From delighting in wondrous festivals and parades to indulging in locally made goodies and getting a jump start on holiday shopping, November in New York is packed with events, thrills, and fun for all! Celebrate two New York City icons as the marathon marks its 50th year and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade steps off for its 100th year. Be sure to check out our full calendar to see all the exciting events happening across the Empire State this month and beyond. Photo Credit: @mitzgami on Instagram.

New York City Marathon (New York City)

🗓️When: November 1, 2026
📍Where: New York City
💲Cost: Free to spectate

Runners participate in the TCS New York City Marathon with a view of the Empire State Building in the distance

Credit: Joe Buglewicz/NYC & Company

There’s nothing quite like marathon day in New York City and with this year being the 50th anniversary of the five-borough race, it promises to be the most exciting one yet! Cheer on runners along the 26.2-mile course, joining the fun in Brooklyn outside the Brooklyn Academy of Music around mile 8, hip neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Greenpoint, or in Manhattan, where various points along the route like First Avenue and the Fifth Avenue approach to Central Park  put you near explore-worthy attractions like the Museum of Modern Art, The Met, Guggenheim, and Museum of the City of New York. Check out the course map and spectator guide to plan your day.

Saratoga Restaurant Week (Capital-Saratoga)

🗓️When: November 2-8, 2026
📍Where: Saratoga Springs
💲Cost: Three-Course Dinner: $25, $35, or $45 plus tax & tip | Lunch Specials: $15 plus tax & tip.

Seared salmon with white asparagus puree, corn, and fava succotash with blistered tomatoes and scallion gremolata at Prime at Saratoga National

Credit: @prime_saratoganational on Instagram

Think restaurant week is just for locals? Think again! A trip to Saratoga Springs for Discover Saratoga’s Annual Restaurant Week is the port-poached amarena cherry on top of your November. Indulge in seven days of prix-fixe lunch and three-course dinners with unbeatable prices at participating restaurants.

Adirondack Stampede Rodeo (Adirondacks)

🗓️When: November 7, 2026
📍Where: Glens Falls
💲Cost: Prices start at $34

Adirondack Stampede Rodeo

Photo Credit: visitlakegeorge.com

Giddyup for a good time at the Adirondack Stampede Rodeo! Roll into the Harding Mazzotti Arena and watch today’s top national and regional competitors face off in steer wrestling, barrel racing, bronco and bull riding, and more. Set to a professionally produced sound show, this is one of the state’s most unique experiences on offer this November. After all the rodeo action is done, head over to the Round-Up Party in the Cool Insuring Arena’s Heritage Hall.

Holiday Valley Beer and Wine Festival (Chautauqua-Allegheny)​

🗓️When: November 7, 2026
📍Where: Ellicottville
💲Cost: Ticket prices vary

Get ready to raise your glass and indulge in the ultimate celebration of craft beverages. Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of Holiday Valley as you sample drinks from the region’s best breweries and wineries, enjoy interactive sessions and tastings, and groove to the sounds of three live bands. It’s the perfect way to bid adieu to fall and get excited for a fun winter season. Make the most of your experience with a stay at Holiday Valley’s cozy lodges. Special packages include accommodation, festival tickets, and more, ensuring a seamless and stress-free getaway.

Jungle Bells at Animal Adventure Park (Central New York) 

🗓️When: Starting November 7, 2026
📍Where: Harpursville
💲Cost: $21.99 general admission for guests ages 12 and up

A boy in winter clothing sitting in a verticle circle of white and yellow fairy lights

Credit: @storkesque9 on Instagram

Get into the holiday spirit as over 2 million lights transform Animal Adventure Park into a glowing wonderland during Jungle Bells. Visit Santa’s workshop, meet The Grinch, explore the Frozen Forest and Butterfly Garden, feed giraffes and camels, and more at this dazzling walk-through experience.

LuminoCity Festival (Long Island)

🗓️When: Starting November 11, 2026
📍Where: East Meadow
💲Cost: Timed ticketing; prices vary; children ages 3 and under get free admission.

A prancing white unicorn with its wings spread as if it about to take flight at the LuminoCity Festival

Credit: @luminocityfestival on Instagram

Celebrate the magic of winter as you navigate four glowing worlds full of wonder and dazzling light displays spread out across Eisenhower Park. Journey through Magical Wonderwood, Dino Safari, Holidayville, and Tundra Twilight, ride the new Lumi Express holiday train ride, bounce around in a 20-foot tall Santa inflatable and more! You'll also find food trucks serving delicious bites, holiday gift shops perfect for festive shopping, and special theme nights packed with surprises.

