EASTER IN NYC

The Easter Parade is a New York phenomenon that dates back to the middle of the 1800s. The social elite would attend services at one of the fashionable 5th Avenue churches, such as St. Patrick's Cathedral, and parade down the Avenue afterwards to give onlookers - and each other - a chance to view their new Easter hats and dresses.

The less well to do would come to gawk at the carriage set and see what the latest trends were. Many handy seamstresses found inspiration for their middle class client's wardrobes at the parade. It was a combination of religious services, reality TV and haute couture in the days before mass media, when only the wealthiest New Yorkers could attend the hottest Paris fashion shows and keep up with the latest fashion trends.

While there is still an element of fashion involved in the modern spectacle, the current version tends to be more fantastic. Live birds nest in bonnets of real flowers and pets are dressed in the latest 5th Avenue doggy wear.

The flamboyant headgear and costumes are paraded down 5th Avenue to the delight of onlookers. You don't need a special outfit to join in the fun. Anyone can step out and stroll down the Avenue.

New York weather in early Spring is anything but reliable. "Record April Snowfall, 10 Inches, and 60-Mile Gale Usher in New York's Easter," was a headline in the New York Times on April 4, 1915. While this is unusual, a rainy March or April day can make for soggy bonnet watching.





If good years, the weather forecast will call for a wonderful sunny day with temperatures around 60 degrees. If that's the case, you can count on a huge crowd enjoying the Easter Parade on 5th Avenue in New York City!

The parade takes place on Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Streets. The action starts at 10AM and goes on for hours. Join the spectators in the viewing stands or along the streets.

Easter Eggstravaganza in Central Park


Eggstreme Weekend at the Bronx Zoo
Saturday & Sunday, March 22-23, The Bronx Zoo celebrates Easter weekend with visits from their costume bunny mascot Bella. Crafts, egg races and an egg hunt are all part of the festivities, which are included with the cost of zoo admission. 718-367-1010

Easter Baskets at the Children's Museum of Manhattan
Saturday & Sunday,
Learn about the tradition of making Easter baskets then make your own with colorful paper, ribbons and pipe cleaners!
Guide: Children's Museum of Manhattan Visitors Guide
Pictures: Children's Museum of Manhattan Pictures

21st Annual Easter Bonnet Competition
On Monday, April 28 and Tuesday, April 29, 2009 at the The Minskoff Theatre, you can experience this annual competition of Easter bonnets designed by various members of theater productions. Proceeds benefit Broadway, Off-Broadway and touring theater companies. Tickets $20 - $350. Order tickets online.