In less than two weeks New York City will host the largest Halloween celebration in the country. I wrote about the Village Halloween Parade in a previous blog and detailed how more than 2 million people turn out each October 31st to watch 50,000 enthusiastic costumed characters, more than 50 marching bands, and dozens of giant puppets make their way up Sixth Avenue.
Many consider the spooktacular spectacle the kick off to the Big Apple’s holiday season. In the coming weeks the famous city will be packed with visitors looking to take in the magical holiday festivities that New York a prime vacation destination. However, before I cover the traditional Christmas-related events I thought I would focus on some other seasonal activities that have a decidedly more fall-ish theme.
For example:
Fall Foliage Water Taxi Cruises
Who knew commuting could be so colorful? Take a cue from the locals and hop on a Water Taxi Cruise. Granted, most New Yorkers use the water taxi as a way to commute between boroughs, such as Brooklyn and Manhattan. But, for tourists a water taxi can also be a great vehicle to see the fabulous fall foliage. Take the water taxi north up the Hudson River and the views are nothing less than spectacular. It requires getting to Yonkers Pier to catch the boat, but the short train ride from Grand Central is worth it. The cruises run every weekend through November 11th. All boats depart from Yonkers at 2 p.m. and return at 5 p.m. The cost is $35 for adults and $25 for seniors; if you buy two adult tickets, you receive one child’s ticket for free.
Ice Rink At Rockefeller Center
Taking a spin on the ice at Rockefeller Center is a New York City tradition. The world-famous rink opened on Christmas Day, 1936 and attracts about a quarter of a million people each year. Since the skating surface is 122 feet long and 59 feet wide it can accommodate only 150 skaters at one time, which means you should time your skating session accordingly. Early mornings on weekends or weekdays before 4 p.m. are usually your best bet. The ice rink opened on October 6th and now is a great time to visit. The crowds are not nearly as insane as they are in late November and December. Admission is $10 for adults from Monday through Thursday and $14 from Friday through Sunday and holidays. The price for children under 11 is $7.50 on weekdays and $8.50 on weekends and holidays. You’ll also have to shell out an additional $8 if you need to rent skates.
New York City Marathon
Where else can you see 7-time Tour de France champ Lance Armstrong and Tom Cruise’s wife (Katie Holmes) run through the streets of New York—by choice? Even if you aren’t pounding the pavement for 26.2 miles you can join 2 million other New Yorkers celebrate one of the largest marathons in the world. The run takes participants through the five boroughs (Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Manhattan) before ending in Central Park. The pre and post marathon parties held at hotels, restaurants and bars throughout the city, are a NYC tradition. This year’s marathon takes place on November 4th.
Other New York-Related Articles:
Big Apple On A Budget—Remember the “S” Word
New York’s Must-See Attractions—The Empire State Building
New York’s Must-See Attractions—The Statue of Liberty
Little People in the Big Apple: Central Park Zoo and FAO Schwartz
Little People in the Big Apple: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Patriotic Travel Destinations—Taking A Cruise of New York
Where To Get Your Chocolate Fix In New York