Easter Weekend in New York, 2023

This weekend it’s a celebration of spring and the arrival of warmer weather. It’s time to get back outside in New York. Easter (April 9) presents the perfect time to enjoy some springtime temperatures and fun activities.

One of the best ways to celebrate Easter is the annual Easter Bonnet Parade. This particular New York parade is all about the bonnet. The parade and the tradition of donning hats dates back to the 19th century. Today, the more opulent, exaggerated and grandiose the hat, the better. The parade is open to the public to join in and not only spectate but to march as well. Revelers should come to St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 10am on Easter Sunday to watch or join the group up Fifth Avenue. The parade ambles north on Fifth Avenue from 49th Street up to 57th Street. For the best views, try St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets).

Everyone loves a good brunch and the demand goes through the roof on Easter Sunday. In response, restaurants up their game offering special seasonal menus, boozy cocktails and more to provide an unforgettable brunch experience where no luxury is too much. The following New York City restaurants are doing drool-inducing menus, but call ahead to reserve or check if they’re accepting walk-ins.

This Soho gem with its “secret garden” will host a high tea on April 9. Designed around the famous Champs-Élysées address, New York’s Ladurée operates both a pastry shop and a full-service restaurant. The Easter tea includes cocktails, mini-viennoiseries, macarons, tea sandwiches, fruit skewers with chocolate dipping sauce, a chocolate éclair and more chocolate treats to take home. A perfect brunch for those who love fine china and dainty treats. Or if you’re just in the market for good macaroons, you can pop in and grab some to go.

398 West Broadway

New York, NY 10012

Portale in Chelsea, whose refreshing low-key approach to fine dining has been charming New Yorkers and critics alike, is offering a three-course prix fixe menu for $110 per person from noon to 7pm on Easter Sunday. Choose from starters such as burrata and bruschetta, and then make your way through delicious mains, choosing from pasta, fish, French toast and lobster Benedicts. And of course, no meal would be complete without a few sweets.

126 West 18th Street

New York, NY 10011

This Mediterranean and Middle-East inspired restaurant is named after the Phoenician and Philistine god of agriculture. This year the Upper West Side eatery, Dagon is offering a special Passover menu on April 5 & 6. On April 9, they will have a brunch menu that includes a great list of cocktails including endless mimosa options and classic favorites such as shakshuka or the Israeli breakfast. Don’t miss the amazing flat and pita breads!

2454 Broadway

New York, NY 10024

Now if you’re looking for a little something edgier than a mimosa at your brunch, try Queen Supreme, a new brunch extravaganza featuring burlesque, drag, cabaret and circus acts alongside creative culinary selections from Everdene. Dress code: dress to impress with your best flair, sparkles and glitter are encouraged! Sunday brunches are hosted by House of Yes at Virgin Hotel’s Everdene, located on the third floor. 12:30pm and 3pm on Sundays through Labor Day; be sure to book your reservation ahead of time.

Everdene

1227 Broadway

New York, NY 10011

After brunch, why not check out some of New York’s cherry blossoms. Cherry blossom trees bloom for just a short time in NYC but offer a show-stopping pop of pink and white beauty. Try a stroll through the Brooklyn Botanical Garden or Central Park after brunch for some natural beauty to celebrate the coming of spring.

In Central Park cherry blossom trees are between 72nd Street and 96th Street around the Reservoir, Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill, Great Lawn, Cedar Hill, and the area just south of Cedar Hill between 74th and 77th Streets. At the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens 70 trees bloom along the Cherry Esplanade making for an aisle of color and fragrance.

The Lombardy Hotel’s timeless elegance is iconic to Midtown Manhattan. Our rooms are spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home. We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to New York City.

*Due to Covid-19 our restaurant, cafe and gym will remain closed for a time.