November 2026 in the Bronx: events, festivals, and family fun

November is when the Bronx starts to glow. The Holiday Train Show returns to the New York Botanical Garden, the Bronx Zoo lights up after dark, and Lehman Center has a busy month of music, comedy, and a family holiday classic. Add in free museum days and a few last fall favorites, and there is plenty to do close to home.

Family favorites

Boo at the Zoo, Bronx Zoo, through Sunday, November 1. The zoo’s fall celebration wraps up on its final weekend, with Halloween activities included with zoo admission. Check the zoo’s calendar for that weekend’s schedule. Details: https://bronxzoo.com

Holiday Train Show, New York Botanical Garden, November 14, 2026 through January 10, 2027. Model trains wind through nearly 200 landmark replicas crafted from plant parts inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, with an outdoor display to explore as well. Members get a preview on November 13, and extended evening hours are offered November 27, 28, and 29. Details: https://www.nybg.org/hts08/index.php

Photo: Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden. Source: New York Botanical Garden.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights, select dates November 21, 2026 through January 3, 2027. November dates are November 21, 22, 27, 28, and 29, with member previews November 19 and 20. New for 2026, the Children’s Zoo Farmyard opens for Holiday Lights, and the World of Darkness and World of Reptiles stay open too. Holiday Lights tickets also allow a 1 p.m. arrival to enjoy daytime exhibits first. Details: https://bronxzoo.com/holiday-lights

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage, Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, Sunday, November 29 at 4 p.m. The Peanuts gang brings its Christmas play to the stage, with the music of Vince Guaraldi. Children under 10 can attend for $10 through the box office. Lehman Center is at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West. Details: https://www.lehmancenter.org/events/charlie-brown-live

Museums and galleries

Family Time: Dia de Muertos, The Bronx Museum, Saturday, November 7, 1 to 3 p.m. This free, all ages celebration invites families to make art and contribute to a communal altar installation, led by artist Marco Saavedra. Drop-ins are welcome. Details: https://bronxmuseum.org/event/dia-de-muertos26/

First Friday, The Bronx Museum, Friday, November 6, 6 to 8 p.m. Galleries stay open late for a Mutual Aid Supply Drive, with snacks, beverages, and music. Donations are encouraged but not required to attend. Details: https://bronxmuseum.org/event/first-friday-november26/

On view in November at The Bronx Museum (admission is always free): Saya Woolfalk: The WoodsWoman Method, October 9, 2026 through March 28, 2027; Beyond the Margins: Bronx Museum Teens Activate the Permanent Collection, October 9, 2026 through January 3, 2027; and Lifelong Studio: Transcending the Form, Abstract Figurative Painting, October 9 through December 30, 2026. Details: https://bronxmuseum.org/exhibitions/

Dia de los Muertos at the New York Botanical Garden runs through Monday, November 2. Details: https://www.nybg.org/about/press-room/

Garden Highlights Walk, Wave Hill, Sundays through November 29 at 1 p.m. Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely seasonal stroll, free with admission to the grounds. Wave Hill is at 4900 Independence Avenue in Riverdale. Details: http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/10/18/garden-highlights-walk

Performing arts at Lehman Center

Ginuwine with opening act Ro James, Saturday, November 7 at 8 p.m. Details: https://www.bronxmama.com/2026/10/22/you-dont-have-to-go-to-leave-the-bronx-for-a-great-show-this-holiday-season/

Los Parceritos USA Tour, Sunday, November 8 at 8 p.m.

Bachateame New York! with Luis Vargas and Monchy, Saturday, November 14 at 8 p.m., a night of bachata from two of the genre’s beloved voices.

Poetry Me, Please, Saturday, November 28 in the evening.

A Charlie Brown Christmas, Sunday, November 29 at 4 p.m. (see Family favorites above).

Also in the Bronx this month

TCS New York City Marathon, Sunday, November 1. The course runs through all five boroughs, including the Bronx, on its way to the Central Park finish. Details: https://marathonhandbook.com/ultimate-guide-to-new-york-city-marathon/

Planning tip: November weekends at the Garden and the Zoo are popular, so book timed tickets in advance where they are offered, and check each venue’s calendar before you go, since hours and special programs can change.

More in the Bronx

Bronx Baby Expo, Friday, November 6, 1 to 3 p.m., Brilla College Prep Elementary Gym, 420 East 145th Street, Mott Haven. Free expo for expectant parents and families with young children, with diapers, baby essentials, and wellness resources while supplies last. Details: https://www.bronxmama.com/2026/10/22/bronx-baby-expo-offers-free-diapers-baby-supplies-and-family-resources/

NYBG 5K Fun Run, Sunday, November 8, 8 to 11:30 a.m., New York Botanical Garden. Non-competitive run/walk through the garden grounds. Details: https://www.nybg.org/event/nybg-5k-fun-run/

Nighthunters: An Evening Owl Adventure, Wave Hill, Friday, November 13, 5 to 8:30 p.m. Sunset nature walk, live owl program, and bird trivia. Note: the Wave Hill page shows the date via its dinner-box pickup line, so readers should confirm on Wave Hill’s calendar. Details: https://www.wavehill.org/calendar/nighthunters-an-evening-owl-adventure-2026

Looking for more November ideas? See our November 2026 roundups: November 2026 in Westchester: events, festivals, and family fun and November 2026 in Manhattan: Broadway, museums, and events.

Sources

• New York Botanical Garden, Holiday Train Show: https://www.nybg.org/hts08/index.php
• Bronx Zoo, Holiday Lights: https://bronxzoo.com/holiday-lights
• The Bronx Museum, events and exhibitions: https://bronxmuseum.org/events/ and https://bronxmuseum.org/exhibitions/
• Wave Hill, Garden Highlights Walk: http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/10/18/garden-highlights-walk
• Lehman Center season coverage: https://www.bronxmama.com/2026/10/22/you-dont-have-to-go-to-leave-the-bronx-for-a-great-show-this-holiday-season/
• TCS New York City Marathon guide: https://marathonhandbook.com/ultimate-guide-to-new-york-city-marathon/