What to Do in New York on Easter

Best Of New York. Sep 14th 22

Since New Yorkers like every occasion that calls for a special attire, why not follow our lead while you're here and don your best bonnet and attend some of the city's most cherished Easter events?

The Fifth Avenue Easter Bonnet Parade, despite being a largely unofficial event, is still astounding due to the level of artistry on exhibit each Easter Sunday.

This procession is considerably more than the stylish toppers you would see in the seats at adjacent St. Patrick's Cathedral on a Sunday morning, even if the custom dates back to the mid-1800s when high society paraded Fifth Avenue after church services.

There's no telling what you could see while strolling along Fifth Avenue on Easter Sunday, from colossal floral displays to painstakingly made dioramas inspired by the New York cityscape.

Even a few cooperative canines wore snazzy hats in honor of the day (and never one to leave their dogs out of the fun).

Of course, Easter services are the main focus for many people during this time, so while you're in New York City, make a point of stopping by one of the city's most illustrious churches for some quiet reflection or to light a candle.

The most recognizable place of worship in the city is perhaps St. Patrick's Cathedral. St. Patrick's, which is near Rockefeller Center on Fifth Avenue, has served as the center of the city's Catholic community since 1879. Due to the popularity of Easter Sunday mass at St. Patrick's, some services require tickets.

The largest cathedral in the world is the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on the Upper West Side. You're guaranteed to find inspiration at the historic church at 112th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, whether you go there to pray or just to admire one of the best specimens of Gothic architecture in the city.

But without an egg hunt, Easter just wouldn't be Easter for the small ones. Because the Brooklyn Children's Museum is running a special children's treasure hunt with age-appropriate timed admission tickets, even the smallest egg-hunters have a chance to win some prizes.

Visit the nearby Brooklyn Museum of Art while you're in Brooklyn; it's only a few blocks from the Children's Museum. Even the youngest museum visitors will be enthused by the new Keith Haring display, which features his recognizable drawings in the form of graffiti that have a vitality that even chocolate-addled children can understand.

While you wait, you may celebrate Easter at the Metropolitan Museum of Art by gazing in awe at some of the most beautiful examples of Faberge's renowned eggs in the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts wing.

The magnificent Lilies-of-the-Valley Basket, which was first given to Czarina Alexandra Feodorovna, as well as three Imperial Napoleonic Easter Eggs made of gold, guilloché enamel, rose-cut diamonds, platinum, ivory, gouache, velvet, and silk, are among the pieces from the Matilda Geddings Gray Foundation Collection that are featured on a rotating basis.

Happy Easter to all!

Visit NYC to enjoy its world-famous attractions! See the Statue of Liberty, explore Central Park, and visit the famous museums and restaurants. There's something for everyone in NYC, so be sure to check out the list of things-to-do below and start planning your trip today!