Considering a visit to New York City in the winter? Well, you have landed in the right place since I have tons of experience with NYC winters! In this New York City travel guide, I will be covering the best things to do in New York City in the winter, and as a New York local, you will also learn tons of additional travel tips for visiting!
Winter officially starts on December 21st, so I will be covering all the Christmas festivities as well as activities to do after the holiday season has passed! Moreover, you will find tons of additional articles linked with more helpful information about planning your NYC vacation!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Disclosure.
Best Things to Do in New York City in Winter
1. Explore Central Park
Central Park is undoubtedly a staple for visiting New York City, but Central Park in the winter under a blanket of snow just hits differently. The park turns into a winter wonderland, and you will likely see locals building snowmen, sledding, and even having snowball fights.
No snow during your visit? I still believe Central Park is still a must-visit. With fewer leaves on the trees, you will be able to see the skyline perfectly and view Central Park attractions with fewer crowds.
Some places to visit in Central Park include Bow Bridge, Gapstow Bridge, and the Ramble.
Read: Ultimate NYC Winter Packing List
2. Go Ice Skating Around New York City
One of the best winter activities to do in New York City is outdoor ice skating! Ice skating starts as early as mid-October through mid-March, so don’t worry about missing out.
You can enjoy ice skating in several places in New York City. One of the most popular rinks to skate at is Wollman Rink. This iconic ice skating rink has been open for over 70 years and is located near Gapstow Bridge (South Central Park area).
Wollman Rink NYC Address: 830 5th Ave New York, NY 10065
If you’re visiting during the holidays, then ice skating under the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is another iconic way to spend your winter in NYC. The Rink at Rockefeller Center is very popular, so consider getting tickets ahead of time.
Rockefeller Center Address: 600 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, NY 10020
If you want to avoid some of the crowds, head to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, which is actually the only free ice skating rink in the city, as long as you bring your own skates! They even offer bumper cars on ice, too.
Bryant Park Address: 41st Street and, 6th Ave, New York, NY 10018
Other places to Ice Skate during the winter in NYC include:
- Ice Rink at the Seaport (downtown NYC)
- Chelsea Piers Sky Rink (Chelsea)
- World Ice Arena (Flushing Queens)
- The Rink at Brookfield Place (Finacial District)
- Riverbank State Park Ice Skating Rink (Upper Manhattan)
3. Experience The Rockettes at Radio City
If you’re visiting New York City during the winter holidays, seeing the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City is another one of the best things to do during your visit.
This iconic show has been going on since 1932 at Radio City Music Hall. There are usually 2 – 5 shows a day starting in November and finishing up on January 1st. This is a very popular show getting tickets in advance is a good plan!
While here, I suggest making sure to visit the Radio City Christmas Tree decorations and red ornaments even if you decide not to attend the performance – as these are staple NYC Christmas decorations!
Address: 260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
4. Explore the Holiday Markets
New York City offers some of the best winter holiday markets to explore, and I highly recommend visiting one of them! One of my all-time favorite Christmas Markets in NYC is at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park.
You will see tons of shops lined up by the ice skating rink selling Christmas crafts, chocolates, and more!
Other Christmas Markets to visit around NYC include:
- Washington Square Christmas Market
- Union Square Christmas Market
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market
- Grand Central Holiday Fair
- Holiday Market at the Oculus
Read: Best Things to Do in New York City in December
5. Search the Best Christmas Displays in NYC
Exploring New York City for the best Christmas displays is easily one of the top things to do during the winter -at least if you love holiday festivities like me. From wandering around the Upper East Side for decked-out Brownstones to viewing iconic department store window displays and the Hudson Yards, there is a ton to explore.
I personally love Bergdorf Goodman’s holiday displays, and I always have to stop by Macy’s in Herald Square (midtown Manhattan) since they are known as the first to ever do Christmas Displays. Sak’s 5th Avenue also has the iconic Christmas light show that can’t be missed.
Furthermore, just walking down 5th Avenue will allow you to enjoy all the luxury store’s Christmas displays.
Read: Your Guide to the Best Things to Do in NYC on Christmas Day
6. Visit Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
No one does Christmas lights quite like Dykers Heights which is why visiting this Brooklyn neighborhood has become such a staple for locals and even tourists. The lights and decorations they display are next level, like Christmas exploded on their front lawn kind of lights.
Therefore, it makes a fun and memorable way to explore New York City in the winter! It is so popular that they even offer Dyker Heights tours that leave from Manhattan to take you to Dyker Heights. You can also take the subway yourself! Not sure how you want to get there? Here is your ultimate guide to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights.
