Visiting New York Month by Month

Having a hard time deciding which month to visit New York?  Here are some highlights of what you can expect each month in the Big Apple.

January has been designated as Winter Restaurant Week.  Fine dining restaurants that participate during this week will offer two or three course meals for a price that corresponds to the year, like $20.09 in 2009, $20.10 in 2010 and so on.

Like everywhere around the world, Chinese New Year is celebrated in February.  The famous dragon parade and fireworks highlight this two-week celebration which is held in Chinatown.

The renowned Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show held at Madison Square Garden also occurs in February.  During this show, you’ll experience more than 2, 500 dogs and their owners compete for the top prizes.

March, when everyone becomes a little Irish, is when you can experience the St. Patrick's Day Parade.  Located along Fifth Avenue between 44th and 86th streets you’ll be able to observe over 150, 000 marchers showing their love of all things Irish.

For all you car enthusiasts, in April you can check out the Greater New York International Auto Show is seen at the Javits Convention Center.  This automobile show features classics, one of a kind models and everything in between.

In May, all the food lovers can enjoy the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival, located between 37th and 57th streets.  Mounds of food, good entertainment and music come together to make this block party a must-see.

Museum Mile Festival, Fifth Avenue from 82nd to 104th streets is held in June.  This festival offers free admission to the nine museums along Fifth Avenue plus live music and street performers make this a mile of fun.

As celebrated across the country, enjoy the magnificent fireworks on the Fourth of July.  Scout out a good rooftop to watch any of the several fireworks shows that light up the skyline.  Usually, the fireworks are set off by the East River.

If you’re a tennis fan, you alright know that the U.S. Open Tennis Championships, Flushing Meadows, Queens is held in August.  The world's best tennis players come together for the final Grand Slam tournament of the year.

New York Film Festival, sponsored by the Film Society of Lincoln Center.  This two-week September festival has seen many important premieres over the years. Get your tickets in advance as this is an event not to be missed.

When you think of October, you think of Halloween and a great way to take part is attending the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade.  This is the nation's largest public Halloween parade featuring outrageous costumes and people.

In November, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a given.  Some people think that watching the balloon inflation the night before is even more fun than the parade itself.

As seen in many movies, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center starts in December.  Be prepared to join thousands of others to watch the lighting of the huge tree.

And finally, as seen on TV, the New Year's Eve Part at Times Square.  If you’ve wanted to experience New York all your life, then is what you’ll want to do.  You’ll probably find more tourists than New Yorkers there but arrive early to get a view of the ball dropping.

Austin Ames has many years' experience in article writing and he has written many more in the past.