By Karen Rubin, editor@news-photos-features.com, news-photos-features.com
The US Navy Blue Angels headlined a very special Four Leaf Air Show at Jones Beach, this year honoring America’s 250th anniversary, so moved from the traditional Memorial Day Weekend to July 5 and 6. Some 268,000 turned out for the event on Monday; unfortunately, Tuesday’s show was cancelled for rain.
The Jones Beach event was special in other ways, as well, featuring more international participants than ever, including the first-ever visit to the United States by the United Arab Emirates aerobatic team, Fursan Al Emarat. The United Kingdom sent its Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, and its British Army Parachute Display Team, the Red Devils, and Canada sent the Canadian Forces Snowbirds (431 Air Demonstration Squadron).
In a stunning and spectacular and surprising move, the Canadian Snowbirds joined the British Red Arrows to pay special honor for America’s 250th.
The event also featured Aaron Deliu, an Australian professional aerobatic pilot who is becoming a U.S. citizen, as well as local favorites, Farmingdale State College Flying Rams, historic “warbirds” from the American Airpower Museum, and the 106th Rescue Wing of the NY Air National Guard.
By Karen Rubin, editor@news-photos-features.com, news-photos-features.com
Hundreds of thousands turned out for a very special Four Leaf Airshow at Jones Beach, this year honoring America’s 250th anniversary, so moved from the traditional Memorial Day Weekend to July 5 and 6. The headliner, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, also led the flyover at the July 4th Sail4th 250 event, leading some 200 aircraft.
The Jones Beach event was special in other ways, as well, featuring more international participants than ever, including the first-ever visit to the United States by the United Arab Emirates aerobatic team, Fursan Al Emarat. The United Kingdom sent its Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, and its British Army Parachute Display Team, the Red Devils, and Canada sent the Canadian Forces Snowbirds (431 Air Demonstration Squadron).
In a stunning and spectacular and surprising move, the Canadian Snowbirds joined the British Red Arrows to pay special honor for America’s 250th.
The event also featured Aaron Deliu, an Australian professional aerobatic pilot who is becoming a U.S. citizen, as well as local favorites, Farmingdale State College Flying Rams, historic “warbirds” from the American Airpower Museum, and the 106th Rescue Wing of the NY Air National Guard.
The 268,000 spectators who crammed the beach and boardwalk for the FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach State Park on Sunday, July 5, was the second-highest attended air show in the park’s history. Unfortunately, Monday’s show was rained out.
Here are highlights of what you saw or what you missed:
In these unsettled times and despite high fuel prices (or perhaps because of them), the old-timey family Road Trip is enjoying renewed allure. Like comfort food from your childhood, the road trip evokes nostalgia for an imagined simpler, more innocent time. People like the freedom (from timetables, security lines, not having to agonize over what you can’t fit into your carry-on), the ability to spend as little or as much time, to come upon some serendipitous discovery, to immerse in local happenings and celebrations.
Map of Historic Route 66 (photo: www.route66roadtrip.com)
A key event sparking interest in the road trip this summer is the centennial celebration of Route 66. Spanning 2,448 miles across eight states from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, Route 66 became synonymous with the ultimate road trip adventure, a symbol of American freedom on four wheels, as an industrializing America was rolling out highways and paving over dirt roads.
This year, the Route 66 Centennial Commission is inviting roadsters to step back in time and experience the retro charm, vintage vibes, small-town hospitality, and trendy twists on classic roadside dining.
Dubbed “the Mother Road” and the “Main Street of America,” states all along the route are featuring exhibits honoring 100 years of the highway that coincides with a focus on history because of America’s 250th.
Centennial Web Hubs: Discover more historical milestones and celebrations via the Route 66 Centennial site or check out the broader travel calendar on the Route 66 Centennial (route66-centennial.com).
Chicago: Be among the first to visit the Obama Presidential Center (photo: Obama Presidential Center)
The legendary route serves up awe-inspiring scenery, cultural landmarks and nostalgic charm along the way. Starting out in Chicago, don’t miss an opportunity to be among the first to visit the Obama Presidential Center; in St. Louis, Gateway Arch National Park (and the museums underneath) and the Courthouse where the Dred Scott Decision began; Petrified Forest National Park, in Arizona, ending in Santa Monica at the famous pier.
Here are suggestions for an itinerary built around natural attractions:
Lake Michigan’s shores extend to four states – Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. Chicago’s 42 kilometers of lakefront encompass public parks, gardens, paved trails and beaches. Take the South Shore Line commuter train from Chicago’s Union Station to Indiana Dunes National Park for a serene escape from the big city.
Meramec Caverns, Stanton, Missouri, an hour’s drive southwest of St. Louis, is an underground wonder, towering stalactites and shimmering mineral deposits, believed to have served as a hideout of famed outlaw Jesse James. Rent kayaks or canoes on the Meramec River.
Springfield Botanical Gardens is a free, picturesque sanctuary Springfield, Missouri, at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, Springfield, Missouri.
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area, a short drive from Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers forested hills, rocky outcrops and scenic overlooks of Turkey Mountain.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, set in the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo, is the second-largest canyon in the USA.
Blue Hole, tucked away in the high desert town of Santa Rosa, New Mexico, a two-hour drive from Albuquerque, is where you can jump into the artesian spring from cliffs along its shores and scuba dive, and fish in the crystal clear waters.
When cruising Route 66 through Arizona, set aside time to visit the Grand Canyon National Park.
Mojave National Preserve, a lesser-known gem located a four-hour drive from Los Angeles or an hour’s drive from Las Vegas, Nevada. is a desert ecosystem of soaring sand dunes, forests of Joshua trees, ancient volcanic cinder cones and magma flows.
Amboy Crater is a dormant cinder cone volcano in Mojave Trails National Monument, located near Amboy, California, a three-hour drive from Los Angeles. Follow the Amboy Crater Rim Trail to circumnavigate the symmetrical cone, which was formed about 10,000 years ago. Due to minimal light pollution, it’s also a popular stargazing spot.
Santa Monica, California, at the western end of Route 66, on the Pacific Ocean, is famous for its beaches and the Santa Monica Pier, home to a popular amusement park.
Kampgrounds of America’s 6-Part Route 66 Itinerary
Want to take your Route 66 roadtrip adventure to the next-level? Plan to camp along the way. Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has created a 6-part itinerary (https://koa.com/blog/travel-route-66-in-6-parts/):
KOA and AdventureGenie have also teamed up to create ready-to-go itineraries. In each section, there is a link to a corresponding AdventureGenie trip that can be customized using their AI technology to add the activities and stops that fit your personal preferences —all in just a few clicks.
Some of America’s best summer getaways are closer than you think, conveniently located just off major highways and within an easy drive of key cities. Pack up the car, bring what and who you want, and hit the road to destinations for outdoor adventure, history, family fun and standout local flavors.
Shenandoah County, Virginia: Great Outdoors Road Trip: Tucked into the Shenandoah Valley, this stretch takes you to small mountain towns like Woodstock, Strasburg and Edinburg in Virginia (reached via Interstate 81) to immerse in the great outdoors:
Hiking or mountain biking at Bryce Resort, a year-round retreat that offers trails, lift-served biking and water sports at Lake Laura.
Kayaking, paddling and fishing along the Shenandoah River.
Ride or hike the towpath of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park, the 184.5-mile historic waterway that connected the nation’s capital to the mountains of Western Maryland. (photo: Allegheny County Mountainside of Maryland)
Allegany County, Maryland: American History Road Trip: This part of Western Maryland (reached via Interstate 68) had a front-row seat to countless important moments in American history. Since the nation’s infancy, Cumberland has served as one of the United States’ most significant transportation hubs for covered wagons, canal boats, trains, automobiles and bicycles. Along the way, this region – affectionately dubbed “The Mountain Side of Maryland” – also played a quiet but important role in the journey to freedom via the Underground Railroad. A sampling of ways in which visitors can experience history in this mountain destination includes:
Start your journey at “Mile Marker Zero” of the old National Road. A small monument still exists downtown, situated right outside the historic Western Maryland Railway Station, a reminder that this city was also a significant railroad stop.
Sightsee on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad: steam and diesel trains make the 16-mile loop between Cumberland and Frostburg year-round and offer themed seasonal rides such as ice cream trains and sunset on the mountain.
Explore the tunnels underneath the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, which was a stop along the Underground Railroad. Tours are available on request and subject to availability.
Ride or hike the towpath of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park, the 184.5-mile historic waterway that connected the nation’s capital to the mountains of Western Maryland. Construction began in 1828, and by 1850 the canal reached its western terminus in Cumberland, still an engineering marvel.
Staying in a new (but old) hotel. An adaptive reuse project is breathing new life into a long-vacant Victorian-era building in historic downtown Cumberland. The Wills Hotel, set to welcome its first guests in June, is the destination’s first boutique property.
Bowling Green, Kentucky: Family-Friendly Road Trip: Located in South Central Kentucky via Interstate65, Bowling Green is ideal for a family summer vacation, offering classic Americana and plenty of sweet treats. Some of the top family-friendly activities in Bowling Green include:
Catch a Bowling Green Hot Rods baseball game at the downtown ballpark, where summer nights come with fireworks and a side of tasty snacks.
Cool off at Chaney’s Dairy Barn, known for farm-fresh ice cream, playground fun and the chance to meet adorable cows.
Explore Lost River Cave, where guided boat tours take visitors underground through one of Kentucky’s most unique natural attractions. During the summer, the cave’s former nightclub is transformed into an underground movie theater that features kid-friendly movies. (The movies are for members only, but an annual membership costs less than taking your family to a standard theater and it comes with other perks, too.)
Ascension Parish, Louisiana: Foodie Road Trip: Located along Interstate 10, the highway that connects New Orleans to Baton Rouge, Ascension Parish lives up to its nickname “Louisiana’s Sweet Spot.” This is a destination where food takes center stage. The menu of ways visitors can taste the incredible flavors of Ascension Parish includes:
Sip your way along the Louisiana’s Sweet Spot Cocktail Trail, which runs through July 31 and features locally inspired drinks offered by 20 participating restaurants and distilleries.
Taste something sweet at The Cane Sugar Toffee Company, a beloved stop for handmade confections that feature an agricultural staple of the parish … sugarcane!
Dig into the parish’s signature dish in Gonzales, the Jambalaya Capital of the World, where jambalaya shows up at festivals, restaurants and dinner tables alike.
