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💐🌺🪻 THINGS TO DO IN NYC in 2026 Easter, Spring, Mother's Day and beyond!! New York City also... TRUE CRIME JUNKIES!
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items There are so many things to do and see in New York City that are absolutely FREE!!! There are also some MUST see/do things that are not that pricey! Here are some of the best things I've seen up and coming for spring and easter of 2026.
Map
This is about 40 mns north of Manhattan but looks amazing!!!!
Little Kid Big City NEW YORK on Instagram: "The Wizarding Wonder is BACK! ⚡️ After four years, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is returning just outside NYC—bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever! 🪄✨ Step into the depths of the Forbidden Forest and follow an illuminated woodland trail filled with magical creatures, interactive spells, breathtaking light and sound effects, and iconic moments from the beloved Harry Potter film series. The experience opens October 16th. Cast spells, come face-to-face with fantastic beasts, interact with a Hippogriff, and conjure your very own Patronus! The forest’s spectacular lighting, music, and theatrical effects make the experience feel like you’ve stepped directly into the Wizarding World. This year’s experience features: ⚡️15 iconic Harry Potter movie scenes brought to life ✨More than 4,000 lights
⚡️Over 20 life-size magical creatures—including Hippogriffs, unicorns, and Nifflers
✨Six interactive spell-casting moments
⚡️Over 50 food & drink options, including magical themed treats *********
WHERE:📍FDR State Park, 2957 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, NY (Approximately 1 hour from NYC) WHEN: 📅 Beginning October 16, 2026
HOURS: ⏰ Wednesday–Sunday, with timed sessions beginning at 5:30 pm TICKETS: 🎟️ Starting at $35.90 for adults and $28.90 for children. Children under 3 are FREE! Tickets go on sale Sept 17 at 10 am GOOD TO KNOW: 📕 All ages! The experience takes approximately 60–90 minutes. @hpforbiddenforestexperience #HPForbiddenForestExperience #HarryPotter"
FREE ADMMISSION, NYC's Museum Mile Festival on 5th Ave. is a must see! All of 5th avenue is shut down for a huge block party!
JUNE 9TH: Museum Mile Festival, Fifth Avenue, NY: Free Admission
I have not been to this one yet. I'm planning to definitely partake this year in 2026!
Smorgasburg Williamsburg
I cannot WAIT to experience this! My son and I are true crime junkies. We've seen every documentary - this is next level.
Mind of a Serial Killer: The Experience in New York
Such a beautiful Experience! Truly
Behind The Scenes Tour at Ocean Wonders: Sharks! - New York Aquarium
I have the privilege of being in NYC twice a week for my jog, this is a MUST SEE!!!
Macy's Flower Show 2026 Is Coming Soon
This is one of the best NYC phot ops places! They take up several major blocks in NYC and I've included a link to their map here
LIGHTS & WONDER: Hudson Yards...Discover the Magic of the Holidays in NYC at Hudson Yards | Hudson Yards
If you sign up through the link there's a 28% discount on tickets!
North Pole Express NYC | North Pole Express by TopView®
More than 100 booths fill Union Square Park for its annual Holiday Market. You’ll find plenty of affordable, quality items, as well as coupons for local businesses at the information booth. Your wallet will thank you. Update: The Union Square Holiday...
SHOPPING: Union Square Holiday Market 2025
The famous Rockefeller Tree will be lit on December 4th, 2025, and is free to experience all season long!
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting | NYC Winter Events Dec 4th. | Free to Experience all Season.
Frosty's has 4 floors and so many photo opps for some great shots!!!
NYC's LARGEST bar. Frosty's New York
The centerpiece of Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, this 17,000 square foot rink features free-admission ice skating, high quality rental skates, free skating shows, and events. The Rink is open daily throughout the Winter Village seaso...
ICE SKATING: BOA Winter Village at Bryant Park
ICE SKATING: CENTRAL PARK AREA - NOT FREE. However, if you love Central Park and are all about location, this is the spot.
NYC Ice Skating | Iconic Wollman Rink in Central Park
This is in Brooklyn, just outside Manhattan, if you're NOT bent on skating in Manhattan, and you REALLY want good food, pick this place.
Brooklyn Ice Skating | The Rink at Domino Park
Discover a miniature frosted cityscape in the fourth annual Gingerbread NYC. The Museum invites professional and amateur bakers from across the five boroughs to design edible creations that celebrate the city’s iconic places, buildings, and spirit—re...
MUSEUM: See incredible gingerbread versions of NYC’s most beloved landmarks at this new holiday exhibit
Look for the Chrysler Building, the Governors Island Ferry and Brooklyn brownstones, all made in gingerbread.
$10 Admission - well worth it!!
MUSEUM: NYC Transit Museum Holiday Train Exhibits
This tour can be done walking, by bus, or through a group. check out their link.
DHCL - Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour Brooklyn
There is so much going on throughout December in Bryant Park! Here's a cheat sheet for the area Bryant Park mini map
Holiday Shops Winter Market Bryant Park
Opening November 21st. Tickets are very affordable! So worth the money!!
Lightscape - Brooklyn Botanic Garden
This Secret Swedish Christmas Market is hidden away in the basement of a church in Midtown Manhattan. Opens November 21st.
Stockholm's Kungstradgården Christmas Market
Step into a vibrant marketplace filled with an extraordinary array of handcrafted gifts, delightful holiday décor, and mouthwatering seasonal treats, each piece lovingly created by talented local artisans.
Grand Holiday Bazaar NYC
The New York Botanical Garden has the most beautiful train and light show!! A must see
Holiday Train Show® | New York Botanical Garden
Since forever I can remember that the drive TO the Bronx Zoo was just as adverturous as the zoo itself!!
The Bronx Zoo!!