Rossilynne Skena Culgan

Finding free things to do in New York City is like striking gold. NYC is one of the greatest cities in the world, but holy cow, is it pricey. Seeing Broadway shows or dining at one of the city’s most buzzed about restaurants will cost you a pretty penny. Luckily for us, the city also offers a prime list of free museum days, walking tours, exhibits, comedy shows and more. Read on for our list of NYC's best gratis activities. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to our best things to do in NYC

The ball might've dropped and the parties may be over, but NYC still has tons of fun things to do on New Year's Day. If you've decided 2025 will be the year to go out and do more, this is your chance to get started on that New Year's resolution. Go ice skating outdoors and or kick back for some relaxation at a cool local movie theater. The fun doesn't need to stop there either, as there are many excellent NYC events in January. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to New Year's Eve in NYC

Time to toss 2025 to the curb and ring in the new year right with the best New Year's Eve events in NYC. No matter how you’re hoping to ring in 2026—sloppy, sober, laid-back or buckwild—we’ve got the NYE celebration for you. So don your festive getups and get ready for a night of amazing dinners and more first-of-the-year festivities with this roundup of the best attractions and events for ringing in the New Year. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to New Year’s Eve in NYC

The best holiday markets are right here in NYC—full of both the holiday spirit and the most unique gifts out there. While fancy Christmas window displays may entice you, NYC's holiday markets often include ice skating, twinkling lights, great food vendors, and fun holiday activities. Shopping for the perfect gift doesn’t have to be stressful; make it fun at these holiday markets, from the Urbanspace Union Square Holiday Market to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park and more. We'll continue updating this guide throughout the holiday season, so stay tuned for new additions. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in New York Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

Photograph: Brandon Moningka for Time Out It’s 20 seconds before midnight on New Year’s Eve, and Treb Heining is perched atop the Minskoff Theater in Times Square. He holds his walkie-talkie to his mouth and utters the two words that take this celebration to its goosebump-inducing apex: “Go confetti.” With that, more than 100 volunteers—a.k.a. confetti dispersal engineers—positioned atop buildings across Times Square dig their hands into boxes of colorful tissue bits. As the New Year’s Eve ball begins to drop, they toss the confetti, some emblazoned with handwritten wishes, into the air to float down onto the crowd of a million people below. The sounds of “Auld Lang Syne” begin, followed by Frank Sinatra crooning “New York, New York,” as revelers around the globe watch the celebration on TV, sharing kisses and wishes for the year ahead.  For the past 34 years, Heining has served as the so-called Confetti Master for the iconic New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square. It’s a complex logistical puzzle that demands coordinating more than 100 volunteers atop seven buildings who lob 3,000 pounds of confetti into a swirling blizzard. For Heining, it’s a dream job. We sat down with him for a behind-the-scenes look at how he pulls off this incredible feat year after year—and how you can get involved. Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length. Photograph: Courtesy of Treb Heining How does one become a Confetti Master? It started with being able to tie balloons fas

What a year, New York. We weathered subway delays (ugh) and subway flooding (ick). We cheered at celebrity lookalike contests, admiring the best Pedro Pascal, Adam Sandler and Stephen Colbert looks. We also cheered (and ran and sobbed) at the New York City Marathon, clapping for celebs and everyday New Yorkers alike.  We braved long lines to welcome the new Delacorte Theater with its stirring performance of Twelfth Night. We also stood in lines for faux flowers, a bougie grocery store, a photobooth museum, bagels, you name it. We rooted for the Knicks in the Conference Finals, bid farewell (for now) to the Met rooftop and went to Labubu raves.  With so many weird and wonderful moments this year, our editors took some time to reflect on it all and pick the best. We're unveiling our top picks in food, drink, theater, art, culture and more. So let's take a trip down memory lane before the New Year's Ball (it's brand new and extra sparkly this year, by the way) drops on the year that was. RECOMMENDED: Time Out New York’s 2024 Best of the City award winners

Looking for the best things to do in NYC this weekend? Whether you’re the group planner searching for more things to do in NYC today or you have no plans yet, here are some ideas to add to your list for this weekend: Parade of Rockaway, a Hanukkah concert, wreath-making workshop, Santa's Secret, and a bevy of holiday markets to explore—plus free events around town. All you have to do is scroll down to plan your weekend! Start planning a great month now with our round-up of the best things to do in December.  RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best New York attractions Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

