10 reasons to visit New York in fall

1/ Lower airfares for flights and hotels

Looking for the best time to visit New York? Fall offers excellent value. Summer’s peak season has passed, and the December holidays rush hasn’t arrived yet. This means cheaper airfares and hotel rates, with plenty of promotions available. Check out the New York hotel guide for recommendations from our readers.

2/ Central Park transforms with fall colors

Fall is by far the most spectacular season to explore Central Park. As temperatures drop, tree leaves shift to brilliant shades of orange and red. Head to Bow Bridge in the southern part of the park for particularly stunning views—the reflections in the water below make the scene even more magical.

3/ Stargaze on the High Line

Fall brings clear skies to New York, perfect for stargazing. Amateur astronomers gather on the High Line every Tuesday evening in October through October 27, at the 14th Street entrance. The event is free, and you can look through various telescopes to see the city from a whole new perspective.

4/ Celebrate Halloween!

Halloween is a major celebration in New York. On the evening of October 31, children dress in their scariest costumes and go door-to-door asking for candy with the famous “trick or treat.” Don’t miss the Village Halloween Parade, a massive procession that runs down 6th Avenue from Spring Street to 16th Street on October 31, starting at 7 pm.

5/ Watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade

After Halloween comes Thanksgiving, another major American holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. While the president pardons a turkey in Washington, New York’s Macy’s department store hosts a massive parade featuring giant character balloons. The parade starts at 9 am on November 26 at the corner of Central Park West and 77th Street, following the traditional route down 6th Avenue to Herald Square.

6/ Shop at major discounts

Mark the day after Thanksgiving on your calendar if you love shopping. Black Friday brings massive sales across the United States, and New York stores participate fully. Yes, stores will be crowded, but the deals are real. Start planning your shopping strategy with our New York shopping guide.

7/ Explore new museum exhibitions

Fall marks the start of the museum season in New York, with major new exhibitions opening. The Museum of Modern Art launched a Picasso sculpture exhibition on September 14. The Whitney Museum of American Art opens a Frank Stella retrospective on October 30. The Metropolitan Museum of Art will feature French designer Jacqueline de Ribes starting November 19.

8/ Indulge in truffle season

Fall is truffle season in New York, a well-established tradition. This prized fungus appears on menus everywhere and finds its way into nearly every dish. Explore our New York restaurant guide to find the best places to enjoy it.

9/ Experience the start of NBA and NHL seasons

• Fall marks the beginning of two major North American sports leagues: basketball and ice hockey. New York has strong representation in both. In basketball, the city has two NBA teams: the New York Knicks, who play at Madison Square Garden, and the Brooklyn Nets, who play at Barclays Center.
• In ice hockey, New York also has two teams: the New York Rangers, who play at Madison Square Garden, and the New York Islanders, who play at UBS Arena. The New Jersey Devils also compete nearby in New Jersey. For tickets and information, visit our pages on basketball in New York and ice hockey.

10/ Discover holiday decorations

Starting in late November, New York lights up for the holidays. Stores compete with elaborate window displays, and Rockefeller Center unveils its giant Christmas tree. The advantage of visiting in late November? Far fewer crowds than during the December holidays, making it easier to take photos and enjoy the festive atmosphere.