What to do and see in Midtown West, New York (NY): The Best Events

November 12, 2021 Osvaldo Hartline

Conquering New York in one visit is impossible. Instead, hit the must-sees – the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art – and then explore off the beaten path with visits to The Cloisters or one of the city’s libraries. Indulge in the bohemian shops of the West Village or the fine dining of the Upper West Side. The bustling marketplace inside of Grand Central Station gives you a literal taste of the best the city has to offer.
Restaurants in New York City

1. The New York Times Food Festival

Bryant Park, New York City, NY 10036 https://www.facebook.com/events/bryant-park-new-york-ny-10036-united-states/the-new-york-times-food-festival/2270195956573172/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

The New York Times Food Festival

2. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Herald Square 151 W 34th St, New York City, NY http://social.macys.com
Excellent
70%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 203 reviews

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is about as American as apple pie and has become a Thanksgiving Day tradition for millions since 1924. The parade runs up Central Park West and 6th Ave in New York City and features an impressive display of floats, marching bands, musical acts, and iconic oversized balloons of famed pop culture characters like Snoopy, Kermit, and Bugs Bunny. Other notable moments include performances from original Broadway casts and an impressive lineup of high school marching bands from around the country. All of the sights, sounds, and glamour of New York City in one holiday extravaganza.

Reviewed By lucylucy706 - Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom

The Macy's Parade is incredible, and is the warm friendly American atmosphere at it's very best. Don't listen to the haters who have written poor reviews, if you are well-prepared this will be a great experience. Being a UK resident, I'm probably only ever going to see the Macy's Parade once in my life but what a memory this one-time visit will leave me with. We visited for Thanksgiving Weekend 2019. We were staying down on 42nd Street, and having done some extensive research, we made a 5am wake-up call for Thanksgiving day. We strolled up to the Upper West Side for 6am, and chose a spot on the side of the street (facing Central Park) two or three blocks up from Columbus Circle. We stuck in our spot and slowly people joined us. Police were patrolling the street and moving people along. As time went by, the police started closing off blocks as they were filling up which was actually great to see, as it meant that nowhere seemed to crowded. We made conversation with those around us including the police and everyone was in great spirits. It was cold so wrap up warm, but it was actually surprising how quickly the three hours before the parade started went. The Parade itself was mind-blowing. Massive balloons all professionally controlled and steered along the street path, even in high winds. Everyone was respectful, clapping and cheering along the performers. We were lucky with clear blue skies and a dry day, with winds being the only thing of concern. There isn't too much of a wait between balloons/performers so the couple of hours the parade took actually went fairly quickly too. Huge thank you and a massive respect for the police and official persons here, they were all happy, friendly and informative. I even saw them reunite a man with his wife and daughter who were stuck a couple of blocks apart. After the parade finished, everyone calmly dispersed the site. We even managed to somehow find a table for four in a nearby diner where we ate a much-needed brunch. If, like me, this is likely to be a once in a lifetime activity for you, do it. With preparation, it can be a stress-free fun day for all.

3. New York Comic-Con

655 W 34th St Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York City, NY 10001-1114 +1 212-216-2000 http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/en/NYAF/
Excellent
46%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
8%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

New York Comic-Con

Reviewed By 1153stanleys - Winter Garden, United States

If you can't get to San Diego ComicCon or weren't able to get a ticket in the lottery, this is the next best thing. Huge by most local conventions standards, there is something for everyone though over the years (I have been going or several years and now actually fly up from our new resident state) the peripherals of comics have taken over (media, toys, gaming, Cosplay, etc). Still, I enjoy attending and since the local alleged big conventions around the states claim to be big, this one has spoiled me. This year was better organized than last year and perhaps those running the show took the advice of the attendees.

4. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

45 Rockefeller Plz Rockfeller Center, New York City, NY 10111-0100 +1 212-332-6868 https://www.rockefellercenter.com/holidays/rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting/
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 374 reviews

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Reviewed By chasingdestinyy - New York City, United States

Rockefeller is a staple of course because of the beautiful tree above a beautiful ice skating rink. Also, right around the corner is the classic Saks Fith Ave light display which is absolutely beautiful. It can get crowded, of course. Take a walk down the block to Bryant Park for another tree and skating rink, as well as the cutest little holiday market.

5. Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes

1260 Avenue of the Americas Between 50th & 51st Streets, New York City, NY 10020-1701 +1 866-858-0007 https://www.rockettes.com/christmas/
Excellent
81%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,813 reviews

Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes

You never forget the memories you make at the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. From the moment you walk into Radio City Music Hall to the very last dazzling dance number, experience the magic that only Rockettes can create. Bring your family for a one-of-a-kind tradition, where wooden soldiers dance, ice skaters glide, snowflakes swirl—and the unmistakable spirit of Christmas in New York City comes alive.

Reviewed By SimonTillybird - Toronto, Canada

Didn’t know what to expect other than the Rockettes and the toy soldiers falling (as I’d once seen a video clip about it). A wonderfully family friendly Christmas spectacular it is! Beautiful transitions, highly engaging music, dancing, Singing, Santa narrates a story that includes a Nativity pageant with exquisite costumes, live animals and phenomenal live orchestra. Don’t miss this show! It truly is spectacular!

6. New York International Auto Show

655 W 34th St Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York City, NY 10001-1114 http://www.autoshowny.com/
Excellent
35%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 40 reviews

New York International Auto Show

The New York Auto Show takes place at the Jacob Javitz Centre, Manhattan's largest convention centre, which stretches on for nearly a block. The expansive centre is filled with the globe's most innovative automotive trends, from stylish new exterior designs, to complex new engine prototypes. Industry leaders host talks, and big-name brands take the opportunity to show off. It is the perfect venue for car-lovers: the latest top-of-the-line luxury and racing cars fill out display sets across four floors, alongside some of the boldest futuristic concept cars. With nearly 1,000 automobiles on display in all, it is North America's premier and longest-running auto show.

7. Ninth Avenue International Food Festival

Ninth Avenue between 42nd and 57th Street, New York City, NY 10018 http://ninthavenuefoodfestival.com/
Excellent
36%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 14 reviews

Ninth Avenue International Food Festival

8. Times Square Countdown

1560 Broadway, New York City, NY 10036-1537 +1 647-225-7840 http://www.newyearseve.nyc/nyc/index.aspx#.Ve4-vdLtmko
Excellent
35%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
7%
Terrible
14%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 57 reviews

Times Square Countdown

Millions of revelers come to New York City from around the world and brave the cold for this legendary celebration to ring in the New Year. As crowds gather in Times Square on December 31st, people tune in from all over the world to watch the famous ball drop. At the exact stroke of midnight, the city lights up with a dazzling display of fireworks overhead. Somehow, New York’s most famous neighborhood shines even brighter on this special night.

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