7. Join The Fun at the Santacon Parade
For one of the more unique Christmas experiences in NYC, consider joining in on the fun at the Santacon Parade, where thousands of people dress up in Santa attire! This event is for people over 21, so you can expect a lot of bars and drinks to be had during the experience.
Since the money spent to attend the event goes to charity, they consider just wearing a Santa hat alone to be deemed “lame.” Therefore, you should get fully festive in your attire and in the holiday spirit.
The time in 2023 has not yet been made public. You can find out more and purchase your ticket to enter the official Santacon venues here.
8. See The Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden (NYBG)
If you’re looking for a New York winter activity that feels a little more local, head to the New York Botanical Garden for the Holiday Train Show and NYBG GLOW. This year, there will be a new outdoor train display on the Garden’s Conservatory lawn, where you will see the model train zip through around 200 miniature model NYC landmarks.
If you visit at night, you can also enjoy NYBG GLOW, which is a spectacular light display throughout the garden.
For an experience a little more PG, you can even visit for the Bar Car Nights, which allows you to see the lights and train show with a 21+ crowd while enjoying drinks!
This year the NYBG event will go from November 18, 2023 – January 15, 2024 and tickets go on sale to the general public on September 14th.
Address: 2900 Southern Boulevard Bronx, NY 10458-5126
9. See A Broadway Show
What better way to warm up from the brutal winter weather in New York City than to see a Broadway Show! Whether you pick a show on Broadway or off-Broadway, you will experience an iconic New York experience.
Some of my favorite shows include Wicked and Hamiton. Other iconic shows include The Lion King, The Book of Mormon, and Chicago. This is also a great thing to do at night in NYC.
See what is currently playing on Broadway here. For some shows, you can visit the TKTS Booth system in Times Square to see if you can get discounted Broadway tickets for same-day tickets. They don’t sell all shows, so take a look at the TKTS list here.
10. Cozy up at The New York Public Library (NYPL)
Not only is the New York Public Library a great way to escape a cold winter day in NYC, but this is also an iconic New York City Landmark. Located right by Bryant Park, it is completely free to visit the NYPL.
Aside from warming up with a book, you can now experience their first-ever permanent collection – The Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures. It even comes with an audio guide you can listen to on your phone.
NYC Fun Fact: The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (NYPL) opened to the public in 1911.
Address: 476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018
11. Enjoy A Show At Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Are you a lover of the performing arts? Then Lincoln Center should be on your list as one of the best things to do in NYC for your winter trip. Home to 11 resident arts organizations, you can enjoy everything from dance, jazz, ballet, theater, and more!
During Christmas time, you can even see the Nutcracker. Tickets go on sale September 25th and go fast.
Furthermore, this year, Lincoln Center opened up tours of the campus. This unique opportunity is perfect for those who love more unique experiences and want to see some behind-the-scenes areas of this New York landmark. These tours start at $20 and are unique each day.
Whether you want to enjoy one of the many incredible shows at Lincoln Center or explore the campus, you can book it directly on their website and enjoy some time warming up from the cold.
Address: Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
12. Visit A Museum – One of the Best Things to Do in New York City During Winter
Did you know New York is known to have some of the best museums in the USA? So what better way to warm up from the cold than mosying through some of the most iconic museums?
If this is your first time visiting New York, I can highly recommend visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the MET), the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), the 9/11 Museum, and the Modern Museum of Art (MoMA).
If you really love museums, you might also want to consider the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum or Whitney Museum of American Art.
NYC Winter Travel Tip: A handful of museums are located near Central Park, so plan these winter activities on the same day.
Read: First time in New York City? Ultimate New York City Travel Tips To Know Before You Go!
13. Go Sledding in New York
Visiting New York City on a snow day or seeing a lot of snow on the ground? Spend your day like a local and do some sledding around the city.
Pilgrim Hill in Central Park is one of the best places to do winter snow sledding in NYC. Other spots include Cedar Hill in Central Park, Riverside Park, and Prospect Park.
To buy a sled, contact Target or Home Depot to see if they have any in stock – they usually do. Sometimes, a Daune Reade, CVS, or Walgreens will also hold them.
NYC Travel Tip: Be warned that the snow on the streets turns into brown and dirty sludge quickly, so snow boats are recommended.
