti, music, and lights filling the sky, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime way to welcome a brand new year.

Make every New York memory count. With a full calendar of events, festivals, and unforgettable experiences, there is always something happening in the city that never sleeps. And when you are ready to unwind, the perfect hotel in NYC is waiting to welcome you back at the heart of it all.