Road Trip to Explore America’s Story in Central Pennsylvania
Central Pennsylvania offers a road trip that brings American history to life, ideal for a driveable summer getaway. Blending immersive museums, iconic landmarks, and family-friendly experiences across three easy-to-navigate days, this itinerary offers storytelling, hands-on activities, and scenic exploration, ideal for families, history enthusiasts, and cultural travelers.
Day 1: Industry, Innovation & the Civil War (Hershey & Harrisburg):
Start at The Hershey Story Museum, an interactive museum exploring the legacy of Milton Hershey, complete with chocolate tastings and hands-on experiences.
Head to theIndian Echo Caverns, an underground featuring guided cave tours, gem mining, and family-friendly activities.
End the day at the National Civil War Museum, one of the most comprehensive Civil War museums in the U.S., with artifacts tied to figures like Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant.
Discover “101 Things to Do Just Off the 101” in California’s Conejo Valley
Visit Conejo Valley is inviting travelers to take the scenic route between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara in southern California, conveniently accessible from Highway 101, with the launch of its new “101 Things to Do Just Off the 101” guide, a curated collection of stops and activities.
Long considered a hidden gem, Conejo Valley blends outdoor adventure, dining and cultural attractions. Spend the day discovering oak-studded hiking paths, sipping small-batch craft brews, exploring local art and history museums or unwinding at open-air restaurants and lively community gathering spots.
The “101 Things to Do Just Off the 101” guide highlights attractions across Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills and Newbury Park, featuring everything from horseback riding trails and local coffee shops to golf courses, breweries, performing arts venues and immersive cultural attractions. Among the featured 101 experiences:
As New York City prepares to welcome the FIFA World Cup 2026™, New York City Tourism + Conventions is making it easy to find activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy across the five boroughs throughout the tournament. With eight World Cup matches including the Final at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), there are scores of fan events and viewing parties, soccer/football activations and popups, and groundbreaking cultural exhibitions. To plan your experience, visit nyctourism.com/worldcup26.
“New York City is ready to welcome visitors from around the globe for the World Cup, and our message is simple: come for the matches, stay for the culture,” said Julie Coker, President and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions. “Across the five boroughs, free fan events, cultural exhibitions, dining specials, hotel offerings and neighborhood gatherings will turn the tournament into a citywide extravaganza. Whether you’re attending a match or simply want to be part of the celebration, visitors will find endless ways to experience the World Cup across New York City’s vibrant communities.”
“The World Cup is a historic moment for New York City, and our priority is making it easy for New Yorkers and visitors to join in the fun, with or without a match ticket,” said Maya Handa, NYC World Cup Czar. “Official transportation will connect fans to New York New Jersey Stadium, while free fan events, local programming and small business activations will bring the tournament to the five boroughs. We look forward to making this a meaningful moment for residents, fans, neighborhoods and local businesses.”
NYC Tourism’s digital calendar of World Cup events + offers across the five boroughs is now live, highlighting special events, promotions and offers citywide. The calendar will continue to be updated with the latest events for fans from now through the end of the tournament. NYC Tourism’s World Cup content hub also includes this guide on where to cheer for teams playing in NYC.
The Five Borough Winners Special is New York City’s official citywide dining program for the World Cup offering $26 food and beverage specials and one-of-a-kind collectible borough cups at hundreds of bars and restaurants, from June 11 through July 19.
The World Cup Concierge, a digital map and real-time navigation tool on nyctourism.com/worldcup26 lists local businesses and their World Cup promotions.
The NYC Neighborhood Passport is a citywide program encouraging fans to explore New York City’s immigrant communities, cultural institutions, small businesses and community events throughout the tournament, using a passport to collect artist-designed stamps at participating venues beginning on June 11.
The NYNJ Host Committee’s Welcome World Rewards Program earns points for fans visiting participating small businesses across the City and checking in through a digital wallet. Fans who redeem enough points across the region will be eligible for exclusive merchandise, access to official NYNJ Host Committee fan experiences, and tickets to match experiences, including the World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
NYC Tourism’s refreshed NYC Halal Travel Guide spotlights dining, accommodations and activity recommendations, including World Cup resources, for Muslim New Yorkers and visitors. New York City was the first US destination to launch a dedicated resource for Muslim travelers in 2022, working in partnership with the world-leading, halal-friendly travel authority Halal Trip/Crescent Rating.
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Official Fan Events & Viewing Locations
Queens: NYNJ World Cup 26 Queens Group Stage HQ, USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (June 11–27). Daily programming and match viewings (easy access on the Long Island Railroad and Flushing 7 train).
Manhattan: NYNJ World Cup 26 & Telemundo Fan Village, Rockefeller Center (July 6–19). Daily programming; extended hours during Finals Week
Brooklyn: Brooklyn Fan Zone, Brooklyn Bridge Park (June 13–July 19). Daily Programming and match viewings.
The Bronx: NYNJ World Cup 26 Bronx Fan Zone, Bronx Terminal Market (June 13–14). Matchday programming and local cultural programming.
Staten Island: NYNJ World Cup 26 Staten Island Fan Zone, Staten Island University Hospital Community Park (June 29–July 2). Daily programming and evening match viewings.
Rockefeller Center: In addition to the fan village excitement on the plazas below,Top of the Rock has been named theOfficial NYNJ World Cup 26 Viewpoint, offering a singular vantage point above it all, with sweeping 360-degree views that connect fans to NYC. Live match viewings will be screened from June 11 through July 19, along with a NYNJ World Cup 26 photo moment, discounts on FIFA store merchandise and more.
The FIFA Museum presented by Hyundai at Rockefeller Center will host “Legacies of Champions” showcasing nearly a century of FIFA World Cup™ history through a free immersive exhibition with free timed-entry tickets. Visitors with Top of the Rock tickets can add priority museum entry from June 11-19.
The Intrepid Museum is turning Pier 86 into one of New York City’s premier outdoor World Cup destinations. From June 11 through July 19, the museum will host public watch parties for more than 50 FIFA World Cup matches on the pier, with multiple large screens set up against the backdrop of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline. It’s a rare chance to watch the world’s biggest sporting event in one of the city’s most dramatic outdoor settings on the same pier as a historic aircraft carrier. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Hudson Yards, The Shops at Columbus Circle and Bronx Terminal Market: Related Companies has been named an Official Host City Supporter, with fan activations planned at Hudson Yards, The Shops at Columbus Circle and Bronx Terminal Market, including live match viewings, events and official merchandise.
American Museum of Natural History opened World Cup, World Cultures: Celebrating the Community of Science and Sport with programming and experiences including FIFA World Cup 2026™ watch parties; a community celebration on June 13 to mark the first match played in the NY/NJ region; For the Win: Objects of Sports Excellence, an exhibition of championship rings, trophies, medals, and jewelry from legendary athletes and teams; Goal Zone,an all-ages interactive soccer play space; a Global Sports Pavilion featuring large-scale photography and video celebrating iconic moments in sports from around the world, alongside trivia and hands-on educational activities exploring the science and culture of sport; and a neighborhood block party on July 11 culminating with a Manhattanhenge sunset.
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) on the Upper West Side has various family-friendly experiences for children 0-6, connecting the excitement of World Cup to art, culture and play. Events throughout June and July include artmaking, cultural dance, educational sessions and more, and CMOM’s Huddle Hub will provide a space to read books about countries participating in the World Cup and learn about professional players.
In celebration of the World Cup coming to New York City, the Guggenheim will present Zidane, a 21st century portrait, June 11-July 19. The exhibition marks the 20th anniversary of the film portrait capturing French soccer star Zinédine Zidane in real time during a 2005 match.
The Whitney Museum of American Art will celebrate the World Cup throughout the tournament with its Free Friday Nights and Free Second Sundays, as well as a 20% admission discount to visitors wearing their national team’s jersey or carrying home team memorabilia. Offerings include DJ sets inspired by global music traditions, art-making activities, tours and refreshments, all culminating in a special West Side Fest celebration (July 10–12) ahead of the Final match weekend. These activities coincide with the Whitney Biennial 2026, featuring artists from tournament host cities and countries around the world, shown alongside iconic American works by Hopper, Warhol and Basquiat.
Summer for the City at Lincoln Center will host World at Play, celebrating the global spirit of soccer with World Club DJ nights, curated by the legendary DJ Bill Coleman featuring DJs from around the world, freestyle pop-up soccer performers, family-friendly workshops, locally based food trucks on-site including drinks and international cuisine. On select evenings, Film at Lincoln Center will present free open-air showings of soccer-related cinema classics.
The New York Botanical Garden will host its World Cup Garden June 13 through July 19, celebrating global culture through diverse plants, interactive displays and family-friendly programming, including World Cup Garden Kick Off Day on June 13 with crafts, lawn games and more.
The 9/11 Museum is hosting The World’s Game: Soccer and 9/11 exhibition through August honoring how the global soccer community rallied together during the 2002 FIFA World Cup where the US made a quarterfinal run, including fundraising matches and more.
The Paley Center will hostThe Global Game:Soccer in the United States and the FIFA World Cup™ June 11 through July 26, exploring the rise of soccer in the US alongside the global impact the World Cup including early involvement in FIFA to hosting the landmark 1994 tournament, and the growth of Major League Soccer. Presented in collaboration with FIFA, MLS, the US Soccer Federation, FOX Sports, and Telemundo/Peacock, the exhibit includes artifacts including game-worn jerseys from American soccer stars. cleats, signed memorabilia, archival footage, and iconic match moments. The Paley Center will also host watch parties throughout the tournament.
El Museo del Barrio will host a free World Cup Final watch party on July 19 in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere, with hands-on art activities for all ages including a live DJ set with a dynamic mix of deep house, techno and Latin rhythms. The event takes place during exhibition Sophie Rivera: Double Exposures—the museum’s first survey dedicated to the groundbreaking photographer.
The German Football Association will open the German House of Soccer for the first time during the World Cup, at Chelsea Industrial from June 11 through July 11, bringing German football culture to NYC, welcoming fans for select match screenings, panel discussions, events and more.
In an effort to promote hope and unity in an increasingly polarized world and encourage cross-cultural connection through a shared love of football during the World Cup, The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in Morningside Heights presents Peace Post, a mixed-media portrait collection featuring 198 global peace advocates—one from each sovereign nation—shining a light on individuals working toward positive change.
World Cup Food & Beverage Offerings
The Five Borough Winners Special is New York City’s official citywide dining program for the World Cup offering $26 food and beverage specials and one-of-a-kind collectible borough cups at hundreds of bars and restaurants, from June 11 through July 19.