14. Take a Skiing Day Trip
If you’re looking for a little more serious winter experience in New York, consider taking a day trip to go skiing! Our go-to place is Mountain Creek, located in Township, New Jersey.
It takes about 1.5 hours (47 miles) by car to reach Mountain Creek, and they offer rentals for skis and snowboards. Additionally, they also offer snow tubing – however, this needs to be reserved online in advance.
There are some other mountains to enjoy snow sports, however, they are a little further. This includes Hunter Mountain (NY), Camelback Resort (PA), and Windham Mountain (NY).
Mountain Creek Address: Mountain Creek Resort 200 Route 94 Vernon, NJ 07462
15. Drink All the Hot Chocolate
New York City is known for its food and drink scene, so what better way to enjoy a winter vacation in the Big Apple than testing all the best hot chocolate in town?
One of the most popular places tourists love to taste hot chocolate is at Serendipity 3. I also love to get hot chocolate at the Bryant Park Winter Village, where they serve it inside chimney cakes.
Have you ever seen those viral videos of people pouring chocolate into their cups in Paris? Well, you can do just that and feel like a Parisian at Angelina Paris NYC.
If you want to indulge in warm, gooey chocolate cookies, Levain Bakery is a great place to get a cup of hot chocolate as well.
16. Take a Whale-Watching Cruise
This might not be the first thing you think of when visiting New York City in the winter, but if you love marine life, this is easily one of the best things to do! New York City has been seeing whales and dolphins more now than ever, and right in the Hudson!
So, if you have your sea legs, hop on board and enjoy a scenic cruise down the New York waterways in search of some whales, dolphins, and other marine life. The tours leaving from Manhattan are generally on Sundays only. However, if you’re really keen about going, Long Island, NY offers a lot of whale-watching tours as well.
17. Sip Drinks in a Pop-up Igloo Bar
A fun and trendy thing to do during your time in New York City is hang out in a pop-up igloo for drinks and food! Thankfully, New York City has a handful of these trendy pop-ups to choose from.
One of the most popular igloos is at Igloos at 230 Fifth, which is a rooftop bar that also offers great views of Manhattan. The Bryant Park Winter Village and Stone Street also offer igloos during the holiday season.
18. Enjoy Cozy Cabins and Unique Winter Restaurant Pop-ups
Aside from igloos, New York City also offers a lot of other fun pop-ups for winter to enjoy drinks and food. You can find fun cozy cabins at the Seaport; The Greens Rooftop At Pier 17. These usually fit 2-10 people and look out to the Brooklyn Bridge.
If you don’t mind staying a little cold, in previous years, the Polar Lounge has done a pop-up at Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. The furniture is made of ice, and they serve fun drinks. While it has not been announced if they will be back for 2023/2024, I am leaning towards a yes.
For a more European vibe, you can head over to The Lavaux Wine Bar, a cute Swiss restaurant that offers cutely designed Chalets for 6-12 people.
Please note, that these all usually have to be reserved in advance as they are very popular.
19. Visit An Indoor Observation Deck
If staying warm is the main goal, one of the best things to do in New York City to achieve that is to visit one of the indoor Observation Decks. My favorite is The Summit One Vanderbilt, located right by Grand Central Terminal (another great place to explore during the winter in New York City).
The Summit offers several different unique rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the skyline. It is also one of the closest views to the Empire State Building!
The other indoor observation deck is the One World Observatory – also known as the Freedom Tower. This was the tower built to replace the World Trade Center and offers a view from the financial district.
Read: NYC Observation Decks Ranked
20. Have High-Tea While Touring the City
The Tea Around Town is a new experience that has recently come to New York City, and it is already wildly popular. This decked-out pink tour bus passes by iconic New York landmarks while you sip tea, champagne, scones, and other tasty treats.
The tour lasts around 75 minutes driving around New York City, making it one of the best things to do during the winter on a chilly day! Some landmarks you can expect to pass include the Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall, Times Square, and Columbus Circle.
You can learn more about Tea Around Town and buy tickets on their official website.
21. Warm-up At a New York Spa
As a local who has seen all the normal attractions of New York City, I am always looking for a way to enjoy the city in a new way. So, if you have done a lot of the touristy stuff in NYC, or want to treat yourself on a cold winter day, consider treating yourself to a spa day.
