A live orchestra provides the soundtrack for this Christmas classic on the big screen. Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Symphony
Santa Sightings, Holiday Light Shows, and More Things To Do this Weekend in New Jersey
It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
34 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey for Kids 2025
The Turtle Back Zoo holiday lights show in West Orange is one of our top picks for family fun this Christmas. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids in 2025
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families
The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
Best 2025 Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in New Jersey
Grab a spot in the Car Menorah Parade or catch the end of the cavalcade for candle lighting and refreshments. Photo courtesy of Chabad Center Cherry Hill
18 Best Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids December 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors
Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in New Jersey 2025
More than 50,000 illuminated tulips will line the fields of Holland Ridge Farms' Winter Wonderland show. Photo courtesy of the farm
New Jersey's Most Popular Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out for 2025
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
Polar Express Trains in New Jersey for Families in 2025
Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm
25 Things To Do in New Jersey During November 2025 School Holidays
Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
40 Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey on a Rainy Day
Romp with the triceratops and other dinos at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Leonia. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate New Jersey Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NJ
Admission to the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is completely free. Photo by Lisa Warden
100 Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Rainforest Cafe
Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Top Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places to Play Indoors
Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins
100 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids in 2025
Attractions at Morganville's Play Big Zone include arcades games and a 2,000-square-foot obstacle course.
20 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in New Jersey
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids
The Battkeship New Jersey is an amazing hands on experience for families. Photo by Lisa Warden
Best NJ Children's Museums in South and Central Jersey
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
Budget-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey: Drop-in Play for $25 or Less
Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids
New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids
The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Best Playgrounds in New Jersey Worth the Drive
Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms
Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
Atlantic City with Kids: 34 Top Things To Do in Atlantic City, NJ
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey
Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
22 Best Things To Do in Princeton, NJ, with Kids
At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
18 Top Birthday Party Places in New Jersey for Kids
Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
  VIDEO
Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 26 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
Hike 1.6 miles to reach the dramatic beauty of South Mountain Reservation's Hemlock Falls. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids in 2025
Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests
The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Top Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places to Play Indoors
Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide

34 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC November 2025 with Kids

Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 10. Photo by Heidi Lee
Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 10. Photo by Heidi Lee
10/30/25 - By Drew Kristofik

We've found 34 free things to do in NYC this November with kids, sparing everyone a bit of that spend-and-splurge trap that comes with the holiday season. Our list of free things to do in November includes annual favorites, like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Canstruction display at Brookfield Place.

Tunes ring out from Symphony Space's Stevie Wonder Wall to Wall jam, the Veterans Day Parade marches up Fifth Avenue, The Plaza Hotel celebrates Eloise's 70th anniversary, and holiday trees start sparkling in Park Slope and elsewhere, too.

Read on for all our top free event picks in November 2025, and don't forget to hop over to our best of November list, which includes our top picks all month long.

Each of our picks for free things to do in NYC this November is listed by the week it falls in, and roughly in calendar order. Everything listed is FREE, but some events may require tickets or other advance planning. Click through to the event listings for details.

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Bring your jack-o'-lantern or uncarved pumpkin to Hudson River Park for its annual pumpkin smash event. Photo courtesy of Hudson River Park
Bring your jack-o'-lantern or uncarved pumpkin to Hudson River Park for its annual pumpkin smash event. Photo courtesy of Hudson River Park

Free Things To Do in NYC from Saturday, November 1-Sunday, November 9, 2025

Inwood Pumpkin Pageant in Isham Park

Inwood
Saturday, November 1, 2025
The Inwood Pumpkin Pageant returns to Isham Park for another spooky display of Halloween artistry. Local residents bring their carved jack-o'-lanterns to the park the evening after Halloween for a grand community event. READ MORE

Children's Halloween Festival and Parade on Coney Island

Coney Island, Brooklyn
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Head to Maimonides Park for a day of free Halloween activities, from face painting to inflatable mazes, bubble shows, a costume contest, and more. Open to participants 14 and under in costume (an adult must accompany all minors), READ MORE

Hudson River Park's Pumpkin Smash

Midtown West
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Bring your jack-o'-lantern or uncarved pumpkin to Hudson River Park's Pier 84 to squash, smash, and smush it into compost to help keep the park beautiful, green, and growing. The fun-packed afternoon includes free face painting from Silly Cheeks and circus entertainment by Bindlestiff performers. READ MORE

Rockaway Fall Festival

Rockaways, Queens
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Celebrate fall with a pumpkin patch, haunted maze, music, arts and crafts, inflatables, a petting zoo, face paintng, and refreshments. READ MORE

Day of the Dead 2025 at the Museum of the Moving Image

Astoria, Queens
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Celebrate a vibrant and authentic Day of the Dead at the Museum of the Moving Image with a performance of Aztec Mexica dance, ofrendas, fun digital media activities for kids and families, music from the Indigenous dance troupe Yayauhki Tezcatlipoka, and the Mexican Folkloric Ballet of New York. READ MORE

