Whimsical bonnets, joyful crowds, and Fifth Avenue in full bloom. Easter Parade NYC is springtime in New York at its most charming and theatrical.

Spring in New York City arrives slowly—but when it does, it brings the kind of joy you can feel in your bones. The crocuses bloom in Central Park. Outdoor tables reappear. And on one Sunday morning in April, Fifth Avenue transforms into a living runway of bonnets, blossoms, and bold self-expression: Welcome to the Easter Parade NYC 2025.

A BKLS Guide to NYC’s Most Stylish, Joyful Spring Tradition

It is not your typical parade. No floats. No barriers. No marching bands on schedule. Instead, you will find a street bursting with color, characters, and creativity. From floral headpieces that defy gravity to vintage suits straight out of a classic film, the Easter Bonnet Festival is where New Yorkers—and those lucky enough to visit—come to celebrate spring with flair.

Below, we have curated a full guide to experiencing the magic of this beloved tradition, including where to grab a rich hot chocolate nearby, where to book brunch after the parade, and how to soak up the best of Easter in NYC like a local.

What Is the Easter Parade NYC?

A Brief History with Big Personality

The Easter Parade began in the mid-1800s, when New Yorkers attended church dressed in their finest clothes and then strolled down Fifth Avenue to be seen. Over time, it evolved into a more theatrical affair, with participants donning elaborate hats and over-the-top ensembles that grew more inventive with each passing decade.

Today, the Easter Bonnet Festival is an unofficial—but deeply cherished—tradition. The playful, people-powered event brings out the city’s most eccentric, elegant, and joyful spirits. And best of all? Anyone can join. No tickets. No RSVP. Just show up in your Sunday best—or simply come to marvel at everyone else’s.

When, Where, & What to Expect

Everything You Need to Know for the Easter Parade NYC 2025

📅 Date: Sunday, April 20th, 2025
⏰ Time: 10 AM to 4 PM [but peak is 11 AM to 2 PM]
📍 Location: Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Street, Manhattan
💲 Cost: Free and open to all

There is no formal procession. The crowd flows organically, with people walking, posing, mingling, and snapping photos. You will see towering hats made of fresh flowers, dog bonnets, vintage gowns, and families dressed in full Edwardian garb. The steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral often become the centerpiece, so expect a flurry of photographers gathered there throughout the day.

Insider Tip: Arrive before 11 AM for clearer photos, and stay until at least 1 PM to catch the most outlandish looks.

What to See Along the Parade Route

The entire stretch of Fifth Avenue becomes a theatrical tableau—but here is where to keep your eyes open:

• St. Patrick’s Cathedral [50th Street]: This is the heart of the parade—expect performers, gospel choirs, and some of the most photogenic bonnets.
• Rockefeller Center: An excellent place to pause, people-watch, and snap photos with the spring displays.
• Saks Fifth Avenue: Their seasonal window displays are always dressed for the occasion and worth a stroll.

What makes the Easter Parade NYC 2025 so compelling is not just the pageantry. It is the spirit. The joy, the strangers complimenting each other’s hats, and the spontaneous performances. And the way it softens the city for a moment and reminds us how much New York loves a good reason to dress up.

Where to Warm Up with Hot Chocolate or Coffee Nearby

Spring might be in the air, but that early-morning breeze still bites. If you need something warm in hand while you stroll:

• Blue Bottle Bryant Park [54 West 40th Street]—An easy walk, with cozy seating and artisanal cocoa.
• Culture Espresso [72 West 38th Street]—Their mocha is rich, chocolatey, and worth the detour.
• Ole & Steen [80 West 40th Street, near the corner of 6th Avenue]—Approximately half a mile from the parade route, this Danish bakery serves up rich hot chocolate, flaky pastries, and cozy indoor seating. Their cinnamon socials are a must-try.
• Ralph’s Coffee at Rockefeller Center [630 Fifth Avenue]—Tucked inside Ralph Lauren’s flagship store, this elegant coffee bar is a stylish stop for espresso, matcha, or a creamy latte—served with that signature Polo charm.

Brunch Spots Near Fifth Avenue for an Easter Celebration

After the hats and the happy chaos, you will want somewhere to sit, sip, and recap your favorite looks. These are our top picks for brunch near the Easter Parade NYC 2025 route:

The Modern at MoMA

📍 9 West 53rd Street—Midtown West

Refined, art-forward, and just steps away—a wonderful option if you want your Easter eggs with caviar.

La Grande Boucherie

📍 145 West 53rd Street—Midtown West

French, festive, and ideal for a celebratory mimosa. Bonus: Their Belle Époque interiors are a visual feast.

Bryant Park Grill

📍 25 West 40th Street—Midtown West

A classic New York brunch option with a charming patio if the weather cooperates.

Lodi at Rockefeller Plaza

📍 1 Rockefeller Plaza—Midtown West

Italian-inspired and ideal for a slower, more elegant Easter brunch. Try the focaccia and fresh ricotta.

Family-Friendly Ideas After the Parade

Make it a full spring day with these nearby kid-friendly [and adult-approved] activities:

• Easter at Rockefeller Center: The plaza is often decked out with spring installations for the ideal photo-op or a casual stroll.
• Central Park Zoo: A 10-minute walk from the parade route, and ideal for families wanting to keep the Easter magic going.
• FAO Schwarz: No NYC spring day with kids is complete without a stop at this toy-filled wonderland.

Make a Day of It: Celebrate Spring in NYC

If you are still buzzing from the joy of the parade, consider extending your adventure with some seasonal exploration. Our full ultimate Spring in NYC guide features cherry blossom viewing spots, rooftop dining, seasonal events, and more to help you soak up every minute of the city’s most hopeful season.

Why the Easter Parade NYC Still Matters in 2025

In a city that is always rushing, the Easter Parade NYC 2025 offers a rare kind of pause. A chance to wander. To admire. To celebrate creativity, not for spectacle’s sake but for joy’s.

It is not about religion, nor is it tradition in the strictest sense. What it is about is self-expression—daring, playful, and joyfully unfiltered. This is spring in New York: a season that arrives with tulips and sunlight, yes, but also with feathered hats, pastel suits, and the kind of gentle chaos that reminds us why we love this city in the first place.

So, dust off your vintage gloves, grab a wide-brimmed hat, and walk the avenue like it is your runway. Because in springtime New York, the city belongs to those who know how to show up with style—and maybe a little sparkle.

Looking to plan more seasonal celebrations? The Easter Parade is just one of the many iconic events that make spring in NYC so special. Explore even more can’t-miss happenings in our roundup of Top Annual Festivals & Events in NYC.