There are tons of spas to choose from around NYC, but some of the most popular spas to check out include:
- QC NY Spa Governors Island
- WORLD SPA (Brooklyn)
- SoJo Spa Club (New Jersey with Manhattan skyline views)
- Bathhouse – Williamsburg Brooklyn
- Aire Ancient Baths New York (Tribeca NYC)
22. Try the Cutest Coffee Shops Around New York City
If coffee is life for you, this may be one of your favorite winter activities in New York City. You are really spoiled for choice when it comes to picking the best cup of coffee, and an excellent way to warm up!
Some of the cutest coffee shops to add to your NYC winter itinerary include:
23. Watch the Ball Drop in New York City for New Year’s Eve
I am going to be completely honest with you. As a local, I have never attended a NYE ball drop in Manhattan. It is just not something a lot of locals do. Instead, we go to bars, clubs, restaurants, or family house parties.
However, I know it is a huge bucket list item for a lot of travelers visiting New York City. Therefore, it didn’t feel right not to include it in my things to do during the winter in New York City.
Would I ever go to it? 99% sure I will not. I just don’t like the idea of standing outside in the freezing cold for hours, mushed in with thousands of people and no proper bathrooms or food.
But hey, this post is not for me; it’s for you! So, if seeing the ball drop in New York City is something you have dreamt of seeing, visiting in the winter is for you!
24. Head to Chinatown for the Chinese New Year
Another New Year’s event that is less stressful than seeing the ball drop, is the Chinese New Year Parade and Festival. From dancing and delicious food to martial arts and elaborate costumes, this free parade is a great winter activity.
The Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival will happen on Feb 24 – 25, 2024 this year, and it is a fun and unique parade to experience.
It will be the 26th anniversary and the year of the Dragon.
25. Wander Through the Chelsea Market
If you have been following my New York City blogs for a while, you already know I love the Chelsea Market! This indoor market offers a plethora of food options and markets to enjoy, with a deep-rooted history to the city.
Enjoy a variety of cuisines, and if you happen to be visiting around the holidays, there are even Christmas displays. This area has always been a center of food, going back to when Algonquin Indians lived on this land.
Locals love this spot as much as tourists! If it is a sunny day, you can even walk the High Line, an urban elevated trail rail turned into a greenway, without the summer crowds.
Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
26. Escape the Cold With Some Retail Therapy
Known as one of the top shopping capitals of the world, it only makes sense to enjoy some shopping during your visit to New York City, even if it’s only window shopping.
Make your way down 5th Avenue for many of the designer shops like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue, and Cartier.
For a more trendy vibe, hit up the shops in SoHo, which will have many of the same shops on 5th Avenue and more. I worked in SoHo for 2 years, and I have always loved this area with its quaint cobblestone streets.
You can also visit the largest Macy’s in the world and ride up the wooden escalators. If you visit the 6th floor, try Stella 34 Trattoria, a great restaurant with views.
27. Attend A Live Taping in New York City
This is one of the best free things to do in New York City and a perfect way to enjoy a winter day. Shows including Good Morning America, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and the Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert are among some of the shows you can attend.
Just go to1iotafor additional information and tickets on live taping shows. You will also find live music and upcoming guests here.
Update: A handful of popular shows are paused due to the writer’s strike.
28. Grab A Bite During Restaurant Week
If you’re a foodie who loves a good deal, visiting NYC in the winter will be a real treat. Dozens of the best restaurants in NYC participate with lunch and dinner specials! These range from 2 or 3-course meals for a set price of around $30-$45.
While Restaurant Week has not been announced for 2024 yet, it usually happens for almost a month between January and February. I will update this when more information becomes available! Making reservations in advance is important, as this is a very popular event.
Read: Must-Eat NYC Food
29. Enjoy the Views from a Rooftop Bar
Skyline views of the impressive Manhattan skyscrapers are on top of everyone’s bucket list, and what better way to take in these views than some rooftop bar action?
There are both indoor and outdoor bars to enjoy during the wintertime – so if it’s not too cold, you can enjoy the sounds of the city.
Some top indoor bars to enjoy include Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Ophelia Lounge NYC, and Mr. Purple.
Some indoor/outdoor bars to check out include Magic Hour Rooftop Bar (does cute winter decorations), Cantina Rooftop, Daintree (great Empire State Building views).
30. Eat Your Way Through Eataly
Cute winter decor and fresh Italian food, what more could you want? Eataly check all these boxes and has two locations. The Flat Iron location is a favorite, but if you’re in downtown Manhattan, that location is fine, too! Come hungry, and leave warm and full.
Address: 200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
31. Get A Romantic Dinner for Valentine’s Day
Visiting New York City in the winter means you may have the opportunity to spend Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day in one of the most romantic cities in the world.
