November Activities in New York City – How to Stay Entertained While You Practice Your English October 27, 2017

Looking for something to do as the weather chills but not ready to hibernate and lose your sense of New York City adventure? I’ve rounded out a few incredible things to do so you won’t be bored, and you’ll still have the chance to put your English skills to use with chatting with others, cheering people on, or even singing along—November is a great time to experiment!

Finding things to do in New York City when the weather starts to turn from chilly to flat-out cold can be a bit difficult. I can tell you over and over again to dress warm or to be prepared, but that first bite of winter will always be a shock, no matter how much you prep and plan for it! It can be really easy to start to nest once those cold temperatures start to break through, but try and resist the temptation to start hibernating! I’ve included plenty of things to do in New York City for the month of November so you can continue to get the most that the city has to offer!

1. New York City Marathon, November 5, 2017

This is one of New York City’s biggest annual events. Held every year in November, the New York City Marathon is the largest in the world in regards to the number of participants. The course goes through all 5 boroughs in New York City. It starts in Staten Island, moving along through Brooklyn then glides through Queens. From there, runners will cross the East River via the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan, climbing up First Avenue into the Bronx and then returning to Manhattan, finishing beside Tavern on the Green. Thousands of supports come to support their friends and family members, and for the rest of the day, the New York City population is thriving with excitement and energy. If you know anyone running, consider looking up the run’s path and find out a good spot to watch for them. Luckily, these days, they have apps that allow you to track your favorite runner so you can tell exactly where they are! Also, this is a great opportunity to chat with fellow cheerers and be sure to check out all the homemade encouragement signs people bring with them—great way to pick up some great new English lingo!

2. The New York Comedy Festival, November 7 – November 12, 2017

If you’re a fan of stand-up comedy, this multi-day celebration is just for you. Over a dozen of today’s hottest comedic acts will be in multiple venues throughout the city during this week, so be sure to check out where your favorite will be. Act quickly because these shows fill up quickly, and you wouldn’t want to miss any of these great shows! Many of them will be taped for television specials, so be sure to dress your best! If listening to English is still a bit tricky for you, pull up some of their online specials to get used to their humor or the way they use their English. This will help you prepare for their routines before you get there. This is also a great way to make friends with others that share your favorite comedian or appreciate the same lines that you do!

3. Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starting November 10, 2017

It’s hard to believe that we’re already talking about preparing for Christmas, but you should know by now that New York City doesn’t anything half-assed! One of the most famous New York City destinations is Radio City Music Hall, home to the Radio City Rockettes. As an annual musical holiday stage show, be prepared for 90 minutes of incredible music, dancing, and surprising humor to get you ready for the holiday season. Since 1933, this show has been put on for thousands of people over the decades. Part of the reason they have the program starting so early is due to high demand, so if you have your heart set on attending the show, consider booking way early in advance or checking it out in November before all the holiday tourists come for the show! Another great part of this performance is that exists in digital recordings as well, so you can experience the performance before you even get there. This way, you can practice your English in song or communicate your favorite scenes with other attendees.