Thanksgiving Parade, Holiday Market, Give a Gift and more!

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November 21, 2025


Budget cover

2026 Proposed Budget Presentations

The 2026 Proposed Budget reflects Council priorities and community needs, maintains current service levels, and continues investing in essential infrastructure—all while staying within the tax cap. For the first time in more than a decade, it does not use unassigned fund balance to close the gap.

Key initiatives in the 2026 Proposed Budget include:
- Year Three of the Ten-Year Flood Mitigation Program
-Expanded roadway repaving and repairs citywide
- Ongoing support for economic development and local businesses
- Capital improvements at Ward Acres Park
- Implementation of the Community Forest Management Plan-- and more!

Following the public hearing on December 2 and further Council input, the final budget will be up for adoption in December. More information on the 2026 Proposed Budget is available at www.newrochelleny.gov/2026proposedbudget, and all City Council budget presentations can be viewed at www.newrochelleny.gov/proposedpresentation.


Thanksgiving Parade- November 22

Thanksgiving Parade Banner

The 61st annual Thanksgiving Parade kicks off Saturday at 10AM on North Avenue at Eastchester Road, and proceeds south down North Avenue to Bonnefoy Place. 

Watch as Mighty Mouse soars through the streets of New Rochelle together with Tom the Turkey, Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo and other giant parade balloons. There will be 11 marching bands-from Iona University, Monroe University, and local schools- 10 floats, vintage cars, dancers, singers, motorcycles, and marchers from businesses and community organizations. And, of course, Santa will be there too! This year's Grand Marshal is Chris Selin, former City Council Member and former New Rochelle Library Foundation President.

Traffic Advisory

Temporary street closures and detours will be in effect along the parade route starting at 6 AM. Please observe the "No Parking" signs, as cars parked on the route will be towed.    

Parade Info

 


Commissioner serving holiday lunch at a table

Hugh Doyle Thanksgiving Luncheon

City officials and staff came together to serve a holiday lunch to seniors at the annual Hugh Doyle Senior Center. Follow the OFA Facebook page for photos and more information on senior programming and services.


Community Thanksgiving

Community Thanksgiving Meals

Celebrate the holiday with neighbors at these events:
11/23: Born Again United Church’s Thanksgiving Dinner American Legion Post 8 112 North Avenue Starting at Noon

11/27: Thanksgiving Day Family & Community Dinner Bethesda Baptist Church 71 Lincoln Avenue 11AM – 2PM


Holiday Market

Holiday Market to Open at New Location: New Roc City

Say goodbye to the cold and hello to a cozy, festive INDOOR shopping experience as the 2025 Holiday Market opens for a new season at a new home: New Roc City. Find the perfect gifts from an assortment of local vendors while enjoying live performances and delicious treats.

DATES: November 28 - December 14
HOURS: 4-8 PM Weekdays, 12-8 PM Weekends
NEW LOCATION: New Roc City (29 LeCount Place, 2nd Floor)


North Avenue Bridge north and southbound traffic

Southbound Lanes Reopen on North Ave. Bridge

On Wednesday, Nov. 19, a single southbound lane on the new bridge opened to traffic, marking the final stage of the years-long NYS Thruway rehabilitation project. Southbound motorists heading downtown will no longer need to detour at Lockwood Avenue to Memorial Highway. Northbound traffic will continue to travel in a single lane through the work zone.

The contractor is conducting final work on the new span, including completing sidewalks, installing traffic signals and roadway lighting, and finishing construction at the pocket park. Traffic is anticipated to be in its final configuration on the bridge by the end of the year, weather permitting— two travel lanes in each direction and a dedicated lane on southbound North Avenue to turn left onto Garden Street.

Parade Info


Give a Gift flyer with teddy bear and gifts in a blue box

Give a Gift!

This cherished tradition provides holiday cheer and gifts to children from families facing financial hardship, ensuring that every child in New Rochelle can experience the joy and magic of the holiday season.

Those interested in participating can either call the New Rochelle Youth Bureau at 914-654-2045 to sponsor a child or family directly, or browse and purchase items from the Youth Bureau’s  Amazon Wish List. Every gift helps brighten a child’s holiday and strengthens our community. The deadline for gifts is Friday, December 12, 2025.


Vacant Storefront Registry graphic with awning

The City's new Vacant Storefront Registry supports the revitalization of New Rochelle's downtown and commercial corridors by improving communication with property owners, enhancing the appearance of vacant spaces, and reducing long-term vacancies. The registry provides the City with up-to-date data on storefront conditions and leasing activity, helping to strengthen the safety, vibrancy, and economic appeal of the city's business districts.

All ground-floor, street-facing commercial spaces that remain unoccupied for 90 consecutive days are required to be registered with the City. Register now for a virtual information session to learn more about this important program:


Join the ENRAC Board

Join ENRAC

Do you care about New Rochelle’s environment, climate resilience, and sustainable future? The City of New Rochelle is now accepting applications to fill vacancies on its Ecology and Natural Resources Advisory Committee (ENRAC), a community body that helps guide policy, programs, and engagement around sustainability and natural resources. Applicants must be current New Rochelle residents ages 18 or older. The application deadline is 11/26 at 4:30 PM.

Application information


Food Aid

Local Food Resources

If you or someone you know could use extra support, check out our listings of local and regional resources that provide meals, groceries and staples at no cost.

