In addition to its many cultural and historic landmarks, this destination hosts a number of outstanding festivals and events that may coincide with your visit. GEMs are “Great Experiences for Members.”

Chinese New Year shakes New Yorkers out of their winter doldrums with a festival of colossal color. Due to the lunar calendar, the event doesn't fall on the same dates every year, though it always occurs throughout the month of January or February. Asian-Americans sing traditional melodies, firecracker ceremonies ward off evil spirits, and dragon, unicorn and lion dance troupes sashay through Chinatown. A parade features elaborate floats, acrobats, bands and magicians along with the thousands of people who choose to promenade.

Everyone loves a parade, and the city has one for just about every occasion. One not to miss is the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade. Everything turns green along Fifth Avenue—even the bagels and beer. Spectators adorned with green face paint, hair, hats and flashy costumes line up to watch soldiers, politicians, bagpipers and high school bands march to a rousing beat during this glorious display of Irish pageantry. The Empire State Building's green lighting scheme pays further tribute to Ireland's patron saint. Folks get the opportunity to participate in a march of enlightenment during the Museum Mile Festival in early June, when Fifth Avenue turns into a pedestrian block party from 82nd to 104th streets. Participants can walk the mile-long route to visit nine of the city's finest cultural institutions and enjoy entertainment offerings along the way. “Art-in-the-street” activities like chalk drawing and sawdust murals entice passersby, while the museums present musical performances. Take advantage of free museum admission from 6-9 p.m.

Fall ushers in the Feast of San Gennaro Festival, an 11-day celebration in mid-September honoring the patron saint of Naples. More than 3 million people venture to Little Italy at Mulberry and Canal streets to sample mouth-watering Italian specialties. The joyous gathering also offers a parade featuring a statue of San Gennaro and an amusing assortment of street entertainment—not the least of which is a cannoli-eating contest. Brisk autumn air and the first weekend of November signify that it's time for the New York City Marathon. At least 2 million spectators cheer their moral support as some 35,000 runners strive to make their way through five boroughs and over five bridges to cross the finish line at Central Park's Tavern on the Green.

Balloon Inflation Eve kicks off the holiday season the day before Thanksgiving at the American Museum of Natural History grounds, as attendants fill gargantuan flying critters with helium and prep them for their downtown stroll. Examine these amazing creations up close before their much-anticipated debut at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade the following morning. Bands, clowns, celebrity-laden floats, the Rockettes and Santa himself keep pace with the huge balloons—representing everyone's favorite comic book and cartoon characters—as they float along a route starting at Central Park West and 78th Street and finishing at 7th Avenue.

Holiday fun continues with the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting in early December, a custom dating back to 1931. Thousands are on hand to witness the illumination of the enormous Christmas tree, decorated with enough bulbs to span 5 miles. Giant tin soldiers flank the plaza's ice skating rink, where skaters happily glide during the festivities. Popular performers entertain the crowd at this gleeful affair—arrive early to grab a good spot. As the year draws to a close in the Big Apple, the most renowned event of all occurs: the Times Square New Year's Eve Celebration and Ball Drop. The New Year is welcomed (officially and enthusiastically) with the time-honored tradition of the midnight ball-drop. Hordes of merrymakers descend upon the square to yell, blow horns, throw confetti, wave banners—you name it—at one of the world's largest outdoor parties. If you plan to attend, arrive early, dress warmly and bring your own food.