Eloise at The Plaza 70th Anniversary Party

Midtown West
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Celebrate Eloise’s 70th anniversary with an Election Day spin! Children are invited to “vote” for their favorite of Eloise’s beloved companions—from Weenie the pug to Skipperdee the turtle—in a playful nod to Election Day that encourages creativity and participation.  READ MORE

Pumpkin Smash at Lehman College

Bedford Park, the Bronx
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Wondering what you should do with your jack-o’-lanterns after Halloween? Head to the Lehman quad and throw your pumpkins off the platform on the upper quad onto the target below, or hurl one across the quad in the giant slingshot! READ MORE

STEM Fest at Bright Horizons

Nationwide
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Join Bright Horizons centers across the country for STEM Fest. This is your chance to see science, technology, engineering, and math in action with fun, hands-on activities for you and your child. READ MORE

Wall-to-Wall Stevie Wonder at Symphony Space

Upper West Side
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Symphony Space’s beloved annual marathon returns with a joyful, all-day tribute to the iconic Stevie Wonder. From chart-topping hits to hidden gems, the event showcases a wide range of artists who reimagine Wonder’s songbook through soul, R&B, hip-hop, world music, and beyond. The party goes on all day—drop in any time. READ MORE

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Arrival 2025

Midtown West
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Welcome the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree when it arrives on the plaza with plenty of time for decorating before the lighting ceremony on Wednesday, December 3. Kids can celebrate the 60th anniversary of A Charlie Brown Christmas with a Snoopy meet-and-greet and more. READ MORE

Brooklyn Folk Festival's Banjo Toss Competition at the Gowanus Canal

Gowanus, Brooklyn
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Each year, as part of the Brooklyn Folk Festival, contestants gather on the banks of the fetid Gowanus Canal to see who can throw a banjo the farthest. The special “throwing banjo” is attached to a rope is tossed into the canal, a federally designated Super Fund site. The marked rope pays out, showing how far the banjo has been tossed. It is then hauled back in for the next throw.   READ MORE

Community Day at Mark Morris Dance Center

Downtown Brooklyn
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Participants of all ages, abilities, and experience levels are invited to step into the Mark Morris Dance studios, explore a range of classes, and end the day together with a joyful intergenerational dance party. READ MORE

Brooklyn Children’s Book Fair at the Brooklyn Museum

Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Sunday, November 9, 2025
The annual Brooklyn Children's Book Fair brings together nearly 50 Brooklyn authors and illustrators to share their latest books. Throughout the day, children and their companions can attend readings and presentations, learn about the creative process, get books signed, and have fun drawing and coloring. READ MORE

LES Pumpkin Smash

Lower East Side
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Don't let your pumpkin haunt a landfill! Join LES Ecology Center at La Plaza Cultural for Pumpkin Smash 2025. Bring your pumpkins, jack-o'-lanterns, and gourds for a smashing good time! READ MORE

WQXR's Classical Kids Fair

Corona, Queens
Sunday, November 9, 2025
WQXR is throwing a Classical Kids Fair at the Queens Theatre and you’re invited! Kids of all ages can try out some real musical instruments, take part in live performances, dance and songwriting workshops, arts and crafts, and more.   READ MORE

33rd Annual Canstruction Competition at Brookfield Place

Battery Park City
Daily through Monday, November 10, 2025
This extraordinary annual design competition is the most unique food charity in the world, Canstruction challenges teams of architects, engineers, and contractors to build sculptures made entirely out of unopened cans of food.  READ MORE

Free Things To Do in NYC from Monday, November 10-Sunday, November 16, 2025

NYC Veterans Day Parade 2025

Midtown East
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
The largest celebration of service in the nation, the annual New York City Veterans Day Parade, steps off at 12:30pm from 26th Street and Fifth Avenue. It then proceeds north up Fifth Avenue to 45th Street.   READ MORE

Veterans Day Ceremony at the Intrepid Museum

Midtown West
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
The Intrepid Museum hosts a poignant Veterans Day Ceremony at 3:30pm on Pier 86, which is free and open to the public.  READ MORE

Veterans Day in Prospect Park

Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Prospect Park hosts a day of kid-friendly programming in honor of Veterans Day.  READ MORE

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Citywide
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
On select days throughout the year, all national parks in the United States are open to the public with no admission fee.  READ MORE

Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal

Midtown East
Opens Thursday, November 13, 2025
The New York Transit Museum’s Grand Central Gallery plays host to a city within a city with the display of a miniature electric railroad running over, through, and beneath some of New York’s most magnificent landmarks. READ MORE

Skyscraper Monopoly at the Skyscraper Museum

Battery Park
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Play Skyscraper Monopoly and learn about the buildings in the museum's exhibition. Teams of young learners test their knowledge of some of NYC’s most famous skyscrapers and earn points toward building the tallest tower. READ MORE

Michael Hearst and the Unusual Creatures at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Author and composer Michael Hearst and his band present songs about unusual creatures, extraordinary people, curious constructions, and unconventional vehicles—geared toward curious families, extraordinary children, and their unusual friends. READ MORE

