Fall is a magical season with its colors, mild temperatures, and a unique feeling of renewal. Fall in New York, however, brings with it an unparalleled magic.
In September, the summer season is still very evident, with plenty of outdoor activities and events scattered everywhere. In October, however, temperatures begin to drop and fall colors gradually take over the city. The pleasant temperatures of this period provide perfect conditions for the long walks the city may require, and fewer crowds of tourists in the streets and at the main attractions.
The months of October and November are ideal for those who wish to witness the phenomenon of fall foliage, when the leaves of the trees turn yellow, orange, and red and cover parks, gardens, and even some streets in the city like carpets.
At this time, a romantic stroll through Central Park, now painted in a mix of golden, orange, and reddish tones, or a visit to one of the city’s observation decks such as The Edge, Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, or Summit One Vanderbilt are truly unmissable!
During the month of November, New York begins to get a Christmas atmosphere with the beginning of decorations, which culminates, between the last week of November and the first of December, with the inauguration of the city’s most famous Christmas trees—Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park’s—some activities, such as the ice rinks at Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, or Central Park, and specific shows, whether on Broadway and in other closed locations, or outdoors, next to emblematic spots.
Fall is also the time for some very popular holidays and festive dates. The first of these, Halloween, is celebrated on October 31st, but in the preceding weeks, it is already possible to see buildings and even homes decorated with pumpkins, ghosts, witches, and other frightening decorations.
Sports fans will be delighted at this time of year as the main competitions of the three biggest sports in the United States get underway: American football, basketball, and ice hockey. MetLife is home to the Giants and Jets and, starting in October, will host games for these two teams for the NFL championship. NBA games also take place in two parts of the city: the Barclays Center (home of the Brooklyn Nets) and Madison Square Garden (where the New York Knicks play). This last arena also hosts ice hockey games, being the official headquarters of the New York Rangers.
On the last Thursday of November, one of the most important holidays in the US is celebrated: Thanksgiving Day. It is a day when family and friends are celebrated, and everyone is grateful for what they have accomplished during the year. On this date, one of the biggest and most popular parades in New York takes place: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This parade began in 1924, the year in which Macy’s employees paraded in costumes through the streets of New York, accompanied by some animals from Central Park Zoo. Currently, the event runs through the main streets of the city with giant balloons, floats, fanfares, marching bands, and performances.
On the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday takes place, another highly anticipated event during which stores open and are filled with locals and tourists looking for the craziest discounts of the year.
Are you already convinced of the magic of fall in New York? We’ve tried to tell you all about it, but there’s always so much more to see and experience in person! Book your flight now at www.azoresairlines.pt.
