When Do Cherry Blossoms Bloom in New York City?


A Cherry Blossom Tree

I’m not sure about you all but I’m so over this winter weather!  I want to feel the warmth of the sun and have longer days to enjoy the outdoors. In New York City, like many other parts of the United States, Spring season is synonymous with Cherry Blossom trees. Many New Yorkers look forward to the flowering of this beautiful tree because it signals the end of winter.

When do cherry blossoms bloom in New York City? This is a common question people ask around this time of year. The answer is the Cherry Blossom season runs from Mid-March through the end of April.

If you and your family are considering a visit to see the Cherry Blossoms in NYC then continue reading. This native New Yorker is going to share everything you need to know.

Have you ever wondered where Cherry Blossoms come from? I did. Well, this flowering cherry tree or “Sakura” is an exalted flowering plant which originated in Japan.

In 1912 the Japanese gifted these trees to the people of the United States as a sign of friendship. Each year, cherry blossom festivals throughout the U.S. celebrate the lasting friendship and close relationship between the two countries.

Did someone say celebrate? I’m always up for a party! Here’s a guide to cherry blossom festivals and Instagram worthy spots throughout New York City so you can plan your travels.

BBG-Cherry Blossom Festival
Photo Via Flickr

First up on our guide is the world famous Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Each year, many people flock to the popular weekend-long festival “Sakura Matsuri”. This year it will take place on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28 from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.

How will we celebrate you ask? We will celebrate Japanese culture by taking part in kid-friendly activities, listening to some live drumming (taiko), watching performances, demos, and exhibits.

Insider Tips:

  • Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.
  • Check out the garden’s CherryWatch site for best times to see the cherry trees blossom.
  • Plan a visit to the Brooklyn Museum or Brooklyn Library as well since they are right next door.
  • Children under 12 years old enter for FREE.
  • Friday mornings before noon are FREE, March thru November.

Prospect Park

Brooklyn, NY

Cherry Blossoms
Beautiful Cherry Blossom trees in Prospect Park

Head over to the largest park in Brooklyn. There’s plenty of Cherry Blossoms to see throughout its 526 acres. If the weather is nice, enjoy a little picnic.

Green-Wood Cemetery

500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Green-Wood-Cemetery
Photo Courtesy: Green-Wood Historic Fund

Visit this historic cemetery in Brooklyn’s Greenwood Heights. Its less crowded and is filled with plenty of cherry trees. Entrance is always FREE.

For more information visit their website.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Northern Queens, NYC

Flushing-Meadows-Corona-Park
Photo Courtesy: Japan Culture NYC

Head over to the cherry blossom grove at the former site of the World’s Fair. There are many cherry trees to enjoy.

Queens Botanical Garden

43-50 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11355

Queens-Botanical-Gardens
Photo Courtesy: Queens Botanical Gardens

Visit the garden’s Cherry Circle during the Spring season for a prime view of the cherry trees.

Central Park

New York, NY

central-park-cherry-blossoms
Photo Courtesy: Central Park

In the spring, visitors to Central Park can gaze upon two species of cherry trees. The Kwanzan Cherry and Yoshino Cherry trees add to the already stunning scenery during the months of April and May.

For locations of the cherry blossoms visit Central Park’s website.

New York Botanical Garden

2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10458

New York Botanical Garden
Photo Courtesy: New York Times

You can catch over 200 cherry trees spread throughout this beautiful garden in Da Bronx. Stroll by the garden’s Cherry Valley, around the arboretum, and through Daffodil Hill to see these beauties.

Insider Tip: Visit the Cherry Blossom tracker before heading over.

Randall’s Island

New York, NY

Randalls-Island

Every spring a FREE festival is held on the island. Visitors celebrate the Sakara by taking part in family-friendly activities and enjoying musical performances.

A date for 2019 has yet to be released. Register your email address here to be notified when it is announced.

United Nations

760 United Nations Plaza New York, NY 10017

United Nations
Photo via Flickr

This is a great spot for an Instagram pic. Use #cherryblossoms and don’t forget to tag us @ontravelmode1

Roosevelt Island

1 FDR FOUR FREEDOMS PARK ROOSEVELT ISLAND, NY 10044

Roosevelt Island
Photo Courtesy: FDR Four Freedoms Park

Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Manhattan and the East River while taking in the beautiful cherry tree grove. On April 13, 2019, there will be a FREE Cherry Blossom festival featuring special performances and Japanese cultural fair.

Related Questions

What is the Symbolism of Cherry Blossoms?

The Japanese believe that cherry blossom trees represent the fragility and beauty of life. It reminds us that life is beautiful but tragically short.

Are Cherry Blossoms edible?

According to Wikipedia the answer is yes. The Cherry Blossom and the leaves are edible and both are used as food ingredients in Japan.

Did you know that Cherry Blossoms are not only pink and white?

I’ve personally only seen Cherry Blossoms in light pink and white. Apparently, there are several other colors such as dark pink, yellow and green. It is also possible for various cherry blossoms to change color while they are in bloom.

Have you ever been to a Cherry Blossom festival? Let us know in the comments below.

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