What’s Going On In Times Square This Fall And Winter

Times Square may be best known for its most famous intersection of Seventh Avenue, 42nd Street, and Broadway, where sky-high towers covered in bright billboards and displays light up the streets — or for being home to the famous Great White Way itself. But there’s more to this bustling Midtown Manhattan district than first meets the eye. And more than you could possibly discover during just one trip to NYC!

In fact, Times Square is actually a bowtie-shaped area that covers five blocks between 42nd and 47th Streets — including The Knickerbocker Hotel on the corner of Broadway and 42nd Street — and an active commercial and entertainment district.

Here’s what’s going on in Times Square this fall and winter, including the shows you won’t want to miss. (You can also always check out the Time Square Alliance’s event calendar!)

After being shut down during the early stages of the pandemic, Broadway is back and better than ever before. It’s not a question of if you’ll see a play or musical while in NYC but which one (or three) you’ll go to. From longtime classics, like The Phantom of the Opera and Chicago, to solid standbys, like Wicked and Hamilton, you’re certainly spoiled for choice.

Several new shows are now on Broadway or just about to open. Almost Famous: The Musical, a new performance based on the 2000 film, opens November 2, while other 2022 productions — like A Strange Loop and Six — have quickly found fame. (Not to mention cleaned up during this year’s Tony Awards.)

There are plenty of restaurants in Times Square, but the stretch of West 46th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues — Restaurant Row — has been home to some of the neighborhood’s hottest restaurants for decades. In the mood for a memorable meal, perhaps before your Broadway show? Check out the Restaurant Row website for a directory and to book a table.  (Looking for something even closer? Charlie Palmer and the St. Cloud Rooftop at The Knick are also popular pre-show spots.)

For a little Halloween fun, get tickets to I Put a Spell on You, an annual Halloween concert-meets-party at Sony Hall that spoofs the cult classic film Hocus Pocus and often has Broadway stars joining in the show. While costumes are encouraged, the event on October 23 also has a serious side, benefitting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

The world’s largest and longest-running digital public art program, Midnight Moment takes over 92 digital billboards spanning 41st to 49th Streets every night from 11:57 p.m. to midnight. Each month features work from a different artist. All you have to do is be outside and look up!

Want to make a memorable New Year’s Eve you’ll never forget? The Knickerbocker’s annual NYE party at St. Cloud Rooftop offers guests an opportunity to watch the Times Square Ball drop from the closest live-view spot in the world — just 150 below the ball. Learn more about the ultimate New Year’s Eve experience at The Knickerbocker here.

Looking for even more New York travel tips? There’s so much to discover, whatever the season! Check out The Knick’s NYC Travel Guide for our curated recommendations of things to do in New York.