Community Day at Studio Museum in Harlem

Jamaica, Queens
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Celebrate the opening of the Studio Museum in Harlem’s brand-new building with performances, games, giveaways, and DJ sets throughout the day. Then, head into the museum to explore the inaugural exhibitions, drop in to art-making workshops, and grab a snack in the café. READ MORE

Candy Corn Christmas at Books of Wonder

Chelsea
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Author-illustrator Jonathan Fenske shares his hilarious new picture book, Candy Corn Christmas. Stop by for a morning of laughs and holiday joy! READ MORE

Sou Sou! Saturdays: Crafting Memory, Building Legacy

East Harlem
Saturday, November 15, 2025
The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute hosts workshops ranging from Archiving 101 to Poster-Making. Families can also bring photos, videos and personal materials to begin the process of digitizing and archiving their own stories and legacies. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in NYC from Monday, November 17-Sunday, November 23, 2025

Gabba Gabba We Accept You: Ramones Music, Reading, and Crafts Workshop in Forest Park

Woodhaven, Queens
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Celebrate Forest Hills native sons the Ramones on the occasion of the newly published picture book, Gabba Gabba We Accept You: The Wondrous Tale of Joey Ramone, written by Jay Ruttenberg and illustrated by Lucinda Schreiber. The book's creators are joined by the guitarist and singer Kenneth Gordon, who performs Ramones songs alongside a reading of the book and a fun crafts workshop!   READ MORE

Family Fridays: Nim and Nibbles at MoMath on 5th

Gramercy
Friday, November 21, 2025
MoMath hosts a sweet introduction to the world of game theory! With chocolate, cookies, and candy, kids discover the classic strategy game of Nim and other impartial games, learn how to determine a winning strategy, and uncover real-world connections to computer science and AI.  READ MORE

Lenfest Kids: Encanto

Upper West Side
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Disney's 2021 film about a magical family is shown in Spanish, with English subtitles. Stick around after the movie for entertainment and fun hosted by Columbia Artist/Teachers (CA/T)! Activities may include storytelling, poetry, songwriting, and maybe clowning around with Loony Lenny.   READ MORE
There's no charge to say cheese with Santa at Macy's Santaland. Photo by Jody Mercier
There's no charge to say cheese with Santa at Macy's Santaland. Photo by Jody Mercier

Free Things To Do in NYC from Monday, November 24-Sunday, November 30, 2025

Holiday Lighting Ceremony at Albee Square

Downtown Brooklyn
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
At Albee Square's annual holiday lighting ceremony, DJ Mike Doelo creates the perfect seasonal vibes. Delight in the festive harmonies of Janis Weatherly and members of The Lafayette Inspirational Ensemble, along with entertainers Andrea Flow, Brianna Kalisch, Flow Juggle, and Roller Boogie.  READ MORE

Marching Bands at the Seaport Museum

Seaport
Wednesday, November 26, 2925
Get ready for a booming afternoon at the Seaport Museum—a front-row preview of the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a day early! Marching bands from Temple University and the Damien Spartan Regiment take over Pier 16 with stationary performances that are sure to get you in the parade spirit. READ MORE

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation

Upper West Side
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
The Macy's balloon inflation returns. Watching the giant balloons expand is a tradition for many NYC families—almost as important as the Thanksgiving Day Parade proper.  READ MORE

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Upper West Side to Midtown West
Thursday, November 27, 2025
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marches down the streets of New York City for its 99th annual holiday celebration. READ MORE

Macy's Santaland

Midtown West
Opens Friday, November 28, 2025
Santa swoops back over to Macy's for visits with his littlest fans! Wander the rainbow road to his workshop, where you'll meet jolly old St. Nick. Share your wishlist before receiving a special gift and posing for a keepsake photo. READ MORE

Small Business Saturday Tree Lighting in Park Slope

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Saturday, November 29, 2025
JJ Byrne Park lights up with holiday cheer as Park Slope's Small Business group hosts its annual tree lighting event, complete with hot chocolate, Christmas tunes, and—of course—Santa! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Upper Quad Area, Lehman College
Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club
La Plaza Cultural Community Garden
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
National Parks - Multiple Locations
Lincoln Center - Rubenstein Atrium
Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute
Oak Ridge (Forest Park Headquarters)
National Museum of Mathematics Pop Up

About the Author

Drew Kristofik
Drew Kristofik’s career took a twist from editing teen magazines to a seven-year stint at MacNeil/Lehrer, followed by a long run at Nickelodeon/Viacom as Director of Content for Nick Online and Editor-in-Chief of ParentsConnect.com. A founding member of the Webby Award-winning GoCityKids, she’s written for Family Fun, Vanity Fair, and New York. Her middle school novel, The Time Boat, is available on Amazon Kindle. Drew keeps the MommyPoppins New York Events calendar spot-on and can be reached at events@mommypoppins.com.
Recent Articles By Drew Kristofik:
Read more articles by Drew Kristofik.