Visitors can experience the World Cup alongside local fan communities at restaurants, bars, bakeries, and cafés across the five boroughs, including Senegalese spots Des Ambassades and Le Baobab in Harlem, Moroccan restaurants Merguez and Frites and Dar Lbahja in Astoria, Mexican favorite Tacos El Bronco in Sunset Park, and English pubs like Carragher’s in Lower Manhattan. See this local fan guide for more inspiration.
Platform by JBF x NYC Tourism will host a ticketed World Cup Dinner Series celebrating global matchups through one-night-only chef collaborations at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform in Pier 57. Dinner themes include:
Brazil vs. Morocco (June 9): Chefs Victor Vasconcellos of Berimbau Brazilian Table and Aneesa Waheed of Tara Kitchen will present a family-style menu blending Brazilian and Moroccan flavors.
England vs. Australia (July 8): Chef Ed Szymanski of Lord’s, Dame, and Crevette and chef Sam Lawrence of Bridges will collaborate on a menu inspired by modern English and Australian cooking.
Colombia vs. Argentina (July 15): Chefs Felipe Donnelly of Colonia Verde and Fernando Navas of Balvanera will present a multi-course South American dinner inspired by the classic fútbol rivalry.
Mexico vs. Korea (July 16): Chef Giovanni Cervantes of Carnitas Ramirez and chef Aaron Chang of Nōksu will collaborate on a seasonal menu combining coastal Mexican flavors and modern Korean technique.
Macy’s Herald Square flagship store will host their World Soccer HQ, an immersive shopping experience with products from brands including adidas, Nike, Puma, and Lids, featuring jerseys, mini balls, accessories, and team gear. Fans can also take part in photo moments and interactive experiences including an adidas FIFA World Cup™ Collection event at the adidas Shop on the 35th Street Mezzanine with treats, gifts with purchase, and a meet-and-greet with New York Red Bulls player Cade Cowell.
Nordstrom and adidas will bring adidas @ The Corner to the Nordstrom NYC Flagship from June 4 through July 26, featuring an exclusive line of adidas World Cup merchandise organized by country, weekly activations, gifts with purchase, sweepstakes, archive pieces, and weekend customization experiences.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt will open daily at 8 a.m. to better accommodate visitors during the World Cup, with extended evening access through midnight and last ticketed entry at 10 p.m.
Scenes NY in Greenpoint offers vintage soccer apparel, original teamwear and soccer-inspired streetwear rooted in NYC’s grassroots game and global soccer culture.
From June 9 through July 19, the Empire State Building Observation Deck will host the biggest, most iconic soccer jersey collection from Classic Football Shirts in a four-floor display that features the best in soccer shirt design with more than 100 match-worn and rare jerseys from Messi, Ronaldo, Beckham, and other legendary players. A custom Empire State Building soccer jersey—inspired by the Observation Deck’s famed host uniforms—will be sold exclusively on the 86th Floor Observation Deck, June 9-23.
In celebration of the World Cup, Century 21 is offering $21 discounts on retail purchases of $100 or more through July 19.
Getting Around NYC
Visitors and New Yorkers can use public transportation to reach fan events and experiences across the region, including the MTA, NJ TRANSIT, PATH, Amtrak, NY Waterway, NYC Ferry, and Staten Island Ferry.
NYC Ferry’s 2026 summer schedule runs through September 13. The expanded schedule includes more weekend trips, larger vessels on high-demand routes, expanded beach service, direct Governors Island shuttle service from Pier 11, and extended weekend service on the South Brooklyn route.
Five World Cup custom-wrapped NYC Ferry vessels will run through the end of summer, celebrating the diversity and identity of all five boroughs.
Rockaway Rocket service will return in early July from Long Island City and Greenpoint. Both cost $12 per person.
A redesigned Manhattan entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge will expand the bike and pedestrian connection from six to 10 feet. NYC DOT will also double the width of the southern crosswalk between the bridge and City Hall Park to create more pedestrian space. For more information, view the Mayor’s announcement.
Sixth Avenue (Manhattan)’s protected bike lane will be widened from six to 10 feet between 14th and West 31st Streets, with added pedestrian space between West 31st and West 35th Streets. For more information, view the Mayor’s announcement.
Transportation to NYNJ Stadium from NYC
Fans must use official options, including NYNJ stadium shuttle buses, NJ TRANSIT, limited rideshare or pre-purchased parking at American Dream (stadium parking is restricted to FIFA-permitted vehicles only).
The Official New York New Jersey Stadium Shuttle will offer direct, round-trip bus service from Port Authority Bus Terminal, Midtown East, and Midtown North. Round-trip shuttle fares have been reduced to $20.
NJ TRANSIT rail tickets are available to FIFA match ticket holders through the NJ TRANSIT mobile app for a flat round-trip fare of $98. Tickets are limited to 40,000 per match day and must be purchased in advance. Fans traveling by rail from New York City will board at Penn Station New York, transfer at Secaucus Junction, and continue to the stadium.
Gansevoort Meatpacking is providing a special offer, The Football Suite, for guests traveling June 1 through July 31. Enjoy loft-inspired accommodations with football celebration props and relax between matches at the hotel’s iconic rooftop pool, with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.
Loews Regency New York Hotel is offering a “Tailgate Rate Package” to sports fans from June 11 through July 5, whether they have tickets to a match or are just in town to cheer on their favorite team. The package includes two drink vouchers per room per stay and room upgrade based on availability.
Virgin Hotels New York is hosting The Kickaround which will transform Everdene terrace into a high-energy, football-inspired social hub where guests can play foosball (“table football”), enjoy live match screenings, DJs on select dates and themed cocktails. In addition, the hotel will offer two packages for guests from June 13 through July 19 including the “Suite Spot for the Match” package with complimentary cocktails, late checkout and $50 Uber credit, as well as the “Penthouse Kick Off package”, with spa treatments, access to hotel happenings on match days, merch and more.
The courtyard at Lotte New York Palace will transform into an open-air viewing destination at Summer Bar with matches featured on a large-format screen, paired with refreshing draft cocktails, chilled Champagne, and picnic fare.
MAD Bar & Lounge at NH Collection New York Madison Avenuewill show games throughout the tournament from June 11 through July 19, including a limited-time cocktail menu inspired by participating countries to complement the viewing experience. For those staying overnight, select suite categories offer direct views of the Empire State Building, where special lighting displays will coincide with match days.
The “Ultimate Fan Package” at Romer Hell’s Kitchen includes limited-edition Hell’s Kitchen Football Club soccer scarves (also available for purchase to the public), RHK baseball hats, and credit to the Neighborhood Cafe and So & So’s. During the tournament, the hotel’s Study will stream the matches for casual viewing, plus a discount on beer and wine from the Neighborhood Cafe while the games are on.
Bar Sprezzatura, theopen-air rooftop at Kimpton Theta New York – Times Square, will broadcast all matches with a limited-time “Beers Around the World” drink menu, while hotel guests can enjoy the Global Soccer Tournament package offering necessities for fans including Vacation sunscreen, a stadium-approved clear belt bag, and a bucket of beers from the Beers Around the World menu at Bar Sprezzatura.
Hyatt Regency Times Square will transform its Porte Cochere and hotel into a pop-up pitch with turf and a professional-grade netting for guests to engage in ‘Penalty Kicks in the Porter Cohere’. Stop by to juggle, shoot and maybe just meet a pro-player or two, during finals weekend. At Cue 48 restaurant, visitors can also enjoy themed menus on match days, inspired by the competing nations.
Park Central Hotel invites guests to enjoy matches screened on five large displays in the Twenty-Sevens lounge, alongside bespoke food and beverage specials offered during the tournament.
For all there is to see and do in New York City during the tournament, visit nyctourism.com/worldcup26.
New York City Tourism + Conventions is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) and convention and visitors bureau (CVB) for the five boroughs of New York City. For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nyctourism.com.
Long Island World Cup Watch Events
Rock band Third Eye Blind will perform live at 8 pm at the free New York State United 2026 World Cup Watch Experience on Long Island on June 12 at Stony Brook University. The free watch experience starts at 1 pm; kickoff of Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina is at 3 pm; USA vs. Paraguay at 9 pm. Tickets are free at https://www.newyorkstateunited.com/.
Nassau County and The Island FC are hosting a free, public viewing ticketed event for the USA vs Australia match on June 19, 3-6 pm at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Obtain free tickets at TheIslandFC.com or at NassauCountyTourism.ticketspice.com.
The 48th Annual Museum Mile Festival returns to New York City on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 6–9 PM. This free event offers complimentary admission to 8 major museums along Fifth Avenue from 82nd to 110th Street, with 12 neighborhood partners adding to the outdoor, rain-or-shine festivities, performances, and art-making activities for all ages. Neighborhood partners include the New York Academy of Medicine, the Church of the Heavenly Rest, Asia Society, 92NY, Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, NYC Kids Project, The People’s Bus, and AKC Museum of the Dog, and Villa Albertine, the French Institute for Culture and Education (https://www.mcny.org/event/museum-mile-festival-2026).
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: 1000 5th Avenue at 82nd St., featuring Raphael: Sublime Poetry, the first comprehensive U.S. exhibition of the Italian Renaissance master.
Neue Galerie New York: 1048 Fifth Ave. (Closed inside; hosting a pop-up table for their 25th anniversary).
Guggenheim Museum: 1071 5th Avenue at 89th St. Featured: Carol Bove, the first major museum survey of the American artist, through Aug. 2
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum: 2 East 91st St. Featured: Made in America, 70 large-format photographs captured by Christopher Payne about industrial and artisanal making.
The Jewish Museum: 1109 5th Avenue at 92nd St. Featured: Circa 1776: Jews in Colonial America, through Aug. 9; and “Paul Klee: Other Possible Worlds,” through July 26.
Museum of the City of New York: 1220 5th Ave. at 103rd St. Featured: The Occupied City and Another Wonderland and He Built This City: Joe Macken’s Model celebrates the extraordinary vision and dedication behind one of the most ambitious handmade representations of New York City ever created (timed tickets required).
The Public Theater’s “Shakespeare for the City” 2026 summer season features the return of Free Shakespeare in the Park to the newly revitalized Delacorte Theater in Central Park (Romeo and Juliet, May 22 June 28 and The Winter’s Tale, July 25–August 23. In addition, the Mobile Unit Tour is presenting a traveling production of As You Like It (June 4-28) in parks and community venues in all five boroughs. Information and to request tickets: publictheater.org.