Whether your Christmas queen is Mariah or Sabrina, it's time to begin celebrating the holiday season! We've gathered the best things to do for Christmas and the holidays in NYC. From uptown to downtown, the city boasts holiday offerings like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, festive light displays, and the best holiday markets NYC has to offer. Whether you channel your inner grinch or cheery elf during NYC's most wonderful season, we've got you covered with memorable activities. As locals, we've been to many of these events and are including some of our favorites right here. Check back for updates as we'll continue adding to the list as the holidays approach.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best Christmas hotels in NYC Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining.  Check out our Winter Village video: 

There’s a long (and we mean really long) list of reasons why one might choose to visit old New York—the food, the theatre, the bars and the art galleries, to name a few—but up there with the best things about this city is, without a doubt, its skyline. And while heading up to Top of the Rock or the One World Observatory are worthy ways to soak it up, your hotel room could be, too. So, that’s why we’ve compiled a round up of the best hotels in NYC with proper, show-stopping views. Sit back and enjoy. 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York City How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🛏 Check out the best Airbnbs in New York City

The Big Apple is pricey, and any traveler paying this marvelous city a visit will soon find that the bagels, pizza slices, museum tickets and cab fares add up to a fair amount of cash—but you don’t have to throw loads away on your hotel just to avoid breaking the bank. In fact, quite the opposite.  What are hotel prices like in New York City? New York City has many wonderful qualities, but being easy on the wallet is not one of them. Hotel prices can be steep even if you are pretty organised when it comes to booking, but we’re here to help. What you’ll find on this list is hotels which have not been skimpy on that effortlessly cool New York style, but which cost no more than $215 per night—no horrid dorms or leaky showers here.  📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York City How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🛏 Check out the best Airbnbs in New York City

This list is old. Here are the best things to do in the world in 2026.  2025 is set to be a momentous year when it comes to travel. Citywide celebrations and milestone anniversaries will be taking place in Amsterdam and Rome, sparkling new cultural centres are flinging open their doors in Rotterdam, New York and Abu Dhabi, and there are fresh chances to see some wonderful wildlife in Australia, Singapore and Greenland – but that’s just the beginning. Read on for our roundup of the 25 coolest, weirdest and most adventurous new things to do across the world in 2025, no matter your whereabouts or budget. RECOMMENDED:🇬🇧 The best things to do in the UK in 2025🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🎪 The world’s best music festivals for 2025🌃 The best cities in the world right now  

Photograph: Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New YorkRegina Shepherd in Grand Central Terminal Every December, long lines form throughout Grand Central Terminal. No, they’re not lines for the Metro North or the subway. Instead, these lines are to see miniature trains on the beloved model railroad presented by the New York Transit Museum.  The museum’s annual Holiday Train Show features a 34-foot-long display festooned with tiny versions of city landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building. Lionel model trains depart from a miniature replica of Grand Central, then chug along over the East River and through the woods to reach their final destination, the North Pole. A tradition for 21 years, it’s one of the few free holiday events in the city—and it’s a magical sight to see.  Regina Shepherd, the museum’s acting director, is one of the people who make this moment of joy possible for New Yorkers. We sat down with her inside Grand Central to learn more about the display and what new surprises await this year. Go see it from November 13 through February.  Photograph: By Ben Hider / Courtesy of New York Transit Museum For someone who hasn’t seen the show, what is it? It’s a winter in New York scene where you can get transported from Grand Central up to the North Pole. There’s everything from the subway lines that run underneath the city to little stores on top. It includes the commuter railroads in New York, going from city to country. What makes the H

