More than 3.5 million in-person spectators and a TV audience of 50 million people across the country tune in each year to watch the massive floats, balloons, marching bands, and performances that comprise the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The 2018 extravaganza featured 26 floats, more than 1,000 clowns, 1,200 cheerleaders and dancers, and appearances from headliners including John Legend, Bad Bunny, Sugarland, and Rita Ora. Next: November 28, 2019
#2 Parade, Festival & Holiday Event
Ringing in the new year in Times Square has been a New York tradition since 1907. In 2018, more than one billion people around the world watched the star-studded celebration, which featured performances from Christina Aguilera, Sting, and Snoop Dogg, among other blockbuster talent. Next: December 31, 2019
#3 Parade, Festival & Holiday Event
Since it began in 1970, N.Y.C. Pride has grown and evolved into a monthlong celebration of the L.G.B.T.Q.+ community. In 2018, more than two million people attended at least one Pride event, and in 2019, the festivities will include more than 25 events throughout June. The most high-profile gatherings will take place during Pride Weekend from June 26 to 30, including the Youth Pride street fair for teens and their families and the ever-popular parade down Fifth Avenue in Lower Manhattan. This year also marks the first time that the United States will host WorldPride, a global event to be held in conjunction with N.Y.C. Pride to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, which took place in Greenwich Village and launched the Pride movement. Next: June 1-30, 2019
#4 Parade, Festival & Holiday Event
The Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks display returns for its 43rd year in 2019, with upwards of three million spectators expected to attend in person and millions more across the country watching live on NBC. The 2018 show was the largest since 2000, with more than 75,000 shells and effects (that’s more than 3,000 shells per minute) launched from seven barges in the East River, along with live performances from music superstars like Kelly Clarkson, Ricky Martin, and Blake Shelton. Next: July 4, 2019
#5 Parade, Festival & Holiday Event
Caribbean culture takes center stage at the New York Caribbean Carnival, a four-day extravaganza in Brooklyn presented by the West Indian American Day Carnival Association. With concerts, workshops, parties, and more, the event celebrates the region’s art, music, culture, history, and tradition. The centerpiece is the high-energy parade along Eastern Parkway, which draws more than 1.5 million spectators and includes costumed marchers and performers from more than 40 different groups. Next: August 29-September 2, 2019
#6 Parade, Festival & Holiday Event
Now in its 62nd year, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade draws three million spectators who come to appreciate and celebrate Puerto Rican culture and the contributions that Puerto Ricans have made in the United States. Last year’s parade was particularly poignant, offering a platform to draw attention to the island’s ongoing recovery after 2017’s Hurricane Maria. Next: June 9, 2019
#7 Parade, Festival & Holiday Event
The lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree ushers in the holiday season in New York. In 2018, thousands of spectators gathered to watch the 86th annual ceremony, which was broadcast live on NBC and included performances from Diana Ross, Tony Bennett, and Martina McBride. Next: December 2019
#8 Parade, Festival & Holiday Event
Two million people line Fifth Avenue to watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade make its way from 44th Street to 79th Street. Since March 17th falls on a Sunday this year, the 257th edition of the massive celebration will take place on Saturday, March 16. Civil rights and immigration lawyer Brian O’Dwyer will serve as grand marshal. Next: March 16, 2019
#9 Parade, Festival & Holiday Event
Since it launched in 2008, the World Science Festival has connected a broad audience to some of the greatest minds in science and the arts, including Stephen Hawking, Yo-Yo Ma, Julie Taymor, and Chuck Close. The event takes place at multiple venues throughout the city, presenting discussions, debates, musical performances, and more. Nearly three million people have attended the event in person over the years, with millions more viewing festival content online. Next: May 28-June 2, 2019
