New York City Annual Events

Major Events in NYC, New York, USA

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Independence Day In New York City : July 4

Each year Macy's kicks off the world's largest fireworks display at approximately 9pm on July 4th. Four barges stationed between 23rd and 42nd Streets in the East River set off 20,000 aerial shells and special effects. There are electric set pieces on the barges, and the New York Fire Department gets in on the act with fire boats shooting red, clear, and blue water 300 feet over the river.

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Labor Day : September 3

Labor Day is a United States federal holiday that takes place on the first Monday of September. In 2006, Labor Day occurred on September 4. In 2007, it will occur on September 3.
More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers. Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold." But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, New Jersey, proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

Halloween : October 31

Over-the-top haunted houses, scary movies, costume parties and parades provide plenty of chills and thrills for Halloween revelers in the Big Apple. Don your finest costume and join the hundreds of puppets, dancers, artists and thousands of New Yorkers for the Village Halloween Parade, the most over-the-top and largest celebration of its kind in the United States (www.halloween-nyc.com). There are also a number of not-to be-missed celebrations taking place in the days leading up to Halloween. The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine throws the annual Halloween Extravaganza and Procession of Ghouls with a scary film feature followed by a dazzling display of costumes and special effects (www.st.johndivine.org), while the Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts its annual Ghouls and Gourds program featuring pumpkin carving, musical performances and a costume parade (www.bbg.org).

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Thanksgiving Day : November 23

Festivities and feasts are all part of the Thanksgiving Fun in New York City. Join the thousands of spectators as they kick of the winter holiday season at the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with spectacular floats, performances marching bands and a whole lot more on Thursday, November 23. Kids of all ages will go wild over the "Thanksgiving Parade V.I.P. Fantasy Package" available at The Ritz-Carlton New York, battery Park November 22 through 25. The exclusive experience includes a parade skybox viewing experience for two and other enticing extras . The Restaurant Capital of the World also offers a cornucopia of choices for traditional Thanksgiving Day dining including The River Café in Brooklyn and Water's Edge Restaurant in Queens, both of which feature stunning views of the city skyline. During their stay, visitors can get their fill of world-class culture with blockbuster exhibits such as Gold at the American Museum of Natural History or Kiki Smith: A Gathering, 1980-2005 at the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Christmas : December 25

The Big Apple brings out the Yuletide spirit with spectacular activities for all ages. The Buckingham Hotel welcomes visitors with a Christmas Spectacular package complete with a two-night stay in a one bedroom suite and four tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular from December 17 through 27 (www.buckinghamhotel.com). There are entertainment options for everyone including the classic ballet George Balachine's The Nutcracker at the New York State Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. Shoppers will delight in the whimsical window displays on view at Bloomingdales , Lord & Taylor and Macy's , while those looking for unique gifts should stop by the holiday markets at Bryant Park , Grand Central Terminal and Union Square.

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New Year's Eve : December 31

Ring in 2007 in the world's most exciting New Year's Eve destination. On December 31, all eyes will be on Times Square for the official countdown as the Waterford Crystal ball descends before a crowd of thousands. For prime viewing, consider checking into the New York Marriott Marquis located right in the middle of all the action. Visitors can also celebrate with a bang at one of the midnight firework shows around the city. Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, New York Harbor above the Statue of Liberty and Central Park will all be alight with fantastic fireworks to welcome the new year. Or enjoy champagne toasts at popular party spots such as BED New York , crobar , Lotus , Pacha and Webster Hall .

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New York City Annual Events

Major Events in NYC, New York, USA