New Yorkers unafraid of braving the freezing waters of Coney Island will return to the ocean for the Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day from 11am-1pm. Every New Year's Day for 123 years, swimmers sporting their skivvies or wild costumes dive into the freezing Atlantic to symbolically wash away the year before. Year after year, some 4,000 people take the plunge. While there is no fee to register, participants are encouraged to make a donation or fundraise in support of the local nonprofit organizations that help families in Coney Island. Those who would like to attend the New Year's Day Plunge can participate as an individual alongside other supporters, join a team or create their own teams to help raise funds. With the safety of plunge participants as a priority, those not wanting to brave the cold can also choose to donate virtually at polarbearclub.org. With a $50 or more donation, participants receive a polar plunge beanie.  "We invite all weird and non-weird folks to be baptized into 2026 with heart-pounding fun in the frigid Atlantic. No experience needed, just bring a towel, a friend, a stranger… anyone! Expect live music, hot cocoa, and epic vibes. And don’t forget to dig that paw deep in your wallet to support local charities. Swim safe, smile big!" said Jarred Lustgarten, president of the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, said in a press release.  Fun fact: The Coney Island Polar Bear Club is the oldest winter bathing club in the United States, dating bac

Spend an evening at this variety show featuring comedians sharing their joy in standing out. Comedian Lauren LoGiudice knows that being different can be tough, and that's why she's hosting her acclaimed Misfit Variety Show on December 3 at Brooklyn Art Haus to kick off the holiday season with a night of irreverent comedy and heartfelt connection.  "The holidays amplify everything — the pressure to belong, the ache of difference, the yearning for connection," LoGiudice says. "We need spaces that honor the complex, messy reality of who we actually are." What sets the Misfit Variety Show apart is its ability to transform personal discomfort into collective celebration. When audience members share their anonymous stories of awkwardness and alienation, the resulting laughter becomes a form of group therapy. "It's a space where everyone from the GenZ barista to the Boomer accountant are welcome to be appreciated for their uniqueness," as event organizers say. The show features standup comedy, storytelling, and some character work. In addition to LoGiudice, the lineup includes Carmen Lynch, Ethan & Gigi, Jackson Sturkey, Tom Achilles, Lexi Lewis, and DJ AIROS.

Sure, you've heard of wine pairings. But what about books and burlesque pairings? During this holiday-themed show at Caveat on Saturday, December 13, award-winning authors will read excerpts from their new books. Then, a burlesque or drag performer will present a spectacular new act they created that was inspired by the book pairing.  This literary evening of "lore and allure" boasts an excellent lineup featuring: Eshani Surya's debut novel Ravishing paired with a performance by Queensinera; debut novel The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery by Clarence A. Haynes as interpreted by Professor M.; a perfomance by Trinity Starlight coupled with Lauren Morrow's debut novel Little Movements; a reading of Elissa Altman's nonfiction book Permission: The New Memoirist and the Courage to Create paired with Fancy Feast; and Calamity Chang's take on Peter J. Kim's Instant Ramen Kitchen cookbook. The show's produced and hosted by Fortune Cookie. Local bookstore Book Club Bar (197 East 3rd Street) will sell signed copies of all the books featured at the show. Time Out tip: Tickets go fast for this show, but if it sells out, there will be a waitlist at the door. There's also a livestream option.

You won't believe how seamlessly good comedy can work with pole dancing (you can read about it here). While stellar stand-ups deliver sets, pro dancers give the crowd something stare at. Think of it as a full-brain experience. Comics Dan Goodman, Joanna Ross and special guests will welcome talented pole dancers and comedians from across NYC.  Every show features a different musical theme, and each one is full of surprises. This time, on Saturday, November 29, the music of Billy Joel will put audiences in a "New York State of Mind." Expect to hear jokes from five comics and see performances by five dancers. "They're not strippers, it’s not burlesque. It’s aerial dance with a side of crazy gymnastics, and death defying tricks that make your jaw drop," event planners explain. As the event organizers say: "If you don't see shows like this, why are you even paying the NYC rents?" See it at Drom in the East Village.

Talk about shining bright! Two million twinkling white lights now adorn Hudson Yards for the shopping center's sixth annual holiday display. This year's seasonal illumination includes 115 miles of string lights, 725 evergreen trees dressed to create a gleaming forest and a massive 32-foot hot air balloon centerpiece suspended in The Great Room of The Shops & Restaurants.  New this year, look for a series of ten 11-foot-tall toy soldier statues, as well as photo opps with Santa's sleigh. On December 15, don’t miss the Hanukkah Menorah lighting celebration in partnership with the local Chabad of Midtown. In addition to the awe-inspiring light display indoors and outdoors at the Vessel, there are plenty of stores to shop for everyone on your list (including yourself). The lights will be up through January 7, 2026. 

