Events in New York

New Yorkers like a party. There is always a parade or a celebration taking place! There are so many events happening throughout the year that it can be difficult to fit everything into your itinerary. Don’t miss out on anything by checking out the extensive New York calendar before you travel to see what’s happening during your stay.

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day is a big holiday for the extensive Irish-American community in New York. It is celebrated every year on March 17, except when March 17th falls on a Sunday, then the parade is on the Saturday prior. It starts at 11:00 and finishes around 17:00. It’s the perfect day to enjoy a special St. Patrick’s Day Cruise!

Fleet Week

Fleet Week is entirely devoted to the Navy, the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard. You can admire the large ships and the city is full of sailors and marines. Fleet Week lasts one week in May, which also includes Memorial Day: the day on which all soldiers who are deceased during their service are honoured. It is also the start of the summer season - have your white clothing ready!

Independence Day (4th of July)

Independence Day in America is celebrated on July 4th, one of the most important days of the year. In the evening, fireworks light up the sky above the East River. The best way to watch one of the largest fireworks shows in the world? From a special 4th of July dinner cruise with a premium open bar!

9/11

The tragic 9/11 attacks are commemorated on the 11th of September. In New York the Tribute in Light is held every year, near the location where the Twin Towers were once situated. This day is very special to commemorate this with the locals..

Halloween

Halloween is celebrated in America! On October 31st, people go out into the streets dressed up and many children go knocking on neighbours’ doors collecting sweets or ‘trick or treating’ as it’s known. In New York there are special Halloween tours and an evening parade in Greenwich Village, which everyone is welcome to join.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving always fall on the last Thursday in November, which means the date is never the same. The holiday is celebrated by every American regardless of religion, which means everyone is free and families come together on this one day to express their gratitude. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the largest parades with floats and large balloons of numerous cartoon characters. The parade attracts three million visitors per year, so come on time to get a spot along the route! Do you want to enjoy a real traditional Thanksgiving meal in the evening? Book a restaurant well in advance or book a Thanksgiving cruise!

Don’t forget: after Thanksgiving it is Black Friday, the most important day of the year for the retail industry. Shop til you drop on heavily discounted items, from clothes to shoes and electrical goods. A good day to do your Christmas shopping!

Christmas

The Christmas decorations in New York usually go up the first Tuesday directly after Thanksgiving. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony signifies the official start of the festive season. Below the Christmas tree you can go ice skating on the rink. Take the Dyker Heights Tour to the ultimate Christmas neighbourhood to view the magnificently decorated houses. There are also special Christmas musicals, such as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

New Year's Eve

Where can you end the year more spectacularly than in New York City? Many people want to see the ball drop on Times Square, but keep in mind that it is very busy here and that you have to get a spot very early in the morning. A better way to celebrate New Year's Eve is to book a boat trip with a view of the fireworks or to go to one of the many parties. New York has more than enough to offer!

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