New York City is one of the travel destinations that attract many tourists in the USA. The city offers a wide range of activities including annual events and cultural festivities for both the locals and visitors to the city.

On December 31^st each year, all roads in New York City usually lead to Times Square where the New Years Eve Party takes place. The occasion is normally graced by famous musicians and entertainment groups. Outdoor stages are usually erected so as to cater for the thousands of people who attend the event. This event is rated the biggest in the US as far as New Years Eve parties are concerned.

The Thanksgiving Day Parade is a harvest festival event in the USA which takes place every year on the fourth Thursday of November. The parade is usually hosted in Manhattan by the Macy’s department, and this has been the tradition for many years. It starts at 9AM from 77^th Street all the way through Columbus Circle to Herald Square which is just in front of the Macy’s. Gigantic balloons which resemble cartoon figures of favorite characters usually rent the air. These are tethered and controlled by marchers dressed in appropriate costumes. Other performances of the occasion include marching bands, entertainment groups’ performances and displays. The climax of the event is marked by Santa Claus signifying the start of the shopping season of Christmas holidays.

The famous Halloween of NYC takes place on October 31^st each year. The event is a candy “treats” occasion for children from all corners of USA who flock the streets, dressed in different costumes. Perhaps the most exciting version of this occasion takes place in Greenwich Village which is found in the Manhattan. The village is famous for the many performers and artists who hail from there. Residents also hold a parade and match down the streets dressed in different costumes, treating visitors to a very spectacular sight.

For Christians who visit NYC, Saint Patrick’s Day is one of the events they might opt to take part in. It occurs on the 17^th of March each year and it is dedicated to Saint Patrick, an Irish saint. The Irish immigrants stage marches on the Manhattan streets and finally converge at the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. The immigrants also flock many entertainment venues in the evening dressed in green clothing attire. Everyone is usually welcome to join in the celebrations, and a little green dress code for visitors is the only ticket needed to enjoy the fun.

The New York City Marathon is one of the premier sporting events in the city. It is usually held on the first Sunday of every November each year. The race attracts participants from all corners of the world, and more than 30,000 runners and two million spectators attend. It starts from Verrazano Narrows Bridge of Staten Island and ends in Central Park.

Other events in New York City include the Easter Parade, the New York Street Fairs and the Summer Stage Concerts which take place in Central Park.