Framed perfectly inside the park's famous arch, Washington Square Park's beautiful tree is a sight to behold. It officially lights up on Thursday, December 11 (6-7pm), and all are invited to the festivities. The tree lighting ceremony includes carols by the Rob Susman Brass Quartet and vocalist Linseigh Green. Santa Claus himself has promised to appear, candy canes in hand, to lead the illumination countdown.  If you miss the tree lighting, you can see the beautifully lit 45-foot tree throughout the holiday season, lit from 4pm-1am daily. Also mark your calendar for Christmas Eve caroling on December 24 at 5pm. 

Jamaica, Queens' annual three-day celebration is back for its 11th year, running from December 5 through 7. Expect food vendors, an artisan holiday winter village, Christmas displays, the largest Christmas tree lighting in Queens on Friday night, a parade on Saturday, and toy giveaways on Saturday.  The Parade on Rockaway—the biggest parade in the whole borough—will take place on Saturday, stretching from 130th Street to 143rd Street on Rockaway Boulevard. 

Catch a free Broadway performance under the glittering holiday lights at Columbus Circle during Broadway Under the Stars. This series of free performances inside The Shops at Columbus Circle brings performers from some of the hottest shows right now for music and intimate conversations moderated by Broadway alumnus George Psomas. Performances happen on Thursday evenings from 5-6pm on the second-floor stage. While you're there, enjoy the seasonal spectacle with 300,000 shimmering lights and 44 floating stars illuminating the entire complex in holiday cheer.  Here's the full lineup: • November 13: Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Death Becomes Her, & Juliet• November 20: MAMMA MIA!, The Outsiders, Maybe Happy Ending• December 4: The Lion King, Aladdin, Hell’s Kitchen• December 11: SIX The Musical, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), The Queen of Versailles• December 18: Operation Mincemeat, The Book of Mormon, Chicago

Self-described "mad potter" Jonathan Adler, known for the quirk and charm in his stunning ceramics works, gets the spotlight at this new exhibit at the Museum of Arts and Design in Columbus Circle. The exhibition, The Mad MAD World of Jonathan Adler, combines Adler's own work with some of his favorite pieces from the museum's collection. You'll see more than 150 pieces of ceramics, metal, fiber and more that help to tell the story of Adler's 30-year career. It's on view through April 19, 2026. No matter your personal taste, there's bound to be something in this exhibition you wish you could take home. Perhaps it's the adorable fox with a twisty tail or the erotic vase decorated with breasts or the psychedelic spin on a Delft blue container reading "shrooms." Every piece is exquisitely crafted, of course, but it's Adler's signature quirk and charm that takes the show to the next level. How often can you say a ceramics show will make you chuckle? Adler's will.  Think of it as a thematic tour of Adler's fascinations. For example, the Authentica section celebrates the sleek forms of mid-century modern ceramics, while the Optimistica segment embraces exuberance in all its forms. Each section feels like gazing into a beautiful shop window—and that's by design. Legendary window dresser Simon Doonan, also Adler's husband, designed the exhibition.  The show is a full-circle moment for Adler, as he sold his first pots in the museum's store back in 1993, helping to kickstart his success

If you found your jaw dropping over the jewelry in the blockbuster films Black Panther (2018) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), then you've got to check out this exhibit at Museum of Art and Design in Columbus Circle. Called "Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture," the show features the jewelry Fletcher made for Queen Ramonda and the Dora Milaje, displayed with a selection of the films' costumes by Academy Award–winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter. The exhibition offers a behind-the-scenes look at how adornment defines character, advances world-building, and represents Black sovereignty on screen. Treat your eyes to these pieces in brass and gold featuring semi-precious stones. With bold, sculptural designs, this jewelry is meant to articulate Black identity and embody spiritual meaning. Expect to see 75 works from the artist’s collection, which tell Fletcher's story of growing from a self-taught metalsmith to an influential designer. It also explores how her practice exemplifies the ethos of Afrofuturism, a cultural movement that reclaims Black identity and history while envisioning egalitarian futures. It's on view through March 15, 2026.

