Broadway, giant balloons, dancing Rockettes, and a city that knows how to impress during the holidays.
There’s something about New York City in November.
One week, the trees are still showing off their fall colors. The next, holiday decorations are going up, giant balloons are preparing to take flight, and the Rockettes are kicking off another season at Radio City Music Hall.
And somewhere in the middle of it all, Broadway is welcoming a whole new lineup of shows.
If you’ve ever brought students to New York City, you know the city has a way of making even a walk down the street feel like an event. During the holidays? The energy is bubbling over with holiday festivities. Here are a few reasons we’re especially excited about NYC this season.
100 years of giant balloons and Thanksgiving magic
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is marking its 100th parade in 2026!
The first parade took place in 1924, but the giant character balloons didn’t arrive until 1927. One of the earliest stars? Felix the Cat, carried through the streets on sticks before helium balloons became part of the tradition.
This year’s parade celebrates that history with 100 inflatable elements, including a returning Felix the Cat, a new Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey, and some familiar faces from parades past.
And of course, there’s the music.
For student musicians, seeing marching bands perform on one of the world’s most famous parade routes is pretty special. Imagine watching those students on television and realizing that one day, your own band could be there.
The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place on Thursday, November 26, 2026. You can follow the latest announcements on the official Macy’s Parade website.
The Rockettes are back (with a few new tricks)
Few things say “holidays in New York” quite like the Rockettes.
The Christmas Spectacular has been a Radio City tradition since 1933, and this year the production is adding a brand-new Rockettes number and new technology that gives audiences a closer look at the dancers’ incredible precision.
For dance students, there’s plenty to appreciate beyond those famous synchronized kicks. The athleticism, musicality, timing, and teamwork are extraordinary. And for students interested in theatre production, the costumes, lighting, scenery, and special effects are practically a show of their own.
A familiar face (and oboe!) at Radio City
This year there is a fun connection for our ETA band families! Oboist Keve Wilson, who performs her one-woman show From the Band Room to Broadway for some of our student groups in NYC, is playing Radio City Music Hall for the very first time this holiday season! She added clarinet and saxophone to her skill set over the summer just to get the audition and she booked it!
We love seeing the professional musicians our students get to meet take on exciting new opportunities. And how fun is it that one of those musicians will be part of a New York holiday tradition?
It’s one of those experiences that can inspire a whole lot of conversation on the bus ride home.
The show runs from November 4, 2026, through January 4, 2027.
Learn more about the Christmas Spectacular.
Broadway has new stories to tell
The holidays aren’t the only reason to visit a New York theatre this fall.
Broadway’s new season brings an interesting mix of plays, musicals, and familiar faces.
Among the November arrivals is Galileo, a new musical starring Raúl Esparza that explores the life of the famous astronomer. Much Ado About Nothing brings Shakespeare back to Broadway, with Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell leading the cast.
And Here There Are Blueberries, based on the discovery of Nazi-era photographs, offers a powerful opportunity to consider history, evidence, and the stories photographs can tell.
Different shows, very different conversations afterward.
That’s one of our favorite things about bringing students to live theatre. Sometimes they leave talking about the performances. Sometimes it’s the scenery or choreography. And sometimes a story stays with them because it makes them see something differently.
Learn more about New York City performing arts trips.
And the whole city gets in on the act
You don’t need a theatre ticket to enjoy the holiday spirit in New York.
The iconic 5th avenue store windows become elaborate miniature holiday worlds. Rockefeller Center prepares for its famous Christmas tree lighting, skaters return to the ice, and Macy’s is a full city block of imaginative displays. Only moments away from the festive energy along Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral provides a peaceful retreat amidst the city’s seasonal excitement. Soaring Gothic architecture, brilliant stained glass, and elegant holiday decor make it an ideal spot for students to pause, reflect, and experience a different side of New York City.
For students visiting from smaller towns, sometimes the most memorable part is simply being there.
Walking through Midtown with friends. Seeing the lights. Grabbing something warm to drink. Looking up at buildings they’ve seen in movies a hundred times.
It’s New York doing what New York does best.
One planning note: the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting is scheduled for December 2 this year, so groups visiting earlier in November will catch the preparations rather than the illuminated tree.
A little holiday magic goes a long way
There’s a reason so many students dream about visiting New York City.
It’s the energy, the performances, the history, and the feeling that something exciting might be happening just around the corner.
And during the holidays, that feeling is everywhere.
Whether your students are performers, history lovers, first-time travelers, or simply excited to experience the city together, there’s plenty to discover.
CTA: Explore a New York City student trip with ETA and see what your group could experience.
