There\u2019s no better way to celebrate the beginning of the Chinese calendar than in New York, home to the largest population of Chinese-Americans in the United States (take a peek at our guide to Chinatown here<\/a>). The celebration was traditionally established on the basis of the lunisolar Chinese calendar. After the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in China, the Lunar New Year fell in late January or early February<\/strong> (dates change annually). Initially a feast to honor Chinese customs (ancestors, deities, duty to family) and prepare for the coming year, the holiday now commemorates Chinese culture as a whole.<\/p>\n The free Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival<\/strong> along the main thoroughfares in Chinatown from Mott Street to Forsyth Street and the New Year Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival in Sara Roosevelt Park are New York’s biggest celebrations. The former mesmerizes spectators with colorful floats, acrobats, and larger-than-life dragon dances, while the latter spreads firework displays across the sky. Don\u2019t forget to wear red; the color symbolizes joy and good fortune in Chinese culture.<\/p>\n Saint Patrick\u2019s Day Parade<\/strong><\/p>\n New York truly is a city of immigrants, and this is never more apparent than at the massive turnout for the Saint Patrick\u2019s Day Parade<\/strong>, the largest in the Big Apple. Every year on March 17th<\/strong>, thousands of spectators descend upon Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street to enjoy the procession, which includes thousands of bagpipers, marching bands, and dancers dressed in traditional Celtic garb.<\/p>\n The parade dates back to 1762 when a group of Irish expatriates assembled to honor their homeland on Broadway. After centuries of expansion and reclassification, the Saint Patrick\u2019s Day Parade is now run by its own organization. Every year since the mid-1800s, the procession has been led by the 69th Infantry Regiment of the New York Army National Guard (also known as the \u201cFighting Irish\u201d) and the Grand Marshal (past Marshals have included iconic actress Maureen O\u2019Hara and bestselling author Mary Higgins Clark). The parade is a great way to celebrate the holiday for free, but bundle up in case of chilly March weather. Afterwards, why not celebrate the Celtic way, especially if you have roots on the Emerald Isle? Head to an Irish pub and indulge in two of Ireland\u2019s finest exports: music and Guinness. Erin go bragh!<\/em><\/p>\n Macy\u2019s Flower Show<\/strong><\/p>\n Even if you\u2019re not a budding botanist, the Macy\u2019s Flower Show is too outstanding to miss. This annual spectacle imports thousands of flowers from around the world to Macy\u2019s flagship store in Herald Square at the intersection of West 34th Street, Broadway, and Avenue of the Americas. Then, various plant species\u2013trees, ferns, and flowers in vivid hues\u2013are arranged into awe-inspiring displays that rival the designer fashions for sale ten floors above.<\/p>\n The Flower Show is held over the last week of March and the first week of April with a different theme each year. 2013\u2019s The Painted Garden<\/em> outside the department store in Herald Square had a decidedly Indian inspiration. This year\u2019s The Secret Garden<\/em> captivated visitors on Macy\u2019s main floor with flower garlands draped overhead and dramatic \u201cgowns\u201d made out of roses on the store’s mannequins. Even better, it costs nothing to step inside and take a look around (unless, of course, the temptation to shop Macy\u2019s vast inventory proves to be too much). Afterwards, why not peruse these other great New York shopping spots<\/a>?<\/p>\n Tribeca Film Festival<\/strong><\/p>\n From tragedy comes art. This could be the unofficial motto of the Tribeca Film Festival, which began in 2002 under the supervision of the husband-and-wife team of Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff and Academy Award-winning actor Robert DeNiro. The festival was an effort to revive Lower Manhattan in the aftermath of 9\/11. In the years following the attacks, Lower Manhattan has forged a new skyline, but retains its innovation, spirit, and hope. Tribeca Film Festival is a testament to that pioneering spirit. If you visit the areas of lower Manhattan<\/a> around the World Trade Center\u2013especially the Memorial\u2013please be respectful.<\/p>\n Since its inception, Tribeca has become one of the world’s leading film festivals. <\/strong>Special screenings, conversations with filmmakers, celebrity appearances, and awards honoring the fest\u2019s best films, acting, and directing are just some of its features. Specific dates vary, but the Tribeca Film Festival takes place over the second half of April<\/strong>. Screenings are spread throughout theaters in Lower Manhattan, usually in Chelsea, the East Village and Tribeca (naturally). Most showings and panels are ticketed. Unless you\u2019re a cinephile, skip the festival passes (which cost hundreds of dollars) and spring for individual movie tickets instead. Matinees and weekdays are reasonably priced, and cost less than evenings and weekends. Tribeca offers special discounts and free showings every year, so be on the lookout!