Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
New York City Marathon
An amazing 30,000 entrants run the 26.2-mile (42-km) marathon that starts on
Staten Island, takes in all five boroughs, and finishes in Central Park. New Yorkers
line the route, cheering and offering water to the runners.
• 1st Ave above 59th St is a good viewpoint
• 10:45am 1st Sun in Nov
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
NewYorkerstaketothestreetsandAmericawatchesontelevisionascartooncharac-
terballoons,marchingbands,lavishTVandmoviestar-ladenfloats,andthedancing
Rockettes announce the start of the Christmas season.
• Central Park West at 77th St along Broadway to 34th St
• 9am Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
America's tallest Christmas tree, festooned with miles of lights, stands next to the
skating rink in Rockefeller Center. Trumpeting angel decorations in the Channel
Gardens and animated windows in 5th Avenue department stores add to the holiday
spirit.
• Rockefeller Center
• 1st week in Dec
New Year's Eve Ball Drop
Crowds begin gathering hours before, ready to cheer when a giant, illuminated,
Waterford crystal ball lowered at midnight marks the official start of the New Year.
Other“FirstNight”eventsincludewilddancepartiesatclubsthroughoutthecityand
a midnight run, with a costume parade and fireworks, in Central Park.
• Times Square
• Midnight Dec 31
