Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Tree Lighting Courtesy of Diane Bondareff AP Images for Tishman Speyer.
The towering tree in Rockefeller Center is an international symbol of the holiday spirit. This years tree lighting ceremony has taken place, and the tree will be kept lit daily from 6am to midnight. This years version is a 79-foot, 12-ton Norway Spruce donated by a Maryland family. It will be wrapped in 50,000 multicolored, energy-efficient LED lights and crowned with a Swarovski crystal star. Of course, the tree is just the beginning of things to do in Rockefeller Center. The Rink at Rockefeller Center is one of the worlds most famous patches of ice and this year marks its 85th anniversary. Skating runs 9am to midnight daily. Nearby youll find the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and one of New Yorks most breathtaking views. Three floors of indoor and outdoor decks offer sweeping, unobstructed, open-air perspectives on the city. You can enjoy this famous view day or night, taking in a stylish art deco vibe as you go. Youll also find world-class shopping, great bites, and famous art and architecture.
Nyc Insider Tip Guaranteed Shakespeare In The Park Tickets
Shakespeare in the Park tickets are FREE, but very difficult to get! Shakespeare in the Park tickets are available only on the day of the show in one of four ways: in person at Central Park, in person in one of the Boroughs, in person at Astor Place or by online lottery.
NYC Insider Guide to the rescuemy buddy, Mike, NYCs ticket expert, will go in person for you and secure your tickets! Mike provides a line-sitting service for Shakespeare in the Park he waits on the endless line, gets your tickets and will even deliver them right to you on the day of the performance anywhere in Manhattan. If you provide Mike at least one-days notice, the service fee is as low as $75 per ticket , whether you want just a pair or a group of seats together.
Contact Mike at NewYorkTickets yahoo.com or 773-8587 and tell him NYC Insider referred you!
Another way to secure guaranteed, no-hassle Shakespeare in the Park tickets and great seats? Make a $300+ tax-deductible donation to the Public Theater, so you not only get a reserved seat, but support all future performances.
Learn more about getting Shakespeare in the Park tickets.
Directions to Delacorte Theater:
- West Side: Enter at 81st St & Central Park West
- East Side: Enter at 79th Street & Fifth Avenue
The Theater is north of 79th Street, around 81st St, slightly more towards the west side.
The Statue Of Liberty & Ellis Island
There’s no better way to celebrate Independence Day than visiting one of the most iconic symbol of American freedom. Visit both Liberty Island and Ellis Island to see the Statue of Liberty up close and explore the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. These activities are likely to be extremely popular during the holiday season. Be sure to make any reservations you might want to make for pedestal tickets, etc., far in advance. However, the 4th of July falls on a Thursday this year, so crowds may be split between the weekends on either side. Getting In: Statue of Liberty Ferry tickets are available as an option with the New York City Explorer Pass.
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Holiday Trains Are Back
Image courtesy of The New York Botanical Garden.
For the 30th year, The New York Botanical Garden lays out the tracks for its Holiday Train Show. Explore a miniature wonderland of 175 New York landmarksincluding the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Rockefeller Centerall made with natural ingredients like acorns, pine cones, and seeds. The scene is cozy inside the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory . At night, the garden lights up for GLOW, a mile-and-a-half long light show.
A Nearly Flawless Diamond

Be among the first members of the public to see Okavango Blue, a rare and nearly flawless 20-carat blue diamond. The centerpiece of a new display of diamonds from Botswana, it’s now on view in the revamped Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals at the American Museum of Natural History. You can learn more about the region and the science behind diamonds. Or you can just go be dazzled.
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Buy A New York Citypass
Buyinga New York CityPASS is by far our number one travel tip for any NYC itinerary. Weve talked about it a lot in this article, and thats because the New York CityPASS is just great value. For only USD$136 youll get access to some of the most popular attractions in the city.
This includes the Empire State Building, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Rockefeller Center Top of the Rock, a Statue of Liberty or Circle Line cruise, entrance to the Met as well as the American Museum of Natural History.
If you did all of these independently it would cost you $92 more, giving you a saving of 42%. Well worth it if youre planning on seeing all the best things in this NYC itinerary.
Shakespeare In The Park
At the Delacorte Theater you can see one of the most famous plays in the world in Central Park. Sounds crazy? Well, it is in New York! In recent years, some stars have made it to the stage as well. Stop by and you might see Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Al Pacino, Blythe Danner, George C. Scott or Denzel Washington.
Find out more about the Shakespeare in the Park event in New York and the current dates here.