The New York Philharmonic’s 2026 Free Concerts in the Parks series, presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer, is scheduled June 9, Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx; June 10, The Great Lawn, Central Park, Manhattan; June 11, Cunningham Park, Queens; and June 12, Prospect Park, Brooklyn, plus a free indoor concert at the St. George Theatre on Staten Island on June 14 at 4 pm (free tickets required).
The Metropolitan Opera’s 2026 Summer Recital Series offers free, borough-hopping performances June 8-17 featuring young Met stars performing favorite arias, with major outdoor concerts at Central Park SummerStage and in all five boroughs. The concerts highlight American opera and art song as part of the “United in Sound: America at 250”, featuring artists such as Emily Pogorelc, Joshua Blue, and Edward Nelson. Additionally, the Met’s Summer HD Festival is scheduled for Aug. 22–Sept. 1, on Lincoln Center Plaza, featuring free outdoor screenings of past performances.
2026 Free Summer Recital Schedule
June 8, 7 PM: Williamsbridge Oval (Bronx)
June 10, 7 PM: Socrates Sculpture Park (Queens)
June 12, 7 PM: Jackie Robinson Park (Manhattan)
June 14, 7 PM: Location TBD (Staten Island)
June 15, 8 PM: Central Park SummerStage (Manhattan)
Jazz Age Lawn Party, now celebrating its 21st anniversary in New York City, is taking place June 13 & 14, 2026, 11 am-5 pm on Governor’s Island (there is no August weekend this year). Hop the ferry and be transported in time and place to the Gatsby era, with 1920s hot-jazz, flappers and sporting gents. Headlined by festival host and founder Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra, with a score of entertainers, dance lessons and contests. Tickets at https://jazzagelawnparty.com.
Bryant Park Summer Concerts series, known as Picnic Performances, takes place May 28 through Sept. 11 (most shows start at 7 pm), featuring free live music, dance, circus and theater from jazz, blues and Louisiana Zydeco to fiery Puerto Rican Bomba Fusion to North Indian-inspired vocals, a variety of global talent and culture, with influences from six continents and countless countries. Among the highlights: New York-based orchestra group, The Knights, will perform classical music inspired by American history in celebration of the America’s 250th; three-time Grammy Award-winning soprano, Latonia Moore, celebrates 111 years of Ella Fitzgerald’s timeless music with the New York City Opera, Aug. 7. The season closes with a 25th anniversary commemoration of September 11, with a moving program of classical music and reflections (https://bryantpark.org/activities/picnic-performances).
Little Island‘s2026 summer season at The Amphitheater at Pier 55 in Hudson River Park features an ambitious, eclectic lineup of some 110 performances featuring over 300 artists, spanning music, theater, and dance. Highlights include new musical works, opera, and a marathon tribute night. The 2026 season includes a mix of ticketed and free, walk-up events (check website, littleisland.org).Tickets available through TodayTix (https://www.todaytix.com/nyc/category/little-island).
Key 2026 Season Performances (The Amph):
May 29 – June 15:The Counterfeit Opera: A Beggar’s Opera for a Grifter’s City, a world premiere adaptation.
June 26:The Case of the Stranger by Whitney White, a new song cycle.
July 30 – Aug 3:The Tune Up, a new play by Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks.
Aug 2 – 3:The Lights, a new song cycle by Matthew Aucoin.
Aug 6 – 7: Live radio show and park takeover by Radiolab.
Aug 10: A massive tribute night to composer Arthur Russell, featuring Laurie Anderson and Martha Wainwright.
Aug 22 – 28:Seven Scenes, a new work by choreographer Bobbi Jene Smith with live music by Ringdown. [1]
ANNUAL CELEBRATIONS, BIG EVENTS & ANNIVERSARIES
Noguchi’s New Yorkat The Noguchi Museum, Astoria, Queens, through September 13, 2026: To mark its 40th anniversary, The Noguchi Museum will present Noguchi’s New York, a landmark exhibition exploring how New York shaped Isamu Noguchi’s artistic vision and how he sought to reshape the city in return. The anniversary celebration includes a sweeping survey of Noguchi’s public works and proposals alongside first-ever animated recreations of his unrealized playgrounds and civic projects, bringing his radical ideas for urban space vividly to life.
SailGP 2026, Manhattan, May 30-31, 2026: SailGP is making its return to NYC, marking its sixth stop on the global championship tour. Thirteen national teams will go head-to-head on 50-foot foiling catamarans, soaring across the Hudson River at speeds topping 60 miles per hour. With the skyline as the backdrop, fans can catch every high-speed turn from Governors Island, where the weekend will also feature food, drinks and live entertainment.
FIFA World Cup 26TM New York City and New Jersey, June/July 2026: New York and New Jersey are hosting eight 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, including group stage matches on June 13, 16, 22, 25 and 27; a Round of 32 match on June 30; a Round of 16 match on July 5; and the World Cup Final on July 19. Visitor information including tournament details, trip planning tools and a spotlight on NYC’s vibrant soccer culture can be found at nyctourism.com/worldcup26.
Free Official NYNJ Fan Events Across the Five Boroughs
Queens: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, June 11-27, Daily programming and match viewings
Manhattan: Rockefeller Center, July 6-19, Daily programming; extended hours during Finals Week
BronxTerminal Market, June 13-14, Matchday programming and local cultural programming
Brooklyn Bridge Park, June 13-July 19, Daily programming and match viewings
Staten Island University Hospital Community Park, June 29-July 2, Daily programming and evening match viewings
In addition, Empire State Development, together with regional partners, is supporting two free public viewing events tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, on June 12 at Stony Brook University on Long Island and July 19 at Kensico Dam Plaza in Westchester County. Both locations will be transformed into outdoor community viewing experiences featuring live broadcasts of select tournament matches, interactive soccer programming, family-friendly activities, giveaways, food and beverage offerings, and entertainment.
U.S. Open Golf Championship, New York City Metropolitan Area, June 18-21, 2026: One of golf’s four major championships, the U.S. Open is known for its challenging courses and rigorous competition among the world’s top players. This year’s tournament will be played at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton (www.usopen.com)
Sail4th 250, New York City and New Jersey, July 3-9, 2026: NYC and New Jersey is hosting the capstone events to kick off the 250th anniversary of America’s Independence. From July 3 to 9, the largest-ever international flotilla of ships and vessels will sail into New York Harbor. The celebration will also host many festivities including firework displays by Macy’s, an International Aerial Review with a special performance from the Blue Angels, food festivals, a special Fleet Week (https://sail4th.org/)
25th Anniversary with 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Financial District, Manhattan, September 11, 2026: The 25th anniversary of 9/11 will be commemorated citywide, including the annual Tribute in Light, a public art installation honoring those lost and the enduring spirit of New York. Illuminated from dusk to dawn on September 11, the twin beams echo the former Twin Towers and are visible up to 60 miles from lower Manhattan. (https://www.911memorial.org/)
One of the most fun festivals of the New York City Summer is Fan Week at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens, running from Sunday, Aug. 23-Saturday, Aug. 29 during the U.S. Open Qualifying Matches, when you can watch matches, enjoy festive activities, and most fun of all, watch the greatest tennis players practicing, for free. The Qualifying Matches, thrilling to watch in person, take place Monday, August 24 to Thursday, August 27 (https://www.usopen.org/en_US/about/eventschedule.html).
Attractions, Tours & Recreation
“Third Thursday” Museum Tours at the Jackie Robinson Museum, Soho, Manhattan: Join the museum’s guided Third Thursday tours, offered monthly at 1 p.m. and included with admission, to explore highlight artifacts, hear their stories and connect with staff and fellow visitors. The 30-minute tours welcome up to 20 guests, allow walk-ins and encourage packing a lunch to enjoy afterward in the Portrait Gallery. (https://www.jackierobinsonmuseum.org/visit/programs-events/detail/third-thursday-museum-tours/)
One Times Square, Times Square, Manhattan: One Times Square, home of the iconic New Year’s Eve Ball, opened in December as a year-round destination for immersive entertainment and celebrations. A highlight is Times Travel, a multilevel experience that guides visitors through the history of the building, Times Square and the Ball Drop tradition — culminating in panoramic views from a dedicated viewing deck. Additional attractions include the Crystal VIP Experience, Ever for intimate ceremonies and NextGen’s interactive fandom space: all part of a $500 million transformation in the heart of New York City. (https://onetimessquare.com/)
West Village’s Trendiest Bites Tour with NYC Bagel Tours, West Village, Manhattan: Explore the West Village on a bagel-themed walking tour that highlights New York City’s most buzzed-about spots, including PopUp Bagels, Edith’s Sandwich Counter and Apollo Bagels. Along the way, enjoy unique bites like tahini coffee slushies and sourdough bagels while learning the fascinating history of the iconic New York bagel. (https://www.bagelup.com/west-villages-trendiest-bites)
By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com
New York State is poised to welcome the world in 2026 for a year that celebrates America’s 250th birthday and the FIFA World Cup with new attractions, hotel openings and can’t-miss events throughout the year.
NYC Tourism is mounting a 20-market campaign, “Where the World Comes to Play,” featuring the Statue of Liberty to help visitors plan their visit with hotels, Broadway theater, arts and cultural events, and will make it easy for travelers to find out what to do outside the matches and make the most of their visit. These include websites that direct fans to FIFA Fan Festivals at Liberty State Park and other places (NYCtourism.com/FIFA), even listing the Best Bars to watch soccer matches.
“Fans can watch Columbia play while at a Columbian restaurant; Sri Lanka while at Sri Lankan restaurant, etc. – just about any team’s nationality has a restaurant,” said Allisa Schmid, NYC Tourism’s VP of Communications. “Many will make NYC their home base. And while many cities are hosting games, no place has as much as NYC to offer.”
For example: visit the Hip Hop Museum in The Bronx (www.thhm.org); see film history at the Museum of Moving Image in Astoria, Queens (Thomas A. Edison’s former studio, www.movingimage.org); visit the reimagined Ellis Island Museum (reopening in 2026), and of course, the Statue of Liberty (www.statueofliberty.org). Among the fun ways to tour is the $4 ride on the New York City ferry to all five boroughs; or take a Citibike and cycle up the Hudson River Greenway, stopping in at all the museums (like the Intrepid Air & Space Museum, www.intrepidmuseum.org), attractions (don’t miss Little Island), eateries, and even a sand beach, along the way.
An AI chatbot will answer questions and provide assistance in 60 languages.