Glimmerglass Film Days (Central New York)

🗓️When: November 11-15, 2026
📍Where: Cooperstown
💲Cost: Tickets start at $8 for individual events, passes range from $35 to $495.

Glimmerglass Film Days

Mark your calendar for a long weekend of exceptional films, filmmaker talks, engaging conversations, delicious local food and drink, guided walks, and the opportunity to enjoy a Cooperstown fall. Films and events are held across Cooperstown’s landmark locations including the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Fenimore Art Museum, and Fenimore Farm and Country Village. Between showings, enjoy wonderful restaurants and shops in and around Cooperstown, along with museums and galleries, parks and trails, and beautiful Otsego Lake. Stop by The Smithy to view the festival’s companion art exhibit and join free events like a walking tour of Cooperstown, trivia night, Bird Walk with the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society, and more.

Great New York State Model Train Fair (Finger Lakes)

🗓️When: November 14, 2026  
📍Where: Syracuse
💲Cost: Adults 16 & over: $16; children (15 and under): free.

Exhibitor tables at the NYS Fairgrounds during the Great New York State Model Train Fair

Photo Credit: Central New York Chapter, National Railway Historical Society, Inc.

All aboard! The Great New York State Model Train Fair, held at the NYS Fairgrounds, is your ticket to a fun-filled weekend. Celebrating its 51st year, this is the largest model train show in New York State with 300 vendor tables and 25+ operating layouts. Check out new and used model trains, railroad memorabilia, exhibits, and more!

NY Cider Festival (New York City)

🗓️When: November 14, 2026
📍Where: Brooklyn, NY
💲Cost: $33.85 general admission; $29.85 early bird ticket prices through Oct. 23, 2026

A person carries two cider tasting flights each bearing four plastic cups of various ciders at Bad Seed Cider Company in Highland, New York.

Join in on a fun-filled day of cider tasting and celebration at the NYC Cider Festival, happening at Brooklyn’s Red Hook Cidery. Whether you're a cider connoisseur or cider curious, you’ll have a chance to sample and shop some of the best ciders made from New York apples. Meet the makers, explore unique flavors, enjoy live music, and soak up scenic Statue of Liberty views. This event is 21+.

Jingle & Mingle along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail (Finger Lakes)

🗓️When: November 20-22, 2026
📍Where: Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
💲Cost: $95 for a Couple Ticket, $65 for a Single Ticket, $45 for a designated driver ticket 

Wine glasses, a plate filled with fruit and cheese, and a plate with a burger and fries stand on a stone bar

Celebrate the season traveling to 10 stops along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail where you’ll enjoy wine tastings, festive bites, and collect a full set of holiday-themed reindeer ornaments along the way. Participating wineries include Buttonwood Grove, Cayuga Ridge Estate, Hosmer, Lucas Vineyards, Montezuma, Six Eighty Cellars, Six Mile Creek Vineyard, Sheldrake Point, Swedish Hill, and Thirsty Owl Wine Co. Designated Driver Tickets include all the perks (minus wine) plus a special travel mug.

Schenectady Holiday Parade (Capital-Saratoga)

🗓️When: November 21, 2026
📍Where: Schenectady
💲Cost: Free to attend

Crowds watch as a fire truck decorated in string lights and a Christmas tree participates in the the Schenectady Holiday Parade

Gather up the family and head to the largest nighttime holiday parade in the Northeast in Downtown Schenectady! The Schenectady Holiday Parade is a dazzling holiday favorite featuring sparkling floats, glittering fire trucks, marching bands performing holiday tunes, dance troupes, and a special visit from Santa Claus. After the parade, be sure to take a stroll along State Street, grab a hot cup of cocoa and a bite to eat at delicious downtown restaurants, or get a head start on your holiday shopping on Jay Street.

New York State Craft Brewers Festival (Finger Lakes)

🗓️When: November 21, 2026
📍Where: Syracuse
💲Cost: Tickets start at $71.75; designated driver tickets are $20.85

A person holds up a glass with the words "Think NY Drink NY" at the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse during the New York State Craft Brewers Festival

Credit: New York State Brewers Association

Explore great beers from New York State’s finest breweries all under one roof! Enjoy samples from more than 45 breweries from KCBC to Ommegang at the historic Landmark Theatre in downtown Syracuse for the 13th annual New York State Craft Brewers Festival. Beer enthusiasts will discover new styles, flavors, and brands as they meet the masters behind the craft. Some of Syracuse’s best food vendors will also be on hand dishing out savory eats. Upgrade to VIP to enjoy  a curated flight of New York craft beers paired with a dish by the famed Dinosaur BBQ at Middle Ages Brewing  ahead of the main event.