Local Resources 

NYS Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Benefits

Due to the Federal government shutdown, which has now ended, New York’s ability to open its federally-funded HEAP program has been delayed by weeks. In addition to other actions to support HEAP recipients in November 2025, the state is encouraging all eligible energy customers to join New York’s Energy Affordability Program, which helps hundreds of thousands of households receive a monthly discount on their energy bills. Click here for more information on New York's Energy Affordability Program (EAP)

If you are threatened with a residential electric or natural gas shutoff, contact the NYS Department of Public Service at 800-342-3355 Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

For additional resources to help manage energe usage and related bills, protections for utility consumers, and tips for staying safe this winter season, visit the NYS Department of Public Service Winter Preparedness Webpage.


UPCOMING

Coffee with the Mayor

Coffee with the Mayor 

Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert invites you to join her for coffee and conversation. These monthly gatherings held around the city allow residents to connect with the Mayor over coffee, share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas, and ask questions about City issues. The final coffee for 2025 will be held on Sunday, December 7th @11:30 AM at 16 Handles, 77 Quaker Ridge Rd.


Burn off the Bird

Take a Hike!

Join our Happy Hikers community for fun and organized hikes with an experienced guide from L.L.Bean. All levels of hiking experience welcome! The next hikes are Thanksgiving weekend on Saturday, November 29 at 11 AM and 12:30 PM at Ward Acres Trail.

Sign Up Here


BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Financial Capability Academy

Want to Improve your Finances?

Join the Financial Capability Academy, a 4-class series where New Rochelle residents can learn how to improve their finances to move into affordable housing, newly built housing developments, or become homeowners!

  • IN ENGLISH- Thursdays, December 4, 2025, and January 15, February 12 and March 12, 2026, at City Hall

Info and Sign up

Down Payment Assistance Program

Down Payment Assistance Program

If you are a first-time home buyer seeking to purchase a home within the City of New Rochelle, you may be eligible for the City’s new First-Time Home Buyer’s Down Payment Assistance Program.

Learn More


REMINDERS & PROGRAMS

Food scraps recycling buckets and roll of compostable bags

Recycle Your Holiday Food Scraps!

As we gather for festive meals and celebrate the season, it’s easy for leftover food scraps to pile up. But those scraps aren’t just holiday waste — they’re a valuable resource that can be transformed into nutrient-rich compost. By recycling food scraps, we capture their energy and return it to the environment, helping keep the season bright while reducing what ends up in our landfills and incinerators.

Compost bin kits and compostable bags are available for purchase at the Public Works office at City Hall, 515 North Avenue. Kits are priced at $20 and include a 2-gallon countertop bin, a 6- gallon home storage and transportation bin, and a roll of 30 compostable bags for the countertop bin.

Learn more


New Assessment Calendar Dates

New assessment dates will begin for the 2026 assessment cycle:
December 1 – Taxable status date. Exemption forms due
December 1- Valuation date
February 1- Tentative assessment roll
Third Tuesday in February – Grievance Day
April 1- Final assessment roll
May 1- Deadline for appeals filed with the County Clerk
September 1 – School tax bill first half
January 1- City tax bill
March 1 - School tax bill second half
June 1 – County tax bill


Need Assistance graphic with list of types of needs

Need a Helping Hand?

Visit our local resources page to find useful information available in and for the New Rochelle community.

Local Resources Page


Youth Council

Apply Now for Youth Council

The New Rochelle Youth Bureau's Youth Council offers young people in grades 8-12 the opportunity to be a part of a selected group of individuals who are concerned with youth related issues within the community. Our Youth Council sponsors community service projects and interacts with other youth organizations throughout Westchester. Applications are available online.

For more information, contact the Youth Bureau at 914-654-2045 or visit www.newrochelleny.com/youth.


Sidewalk with cracks and hole

Keep Sidewalks Clear and Safe

Maintaining the curb and sidewalk in front of your property isn’t just a common courtesy: it’s your responsibility. According to Sections 281-3 and 281-4 of the Code of the City of New Rochelle, property owners are responsible for keeping curbs and sidewalks abutting their property clean and free of litter and dirt, ice and snow, and animal feces.

Lawn Signs

Lawn Sign Ordinance

Residents are reminded that City Code Section 270-7 prohibits placing signs on public property —including medians, sidewalks, and utility poles. Signs are only allowed on private property with the owner’s permission. Help keep our community clean and safe!


Fall Leaf Collection Begins 10/14

Fall Leaf Collection Reminders

All leaves must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or open containers weighing no more than 75 lbs. for collection.

Please- do not place leaves in plastic bags or pile them loosely at the curb. Leaves placed in plastic bags or piled loosely at the curb will not be picked up and may result in fines for the property owner. Loose leaves also can lead to clogged storm drains and potential flooding issues.

REMINDER: Gas-powered leaf blower use is limited to weekdays between 8 AM and 5 PM and weekends from 10 AM to 5 PM.


work here graphic

Work Here!

Job postings and examinations for the City, City School District and New Rochelle Public Library are posted to the City website.

View job opportunities and test dates


Bid Opportunities

Bid Opportunities

Learn about current bid and contract opportunities available by subscribing to be notified when new bids are added.


Upcoming events graphic

Stay Current!

Our Community Calendar has the latest events from City departments and community partners.

VIEW CALENDAR