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Whats Your Favorite Thing About Lower Manhattan What Do You Think Makes The Neighborhood So Special
The fact that the streets move in an unpredictable way. Its easy to get lost if youre not familiar with the neighborhood. Thats the essence of drama, youre moving through a world and it should surprise you, and it should confuse you. You find your bearings when you look up and see where the World Trade Center once stood, and Fulton Street Market. Thats one of the things I love about it. I dont know if that makes sense, but the streets move in ways that they dont move in other parts of New York.
The Museum At Eldridge Street
Shining lights, sumptuous decoration, and a time capsule of Old New Yorkthe Museum at Eldridge Street is the perfect place to visit for the holiday season. Step inside the landmark Eldridge Street Synagogue and step back in time, as you learn about the Jewish immigrants who found religious freedom in their new country, the opulent sacred space they built in 1887, and the 20th-century restoration that saved this decaying masterpiece. Experience the magic with a docent-led or self-guided tour. Learn more at eldridgestreet.org.
This Sunday, join historian Scott Brevda on a walking tour exploration of what life was like for Jewish immigrants a century ago, employing traces of the era that remain in the neighborhood. Youll see where children played, where people shopped and ate, how they got the news, and where they banked.
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Enjoy The Sunset In Long Island City
Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City is one of the citys hotspots during the summer months. Nowhere else can you enjoy the sunset in the middle of the locals on a meadow with skyline view more beautiful than in Long Island City. By the way: Alcohol consumption is not allowed in public in New York. So dont get caught with a can of beer or a Prosecco, that could be expensive.
Have A Good Time On A Dinner Cruise
We have already tested many dinner cruises in New York for you. One that we have liked the best of all so far is the Bateaux Dinner Cruise. With a glass roof, the ship heads towards the Brooklyn Bridge. Especially when the weather is nice in the summer month of July, the wine or prosecco tastes especially good on the outdoor area of the boat. Enjoy the sunset and have an unforgettable time get the tickets here.
You can find more unique dinner cruises in NYC in this overview.
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Metropolitan Museum Of Art Nyc
New York Citys #1 Attraction
The Metropolitan Museum of Art NYC contains more than 2 million works spanning 5,000 years and is the Number One attraction in New York City, counting over 5 million visitors annually. Even those who think art or Museums are not their thing can spend days here and still not experience a small portion of their art collections, famous exhibits, special events, multiple restaurants, rooftop garden, live music, museum tours and much more!
Celebrate Gay Pride & Christopher Street Parade

The New York Gay Pride Week is the oldest in the world. The beautiful Greenwich Village invites thousands of people each year to Gay Pride. Christopher Street is especially colorful and you will notice that the well-known rainbow flags, which is a symbol of the LGBTQ community, everywhere. Even the global company Google adorns its exterior with the flag in support of the community. Gay Pride Week recalls the first homosexual homicide by the police in 1969.
The parade has become a tradition, with an average of 500,000 visitors per year. It makes it one of the biggest parades in New York City and will most likely be one of the top events in New York in June. It usually moves through 5th Avenue to Greenwich Street. The parade ends at Pier 54 and is met with an exuberant party.
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Tour A Winery Or Wine Trail
What better time than summer to sip on a glass of wine overlooking a vineyard? Thankfully, New York State has plenty of wineries and trails in world-famous regions throughout the state. Head to Pellegrini Vineyards and Bedell Cellars in Long Islands North Fork for international medal-winning wines. Brotherhood, Americas oldest winery, is another cant-miss stop for wine lovers in the Hudson Valley, offering tours through its vast network of underground cellars used throughout Prohibition. Sip and savor your varietal of choice with scenic lake views along one of the Finger Lakes most revered wine trails: Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, Keuka Lake Wine Trail, and Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Find your New York State winery getaway here.
Did Any Businesses Stick Out To You As Having Particularly Noteworthy Stories
Oh my god, did they. There was one that I listened to it was a two hour interview and after I listened to it, I thought, if we just took these two hours, it would be so compelling. It was breathtaking. We went through this persons life, and twists and turns, and you, know, he would back up in his storytelling, he didnt say, Let me back up a moment, he would just do it naturally. It felt like the essence of writing, which is that it shouldnt be Point A to Point B to Point C. It should move around a little bit and keep you on the edge. It was unpredictable. So yes, many stories were inspiring.
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Sponsored By Nyc’s Leading Brands
Leading brands sponsor New York Latin Culture Magazine including: Jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, New York City Center, Blue Note Entertainment, Live Nation/Ticketmaster and The City’s own NYC & Company.