Similar-ish to Restaurant Week, many restaurants offer fixed menus with deals on your meals. Just make sure to reserve your table in advance! After your meal, walk along the Brooklyn Bridge for some extra romance.
32. Experience the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade borders spring, but it is technically still one of the best things to do in New York City during the winter. This iconic parade marches down 5th Avenue on March 17th (or 16th if the 17th is a Sunday) and starts at 11 AM.
The whole city dresses in its best green colors and has a great time drinking and laughing. I may or may not have skipped school on several occasions to attend back in the day…shhh!
So, if you happen to be visiting the city around this time, it’s a really fun and unique way to experience New Yorkers celebrating together for the sake of the Irish.
33. Enjoy A Professional Sporting Event in New York
Sports fans rejoice because New York has several sporting events that can be enjoyed during the winter. If you’re staying in Manhattan, the easiest events to attend will be watching the New York Knicks Basketball team or the Rangers NHL play at Madison Square Garden.
Just outside of Manhattan, you also have the Brooklyn Nets Basketball team at the Barclays Center and the Long Islanders Hockey team in Elmont, Long Island. If you make it to Long Island, go to King Umbertos for pizza and capellinis!
Football is also underway in our neighbor, New Jersey, where you can watch the New York Giants and/or New York Jets play at Metlife Stadium! If you’re around during February, you can even enjoy a Superbowl Party at one of the many NYC bars that will most definitely be playing the game and have an enormous amount of chicken wings.
34. Times Square in the Snow
Just like Central Park being magical in the snow, the iconic Times Square is no different! So, you get lucky to see some snow while you’re in New York City, head right to Times Square before the snow turns all brown from the cars.
There’s nothing quite like catching snowflakes in New York’s most popular attraction! Times Square is also one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC – especially with snow!
35. Experience the Buzz of New York Fashion Week
New York City has Fashion Week during September (Fall) and again in February (winter), making it a fun time to visit if you love fashion. Technically, you usually need to be invited to the actual runway shows, but the whole city is buzzing with all things fashion around this time. You can learn about the shows here.
Tips For Visiting New York City in the Winter
Now that you know some of the best things to do in New York City in the winter, here are some additional tips to know when visiting!
- Taking the subway can feel like your best friend because it’s a chance to get out of the cold.
- The city creates wind tunnels so certain streets can feel colder than others.
- Gloves with finger holes are helpful.
- It usually doesn’t snow in New York until December, and we usually do not have a white Christmas.
- The most snow comes in January, February, and early March. These months are also brick (NY Slang for brutally cold)!
- If you’re visiting during more snowy months, shoes that are waterproof are important. When the snow melts, this leaves a lot of puddles.
- You should pack your own gloves, scarves, and thermals, but if you forget, you can easily buy them in Manhattan. Street vendors, pharmacies, and just about any clothing store will carry them.
- Purchase travel insurance in case there are any winter storms!
If you plan on seeing a lot of attractions during your visit, getting a city pass is well worth it, as they save you a ton of money. I believe the best deal is with the Go City Pass and then the NY Sightseeing Pass currently.
Furthermore, I will be linking a bunch of other related New York travel blogs below to help further plan your NYC winter vacation!
Winter Weather Temperatures in New York City
To give you a better idea of the typical temperatures you can expect when visiting, here are the averages. I must admit, the weather in New York has been so crazy. Always double-check the weather a couple of weeks before your trip.
- December Temperatures in New York City:High 44 F; Low 31 F
- January Temperatures in New York City:High 39 F; Low 26 F
- February Temperatures in New York City:High 43 F; Low 29 F
- March Temperatures in New York City:High 52 F; Low 36 F
Best Things to Do in New York City in the Winter Wrap-up
This concludes the best New York City winter activities! As you see, the list is very extensive, so you will not be short of ideas on how to have fun during your visit! Now, have the best time exploring the city that never sleeps this winter!
Other helpful New York Travel Guides you should also check out include:
- Ultimate 4 Days in New York Itinerary
- Best Hotels and Neighborhoods to Stay in NYC
- How To Navigate the Subway
- One Day in NYC Itinerary
- Fun New York Accent Words
- Fall in NYC
- Best NYC Activities on a Rainy or Cold Day
Have any questions about any of these activities to do in New York City in the winter, or feel like I missed something? Let me know in the comments below, or shoot me a email/dm on socials.
Did you find these Things to Do in New York City in the Winter Helpful? I’d appreciate it if you could share it below!