Hotels like The Plaza loom large in the imagination. Even if you’ve never stepped foot inside of this New York City icon, you likely have some sense of the place, whether that’s from Eloise’s adventures “on the tippy-top floor” or Kevin McCallister’s surprising luxury retreat complete with a massive sundae. The Plaza not only lives up to its hype as both a place for rejuvenating relaxation and for posh leisure—it exceeds expectations in every facet.  From the moment I stepped inside, welcomed by the hotel’s signature gardenia scent, my eyes delighted by the floral displays and glittering chandeliers, I knew I’d arrived somewhere special—and I was immediately treated like someone special, too.  Why stay at The Plaza? This Fairmont property is a destination in and of itself and has been since it opened in 1907. You could stay on-property for an entire day and still get a solid New York City experience. With a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, the midtown venue has had an impressive guest list of celebs, from the Beatles to Liza Minelli, and it’s served as the backdrop for many cultural works like The Great Gatsby and North by Northwest. A night here is a divine treat, whether you’re visiting from out of town or need a staycation. What are the rooms like at The Plaza? Among the 282 guest rooms, there are a variety of options, starting with the Plaza King and going all the way up to the Edwardian One-Bedroom Suite King, in which I was lucky enough to spend the nig

And Scene is a half-scripted comedy show where actors and improvisers are paired up to perform scenes together. The actors can only say the words as they come in the script, and the improvisers don't know what play they're in, making for a truly chaotic and hilarious evening. The November 10 show at Caveat boasts a stacked lineup including the following improvisers and actors: Colby Minifie, Sara Haider, Mick Szal, Josh Sharp, Connor Ratliff, Jim Santangeli, Abra Tabak, Kaya Rosenthal, and Alex Dickson. Can't make it to this one? The next show's on December 15.   

Orchard Street, the eight-block stretch of the Lower East Side named as Time Out’s coolest street in NYC this year, has undergone a host of changes in its history. Often, New York City’s street-level history gets forgotten—demolished, paved over and deemed too small to make history books. But one museum is dedicated to remembering the stories of this street and its people.  The Tenement Museum, located inside a real New York City tenement, documents life here from the 1860s to the 1930s. It shares the stories of working class New Yorkers inside their actual homes. Whether you’re a born-and-raised New Yorker or a visitor, this museum should be on your must-visit list. We sat down with the museum’s president Annie Polland to talk about the museum and pick up some interesting facts you probably don’t know about it.   RECOMMENDED: This buzzy Lower Manhattan street was just named one of the coolest in the world 1. The museum is housed in an actual tenement  The Tenement Museum isn’t your typical museum. You won’t be shuffling through a gallery reading text on a wall. Instead, you’ll venture through a tenement building on a tour with an educator and a group of fellow explorers. On the tour, you’ll hear stories, examine census records and look at photos, making it a dynamic experience. The museum comprises two historic tenements—97 and 103 Orchard Street—exploring the lives of the immigrants and refugees who lived there. Featured families include the Schneiders, a German family from

It’s no secret that Union Square is one of the buzziest neighborhoods in Manhattan right now. This bustling neighborhood is home to one of the busiest subway stations in the city, a booming business district and a whole lot of foot traffic. But the millions who traverse this neighborhood each year might not be aware of the secrets beneath their feet. From historical facts to transit marvels, here are some of the most interesting fun facts about Union Square.   RECOMMENDED: 10 surprising secrets of Washington Square Park 1. It was designed by the same people as Central Park Union Square Park has long been a must-visit spot in NYC—even longer than Central Park. Union Square Park first opened in opened in 1839 and then was redesigned in 1872 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the same team behind Central Park’s beloved landscapes.  Vaux and Olmsted were charged with executing a new vision for the park. They removed a fence and hedges that enclosed the space, opening it up to accommodate mass meetings, NYC Parks explains. They also planted trees and added an official reviewing stand.  Photograph: By Sean Mackell, NYC CLC 2. It was home to the first Labor Day Parade  That redesign turned out to be especially worthwhile, as just 10 years later, Union Square played an important role in the country’s first Labor Day celebration.  On September 5, 1882, a crowd of 10,000 workers paraded up Broadway and filed past that very reviewing stand, as NYC Parks documents. Shortly the