The project is led by Keith Widyolar, a travel writer and marketing communications consultant who builds brands and businesses through public, media and government relations. He was named a key Hispanic journalist and Hispanic travel market influencer by NYC & Company, New York Citys official branding and tourism agency. He also works with Discover Puerto Rico.
The New York Stock Exchange had the team ring its closing bell for Hispanic Heritage Month. We can work for you too!
See A Free Performance Of Shakespeare In The Park
Every summer, the Public Theater puts on two Shakespeare plays at the outdoor Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Tickets are entirely free but will require some work on your part to get one.
Be sure to check out our post explaining the 5 ways to get tickets to Shakespeare in the Park.
The 2022 season features Richard III from June 17th- July 17th.
If you do get a ticket, or even if you don’t, make sure to spend some time in Central Park while you’re in the area.
Read our post about things to do in Central Park for some ideas.
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Exciting Things To Do In Nyc Between July 21st And July 25th
Check out these new restaurants, pop-ups, and special events all around NYC from July 21st and July 25th.
Goats in Riverside Park, a birria taco truck parked at a brewery in Long Island City, a fundraiser for one of our favorite restaurants, and the best times to go to Little Island if youd rather not put an evil spell on a tourist in a frustrated fit of rage. Weve got details on all of those things, and more events happening in NYC between July 21st and July 25th. If youre looking for plans, parties, and pop-ups around the city, youve come to the right place.
Enjoy Really Cool Waterfront Restaurants
Visit this celebrated oyster bar aboard the historic wooden schooner, Sherman Zwicker right on the Hudson River. Hudson River Park was able to set up a pretty sweet deal for the Grand Banks, which now has a row of tables for two running along the south side of the pier. By doing so, they are now able to serve drinks within that space.
This is my favorite spot in New York City!
Read more about Grand Banks or check out Pilot Brooklyn!
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Attend The New York E
This two-day race car event, taking place in Brooklyn, features electric vehicles traveling at insane speeds around difficult tracks.
This is suited for both adults and children. If you are traveling with kids, there is a special immersive fan festival for kids called Allianz E-Village.
Tickets range from $95-$145 per person. Click here here for more details.
NOTE: This event is currently scheduled for July 16th, 2022. It might be canceled due to the pandemic, but there is no indication of any such plan.
Hear Live Music At The Museum Of Modern Art

On Sundays in July, the Museum of Modern Art has free concerts in their beautiful sculpture garden. This series, known as Summergarden, is free. Be sure to go early because space is limited.
The Sculpture Garden opens at 7:00 pm, concerts start at 8:00 pm and the garden closes at 10:00 pm. The museum is not open during these hours.
MoMA is a fantastic museum and you should consider visiting it during their open hours.
They have free hours on Fridays from 4 pm-8 pm. Find out more here. For other free museums, see our post here.
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Shakespeare In The Park 2015
May 27 August 23, 2015
The TempestFeaturing Sam Waterston and Jesse Tyler FergusonMay 27-July 5
“Shakespeares classic about young love, old enemies and the eternal magic of storytelling. Exiled to a fantastical island, Prospero unleashes a churning storm to shipwreck the traitor brother who stole his throne and settle the score once and for all. But bitter revenge is upended by newfound love in this sublime masterpiece that proves we are all “such stuff as dreams are made on.”
CymbelineFeaturing Lily Rabe and Hamish LinklaterJuly 23-August 23
“In the Shakespearean fairytale Cymbeline, Princess Imogens fidelity is put to the royal test when her disapproving father banishes her soul mate. Cross-dressing girls and cross-dressing boys, poisons and swordfights and dastardly villains all take the stage in this enchanting romp about the conquering power of love.”
Back to Top Shakespeare in the Park
Watch The Nathans Hot Dog Eating Contest
The biggest and most famous hot dog eating contest in the world, Nathans Hot Dog Eating Contest, takes place in Coney Island on July 4th.
There are loads of fun activities at Coney Island, so read our post about Coney Island to find out about the things to do like visit Luna Park.
TIP: Tickets to Luna Park are included with the New York Sightseeing Pass, the New York Pass, and the Explorer Pass.
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Back to Top of New York City Events 2021 Activities Calendar
Visit An Observation Deck
Since the weather will probably be nice, this is an excellent time of year to get a good view of New York City from the top of an observation deck.
The Edge is one of the newest and tallest sky deck in NYC. At 100 stories high, this location definitely offers one of the best and most unforgettable views in the entire city.
Here are a few other locations you might want to visit as well:
Keep in mind that most of these attractions are included with multiple New York tourist passes.
For more information about observation decks in New York, read our post covering which NYC observation deck is best.
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