<\/p>\n Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival<\/strong><\/p>\n Easter Sundays<\/strong> bring church masses, egg hunts, and… top hats? At New York’s annual Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival<\/strong>, that\u2019s exactly what you\u2019ll find. From 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Fifth Avenue shuts down from 47th to 59th Streets for a procession of ladies in fascinators, dapper gentlemen, their fashionably dressed pets, street performers, and more. Creativity is king, so you\u2019ll discover revelers in all sorts of unique clothing, from sophisticated Kentucky Derby hats to outrageous costumes. No material (feathers, candies, teacups) is too outlandish. The best experience is as a bystander; sit on the steps of St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral for a prime view of the pageantry. Nothing beats this parade for a free and entertaining day. The event is held on Easter Sunday, which changes dates each year (it can range from late March to late April). Consider finding a roommate<\/a> with whom you can observe the eccentric headwear!<\/p>\n Cherry Blossom Festival<\/strong><\/p>\n The nation\u2019s capital may be the most well-known destination for cherry blossoms, but New York can give it a run for its money. Although the city\u2019s most popular park is Central Park, Brooklyn’s Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG)<\/strong> is worth a visit. The blooms generally reach peak during the month of April, and BBG capitalizes on their beauty by scheduling the Sakura Matsuri weekend in tandem. This two-day festival celebrates Japanese culture (as the blossoming trees are indigenous to Japan) with traditional music, dancing, and family-friendly activities. Check online at the end of March and during April, as the Brooklyn Botanic Garden posts updates when its cherry blossoms start to bud. Plan your stroll along the Cherry Esplanade accordingly!<\/p>\n The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is open Tuesday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (the garden is closed on Mondays). Multiple subway lines\u2013the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, and Q\u2013will bring you within walking distance of the BBG\u2019s gates. Our guide to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden<\/a> can help you decide how to spend the rest of your day there.<\/p>\n Pride Week<\/strong><\/p>\n New York City welcomes everyone to its streets and takes great pride in its diversity. Pride Week, when the LGBTQ community takes center stage, is a shining example. Events are held across the five boroughs to support the community throughout the year, but Pride Week in late June<\/strong> is the largest. It incorporates everything from family movie nights to nightclub parties. The week culminates with the Pride March, which simultaneously celebrates the LGBTQ population and campaigns for important issues<\/strong>, as has been tradition since 1970. Events are held across Manhattan, mostly in Midtown and Greenwich Village. Some are free, while others are ticketed at various prices. Volunteers and vendors also work at Pride Week\u2019s many events.<\/p>\n Fourth of July (Macy\u2019s Fireworks and Nathan\u2019s Hot Dog Contest)<\/strong><\/p>\n Two different spectacles dazzle New Yorkers on America\u2019s independence day (July 4). First, take the train to Coney Island in Brooklyn for the Nathan\u2019s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest<\/strong>, during which competitors test their endurance by eating as many hot dogs as possible for the crown (and a sizable cash prize) at the company\u2019s flagship eatery. The women’s contest is generally held at 11:30 a.m., and men take the stage at 12:30 p.m<\/strong>. After the tournament, enjoy the boardwalk and beaches of Coney Island, or sample Nathan\u2019s culinary offerings yourself (we highly recommend the delicious crinkle-cut French fries). Best of all, Coney Island isn’t the only beach where you can soak up the New York sun<\/a>.<\/p>\n When evening falls, secure a spot with a view of the East River for the Macy\u2019s 4th of July Fireworks<\/strong>. Chart-topping superstars perform at the annual show, but the main attraction is overhead. A dazzling display of multicolored fireworks explode in mid-air in synchronicity with music. The display is free to watch, just make sure to account for large crowds and unpredictable weather. Some restaurants and rooftop bars offer excellent views of the fireworks. Make a reservation if you’re planning to enjoy the display from a rooftop, and keep in mind the added expense.<\/p>\n Harlem Week<\/strong><\/p>\n Considering the variety of Manhattan neighborhoods, it may be easy to overlook ones that aren’t filled with tourist destinations. Harlem Week has been ensuring that the culturally iconic upper Manhattan neighborhood is not forgotten since 1974. Throughout the summer (mostly in July and August<\/strong>), Harlem Week hosts everything from dance parties to career and health vendors, to an auto show, to a jazz festival<\/strong>. With its hundreds of activities, you’ll find something to entertain everyone at Harlem Week. Venues may be in Harlem parks or along the streets. Events are free, so take advantage of the warm weather and celebrate Harlem\u2019s contributions to New York, the United States, and the world.<\/p>\n Summer Streets<\/strong><\/p>\n Have you ever wanted to walk across New York\u2019s streets without dodging honking motorists? Summer Streets is your chance! For three consecutive August Saturdays, several miles of road are closed to traffic and open to biking, walking, rock climbing, dancing<\/strong>, and just about any activity you can imagine. Best of all, everything, including rest stop food, arts and crafts, urban art displays, and more, is free!