traveldk.com

People wear Irish green for this big day when marching bands, politicos, and lovely lasses march down 5th Avenue to proclaim their love of the Emerald Isle. Millions come to watch and the celebrations last way into the night.

Following a long-time tradition, 5th Avenue closes to traffic in Midtown, and New York families in their Sunday best stroll up the avenue, with ladies sporting amazing hats, both traditional and outrageous.

New York’s biggest food extravaganza began in 1974. Vendors come from all over and more than a million people jam the streets to sample a United Nations of food from burritos to samosas.

River drives close to traffic and huge crowds come out to see this pyrotechnic spectacular over the East River. Macy’s spends over $1 million for this salute to the red, white, and blue.

Brooklyn’s West Indian population celebrates its heritage with a parade of enormous floats, lavish, feathered costumes in rainbow hues, and contagious Caribbean music. Street stands offer Caribbean specialties.

The patron saint of Naples is carried through the streets of Little Italy, and Mulberry Street is packed day and night with music, game booths, and tons of tasty, traditional food. Sausage and pepper sandwiches are the trademark of this 10-day event, but there is an Italian treat for every taste.

An amazing 30,000 entrants run the 26.2-mile (42-km) marathon that starts on Staten Island, takes in all five boroughs, and finishes in Central Park. New Yorkers line the route, cheering and offering water to the runners.

New Yorkers take to the streets and America watches on television as cartoon character balloons, marching bands, lavish TV and movie star-laden floats, and the dancing Rockettes announce the start of the Christmas season. Santa Claus in his sleigh is the last float.

America’s tallest Christmas tree, festooned with miles of lights, stands next to the skating rink in Rockefeller Center. Trumpeting angel statues in the Channel Gardens and animated windows in 5th Avenue department stores add to the holiday spirit.

Crowds begin gathering hours before, ready to cheer when a giant, illuminated, Waterford crystal ball lowered at midnight marks the official start of the New Year. Other “First Night” events include dancing at Grand Central Station or the Empire State Building and midnight fireworks in Central Park.