New York State is very much a four-season destination for sport and outdoor activities and especially shines in winter:
Lake Placid Celebrates Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games with Month-Long Olympic Festivities
2026 is an Olympic year and while the world may be gathering in Milano Cortina, Italy, the next best thing is Lake Placid, the site of the Winter Olympics of 1980 and 1932 (one of the few sites to host even once and fewer still that have hosted more than once). Today, Lake Placid is a major Olympic training center and it is common to see athletes training, teams competing in world events (the World Cup in Luge was held in December), and athletes just hanging about in the pleasant village.
This February, Lake Placid is presenting a month-long festival of Olympic-inspired events, youth programs, and community celebrations. From a nightly lighting of the iconic Olympic Center to interactive digital experiences and hometown watch parties, Lake Placid’s festivities aim to celebrate its legendary Olympic past, inspire the next generation of athletes, and rally support for Team USA—including North Country competitors heading to Italy.
Key Highlights
Lighting of the Olympic Center (Feb. 5 – 22): Watch Lake Placid’s Olympic Center transform nightly in dazzling displays of red, white, and blue in honor of Team USA and the Olympic spirit.
Empire State Winter Games (Feb. 5 – 8): New York’s largest multi-sport winter event returns with the Parade of Athletes, the Turbo Twins extreme skating show, a ceremonial torch relay, and rarely seen Olympic artifacts.
Virtual Jersey Experience (Feb. 1 – 29): Step into a digital Team USA hockey jersey and snap an interactive photo at the Olympic Center — the perfect memento for fans and families.
Community Viewing Parties (Feb. 6 – 22): Cheer on Olympians at public viewing zones featuring live coverage, medal trackers, fan contests, and local athlete spotlights.
Lake Placid Olympic Museum Programs: Explore “Moments in Time” pop-up exhibits, hands-on art projects, memorabilia displays, and the Dream Wall, celebrating Olympic values and hometown heroes.
Public Skating & Themed Nights: Glide across the historic Olympic Oval, meet accomplished Olympians, and join themed skating sessions led by local coaches.
“Lake Placid isn’t just celebrating the Games — we’re celebrating our enduring Olympic legacy,” said Darcy Norfolk Rowe, Olympic Authority spokesperson. “The spirit of 1932 and 1980 lives on here every winter, and this February, we’ll share that excitement with visitors and fans from around the world.”
Even when the Olympics are not being held, at Lake Placid, you can not only visit Olympic venues and an outstanding Olympic Museum but try your own hand at bobsled, luge and skeleton on the Olympic track; do cross-country skiing and even biathalon at the Nordic ski center at Mt Van Hoevenberg (where you can also ride an amazing coaster); ride an elevator to the top of the alpine ski jumps; skate on the 1932 Olympic Oval and on the 1980 hockey rink where USA achieved its “Miracle on Ice” (an annual Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp is held that includes players from the gold medal winning 1980 USA Hockey Team), and ski and snowboard at Whiteface Mountain (whiteface.com).
Whiteface Mountain (which participates in the Mountain Collective Pass) is operated by the state’s Olympic Regional Development Authority (orda.org). ORDA also manages the ski areas at Gore Mountain (goremountain.com) in the Adirondacks (located in North Creek, it is fabulous for intermediates and is where a new Gore Mountain Zip Coaster is opening this summer, part of a larger redevelopment that includes a new lodge and upgraded chairlifts, boosting the North Creek Ski Bowl for year-round visits), and Belleayre (belleayre.com) in the Catskills (just 2 ½ hours from New York City, which is especially great for families to ski and is opening a 28,600 sq. ft. Discovery Lodge to support year-round programming and tourism).
Saratoga Race Course’s Final Belmont Stakes (Capital-Saratoga): Historic Saratoga Race Course will hold the 158th running of the storied Belmont Stakes for its third and final time, on June 6, while Belmont Park remains under construction. Other prestigious races like the Travers Stakes occur throughout the 40-day summer meet at America’s oldest sporting venue, which runs from mid-July through Labor Day. (Be sure to visit the National Museumof Racing and Hall of Fame, www.racingmuseum.org)
U.S. Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (Long Island): Hosted by the United States Golf Association and one of the PGA Tour’s four major championships, the always challenging golf tournament will take place at the Southampton golf course June 15 – 21. The club has hosted the championship competition six times in the past, most recently in 2018.
Lake Placid will host the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series October 3-5, this time featuring men’s and women’s UCI World Cup races in both endurance and gravity formats. The three-day event includes UCI Cross-Country World Cup Races at Mt Van Hoevenberg and UCI Downhill World Cup at Whiteface Mountain (www.ucimtbworldseries.com/news/whiteface-mountain-to-host-uci-downhill-world-cup-in-lake-placid)
NYS Welcomes World With Major Improvements
New York State will also be welcoming international and domestic visitors with major improvements:
JFK Terminals 1 and 6 Phase One Reopening (New York City): The first two terminals of the $19 billion John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) redevelopment program are scheduled for a Phase One reopening in 2026. Terminal 1, a brand new and all-international terminal, will see the reopening of its arrivals hall and 14 of its 23 state-of-the-art gates. Premier dining venues, an indoor greenspace and refreshed family-oriented amenities complete with New York-inspired public art are still to come. Terminal 6 will reopen its first five gates; upon completion, the entire Terminal will encompass the former Terminal 6 and 7 spaces. The JFK redevelopment project is scheduled to be completed in 2030.
New Hotel Openings and Renovations:
Kimpton Era Midtown NYC (New York City): Opening this spring, the 529-guestroom hotel in Rockefeller Center features an elegant, yet dynamic design that immerses guests in the energy and spirit of Manhattan. The Kimpton Era Midtown NYC will feature three on-site restaurants, a rooftop bar overlooking the skyline, and will be pet-friendly.
Little Nell Hotel (New York City): Scheduled for a fall opening, the Aspen-based luxury hotel brand announced its first expansion property: a 130-key hotel – the first and only hotel within the 10 Rockefeller Plaza building.
Mirbeau Inn & Spa – Beacon (Hudson Valley): Set to open this spring, Mirbeau Inn & Spa Beacon will blend the Gothic Revival architecture of its historic mansion setting with Mirbeau’s signature French-inspired hospitality. Designed to evoke the charm of a French country manor, the property will feature tranquil ponds and gardens modeled after Monet’s at Giverny, offering guests a restorative retreat just two miles from the Beacon Train Station.
New York State tourism is reminding fans how easy it is to get outside the five boroughs and experience more of what the state has to offer: Metro North can take you to Hudson Valley (Vanderbilt Museum, FDR’s home at Hyde Park and the FDR Presidential Library); the Catskills (Bethel Center for Arts). Take the Long Island Railroad to the beach (Jones Beach State Park, Montauk) and wineries. Take Amtrak to Albany to visit the State Museum and Saratoga.
Hop a short flight on Jet Blue or Delta to the mighty Niagara Falls or Buffalo (birthplace of Buffalo wings at Anchor Bar, where the new $2.2 billion Buffalo Bills’ New Stadium is opening).
For more information about travel around New York State, visit iloveny.com.
By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com
Travelers are increasingly choosing destinations with purpose – for their beauty or legacy, for landmark anniversaries, special event, and most importantly, for the opportunity for transformation, emotional resonance, spiritual and self-renewal, and experience, sometimes life-changing but always life-enhancing. Here are a few suggestions:
The event that promises to be the most transformational is the Solar Eclipse August 12, 2026 that will will pass over the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Atlantic Ocean, northern Spain and the tip of northeastern Portugal.
The first solar eclipse on mainland Europe since 1999, it may well prove more spectacular than the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse which crossed North America delighting hundreds of millions of people in its direct path, because the August 12 eclipse will take place about 2.2 days after perigee (on August 10, 2026), so the Moon’s apparent diameter will be larger.
A huge advantage of experiencing the eclipse on a ship is that the open ocean means the view is unobstructed – also, the ship can monitor weather to position itself to avoid clouds that can spoil the moment (totality lasts only about 2 to 3 minutes).
Holland America is offering special voyages incorporating the solar eclipse: 35-Day Voyage of the Vikings Cruise with Solar Eclipse (Jul 18 – Aug 22 to Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Ireland); 13-Day Mediterranean Solar Eclipse with Barcelona Overnights (Aug 9-22); 28-Day Scandinavian Solar Eclipse with Greenland & Scotland (Jul 24-Aug 21) (https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/plan-a-cruise/specialty-cruises/solar-eclipse-cruises)
Explore Worldwide, a small-groups operator with 40 years experience, is one of the tour companies offering solar eclipse itineraries in Spain and Iceland. In northern Spain, it is offering two itineraries a food tour in Catalonia and the Basque Country (8 days) where you’ll be well-placed in the limestone peaks of the Sierra de Prades mountains on eclipse day, or an amended itinerary of its -popular Walking in the Picos de Europa (8 days) optimized to see the solar eclipse. In Iceland, the company is offering a special departure of Iceland-Land of the Midnight Sun (9 days) where you will on the beautiful Snaefellsness Peninsula for the eclipse. And for the truly dedicated, a 15-day Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland Arctic expedition aboard the M/VGreg Mortimer which will sail directly into the path of totality for prime viewing from the deck of the expedition vessel. Other tours featuring the solar eclipse include: Classic Egypt and Eclipse (11 days); Highlights of Northern Morocco and Eclipse (9 Days); Tunisian Coast, Ancient Carthage and Eclipse (10 days). (https://www.exploreworldwide.com/experiences/eclipse-trips, Exploreworldwide.com , 877-956-9859)
Book early – G Adventures and most Wilderness Travel itineraries are sold out; Smithsonian Journeys is waitlisted as of when we published.
Rishikesh’s Spiritual Depth in the Himalayan Foothills
Long revered for its spiritual heritage, Rishikesh continues to be one of India’s most soulful destinations, where ancient rituals, wellness innovation, and inner awakening converge in the Himalayan foothills. Anchored by the International Yoga Festival (March 9–15, 2026) and a vibrant calendar of annual rituals, from the spring festival of colors, Holi (March 4), to purification ceremonies like Ganga Dussehra (May 25), and the summertime Kanwar Mela pilgrimage (July–August), the region pulses with devotion, classical music, riverside ceremonies, and communal celebration.
