November in New York has a way of sneaking up on us. One week the leaves are turning in Central Park; the next, the skating rinks are open, holiday markets are going up and the city's biggest stages are rolling out their most anticipated shows. This year the season is arriving right on cue, and there's plenty worth putting on the calendar.
Lace Up Your Skates
The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park opened for the season on October 28, and skating is free (skate rentals cost extra). A few blocks north, Rockefeller Center is getting ready for its star: this year's tree, a 76-foot, roughly 75-year-old Norway spruce from West Edmeston, New York, is scheduled to arrive on Saturday, November 7. The lighting ceremony is set for Wednesday, December 2, so there's still time to watch it go up.
Shop Local, Indoors and Out
Two favorite holiday markets return this month:
Grand Central Holiday Fair in Vanderbilt Hall, November 9 through December 24 (closed Thanksgiving Day)
Union Square Holiday Market, November 12 through December 24, with independent makers, gifts and plenty of food stalls
A Big Month on Broadway
Theater lovers, this is the one. Jamie Lloyd's Much Ado About Nothing, starring Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell, officially opens at the Winter Garden Theatre on November 19 for a limited run through January 10. The night before, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is slated to open at the Broadhurst with Andrew Rannells, Megan Hilty and Tituss Burgess, directed by Jerry Zaks.
Gingerbread and Two Million Lights
The Museum of the City of New York opens Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off on November 6. This year's theme is "Iconic New York," with bakers recreating the city's landmarks in gingerbread, and visitors can vote for a People's Choice favorite.
Shine Bright at Hudson Yards flips the switch on November 16 with more than two million lights, a free 6 p.m. lighting ceremony at the Vessel and a brand-new nightly light show on the Vessel's exterior.
Our Tip
Go early in the season, and on a weeknight if you can. You'll beat the Thanksgiving crowds and catch the city just as it starts to sparkle. A cup of cocoa and a walk down Fifth Avenue afterward is optional, but highly recommended.
Let's Find Your Place in It
Whether you're dreaming of a home a few blocks from Bryant Park's glow or a quiet side street minutes from it all, we'd love to help. Reach out to The Sapir Team anytime. We're always happy to talk about New York.
