It’s no secret that living in New York City can be expensive as all hell.
Between uber rides, trips to Trader Joe's, metro cards and rent that’s way too damn high, it doesn’t take long to burn through your meager paychecks each month.
However, your lack of funds shouldn’t hold you back from experiencing all of the great things that this magnificent city has to offer.
If you’re looking for some fun things to do in the Big Apple that won’t break the bank, you came to the right place.
We set out to find all sorts of free things to do in NYC this November so you can have fun without going totally broke. After all, the best things in life are free, amirite?
1. Canstruction Art Exhibit (November 2-15)
If you’re looking to get a serving of culture, check out the Canstruction exhibit at 250 Vesey Street. This unique art show features all sorts of interesting sculptures made entirely out of, you guessed it, canned food.
Admission is free and you’ll be glad to know that the event supports a good cause—all of the canned goods are donated to City Harvest afterward.
2. Comedy Stand Up at Lap Dance Saloon (November 6)
If you’re looking to laugh about something other than your pitiful bank account balance, head over to the east side for a comedy show that's on the house.
Hosted and produced by Jeffrey Emerson and Jill Weiner, this free night of stand up performances will feature a wide range of talented comedians including Dan Boulger, Ethan Simmons-Patterson, Jono Zalay, Khalid Rahmaan, Liz Glazer, Maddy Smith and May Wilkerson. Lap Dance Saloon takes place at 2A Bar located at Avenue A and East 2nd Street.
3. Veterans Day Parade (November 11)
Show your support for America’s servicemen by joining the 600,000 spectators who line up along Fifth Avenue to watch the New York City Veteran's Day Parade. Produced by the United War Veterans Council, this parade is the largest Veterans Day event in the entire country.
The parade kicks off with an opening ceremony in Madison Square Park at 10 a.m., followed by a wreath laying at 11 a.m. Shortly after, the parade procession begins as veterans, military units, civic groups, marching bands, floats and military vehicles make their way up 5th Avenue to 52nd Street.
Don't forget to check out the veteran's street fair afterward!
4. Holiday Train Show (November 16-February 4, 2018)
The 16th annual Holiday Train Show is returning to New York’s most iconic train station this month.
Located in the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store at Grand Central Terminal, this mesmerizing exhibit features Lionel trains zipping along a two-level, 34-foot-long model train display of New York City and the surrounding countryside. The display will showcase vintage trains and subways from the museum’s collection running on eight loops of track.
5. Renegade Craft Fair (November 18-19)
If you’re feeling a little crafty, make sure to stop by the renowned Renegade Craft Fair. Located inside the Metropolitan Pavilion at 125 W 18th Street, only the best artists and DIY-ers will have their hand-made crafts, artwork, and accessories on display.
In addition to over 150 vendors, the bazaar will also feature live entertainment, DIY workshops, immersive special features and delicious snacks!
6. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (November 23)
No Turkey Day celebration is complete without watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. On November 23, giant balloons will fill the air as festive floats, marching bands, Rockettes, celebrities and Santa's merry entourage take over 6th Avenue for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
If you're looking to see the parade in person, be sure to bundle up and stake out the perfect spot to watch the event along the 2.5-mile viewing route before the parade starts at 9 a.m. Or, you can watch the spectacle from the comfort of your home by tuning in to the live broadcast on TV. Hey, no judgment!
7. Winter's Eve at Lincoln Square (November 27)
Once you finish up all of your Thanksgiving leftovers, it's time to start gearing up for Christmas. For a dose of holiday cheer, head over to Winter's Eve At Lincoln Square and gather in Dante Park to watch the annual tree lighting.
Then, take a stroll down Broadway to get a glimpse of epic performers, watch the brass band dance and snag some free samples of food from local restaurants. Seriously, you had us at free food.
Winter's Eve at Lincoln Square starts in Dante Park at Broadway and 63rd Street and continues along Broadway from Time Warner Center to 70th Street.
8. Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting (November 29)
Everyone knows that the best way to kick off the holiday season is by taking some lit selfies in front of the most iconic Christmas tree in NYC. On November 29, thousands of people will pack themselves into Rockefeller Plaza to watch the annual tree lighting ceremony.
Starting at 7 p.m., the event will feature a star-studded line up of performances leading up to the grand moment the Norway Spruce comes to life with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights.
If huge crowds make you cringe, have no fear. The tree stays lit until January 7th, 2018 so you have time to plan a visit to Rockefeller Plaza during an off-peak time.
9. Louis Vuitton New York Exhibition (All November)
Want to get hype for your big black Friday shopping fest by learning a little more about the fashion world?
Check out the history of one of the industry's biggest players at free exhibition “Volez, Voguez, Voyagez," at 86 Trinity Place! With artifacts dating back to their start in 1854, you're sure to feel as enlightened as you do glam.
10. Holiday Markets
Skip out on the crowded department stores and head over to one of NYC's holiday markets to do all of your Christmas shopping this year. The holiday markets feature tons of vendors selling all sorts of hand-made goods, toys, art, clothing, and accessories that serve as the perfect gift for that special someone on your list.
After you're done browsing through the stalls, you can snag a cup of mulled wine and check out the delicious eats being served up by a variety of food vendors.The Union Square Holiday Market, Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar, Columbus Circle Holiday Market and Winter Village in Bryant Park all open at the end of the month.
[Feature Image Courtesy Anthony Quintano]