New York City Tourism in a Blink

By: Joe Deacon
New York City is often called "The City That Never Sleeps". One trip to New York City and you will see why. The city is aglow with events and activities that occur throughout the year. Some of the more festive events that you will want to be sure to attend when you visit New York City include the following.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Each Thanksgiving Day, Macy's hosts one of the most beloved parades of all. This is the parade that hails in the coming of the Christmas season and brings forth Santa Claus, always at the end, signifying that the holiday season has begun. In addition to seeing the bearded elf, you will also be able to see floats and balloons that have been part of the parade for nearly a century. If you are in the city around Thanksgiving, you can see the fun as well as historic Macy's Day Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Sleigh Rides In The Park

Each weekend during the winter season, you can enjoy sleigh rides in Central Park. In addition to enjoying an old fashioned sleigh ride, you can also ice skate at the skating rink in Central Park, which has been part of the park enjoyment for over 100 years. If you find yourself in New York City during the winter months from December to March, you should visit Central Park during a weekend for either sleigh rides in the Park or Ice Skating in the Park.

Martin Luther King Day Celebration

Each January on Martin Luther King Day, there is a Martin Luther King Day celebration in Central Park. You will find that Central Park plays host to many of the annual events that take place in New York City. In addition to celebrating the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., the event also includes a solemn prayer vigil in memory of the civil rights leader who was slain in 1968.

St. Patrick's Day Parade - March 17th

On St. Patrick's Day, you can watch the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade march down 42nd Street. They say that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day and this parade is often attended by local and sometimes national politicians. It's an event you do not want to miss.

May Day Celebration - May 1st

Each year on May Day, which is May 1st, Central Park hosts a May Day celebration where you can grab a ribbon and walk around the May Pole. This is an annual event that has been taking place for about 70 years in Central Park and usually signifies the coming of real Spring weather as it is usually warm by this time of the year. If you happen to be in New York City at this time of the year, you will want to participate in the May Day celebration.

Artisan's Fair - Greenwich Village

Look for the annual Artisan's Fair in Greenwich Village each Memorial Day weekend. If you happen to be in New York City during this time, you owe it to yourself to visit this part of the city that has always hosted the bohemian culture. The Artisan's Fair can give you an excuse to explore the Village and see the pubs and eateries where some of the most noted writers, artists and poets of our time have hung their hats.

Shakespeare in the Park

During the summer months, you will be able to find a production of Shakespeare in the Park each weekend in Central Park. Some of the most celebrated actors of today's generation got their start doing these productions. You can enjoy a Broadway production without the Broadway prices when you visit Shakespeare in the Park productions at the theater in Central Park.

New York City is abuzz with activities for young and old. There is something to do just about every weekend in this city that truly does not sleep so do come and visit!