Things to Do in Lower Manhattan

Things to do in Lower Manhattan

annual holiday train show

November NYC Round Up of Family Fun

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November NYC Round Up – so many fun things happening in NYC as we kick off the holiday season! 

 

November NYC Round Up of Family Fun
Photo Credit: Brookfield Place
 
Canstruction at Brookfield Place
Date: 11/3 – 11/16
Time: 10am – 8pm
Address: 230 Vesey Street (Brookfield Place)
This annual design competition founded by the Society for Design Administration challenges dozens of teams made up of some of the most talented architects, engineers and students to create large-scale sculptures made from unopened canned goods. Hundreds of cans of food are used to put together the display. At the end of the event, all cans are donated to City Harvest for those in need. 
FiDi Families Insiders: Don’t forget to get a ballot to vote for your favorite People’s Choice Award! The public is invited to donate canned food at the time of the exhibition.
Union Square Holiday Market
Date: 11/17-12/24 (closed on Thanksgiving) 
Address: 14th & Union Square
It’s already time to start thinking about the holiday season and shopping! Bypass the big department stores and head over to the Union Square Holiday Market and find something for everyone on your list. From Artwork and handmade Winter items to Jewelry, Soaps and Lotions  
 

Annual Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Gardens
Date: 11/19-1/16
Price: $20 adult/$10 kids
The New York Botanical Garden’s annual Holiday Trade Show is returning to celebrate their 25th year. Over 150 replicas of New York City buildings and famous landmarks (Grand Central, Brooklyn Bridge, Radio City Music Hall) created from various plant parts will on display all surrounded by over 25 model trains and trolleys. This year will debut Coney Island’s Cyclone, Wonder Wheel (complete with LED sign) and the Queensboro Bridge.
FiDi Families Insiders: If you can get there during the week, the mornings are very quiet!

Website: http://www.nybg.org

macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-photocreditdestination360
 
Inflation of Macy’s Parade Balloons
Date: 11/23
Time: 3pm-10pm
Address: 79th & Central Park West
The balloons start coming to life on Thanksgiving Eve in front of the American Museum of Natural History . Featuring favorites like Spiderman, Pillsbury Dough Boy, Paddington Bear, Skylander’s, Elf on the Shelf and more.
FiDi Tip: Dress warm and come early, lines are long to get a good view- but remember the balloons don’t full inflate until closer to nighttime as it take a while to fill them
 

 

The 90th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 

Date: 11/24
Time: 9am-12pm
Address: 77th & Central Park West ending at 34th & 7th Avenue 
One of my favorite NYC traditions- since I was a kid we would wake up early and head uptown to watch the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Although there are crowds, and you need to be there early to get a good front row view- once it starts it’s worth the wait. Hundreds of marching bands from high schools near and far, cheerleaders, clowns, decadent floats with everyone from guest celebrities to special appearances by bands and the larger-then-life size balloons. And ofcourse, to end the morning, Santa shows up in his sleigh.  

FiDi Families Insiders:  Although the most crowded, if you can snag a view by 34th Street (Macy’s) that’s where all of the full performances take place- Broadway Show numbers, Bands and more. If you are looking to avoid the crowds steer away from the main viewing areas and try for a spot on Central Park Website
Website: http://social.macys.com/parade/

Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
Date: 11/26 opens to cut your own christmas tree for the holiday season 
Time: 10am-4pm
Address: 1335 Whitehill Road Yorktown Heights, NY
With several acres of Cut-N-Choose Christmas Trees, Wilken’s farm is just a quick 1 hour drive from the city.  Celebrating their 100th season in harvest, the farm offers pick your own Apples, Peaches and Pumpkins seasonally. Onsite is a bakery, country store and apple farm market with baked foods, holiday crafts, cider and more. 
FiDi Families Insiders:  Make sure to call before you plan your visit as their hours and days are weather permitting, Christmas trees are available until they sell out
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