Exactly 5,280 Waterford crystals cover the 2026 Times Square New Year's Eve ball, creating a glittering spectacle that will be viewed by millions this December 31. Already an icon, this year's ball—dubbed The Constellation Ball—is bigger and more beautiful than ever before.  For the first time in the ball's 118-year history, circular Waterford crystal discs cover its surface, rather than the triangular shapes from years past. Three different sizes of discs combine to form the design, each one emblazoned with an intricate pattern. This year's ball measures 12.5 feet in diameter, weighs 12,350 pounds and features double the amount of crystals compared to its predecessors. It will light up with vibrant colors as it drops from the 139-foot pole atop One Times Square to herald the start of a new year.  RECOMMENDED: The best New Year’s Eve events in NYC For the renowned Irish crystal brand Waterford, this year's crystal discs symbolize infinite joy, infinite light and infinite beginnings, reflecting radiant optimism from every angle. Going forward, Waterford will change the design each and every year, reflecting themes to match the current moment. Photograph: Courtesy of Times Square Ball "The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball represents hope, unity and new beginnings," said Tom Harris, president of the Times Square Alliance, during an unveiling event earlier today. "For well over a century, this iconic symbol has brought people together from all over the world to celebrate the tu

After a hiatus in 2024, the beloved Saks Fifth Avenue New York holiday light show will return with a reimagined spectacle this holiday season. Expect a dazzling state-of-the-art show where "the lights will dance to a curated medley of uplifting music, creating a luminous celebration of light and sound," Saks announced today.  Though the lights dimmed last year amid financial uncertainty, the show is back this year as of November 24. It will run through Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas, lighting up each night for all to enjoy for free.  RECOMMENDED: Where to see stunning holiday lights in NYC The light show projects thousands of synchronized lights across the building's façade in time with festive music. Past displays have featured a Zodiac calendar, a castle and a tree, all festooned with illuminated flowers, icicles and plenty of glitz. The show repeats every few minutes after sunset until about 11pm.  The light-and-sound experience complements the store's six windows along Fifth Avenue. Each window display will bring enchanting New York City moments to life, from a snowy Central Park boat scene to a resplendent holiday tree. Additional windows will showcase Your Story in Lights, a visual ode to making the holidays your own, featuring motifs from the luxury store's holiday campaign and this season's fashions. Find it all at 611 Fifth Avenue (between 49th and 50th Streets) right across from the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and ice skating rink and wedged between an a

Consistently named to Time Out's list of best hotels in NYC for its skyline views, cool design and escapist energy, Hilton's Graduate Hotel on Roosevelt Island was known not only for the accommodations but also for rooftop bar Panorama Room and restaurant Anything At All. Now, it seems all three are set to close as of Monday, November 24.  Community news website Roosevelt Islander Online first reported the news yesterday, saying the reason for the closure is unknown. After the hotel opened in 2021, Hilton acquired it in 2024 as part of a larger acquisition plan for Graduate properties. We reached out to Hilton's public relations team but haven't heard back. RECOMMENDED: The 30 best hotels in New York City for 2025 The hotel's booking website lists all dates after November 24 as "sold out" online. Commenters online noted the tight turnaround on timing, with one writing on Instagram, "Right before the tourists come for Thanksgiving? Hmmm…" Another person who commented on the Roosevelt Islander's article shared "I had a 20 person family visiting and staying there for thanksgiving. I’m a Roosevelt island local."  Photograph: Courtesy of Graduate New York The hotel, accessible via the Roosevelt Island tram and the F train, helped to reinvigorate the East River island with its buzzy rooftop bar, arguably one of the best in the city. With luxurious velvet vintage-inspired tubular lounge sofas, chrome and marble touches, the luxe bar was known for its design as well as its cocktail

