Annual Events & Festivals in New York City
www.nycgo.com
Lunar New Year Parade & Festival/Chinese New Year (January/February) - Want to see a dragon dance? Then don't miss Chinatown's Lunar New Year Parade & Festival, one of the City's most beloved cultural celebrations. To ring in the Lunar New Year, dazzling dragon troupes wend their way through the streets of Chinatown. The family-friendly parade draws crowds of hundreds of thousands.
Westminster Dog Show (February) - Each year, dog fans flock to Madison Square Garden to find out which pooch will be designated Best in Show. Founded in 1877, the Westminster Kennel Club is America's oldest organization dedicated to the sport of purebred dogs.
Five Boro Bike Tour (May) - The best way to explore all of New York City in a day is on your own two wheels! The Five Boro Bike Tour is an annual tradition that attracts more than 30,000 cyclists of all ages. The ride is 42 miles long, but the terrain is mostly flat, so you don't have to be an expert cyclist to join.
Pride Week (June) - New York City is home to one of the world's most vibrant, thriving gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.
Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest (July) - With a combination of steely grit, limber swallowing abilities and highly expandable stomachs, competitors in the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest take on the NYC dogs to the delight of throngs of screaming fans every year.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (September) - This event promises yet another week of star-studded soirees showcasing the following spring's newest styles.
Village Halloween Parade (October) - Over the years it's become a massive party with wildly costumed characters, puppets, bands, dancers and about two million spectators.
Don't let the crowd scare you off—this is a lively NYC tradition you won't want to miss.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (November) - School marching bands, celebrity guests and performers bring excitement to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, but they take a backseat to the real stars of the show—the balloons. Every year, more than 2.5 million cheering spectators watch.
TCS New York City Marathon (November) - This is the big one—a sporting event that often proves to be as much a life-changing experience as a physical challenge. Like all marathons, the New York City race covers 26.2 miles from start to finish—but no other city offers competitors the sights, sounds and sheer excitement of the NYC Marathon's five-borough course.
Times Square New Year's Eve (December) - It wouldn't be New Year's Eve without watching the crystal ball drop in Times Square. Despite the typically frigid temperature, a million people gather for the world's most famous New Year's Eve party.
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here for the complete list of events in New York.
AOL Travel:
Top 10 Things to Do in New York
travel.aol.com/articles/top-10-things-to-do-in-new-york
10.)
Take in the Customary Historical Landmarks
While every proud American should visit the historical significance of the
Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, The World Trade Center Memorial and the other national landmarks in New York, there are simply too many to detail on a list of ten.
9.)
Join the Argument for Best Pizza.
One of the longest running debates is not only New York vs. Chicago pizza, but who actually has the best pizza in New York. Tons of New York restaurants serving homemade pizza offer up a voice in the debate. You simply can't take a trip to NYC without adding your input on the matter, and fortunately,
there's no tastier debate!
8.)
Take it to the Top of the Rock
The newly opened Top of the Rock Observation Deck on the 67th, 69th and 70th floors of
30 Rockefeller Plaza offers one of the most impressive views of one of the most impressive cities in the world. It's open until midnight for a romantic visage of the twinkling stars above mirroring the glittering lights from the city below.
7.)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
From the early 20th century portraits and sculptures to the steel mastery of Frank Stella, the
Met is one of the foremost collections of fine art in the world. The museum is so expansive and visual; you should plan on spending an entire day here.
6.)
Radio City Music Hall
Is there a more American theater than Radio City Music Hall? This timeless testament to entertainment has captivated visitors since the 1930s and no other dance troupe will ever hold the esteem in the hearts of Americans like the Rockettes.
5.)
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Where else in the world can you have a picture taken with Britney Spears, President Bush and Jack Sparrow? This world-famous wax museum is one of the most visited spots in New York.
4.)
Broadway
If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. And without a doubt, you should try to make it to a Broadway show! This is the
most famous theater district in the world. Either way, no trip to New York is complete without some singing and dancing.
3.)
Times Square
It doesn't have to be New Year's Eve to enjoy Times Square in New York City. As the
heartbeat of NYC, Times Square signifies everything that the city represents. The excitement, the glamour, the independent free-spiritedness and artistic qualities of New York are all on display in this timeless spot.
2.)
Carnegie Hall
An entire trip can be dedicated to Carnegie Hall and its collection of delicious restaurants, its enticing gift shop and educational museum. As one of the premiere concert halls in the nation,
Carnegie Hall is a national institution.
1.)
Stroll through Central Park
Leave your New York hotel and enjoy a stroll or ride a bike through
one of America's most famous parks. There are plenty of recreational activities and there's always something special going on in the park, the best part about Central Park is that it's free!
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