New York City is a multicultural hub with dozens of museums, hundreds of parks and millions of people. The number of potential things to see and do can feel overwhelming, but NY1 has you covered with some of the highlights taking place this weekend across the five boroughs.

NYBG Holiday Train Show

  • Open through Jan. 20
  • New York Botanical Garden, the Bronx
  • Ticket information here

The New York Botanical Garden's annual Holiday Train Show returns for its 33rd year. Visitors have the opportunity to see nearly 200 replicas of New York City landmarks, all created from plant parts.

Toy trains wrap around the recreations, including the city's iconic skyscrapers, Yankee Stadium and the New York Public Library. The garden runs both day and night availabilities, with seasonal food and drink offerings as well.

New York Transit Museum Holiday Train Show

  • Open through February 2025
  • New York Transit Museum Gallery, Grand Central Terminal
  • Free and open to the public

Another train show for the holiday season, the New York Transit Museum's offering is smaller than what's on display at the New York Botanical Garden, but no tickets are required.

Celebrating its 20th year, the exhibit features model trains running through a 34-foot-long display — departing from a miniature Grand Central and passing by other iconic New York City landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and Empire State Building. The Transit Museum's collection of model trains includes Metro-North, Polar Express and vintage subway train sets.

Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off

  • Up through Jan. 12
  • Museum of the City of New York, Manhattan
  • Ticket information here

The Museum of the City of New York hosts gingerbread creations from bakers across the boroughs for its third annual bake-off.

The theme this year was “Iconic New York,” inviting artists to create pieces that represented distinct sights in their communities. Visitors can see the 20 finalists on display, all made of entirely edible materials, then cast their vote for “People’s Choice.” 

5K Turkey Trot

  • Nov. 17 at 9 a.m.
  • Randall's Island
  • Registration information here

Participants are encouraged to don any turkey-related apparel for this 5K footrace on Randall's Island Sunday.

Organizers say the out-and-back route goes along a scenic and unique path. Treats and a t-shirt will be offered to finishers.

New York Cider Festival

  • Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • 450 West 31st St., 7th Floor, Manhattan
  • Ticket information here

The New York Cider Association presents a chance for apples lovers to sample some of what they say are the best ciders the state has to offer.

Participants must be 21 years or older. Organizers say there will also be live music, food options and cheese pairings available.

cider
(AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

New York Comedy Festival

  • Nov. 8-17
  • Various comedy venues throughout the city
  • Ticket information here

The city's annual comedy festival returns with more than 200 comedians performing in more than 100 shows at venues across the five boroughs. From big stars to smaller acts, stand-up sets, sketch comedy and improv troupes will all have their moment. The festival's founder said we "need comedy now more than ever."

Bryant Park Winter Village

  • Open through March 2, 2025
  • Bryant Park, Manhattan
  • Free and open to the public

Bryant Park's Winter Village is open for the season.

The annual holiday staple in the city features a variety of local shops, a rink for ice skating and an indoor lodge with food and drink options.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

  • Open through March 2025
  • Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan
  • Ticket information here

Ice skating is open for the season at The Rink at Rockefeller Center. The center's website calls it one of the city's "quintessential winter activities."