For New Yorkers, streets aren’t just a way to get from point A to point B. They’re our runways, our communities and sometimes our dining rooms. That’s the case with Orchard Street in Lower Manhattan, which is why we named it as one of the coolest streets in the world for 2025. New York City’s Orchard Street came in as No. 9 on the global list, joining with fellow USA streets Roscoe Street in Chicago and Pacific Coast Highway in Central Malibu. Rua do Senado in Rio de Janeiro took the top spot.  RECOMMENDED: The 31 coolest streets in the world in 2025 Each of the streets on the list boasts its own magic—views, architectural gems, museums, boutiques and more. Orchard Street, an eight-block stretch of the Lower East Side, is packed with fascinating shops, dining destinations and low-rise brick buildings. New additions to the street—like bookstore/podcast studio P&T Knitwear, photobooth museum AUTOPHOTO and a seasonal Open Streets program—attract crowds who are met with a bevy of dining and drinking options along the way. Photograph: Courtesy of Autophoto Perhaps most charming of all, the street still maintains its NYC authenticity and grit even as it changes. Old-school leather stores sit next to new galleries. Tattoo parlors abut fancy fragrance boutiques. Music spills out of bars while restaurants drag tables into the street for al fresco dinners.  The street offers a feast for the eyes—and the stomach. Stroll from end to end on these eight blocks, and you’ll be met with doz

‘Tis the season for New York City’s glittering holiday lights, bringing some much-needed holiday cheer across the five boroughs. Some installations are already switched on and others will illuminate very soon, transforming NYC into a winter wonderland aglow in spectacular colors. Dates have been set for nearly all of the most light-up celebrations across the city, and we’ve compiled them below. They’re listed in chronological order so you can find an event (or two or three) that fit into your schedule. We’ll continue updating the list as more festivities are announced, and if we missed one that you know of, email us ([email protected]).  What dates do Christmas lights go up in New York? Shine Bright Only at Hudson Yards Now open through January 7 Two million twinkling white lights adorn Hudson Yards for the shopping center’s annual Shine Bright event. The display includes 115 miles of string lights, 725 evergreen trees dressed to create a gleaming forest, and a massive 32-foot hot air balloon centerpiece. Harlem Holiday Lights Begins Thursday, November 18 Harlem is kicking off the holiday season with NYC's only parade of lights on Tuesday, November 18. After that, you can see the beautiful lights sparkling throughout the neighborhood. Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden Open November 21–January 4  Stroll through this illuminated trail of art with more than a million lights, plus dazzling colors and coordinated music. Be sure to snap a photo in the iconic Winter Cathed

As Miley Cyrus sings in her hit "Flowers:" "I can buy myself flowers." And buy flowers we will at Cj Hendry's new brick-and-mortar Flower Shop, now open at 172 Prince Street in Soho. After two years of sold-out Flower Market pop-ups, where fans lined up for city blocks to snag one of Hendry’s felt, soft, sculptural blooms, this marks the artist’s first physical shop. Unlike those fleeting installations, Flower Shop gives New Yorkers the chance to experience her work anytime, no RSVP or waiting list required. RECOMMENDED: Incredible immersive experiences to do in NYC right now The space reimagines the traditional florist from the ground up. Inside, guests will find walls lined with velvety stems in every color and shape, all crafted with Hendry’s signature attention to detail. The flowers may be fake, but their emotional resonance is real. And look for a new exclusive plush flower to drop every day, offering up a reason to return over and over. Maybe this is your new daily latte? Photograph: Courtesy of Cj Hendry Studio “Flowers are one of those universal things—people buy them for every occasion, from celebrations to apologies,” Hendry said in an official statement. “But the sad part is they’re gone in a few days. Flower Shop flips that idea on its head. These flowers never die, which makes them funny, a little cheeky, and—hopefully—the most fun gift you’ll ever give.” Open from 10am to 6pm, seven days a week, Flower Shop is perfectly timed for the holiday season rush. Each

Though only a few vestiges of this history remain, Union Square used to be known as New York City’s "Book Row," a literary commercial corridor once home to over three dozen booksellers between Union Square and Astor Place. A new abstract artwork captures the spirit of that literary legacy.  Titled Recess: Reads, this bright red steel sculpture by New York-based artist Fitzhugh Karol will soon be displayed at Triangle Plaza in Union Square. This eight-foot-tall artwork invites passersby to pause, play and discover new perspectives on a familiar cityscape. See it from November 19 through June 2026. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC right now "Union Square's history as New York's literary heart made it the perfect setting for Recess: Reads. The sculpture is inspired by the simple, transformative act of opening a book—an invitation to pause, reflect, and discover new perspectives," Karol said in a press release. "I wanted to create a form that feels both playful and grounding, one that people can move through, lean against or simply enjoy as part of the landscape. My hope is that it sparks curiosity and connection, much like the books and stories that once defined this neighborhood."  Karol initially created the artwork as part of a series for a children's library in Oklahoma City, then it traveled around the country before making its way to New York City. The piece is designed with a bi-fold shape as a nod to an open book. A circular hole in the center invites viewers to

