The Best Time of Year to Visit New York City

Thinking about a road trip? I’m talking all about the best times to visit New York City!

The Autumn leaves have fallen and the morning sun rises with the first chill of an impending Winter. The days grow shorter and less warm, but the streets of New York are still a bustle of activity.

It is after all, the city that never sleeps and it always has a welcome sign lit for visitors. Everyone comes to New York, sooner or later. When that jolly old soul, Saint Nicholas, takes a break from his daunting work schedule, where does he go?

Well, he leaves the North Pole and hops on a float. Santa Claus takes a ride in a parade down Broadway to 34th Street in the Big Apple on the fourth Thursday of every November. Over a million other souls watch in wonder as Santa enters Herald Square.

Sure, that’s a lot of people to be sharing your space with but, this is the official kick off of the holiday season, Christmas if you will, and it’s the best time to be in New York City.

There is something to be said about Christmas in New York. Chances are it won’t be white, but it won’t be extremely cold, either. New York City has a relatively temperate climate. The severity of it’s winters doesn’t roll in until January.

Late November usually isn’t too late in the year to plan a visit. It is cold, but not bone chilling cold. You can walk the city with a hat, a scarf and gloves, and there is oh so much to see at this time of year.

The tree goes up in Rockefeller Plaza, close by all the morning news shows. You can peer in a window and see yourself on the TV, or you can watch the skaters in front of the tree. Around the corner it’s Times Square and the crystal ball is up there year round, now. Five weeks away and you can sense the huddled masses counting down the time until the new year turns.

Another corner and you are in the center of the Theater District where the neon lights are pretty. Take in a show, before you go, the stars are always brightest in New York City.

Take a stroll from midtown to downtown along Seventh Avenue, through the Garment District. You pass the stores along Fashion Avenue where the world’s clothing icons ply their wares. That little black dress you need for New Years Eve, just might be available from Yves Saint Laurent, just another short stroll away. It’s just a quick walk and you are back at Macy’s, around the corner from the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden.

It’s November, baseball is over and the Yankees and Mets are done for the year. But here at the Garden you have the Knicks and the Rangers, NBA basketball or NHL hockey. Take in a game and see if there are any other bright lights that join you.

The stars are always out in New York City.

You are right in the heart of the holiday season, right in the heart of the city. From the west side and the Chelsea Pier to First Avenue and the Untied Nations.

The Empire State Building, bedecked in red and green for the season, rises up into the sky and watches over it all. Back where the tree is, you have Central Park, and the museums on both sides.

You could also take a horse and buggy ride through the park. Bring a hot chocolate and pull the blanket up tight, it’s best if you take this ride before it turns night. The foliage this time of year is something to behold!

All the stores get dressed up for Christmas. Window shopping in New York takes on a whole new meaning. From the Battery to the Bronx, there is just too much to see.

There is one last thing to think about, they say New Yorkers are cold. But there is something about this holiday that warms up the heart of every man, every citizen of the city. It’s the perfect time of year to visit New York City. IF you’re planning a road trip, be sure to run your car to the dealership for a winter check up before heading to the city.

There’s a welcome mat that New York rolls out from that last Thursday in November through to New Year’s Day. There may be a chill blowing up the avenues but holiday time in New York City will warm the cockles of your heart.

November is definitely the best time of year to visit New York City!