By: Stefanie DiMartino

As usual, there are always so many different and fun things going on here in NYC. There is never a shortage of fun happenings, so if you’re looking for the Best Things to Do in NYC November 23-29, keep reading! Below are my top picks for the week. And, if you’re looking for the Best NYC Restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner, read here.

The Top 8 Best Things to do in NYC November 23-29

EVENTS/ENTERTAINMENT/THINGS TO DO

COZY IGLOOS AT BRYANT PARK

Mon–Fri, 4pm-9:30pm | Sat-Sun, 12pm-9:30pm | $200+

Bryant Park, 40th – 42nd Street, 5th – 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10018

During the winter season, Bryant Park sets up their Winter Village. Not only is there ice skating, shopping, and dining available, but you can also reserve a cozy igloo! “Revel with friends inside your very own igloo—the ultimate winter experience! Enjoy these cozy domes, surrounded by skyscrapers, and just steps from the iconic ice skating rink at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park.” -Bryant Park

PINKMAS

Now – January 10, 2021 | Thurs-Sun | $39+

Museum of Ice Cream, 558 Broadway, New York, NY, 10012

Of course, almost everyone is ready to be in the holiday spirit this year. If you want to get a head start, then you can “celebrate “Pinkmas” at Museum of Ice Cream this holiday season! Join us in celebrating Pinkmas, a special winter-scape where guests can gather, connect, and feel the magic of the season. Explore a wonderland of holiday- themed spaces and installations. Enjoy special treats, festive surprises, and visit our whimsical shop for exclusive holiday merchandise. You’ll dance, discover, play, and make special memories with friends and family.” – Museum of Ice Cream

Note: All safety precautions are being taken to ensure the health and safety of guests. Facial coverings/masks are MANDATORY AND REQUIRED upon entry due to State Mandate, and we reserve the right to refuse entry or remove guests from the premises who are not wearing facial coverings. Facial coverings must be worn for the entire duration of the experience, which also includes while taking photos.

SPYSCAPE NEW YORK HQ

Fri-Sun, 12pm-7pm | $39+

928 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10019 

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at being a spy? Then, you must visit the Spyscape museum, sure to be a unique and memorable experience. “Amazing immersive challenges let you explore your spy skills. From lie detection and surveillance to codebreaking and laser tunnels. These experiences were designed with a former Head of Training at British Intelligence – at the end of your experience you get an inspiring, detailed, dossier of your own spy skills.” – Spyscape

PRIVATE NYC TOUR WITH SARAH, LUIS, OR TOM

Custom day/time | $299+ 

If you have been wanting to tour NYC, then now is the perfect time to book a custom designed private tour with Sarah, Luis, or Tom. They are all NYC experts and enjoy showing others around the city they love. Also, you can customize the tour to fit your own personal interests. You certainly do not want to miss this one-of-a-kind experience!

MUSEUM/ART EXHIBITIONS

THE NATURE OF COLOR

Now – August 8, 2021 | $28+ 

American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024

Certainly a visit to NYC is not complete without visiting the iconic American Museum of Natural History, which has now reopened. You do not want to miss The Nature of Color exhibit. “Color makes the world feel vibrant and alive. But that’s not all. Color helps us make sense of the world. It contains vast amounts of information—about the natural world, and the human world. Come and explore the world of color in this immersive exhibition.” – AMNH

AWAY FROM THE EASEL: JACKSON POLLOCK’S MURAL

Now – September 19, 2021 | $25+

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10128

The largest of Jackson Pollock’s works is now on display at The Guggenheim. It is a focused exhibit dedicated to Pollock’s Mural, which has not been on view in New York in more than 20 years. Moreover, you can also view other Jackson Pollock works. It is definitely worth a visit!

DRINKS/DINING

BROOKLYN HIGH LOW

Friday-Sunday, 10am-3:30pm, $48+

611 Vanderbilt Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Hidden away in Brooklyn, enjoy a morning or afternoon filled with tea and light food fare at Brooklyn High Low. If you want to feel like you have been whisked away from the hustle and bustle of the city and be surrounded by vintage beauty, then you must visit Brooklyn High Low.

There are three available options, for all budgets. The Brooklyn, for $48 per person includes tea along with 3 tiers of sandwiches, scones, and desserts. The Vanderbilt, for $58 per person, is a 75-minute sitting in either the vintage sitting room or garden patio, and includes tea, four varieties of sandwiches, purple cabbage slaw, and scones, sweet bites, and chocolate covered strawberries. And The Heights, for $68 per person, is a 90-minute sitting, that also includes bottomless tea, warm soup, a generous assortment of sandwiches, a tiered tray for two of scones, crumpets, and and jams, with purple cabbage slaw. The Heights also includes complimentary bubbly, alongside a variety of desserts and chocolate covered strawberries, plus a small memento commemorating your time spent there.

DUANE PARK PARADISE ALLEY

Thursday, 6pm or 8:30pm, $70+ | Friday & Saturday, 6pm or 8:30pm, $80+

308 Bowery (between Bleecker and Houston St.), New York, NY 100012

If you are looking for dinner and some entertainment, look no further than Duane Park. They are offering a one-of-a-kind experience during these trying times, which is why it’s one of the best things to do in NYC November 23-29. You can enjoy an intimate three-course dinner, outdoors on the Bowery, while being entertained by the beloved Duane Park cast. And, the experience lasts for 90 minutes, which is sure to bring a smile to your face!

“Our variety performers and musicians may pop by on the block to perform a number for you, be it aerial, contortion, juggling, fire or magic- who knows what the Bowery has to offer! There may even a surprise musician or two that appear to help you tap your toes and serenade you and yours during the night time fete. A few incidental acts guaranteed each night! Duane Park believes strongly in keeping artists working, so we are using this opportunity to get artists back to work. We are not able to do our full scale live shows, per NYS ordinance, but we are following the rules and getting artists back to work in the best way possible. Book a Table- Show Them Your Love- And Enjoy a Night Out!” – Duane Park

Notes: Outdoors only event. Dress warmly to help keep comfortable! Masks must be work until seated and when entering the building for restroom usage. Arrive on time for temperature screening and seating (if you arrive later than 10 minutes, your table will be forfeited and you will be charged the full per person fee). If there is inclement weather, event will be cancelled and you will not be charged. 

In conclusion, these are the Top 8 Best Things to Do in NYC November 23-29. Have fun and stay safe!