The Studio Museum in Harlem first opened in an era of sociopolitical upheaval in 1968 following civil rights demonstrations, anti-war protests and the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. Now, more than 50 years later, the museum dedicated to Black art reopens once again in another era marked with political turmoil. Through the decades, the museum has stayed dedicated to exploring art by artists of African descent in a way that’s both “hyper local and super global,” as Thelma Golden, the museum’s chief curator explained during a press preview this morning.  Closed for construction since 2018, the building is set to reopen on Saturday, November 15, with a seven-floor, 82,000-square-foot footprint that doubles the space for groundbreaking exhibitions. “This building says to the world: Harlem matters. Black art matters. Black institutions matter,” the museum’s board chairman Raymond J. McGuire told reporters today.  RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now This is the first time the Studio Museum has a purpose-built home. When it debuted in 1968, it popped up in a second-floor loft just north of 125th Street. Eventually, it moved to a commercial building at 144 West 125th Street, adapting the space into a museum. Over the years, the building expanded, but it wasn’t until this renovation that the museum secured a space expressly designed for art and community thanks to a $300 million fundraising campaign, along with designs by Adjaye As

You can smell it before you see it, the air thickly perfumed with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. And then when you do see it, there’s a moment of cognitive dissonance: How could a giant everything bagel with crispy, toasted onion flakes smell sweet? That’s because this massive, intricately crafted bagel is actually made of gingerbread as part of Museum of the City of New York’s annual Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off 2025. More than a dozen bakers across the city crafted their own versions of iconic NYC places, buildings and spirit, with the bagel sculpture collecting three awards this year. You can go see all of the gingerbread creations (and vote for your favorite) at the museum in East Harlem now through January 19, 2026. RECOMMENDED: Christmas in New York: The best things to do for a magical time this holiday season Now in its fourth year, Gingerbread NYC welcomes professional and amateur bakers to design fully edible gingerbread structures. This year’s “Iconic New York” theme saw everything from brownstones and Broadway to skyscrapers and subways.  Photograph: By Brad Farwell for MCNY For Juliet Galea, choosing to create a bagel and a to-go coffee was a natural fit. “No matter where you’re from in the world, here in the city, we’re all connected by a bagel and a coffee. It doesn’t make a difference where you’re from or if you speak English or not,” she tells Time Out. To create the design, she had to contend with making her food-inspired structures solid but n

Happy Halloweek, New York! Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun or some raucous 21+ partying, there are tons of events to keep you entertained in NYC this weekend. We've picked 10 of our favorites Halloween events below and listed dozens more in our full guide here. Keep scrolling for trick-or-treating, Halloween parties, parades, spooky stories and a pumpkin photo opp.  RECOMMENDED: The best Halloween events for 2025 in NYC Photograph: Courtesy Village Halloween Parade/Virginia Rollison 1. Village Halloween Parade The iconic Village Halloween Parade is a must-see, whether you're marching, watching from the sidelines or just watching on TV. The parade through Greenwich Village is back Halloween, Friday, October 31. Expect more than 50,000 zombies, ghouls, witches, monsters, robots, Jedis, giant puppets and more things that go bump in the night take to the streets for a night of costumed revelry.  Courtesy of the East Midtown Partnership10th Annual Halloween in East Midtown 2. Trick-or-treat through East Midtown More than 100 businesses in the East Midtown district are throwing open their doors to welcome trick-or-treaters aged 12 and under and their families to their annual Halloween celebration on Friday, October 31 from 3pm to 7pm.  Photograph: Courtesy of Single and the City 3. Find Your "Boo" Halloween Singles Party Being single on Halloween doesn't have to be scary. Find your "boo" at the Halloween Singles Soiree happening on Halloween night hosted by S