Ananda in the Himalayas, a world-renowned wellness retreat in the Himalayan foothills (Photo courtesy of Ananda in the Himalayas)
At the heart of this is Ananda in the Himalayas, a globally acclaimed wellness retreat housed in the restored palace of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025, Ananda enters 2026 with expanded offerings that reflect the future of holistic wellness. The retreat continues to lead in transformative programs across Ayurveda, yoga, emotional healing, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. New initiatives include Integrated Diabetes Management, women’s health, fertility, and sleep enhancement. Ananda’s 360-degree wellness system extends care beyond the stay through personalized diagnostics, daily therapies, and post-visit consultations. Signature programs such as Hormonal Balance, Yogic Detox, Panchakarma, and Ayurvedic Rejuvenation harmonize body and mind through traditional systems of healing, classical Hatha yoga, pranayama, and meditation
Kyoto’s Cultural Crescendo Rooted in Ritual and Renewal
In 2026, Kyoto offers a rare cultural crescendo, where centuries-old traditions, seasonal rituals, and landmark openings converge in one of Japan’s most spiritually resonant cities. The Miyako Odori returns to its original stage in Gion (April 1–30), with daily performances by geiko and maiko, now housed in the restored Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater, reborn as part of the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto, opening spring 2026. Designed by Obayashi Corporation for the exteriors and Tomoyuki Sakakida with New Material Research Laboratory for the interiors, the hotel preserves the 1936 Yasaka Kaikan structure using over 16,000 original tiles and offers just 55 rooms across three architecturally distinct wings. The property blends heritage architecture with contemporary Japanese design, offering curated calm in the heart of Gion.
Imperial Hotel, Kyoto, blending modern elegance with centuries of cultural heritage.(Photo courtesy of New Material Research Laboratory)
With Kyoto’s embrace of a more sustainable approach to tourism, travelers benefit from enhanced access, quieter moments and deeper cultural immersion in one of Japan’s most spiritually rich cities. Kyoto’s cultural calendar continues with the Gion Matsuri (July 1–31), featuring lantern-lit Yoiyama celebrations, Yamaboko float processions, and the Nagoshisai purification ritual. In September, the city marks the 400th anniversary of the Kan’ei Imperial Visit to Nijo Castle with reenactments, rare chamber access, and curated exhibitions. Seasonal temple openings and immersive installations offer deeper engagement. Infrastructure upgrades, including new EX100/EX101 buses and enhanced fare systems, make navigation seamless.
Monteverde’s Cloud Forest Regenerative Escape
In 2026, Monteverde welcomes travelers to a high-altitude sanctuary where misty forests, ecological milestones, and creative immersion converge. The region marks over 50 years of conservation since the founding of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, celebrated through legacy hikes, biodiversity exhibitions, and community-led programs. New interpretive trails connect to the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, while artisan showcases and solstice rituals reflect Monteverde’s evolving cultural rhythm. Infrastructure upgrades, including smoother access via Route 606 and expanded EV charging stations, make travel easier, especially with more international flights into Liberia Airport.
Hotel Belmar, a forest sanctuary celebrating 40 years of sustainability and style. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Belmar)
Central to this revival is Hotel Belmar, a family-owned eco-lodge perched above the forest canopy, known for alpine-inspired architecture, panoramic views, and sustainability leadership. In 2026, Hotel Belmar debuts nature-immersive wellness spaces and enhanced culinary offerings rooted in circular gastronomy. At Restaurante Celajes, regenerative menus honor Costa Rica’s agrarian traditions, using ingredients from Belmar’s organic farm and gardens. Overlooked crops, foraged herbs, and zero-waste techniques turn each dish into a tribute to biodiversity and soil health. Belmar’s Artist Residency Program invites creatives to live and work onsite, engaging guests through open studios, forest-inspired installations, and workshops.
Mongolia’s Living Traditions and a Journey into the Wild
In 2026, Mongolia emerges as one of the world’s most compelling destinations—not only for its vast, otherworldly landscapes but also for its global moment in the spotlight. The country will host COP17, the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), from August 17–28 in Ulaanbaatar. This landmark event coincides with the UN’s International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, an initiative spearheaded by Mongolia to celebrate and protect nomadic cultures and ecosystems. These milestones underscore Mongolia’s leadership in environmental stewardship and its deep connection to land-based traditions—making 2026 an especially meaningful time to visit.
The Flaming Cliffs of Mongolia, a dramatic desert landmark and paleontological treasure(Photo courtesy of Pexels)
Cultural celebrations add further dimension: the Naadam Festival (July 11–12) showcases Mongolia’s national pride through wrestling, archery, and horse racing. In early March, the Thousand Camel Festival in the Gobi Desert celebrates the magnificent Bactrian camel with races, polo, and traditional music. Adding to the momentum, Naya Traveler will debut its new Mongolia journeys in 2026, offering tailor-made itineraries that go far beyond the Golden Eagle Festival. Expect private access to cultural events, guided exploration of the Gobi Desert and Orkhon Valley, and meaningful encounters with herders and historians. These journeys reflect a growing trend toward regenerative, culturally attuned travel—where connection, context, and care shape every experience. With Mongolia joining Naya Traveler’s portfolio in 2026, the destination becomes part of a growing movement toward journeys that prioritize cultural depth, environmental awareness, and meaningful connection.
Amsterdam’s Cultural Renaissance Along the Canals
Following its milestone 750th anniversary in 2025, Amsterdam continues to dazzle in 2026 with a rich calendar of cultural events and sensory refinement. Spring brings the Tulip Festival (late March to mid-May) and the city-wide revelry of King’s Day (April 27). In May, food lovers flock to Rolling Kitchens (May 13–17), while August’s Grachtenfestival fills the canals with music. The Amsterdam Light Festival adds a luminous touch as winter approaches. Exhibitions at the Stedelijk, H’ART Museum, Eye Filmmuseum, and Fabrique des Lumières embrace immersive, interdisciplinary storytelling, reflecting the city’s forward-looking creative spirit.
Museum developments include the Zaanstad Amsterdam Museum (ZAMU), a contemporary art hub with installations spread across industrial buildings and a Piet Oudolf-designed wildflower garden just north of the city. While the Hartwig Art Foundation’s new museum is slated to open in 2028, it hosts temporary events until then. For a day trip, Rotterdam offers art lovers compelling attractions like the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen and the Fenix Museum of Migration, which opened in 2025.
Restaurant Vinkeles at The Dylan Amsterdam, housed in a former 18th-century bakery in the heart of the canal district. (Photo courtesy of The Dylan Amsterdam)
Meanwhile, Amsterdam-Noord continues to evolve as a creative enclave, home to design studios, concept stores, and waterfront cafés. Culinary trends lean toward experiential intimacy and narrative-driven dining. At The Dylan Amsterdam, two-Michelin-starred Vinkeles offers moody interiors and seasonal French menus, while até presents a six-seat chef’s table. Bar Brasserie OCCO complements the stay with all-day dining in a stylish, contemporary setting and offers a creative High Wine tasting pairing four wines with four dishes. Reimagined by Studio Linse and Format Furniture in 2024, The Dylan anchors this renaissance with canal-side calm, Green Globe-certified hospitality, and curated access to the city’s evolving aesthetic.
Washington DC is one of my favorite places to spend the holidays: there is so much to do and see indoors when you want to get out of the cold, as well as wonderful reasons to be outside. Seasonal Theater: ho ho ho ha ha ha ha (thru Dec. 21: Woolly Mammoth Theatre); A Christmas Carol (thru Dec. 31, Ford’s Theatre); The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker (thru Dec. 28, DC-themed production at the Warner Theatre features dancing cherry blossoms, Harriet Tubman and George Washington); Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (Dec. 30-Jan. 4, 2026, National Theatre). Displays and Holiday Delights: Snowglow at the Dome at Hi-Lawn(thru Jan.4: a 50-foot heated rooftop dome atop Union Market hosts a visual and culinary holiday experience with state-of-the-art winter scenes projected overhead and festively decorated bars). DC Holiday Market (Dupont Circle, thru Dec. 23); DowntownDC Holiday Market (Penn Quarter, thru Dec. 23, with 115 local artisans); National Mistletoe (thru Dec. 23: aerial art installation by artist My Ly at Anthem Row); Winter Glow (select dates thru December: George Washington’s Mount Vernon is illuminated with brilliant lights set to holiday music.); Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park (thru Dec. 24, a winter wonderland with snow tubing, curling, kids’ activities and adults-only ski chalet); CityCenterDC’s Holiday Tree(thru early January: a 75-foot tree at the luxury shopping destination). Enjoy ice skating at The Wharf, Georgetown and Canal Park and Winter Skate at the National Building Museum, a special indoor skating experience in the museum’s Great Hall, Dec. 27-Feb. 8. Maximize the value of DC and plan your trip at washington.org/winter.
Fortunately, my favorite holiday destinations also have Historic Hotels of America members. I always seek members of Historic Hotels of America wherever I go, but especially at Christmas time because they never fail to make the holidays truly special. These hotels – so often known as “The…” – embody heritage, the character of the place and their walls seem to speak the stories of their past. Among our favorites for the holidays: The Sagamore on Lake George (skiing at Gore Mountain), Mohonk Mountain House (New Paltz, NY); the Red Lion (in Norman Rockwell-picturesque Stockbridge, MA, with skiing nearby at Jiminy Peak), Mountain Top Inn (Chittenden, Vt, near Killington); Omni Mount Washington (Bretton Woods, NH, skiing at Bretton Woods), Woodstock Inn & Resort (Vermont, skiing at its own Saskadena Six Ski Area and cross-country on property). If you prefer Christmas in warm weather: the Del Coronado (San Diego), the Chattanooga Choo Choo (TN), Jekyll Island (GA), Hermitage (Nashville), Union Station (Nashville), Heathman (Portland OR). And for a beach holiday with palm trees instead of pine: Vinoy Golf Resort & Spa (St. Petersburg, FL), the Don Cesar (St Pete Beach, FL), Colony Hotel & Cabana Club (Delray Beach, FL). More ideas at historichotels.org.
Fond memories of our family holidays at The Sagamore, Bolton Landing, Lake George, NY
Ski holidays are so terrific to bring families and friends together –you come in from the cold and some adventure on the slopes to a cozy condo, sit before a fire, join in some lovely activity around a fire pit and talk about your narrow escapes on the mountain. We so enjoyed our holiday stay in Lake Placid in New York’s Adirondacks, affording a truly unique total Olympic experience skiing and an immensely charming village. There are several charming, historic places like the Mirror Lake Inn, Lake Placid Lodge, the Whiteface Lodge. High Peaks Resort and we thoroughly enjoyed our holiday stay at the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort (www.golden-arrow.com). (More ideas at lakeplacid.com and iskiny.com)
But if you are looking for a ski in/ski out ski resort some of our favorites include Stratton Mountain, (Manchester, Vt), Smugglers Notch and Okemo Mountain in Vermont (more ideas at skivermont.com). Longer haul, we love Palisades Tahoe and Heavenly in Lake Tahoe, Calif.; Keystone Resort, Winter Park, Copper Mountain (Colorado) for their vibe, activities and, of course, outstanding skiing for the family.
