With new events popping up at different spots every other day, New York is as alive as ever. In November 2021, the Big Apple offers all sorts of experiences, from long time favourites to new and exciting adventures. Want a memorable November in New York? Here are locations of some of the most anticipated events in the city:
1. Winter Village at Bryant Park
The Bank of America Winter Village makes it to the list of the average New Yorker’s list of holiday events. It’s only a matter of time before the kids are out of all the candy they got from trick or treating, so the holiday cheer needs to come around soon or they're bored again. Thankfully, the Winter Village in Bryant Park is open from the 29th of October, 2021, right as November starts. It's a new experience waiting for you before you even take off your Halloween costume. You have to reserve tickets here before you go. There is population control in accordance with COVID-19 safety protocols.
2. A Diana Spencer-inspired musical at Longacre Theatre
Go through the motions of a crumbling royal marriage but stay entertained. To feel so deeply yet remain amused is the Broadway way. Broadway biomusicals are, as the name implies, Broadway musicals about the lives of real people. Diana, The Musical is about the Princess of Wales and how her marriage to Prince Charles got ruined, showing from the 2nd of November, 2022 till the 17th of January, 2022. Tickets are sold at the venue, but you can get tickets online for an extra $8.50 ticket service charge.
3. Fashion exhibit at Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Museum is known for its recognition of great impacts on fashion and design, so it’s no surprise that a high fashion exhibit featuring House of Dior is being held there. The exhibit, Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams, is a tour of the world of fashion in all its glory.
I’m picturing my fairy godmother walking me through a magic closet to pick which dress works best with those glass slippers. The exhibit opened on the 10th of September, 2021, and the first event of this month happens on the 3rd of November, 2021 — after which there are a few other events on a few other days. Get tickets to any of the events here.
4. Clubbing at Nebula
2020 used to be discussed with much expectation, so the lockdown was a worldwide disappointment to many people for many reasons. Manhattan’s newly opened mega club, Nebula, is, to an extent, a great representation of the type of futuristic partying we expected the roaring ‘20s to deliver. On the 5th of November, the club opens in grand style, and tickets even cover performances from surprise musical guests.
5. Ice skating at Rockefeller Center
The name, Rockefeller, made me giggle the first time I heard it as a child. I thought it was a happy word. With John Rockefeller known for being a philanthropist, and my finding out about the rink at Rockefeller Center, I can truly assert that the word is associated with making children giggle. A reach? I know. But I’m a romantic, please let me. The rink opens daily starting from the 6th of November, 2021 at 9 am till midnight, and you can get tickets online.
6. NYC Marathon from Staten Island to Central Park
And everywhere in between, really. Which is basically most of the city, but that’s the point! You're taking in as much of New York as you can by following the biggest and most popular marathon in the world.
The New York City Marathon isn't an event everyone can register for because there are guidelines in place to ensure safety and security. However, you can watch the race, doing so on a screen or getting closer to the action by finding popular spots with the best view. Basically, unless you’re running, you don't have to get any tickets. The marathon starts at Staten Island and ends at Central Park on the 7th of November, 2021.
7. Miracle Pop-up Bar at Thief, Stockade Tavern and The Cabinet
What do Brooklyn, Kingston and Easton Village have in common? They're all parts of NYC, yes, but they are also the locations of the 2021 Miracle Pop-up Bar. Thief, Stockade Tavern and The Cabinet will go through physical pop-up changes as well as changes to the menu.
The mixes have clever Christmas-themed names, like Elfing Around, consisting of mulled wine reduction, prosecco, gin and grapefruit shrub, which would surely make me elf around by the time I reach the bottom of the glass. The pop-ups start from the 19th of November till the 28th of December, 2021, and you just need to show up to any of the bars to get in on the fun.
8. A Bug’s Night at Queens County Farm
Putting up colourful lights in public places is one of the biggest holiday traditions all over the world. A Bug’s Night is three beautiful events that brighten New York with colourful holiday lights and lanterns shaped like things you’d find on a beautiful farm. The first event kicked off on the 22nd of October, 2021 at Nassau County Museum of Art, but the third event starts on the 25th of November, 2021 at Queens County Farm. Reserve tickets here.
9. A Britney Spears-inspired musical at Sidney Harman Hall
Once Upon A One More Time, a Broadway musical inspired by Britney Spears, involves fairytale princesses and a rogue godmother that makes me think of Mona Eltahawy showing the princesses the way of pop. Say goodbye to the month in style on the last day of November 2021. Tickets are sold online.
10. Photoville Exhibits
This year’s locations are NYC Parks (e.g., Brooklyn Bridge Park, South Beach Promenade), Times Square and more. For the 10th year, Photoville takes over various parts of New York with photography.
There are more than 75 displays all over the city, especially in major parks and other ample public spaces. I'm particularly excited that the exhibitions are free! The opening date was September 18th, 2021, but by the end of November 2021, they’ll be all packed up. November is all the time left before the exhibition goes away, so make the most of that.