<\/p>\n Summer Streets stretches from Lafayette Street at the Brooklyn Bridge along Park Avenue until it reaches Central Park at East 72nd Street. Hours change from year to year, but often run from early morning (7:00 a.m.) until early afternoon (1:00 p.m.). Get there early to enjoy this summer block party, or take a look at our furnished apartment rentals<\/a> so you\u2019ll have easy access to all the summer festivities!<\/p>\n Dumbo Arts Festival<\/strong><\/p>\n For jaw-dropping art and equally breathtaking scenery, plan to attend the DUMBO Arts Festival. The free public event honors Brooklyn\u2019s contributions to the New York art scene<\/strong> throughout the DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass) neighborhood, which is complemented by waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge. No matter your artistic tastes, there is something to please everyone: digital art, murals, poetry, studio art, and installations throughout the streets of DUMBO. Learn more about DUMBO and other Brooklyn neighborhoods with our comprehensive Brooklyn guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n The festival runs for three days over a late-September weekend.<\/strong> Friday hours are typically in the evening, while Saturday and Sunday range from noon until late afternoon. Be mindful that parking in the area is scarce. Take public transport (the A, C, F, 2, or 3 subway lines) there if you can.<\/p>\n Village Halloween Parade<\/strong><\/p>\n If you love Halloween<\/strong> for its eccentric ambiance, then the Village Halloween Parade<\/strong> is a must-see for you. Anything goes in this parade! Participants proceed along 6th Avenue from Spring Street to West 16th Street in Greenwich Village. Of course, the main draw of the event is the costumes, from the raunchy and risqu\u00e9 to the brilliantly inventive and everything in between. There\u2019s nothing too avant-garde for the parade. Among the costumed pedestrians, you\u2019ll also see jaw-dropping stilt walkers, floats, and puppets. It\u2019s a testament to the neighborhood that was once inhabited by bohemians, artists, and outsiders. The Halloween Parade has survived the changing neighborhood for over 40 years.<\/p>\n The parade is free to attend but hugely popular, and sidewalks (there are no bleachers or stands) fill up hours before the procession. Grab a spot along the parade route as early as you can (multiple train lines serve nearby subway stations) or walk in the parade in costume!<\/p>\n Macy\u2019s Thanksgiving Day Parade<\/strong><\/p>\n There are three things associated with Thanksgiving in America: turkey, football, and the Macy\u2019s Thanksgiving Day Parade<\/strong>. A tradition since 1924, the annual parade showcases giant balloons that glide several stories overhead and are manned by dozens of volunteers, intricately crafted floats, performances of contemporary Broadway musicals, marching bands and dance troupes from across the nation, and Santa Claus himself concludes the parade and ushers in the Christmas season.<\/p>\n The parade travels down from Central Park West at 77th Street before it skirts the southwest corner of Central Park and continues down 6th Avenue until it reaches 34th Street. The final stop is the Macy\u2019s flagship store in Herald Square, providing roughly 2.5 miles of public viewing areas. The route has been modified several times over the past decade, so be advised that it’s subject to change. Tickets for grandstand seating are not offered to the public, but you can watch the parade anywhere along the route before it reaches Herald Square. Macy\u2019s advises spectators to avoid 6th Avenue between 34th and 38th Streets and at the store in Herald Square due to limited space and obstructed viewing. Given that Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday of November, weather can be mild or cold, so be ready to wear a warm coat.<\/p>\n Holiday season in New York There is no place quite like New York at Christmastime, particularly in Manhattan! The borough turns the month of December into pure magic. Radio City Music Hall unofficially kicks off the season with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular<\/strong> featuring the famous Rockettes (dates run from early November until the end of December). As with any theatre show, ticket prices vary, but you can score a good discount for this seasonal staple. Following Thanksgiving<\/strong> and the Black Friday <\/strong>shopping frenzy, world-class department stores debut their Christmas window displays. The most famous are at Macy\u2019s in Herald Square, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman in Midtown.<\/p>\n Rockefeller Center may be most synonymous with Christmas in New York. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting<\/strong> has been a grand affair since 1933. Crowds gather around the plaza to catch the first sight of the massive spruce as it illuminates for the season with thousands of lights. If you can’t make it to the ceremony, that\u2019s perfectly fine! The tree sparkles from the first week of December thru the first week of January. While you\u2019re there to gaze at the shimmering tree (best experienced at night), why not take a spin on the iconic ice skating rink or go Christmas shopping at the Concourse at Rockefeller Center?<\/p>\n![\"Image](\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/yearly-events-new-york-saint-patricks-day-parade-nyc.jpg\")
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