One we haven’t yet visited but have on the list as a must do is the Von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort (yes, that Von Trapp Family – you can’t get more Christmas-y than that – is famous for cross-country skiing, and so much more).
Dude ranches are really fun for the whole family and do a fantastic job in the winter – many even have their own ski slopes or tubing hills. A favorite for generations is Rocking Horse Ranch Resort, Highland, NY (https://www.rockinghorseranch.com/).
Cruising is a great way for families to be together for the holidays. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises do a superb job for families, with spectacular entertainment, waterparks and other mind-blowing activities and entertainment on board and age-appropriate children’s activity programs and dining options. These floating resorts bring families together around activities and interests, dining and entertainment, adding in the incalculable delight of exploring new places. Our family treasures our multi-generational reunion on a Carnival cruise during Christmas week that called at Key West and Cozumel (Mexico), both such colorful places. Your travel agent can best advise on choosing a ship, a cruiseline, an itinerary; also visit cruisecritic.com.
Theme parks really deck the halls for the holidays, with parades, decorations, special activities. Our favorites include Universal Studios Orlando (loved our stay at the Loews Portofino), DisneyWorld (we had a really fun time at the Coco Key Hotel outside Disney, with its own waterpark and shuttle transport to the park), Busch Gardens Tampa (an outstanding zoo as much as it is a theme park) and Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Close to home and an absolutely delightful theme park destination is Hershey Park (particularly great for families with younger kids).
Dazzling holiday celebrations are in full swing at 10 Six Flags Entertainment Corporationparks. WinterFest at Kings Island, joined by Knott’s Merry Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm and Holiday in the Park atSix Flags Fiesta Texas were just named three of Top 10 Best Theme Park Holiday Events for 2025 by USA TODAY. Events are currently operating at Canada’s Wonderland: WinterFest; Knott’s Berry Farm: Knott’s Merry Farm; Six Flags Mexico: Christmas in the Park; Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Holiday in the Park; Six Flags Over Texas: Holiday in the Park; Six Flags Magic Mountain: Holiday in the Park; Kings Island: WinterFest; Carowinds: WinterFest; Six Flags Discovery Kingdom: NEW! WinterFest (a 2025 Best Theme Park Holiday Event nominee); Hurricane Harbor Oaxtepec: Christmas in the Park. Holiday escapes are available at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge (Lake George, NY): Holiday in the Lodge (thru Dec. 24; festive décor, themed activities, live entertainment and unlimited access to the indoor waterpark);Castaway Bay, Sandusky, OH (thru Dec. 31, meet and greets with Santa and admission to the indoor waterpark); Knott’s Hotel, Buena Park, CA, (thru Jan 4, 2026. holiday packages that include all-day drink wristbands, hotel parking, admission to Knott’s Merry Farm and a breakfast buffet option; and Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort, New Braunfels, TX. For event dates, links to tickets, visit www.sixflags.com or each park and resort’s website.
New York City’sholiday season festivities officially kick off with the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, heralding in a cornucopia of festive performances, winter exhibits, holiday light displays and general good cheer. Join the anticipated 8 million local and global visitors engaging in the city’s Winter Wonderland.
“New York City comes alive during the holidays like nowhere else in the world, and this year the excitement is even greater as we celebrate the city’s 400th anniversary,” said New York City Tourism + Conventions’ President and CEO, Julie Coker.
Here are some of the festive performances, winter exhibits, holiday light displays to celebrate the holiday season in New York City:
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Nov. 27: The annual New York City celebration is returning for its 99th edition, featuring impressive helium balloons, creative floats, clowns, mesmerizing performance groups, popular Broadway musicals, celebrity appearances and much more. The parade begins at its traditional starting point on West 77th Street and Central Park West, ending in front of Macy’s Herald Square flagship store.
But the enchantment begins the night before the big event with the Great Balloon Inflation: queue up with thousands of others on 79th and Columbus Avenue to see your favorite characters.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights, Select Nights, select evenings (Nov. 21-23, 28-30, Dec. 4-7, 11-14, 18-23, 26-31, Jan. 2-4). Holiday Lights is a walk-through event where you journey through six immersive wildlife lantern trails featuring geographic-themed regions and the magical Forest of Color. More than 400 lanterns representing 100 animal and plant species connect visitors to the real wildlife and wild places that the Wildlife Conservation Society works to protect. Enhanced this year with Freeze Zone, featuring massive snow tube slides, talking snowmen, and a snowball wall, and more interactive elements, puppetry in The Enchanted Sea. There are also music and light performances, nightly ice-carving demonstrations, Wildlife Theater puppet adventures, festive treats including s’mores roasting and holiday drinks, bug carousel and holiday train,. Tickets are required for entry and must be reserved in advance. Ticket sales for Holiday Lights start at 3pm. Lights go on and lantern trails open at 4:30pm. Tickets available online at BronxZoo.com/Holiday-Lights, information at bronxzoo.com/holiday-lights. (See: Wander the World With Wonder and Joy at Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights)
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Nov. 21–Jan. 4, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn:Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden returns this holiday season, transforming the Garden into a glittering winter trail and an enchanted forest in the heart of Brooklyn. Now in its fifth year, the event features dazzling light installations, reimagined art, music and special attractions, highlighting the Garden’s winter beauty.
Holiday Train Show, Nov. 15-Jan. 11, Bedford Park, The Bronx:Now in its 34th year, the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show fills the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory with 200 twinkling landmark replicas made from natural materials, as model trains weave through iconic New York City scenes and over bridges. Visitors can also enjoy an illuminated outdoor mountainscape. Special Holiday Train Nights are a magical after-dark experience.
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, Nov. 6–Jan. 4:The beloved holiday tradition returns to the iconic stage of Radio City Music Hall for its 100-year anniversary. One million people come each holiday season to experience its stunning costumes, joyful music, precise choreography and innovative performances. Multiple shows daily.
ROB LAKE MAGIC with Special Guests The Muppets, Nov. 6–Jan. 18:Renowned illusionist Rob Lake brings his jaw-dropping magic to Broadway this holiday season, joined by Kermit the Frog and friends, who add their signature humor and charm to the spectacle. Together, they promise a one-of-a-kind holiday performance blending astonishing illusions with beloved Muppet magic.
A Christmas Carol at PAC NYC: Nov. 23–Dec. 28:PAC NYC presents an immersive, intimate staging of A Christmas Carol, crafted by Tony Award-winning artists playwright Jack Thorne and director Matthew Warchus. This magical retelling wraps the audience around the action as Ebenezer Scrooge journeys through past, present, and future, brought to life with dazzling staging, moving storytelling and beloved Christmas carols.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the New York City Ballet, Nov. 28–Jan. 4:Experience the classic George Balanchine The Nutcracker, from the glowing Christmas tree to swirling snow and enchanting characters set to Tschaikovsky’s iconic score. The season concludes on Jan. 4 with a special sensory-friendly performance featuring adjusted lighting and sound designed for audiences with sensory processing challenges such as autism.
Spotlight: The New York Nutcracker, Dec. 18 & 19: Lincoln Center’s holiday lineup features Spotlight: A Night at the Atrium, a playful twist on The Nutcracker blending burlesque, puppetry, comedy and dance for a dazzling offbeat celebration of the season.
Holidays with the New York Philharmonic, Dec. 10–Dec. 20:Conductor Jane Glover leads the chorus of Music of the Baroque and a stellar cast of soloists in Handel’s Messiah. Families enjoy the holiday favorite Home Alone on the big screen as John Williams’sscore is performed live. Plus, the Philharmonic’s beloved Sounds of the Season matinees return, offering a family-friendly sampler of festive music.
The Magic Flute, Dec. 11–Jan. 3:A holiday tradition, Mozart’s enchanting fairy tale returns in the Met’s abridged, English-language production by Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor. With some of opera’s most beloved melodies, colorful sets and costumes and dazzling puppetry, this family-friendly staging offers a magical experience for audiences of all ages. On Dec. 14 ticketholders are also invited to a free Holiday Open House before the performance, featuring special activities for families.
Festive Concerts at Carnegie Hall, December:Highlights include the Orchestra of St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble performing Corelli and Vivaldi, the Princeton Nassoons’ seasonal program, the Oratorio Society of New York’s 151st consecutive Messiah, the Christmas Night Opera Gala with stars like Sondra Radvanovsky and Thomas Hampson and Concert of the Future: A Christmas Dream, a candlelit immersive blend of classical music and meditative sounds.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York City Center, Dec. 3–Jan. 4:Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater under the leadership of new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack. Audiences is presenting classic works from the Ailey repertory including the touchstone of inspiration Revelations, an anthem to resilience and joy.
The Brooklyn Nutcracker Presented by the Brooklyn Ballet at The Theater at City Tech, Dec. 6–7 and 13–14:The Brooklyn Nutcracker reimagines the classic ballet through the lens of Brooklyn’s diverse cultural tapestry, blending iconic characters with hip hop, pop and lock and bohemian flair. This vibrant journey travels from Victorian Flatbush to modern-day Brooklyn, with stops at landmarks like the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and a Flatbush Avenue subway platform.
Holiday Festivities at The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, Dec. 13–Dec. 31, Morningside Heights:St. John the Divine presents a rich lineup of concerts, including the Joy of Christmas concert featuring Bach’s Magnificat and beloved carols and its traditional New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace, this year featuring Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Additional musical highlights include organ recitals, special evensong performances and seasonal programs that blend world-class artistry with the Cathedral’s cherished holiday traditions.
Winter Exhibitions, Cultural Happenings
Holiday Celebrations in Historic Richmond Town, throughout December, Staten Island:Historic Richmond Town’s holiday season kicks off with a free tree lighting celebration on Dec. 5, followed by “Christmas in Historic Richmond Town” Dec. 6–7, with festive shopping, live history demonstrations and seasonal treats; Candlelight Tours on Dec. 12–13, showcasing centuries of yuletide traditions; and a Holiday House tours on select dates throughout Dec..
Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection, through Feb. 8: The New York Historical displays its traditional model trains, toy stations, and miniatures are illustrating the design evolution from the early 20th century to the era of World War II. Families can explore the objects with a special scavenger hunt, and train-themed storytimes take place on select dates.
The Origami Holiday Tree, Nov. 24 throughout the holiday season: An annual New York City tradition for decades, the American Museum of Natural History’s Origami Holiday Tree showcases 1,000 hand-crafted origami models created by local, national and international artists.
Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche, Nov. 25–Jan. 6: A New York City tradition, The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche display showcases a beautifully adorned tree with a nativity scene at its base. The display features 18th-century Neapolitan figures, generously donated in 1964 by American artist and collector Loretta Hines Howard.
A Christmas Carol: The Manuscript, Nov. 25–Jan. 11:Every holiday season The Morgan showcases Charles Dickens’s original manuscript of A Christmas Carol in J. Pierpont Morgan’s Library. Bound in red goatskin leather, the manuscript was originally given to Dickens’s solicitor, Thomas Mitton, before being acquired by Pierpont Morgan in the 1890s.
Holiday Lights, Markets, Ice Skating, Activities
Holiday Under the Stars and Broadway Under the Stars at The Shops at Columbus Circle, throughout the holiday season:The Shops at Columbus Circle sparkle with “Holiday Under the Stars,” a breathtaking display of 300,000 lights and 44 glowing stars. Guests can also enjoy “Broadway Under the Stars,” a series of free performances from some of Broadway’s most celebrated shows, complete with intimate cast Q&As.
Hudson Yards presents its 6th annual spectacular lighting display, “Shine Bright at Hudson Yards Presented by Wells Fargo” featuring 2 million twinkling lights, with 115 miles of string lights, 725 evergreen trees, and the iconic 32-foot hot air balloon centerpiece suspended in the Great Room of The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards. NEW: ten 11-foot-tall Toy Soldier statues lining The Shops on Level 1 and six free, pop-up performances. Nov. 28 – Dec. 23: Take photos with Santa.Dec. 1- 11:Festive Holiday performances by the Youth Orchestra of St. Lukes.
Wollman Rink, through March, Central Park: Wollman Rink celebrates a landmark 75 years with special programming, family-friendly activities and celebratory events.
The Rink at Bryant Park, through early March:Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is New York City’s largest free-admission ice-skating rink, where you also enjoy a vibrant holiday market with 180 shops, cozy rinkside bar and food hall at The Lodge, holiday tree.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center, Rockefeller Center b/w 48th and 51st St. the iconic rink beneath the city’s most famous Christmas Tree.
Winterland Rink at The Rooftop at Pier 17, 89 South St. is New York City’s only outdoor rooftop ice rink. The day-to-night venue offers panoramic views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, and East River.
New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop: The Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop is an iconic New York City experience – watching its descent in person on New Year’s Eve is a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime way to ring in the New Year.
NYRR Midnight Run in Central Park: Kick off 2026 with the NYRR Midnight Run, welcoming the new year with energy and excitement. As 2025 draws to a close, the countdown starts at 11:59 pm, and a spectacular fireworks display at midnight signals the start of the four-mile race.
Coney Island Polar Plunge, Coney Island, Brooklyn:Every New Year’s Day, the Polar Bear Club and daring participants dive into the icy waters at Coney Island. Spectators are welcome to watch as hundreds of thrill-seekers plunge into the freezing Atlantic Ocean. The event is free to attend, though participants are encouraged to make donations to support local community organizations in place of an entry fee.
Seasonal Tours
The NYC Christmas Holiday Tour with Free Dessert, created by Empire Tours & Productions, is a two-hour guided walk that begins at 764 Doris C Freedman Pl, under the General William Tecumseh Sherman Monument, and ends at Bryant Park Winter Village (42nd St & 6th Ave), winding through Fifth Avenue’s luxury storefronts, Rockefeller Center’s iconic Christmas Tree, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Radio City Music Hall. Along the way, hear captivating stories from expert local guides and emkpu a complimentary festive dessert from Myzel Chocolates. The tour captures the warmth and wonder of New York at Christmas, blending sparkling lights, historic tales, and film-famous stops like the Home Alone 2 locations at the Plaza Hotel and Gapstow Bridge. Tours daily, Nov. 24-Jan. 4, at 10:30 am and 4:30 pm. Prices start at $35 for adults (13–64), $34 for seniors and military, $29 for youth (7–12), and children under 6 join free. (https://tourofnyc.com/christmas-holiday-walking-tour/)
Holiday Lights & Movie Sites Tour with On Location Tours, Nov. 28–Dec. 31:Discover iconic landmarks and hidden spots seen in beloved holiday films such as Elf, Home Alone 2 and Scrooged with On Location Tours. Departing from Columbus Circle, the tour features festive stops at Bloomingdale’s, Rockefeller Center and the famous ice-skating rink at Bryant Park.
Christmas in New York with Romancing Manhattan Tours, November–December: This custom tour features a private guide on Fifth Avenue, a two-hour Rockefeller Center visit, and a sunset trip to the Top of the Rock. Optional add-ons include ice-skating with an instructor, a backstage tour of Radio City Music Hall, premium Rockettes tickets and a luxury dinner, curated by a concierge.
For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nyctourism.com.
Wander the world with wonder and joy at the Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights, one of New York City’s premier seasonal events.
The Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights celebration, which runs on select evenings from November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026, features millions of lights and 400 lanterns representing with extraordinary realism and artistry 100 fauna and flora species that inhabit the Zoo as well as the global conservation projects the Wildlife Conservation Society supports.
Each year the event is enhanced and this year’s includes new interactive and sensory experiences: the Freeze Zone features massive snow tube slides, an illuminated ice throne photo opportunity, talking snowmen, and a snowball wall where you get to toss virtual snowballs. Enchanted Sea returns with more interactive elements and new captivating puppetry, immersing visitors in a magical underwater world brought to life through play and performance.
The signature experience is the Lantern Safari – a truly enchanting journey on immersive trails through six geographic-themed regions – Africa, Latin America, Asia, North America, Ocean and the magical Forest of Color – where you encounter some 400 lanterns representing 100 animal and plant species that inhabit the Zoo as well as the real wildlife and wild places that the Wildlife Conservation Society, which manages the Zoo, works to protect.
You are amazed at the incredible artistry of these lantern animals, creatures, flowers, insects, in uncannily realistic (if whimsical) poses and configurations (some even have moving elements).
There are even “Wander with Wonder” educators available to answer questions, labels so you know what you are looking at, and field notes, frequently with tactile displays, when your curiosity is piqued.
There are also many opportunities for entertainment and engagement – a towering holiday tree with music and light performances (look for the animals that appear on the tree!), nightly ice-carving demonstrations, Wildlife Theater puppet adventures, s’mores roasting over fire pits, holiday treats and drinks, an amazing Bug Carousel (64 different insects to ride!), and a Holiday Train. (The Holiday Train ride is an extra $3).
None of the zoo’s live animals are out and about (they are sleeping), then again, you might count the illuminated stilt performers and puppeteers who bring added delight among the “live animals” who inhabit the zoo.
Holiday Lights occupies 12 of the Bronx Zoo’s 265 acres of hardwood forest – an oasis of wilderness amid the Bronx’s urban landscape – and is home to 10,000 animals. I love wandering and seeing the Victorian vestiges of the zoo’s glorious history, dating back to Nov. 8, 1899.
“We’re proud to be a holiday destination for so many families and to offer an even bigger Holiday Lights program this year,” said Jim Breheny, Director of the Bronx Zoo and EVP of WCS Zoos & Aquarium, switching on the lights on opening night. “Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights has become a New York tradition, where people come out to experience and enjoy the zoo in a different way at night. The annual tradition is a meaningful way for us to engage community members with WCS’s mission while celebrating the season together.”
He thanked Con Ed’s partnership and support. “We wouldn’t be able to do this without ConEd as a partner,” he said.
You can visit in one hour, but to really enjoy, expect to spend two or three (especially if you visit when crowded, when some of the activities might involve queuing up like for the carousel. (Note: there are no special tickets or cost for the special activities except for the festive Holiday Train ride, an extra $3.)
The event is rain or shine and tickets are date-specific, but you can pay extra for an “any night” ticket. Take advantage of a 20% discount through November 21. (Members get 40% off the ticket and discount on any night tickets).
Tickets: General public tickets start at $26.95, with flexible Any Night ticket options available. General admission is $41.95 for adults, $36.95 for seniors, and $26.95 for children ages 3–12. Tickets are available on line, BronxZoo.com/Holiday-Lights,
Ticket sales for Holiday Lights start at 3 pm. Lights go on and lantern trails open at 4:30 pm. If you arrive at the zoo before 4:30 pm, you have some time to visit animal exhibits before they close for the day, promptly at 4 pm. You can then stay to see the park transform and light up during the sunset transition (but you need the separate Holiday Lights ticket to stay). The Bug Carousel, Dancing Crane Cafe and Bronx Zoo store are all open to enjoy from daytime through night.
Holiday Lights and other special seasonal events like Boo at the Zoo, Harvest Glow, Brew at the Zoo, not only help educate visitors in such a fun, engaging and accessible way about the animals in WCS care at the zoo, but inform about the importance of conservation of biodiversity to our own preservation and help fund WCS’ important conservation efforts well beyond New York City’s borders.
WCS Members enjoy exclusive benefits, including 40% off special event tickets throughout the season and three free preview nights. Conservation-level Members receive free admission to Holiday Lights (a 20% discount on memberships going on now has been extended past November 30).
Membership packages also include year-round admission to all five WCS parks – Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Bronx Zoo, and New York Aquarium) while supporting wildlife conservation efforts worldwide. View membership options.
The Bronx Zoo, located on 265 acres of hardwood forest in Bronx, NY, opened on Nov. 8, 1899. It is world-renowned for its leadership in the areas of animal welfare, husbandry, veterinary care, education, science and conservation. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is the flagship park of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) which manages the world’s largest network of urban wildlife parks including the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and New York Aquarium. Curators and animal care staff work to save, propagate, and sustain populations of threatened and endangered species. WCS has educated and inspired more than 400 million visitors at its zoos and aquarium and host some 4 million guests, including 500,000 students, at the parks each year. The Bronx Zoo is the largest youth employer in the borough of the Bronx, providing opportunity and helping to transform lives in one of the most under-served communities in the nation. The Bronx Zoo is the subject of THE ZOO, a docu-series aired world-wide on Animal Planet.
Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blv.d, Bronx, NY 10460, 718-220-5100, https://bronxzoo.com
