Central Park, New York The Fall Foliage
The peak time for fall foliage in New York is in October and November, when the city's parks and tree-lined avenues are blanketed in dusky reds and yellows. Whether you join a tour or take to wandering on your own, there are some great ways to enjoy the changing of the seasons in the city.
With its profusion of maples, oaks and elms, Central Park has the greatest concentration of trees and is the best place in Manhattan for seeing the fall foliage. For a great view of the foliage, head to the observation deck at Belvedere Castle, which was built as a Victorian folly in 1869.
The Village Hallowe'en Parade
At the end of October, two million New Yorkers take part in the great Hallowe'en procession, which stretches along Sixth Avenue for over a mile, accompanied on their way by the parade's signature giant puppets.
It is recognised as the biggest party night of the year and is the largest Halloween celebration in the world. As The New York Times says, “the Hallowe'en Parade is the best entertainment the people of this City ever give the people of this City.”
Traditional sightseeing
Blue skies, cool sunshine and smaller crowds make autumn the ideal time to strap on a pair of comfortable walking shoes and indulge in simple sightseeing, whether you're strolling down a residential block or Fifth Avenue, the “most expensive street in the world”.
From the bright lights of Broadway and Times Square to some of the world's most recognisable buildings, landmarks and museums, there is never a shortage of things to do and see.
Thanksgiving in New York
Originally a harvest festival, Thanksgiving Day has been an official holiday in the USA since 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln, in the midst of the Civil War declared that Thursday, November 26, should be a say of national feasting and gratitude. It also marks the unofficial end of autumn and arrival of winter to New York.
In the city, the most famous celebration is the Macy's Thanks Day Parade, which has been a traditional event since 1924. Over 3.5 million watch this event, and its famous balloons and floats. The parade concludes every year with the arrival of Santa Claus, who rings in Christmas and the holiday season.