Uncork the Holidays (Hudson Valley)

🗓️When: November 21-22, 2026
📍Where: Various starting locations in the Hudson Valley
💲Cost: Tickets are $40.89 and free for designated drivers.

wine glass filled with red wine being held against colorful fall trees

Credit: @morningtimelimetogether on Instagram

Break out your sparkling holiday attire or that ugly seasonal sweater and get your spirits up at the Shawangunk Wine Trail's holiday wine and cider tasting event! Brotherhood (America’s oldest winery), Robibero, Benmarl, Angry Orchard, and other participating venues will be decked out in festive decor as you sip, savor, and celebrate the season. Choose from three itineraries for your self-guided sampling tour and collect stamps in your Uncork Passport at each stop. The experience includes a souvenir tasting glass, Uncork Passport & Holiday Guide with exclusive rewards, wine tasting flight and signature holiday drink.

Haudenosaunee Heritage Celebration Day 2026 (Finger Lakes)

🗓️When: November 22, 2026
📍Where: Rochester
💲Cost: Free

Experience history, culture, and tradition during Haudenosaunee Heritage Celebration Day at the Memorial Art Gallery. Enjoy free museum admission, live dances and demonstrations with the Allegany River Seneca Dancers led by Bill Crouse (Seneca, Hawk Clan), storytelling with Ronnie Reitter (Seneca, Wolf Clan), display tables, history, culture, celebration, and more.

The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (NYC)

🗓️When: November 26, 2026
📍Where: Manhattan
💲Cost: Free to attend.

Tom the Turkey float makes its way along the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Route

Credit: @mitzgami on Instagram

For millions, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on their TVs is a Turkey Day tradition, but if you want to experience the wonder in-person, head to Manhattan this November for its 100th installment. Look out for your favorite returning character balloons and new additions including Billie Brightpaw and Snoopy’s alter ego Joe Cool and Woodstock, wave to the elaborate floats, and enjoy the star-studded acts performing along the 2.5-mile route. To get a good viewing spot, it’s recommended that spectators arrive before 6:30 am. Wear warm clothes and bring a thermos of warm coffee or hot cocoa to help you stay warm. If you happen to be in the city the day before the parade, you can see the balloons being blown up near the American Museum of Natural History just off of Central Park West.

Peace, Love, and Lights (Catskills)

🗓️When: Starting November 27, 2026
📍Where: Bethel
💲Cost: Tickets start at $27 per car

An elaborate display with a home and pine trees evoking a greeting card lit up at the Peace, Love & Lights festival at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Credit: @bethelwoodscenter on Instagram

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival, where everything becomes merry and bright for a special drive-thru holiday light show. Enjoy the magical glow from the comfort of your own car as the 1.7-mile route takes you through Snowflake Alley, Candy Cane Lane, Groovy Way, and other dazzling themed displays. Experience the wonderment on foot with special walk-thru nights on Mondays, buy gifts at the holiday market, catch a new drone light show on select night, join family singalongs, savor a festive buffet dinner with Santa, and more!

World’s Largest Disco (Greater Niagara)

🗓️When: November 28, 2026
📍Where: Buffalo
💲Cost: $135

Two security guards watch over the dance floor of the World's Largest Disco in Buffalo

Credit: @mike_demaria on Instagram

Break out your platform shoes, bell bottoms and sequins because it’s time to go back to the 70s! Voted the “Greatest Event on Earth,” the World’s Largest Disco at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center is the party of all parties, held each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The event raises money for Camp Good Days and Special Times, an organization that offers services and residential programs to families and individuals affected by cancer. This event is 21+.

Lite Up The Village (Adirondacks)

🗓️When: November 28, 2026
📍Where: Lake George
💲Cost: Free

People walk among colorful, illuminated artificial trees in a snowy outdoor setting at night at Lite Up The Village in Lake George.

Get ready to kick off the holiday season in beautiful Lake George as the village shines merry and bright with over 7,000 lights. This free event features a block party with singalongs and more festive fun, a spectacular fireworks show, a lighted fire truck parade along Canada Street, and a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Syracuse Wine and Chocolate Festival (Finger Lakes)

🗓️When: November 28, 2026
📍Where: Syracuse
💲Cost: Tickets are $39.84 and designated driver tickets are $24.31.

The only thing better than wine...is wine and chocolate. Head to the NYS Fairgrounds for the Syracuse Wine and Chocolate Festival to sample pours from dozens of New York State’s wineries, cideries, and distilleries and eat your way through a fabulous selection of tasty nibbles and treats, chocolates, and sweets. You’ll also get some serious retail therapy browsing mini boutiques featuring purses, jewelry, clothing, and more. Attendees receive a souvenir wine glass and a special ticket to take a trip through the “Chocolate Fountain."

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