If you’ve never visited New York City in the winter, you’re missing out. The festivities and activities during this time of year are totally unique and suitable for all ages. In addition to NYC’s top attractions, you can enjoy limited-time events and pop-up experiences to help you through the winter blues.
While NYC’s winter weather can be harsh, if you bundle up and prepare for the wind, snow, and temps, you’ll be fine. Plus, there are plenty of ways to stay warm, including visits to world-class museums, Broadway shows, and delicious dining options.
Moreover, the reward for braving the weather is that you’ll deal with fewer crowds and cheaper prices. We’ve traveled to the Big Apple many times, and I can say that the city has a completely different ambiance during the colder months. In this guide, I’ll share the best winter activities in New York City so you can have the most amazing visit during the most wonderful time of the year.
1. Central Park, a beautiful place to see in NYC in the winter
First, Central Park is a must-see in all seasons, although it transforms into a winter wonderland starting in November. This is one of the best places to visit in New York in the winter, especially if you want to celebrate the holidays.
1. Central Park, a beautiful place to see in NYC in the winter
The park comes alive with Christmas spirit thanks to its annual tree lighting ceremony. There is also the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, which includes over 100 vendors. I recommend browsing the stalls for unique gifts and artisanal products or just strolling through with a hot chocolate.
In addition, Central Park is a haven for sledding and ice skating. You can rent a pair of skates at Wollman Rink and glide along the ice (skating aids are available for the kids). You can also skate at Lasker Rink by Harlem Meer.
2. Go to a museum, an indoor activity to do in New York City in the winter
If you prefer an indoor winter activity in NYC, I highly recommend visiting one of New York City’s best museums. For example, The Met has over two million objects from around the world, making it easy to spend hours here. If it’s your first time visiting or you’re short on time, I suggest checking out the extensive Egyptian and Roman collections.
2. Go to a museum, an indoor activity to do in New York City in the winter
Another art museum you’ll like is the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Recognized as one of the top museums in Manhattan, MoMA chronicles the most pivotal modern and contemporary art movements like Abstract Expressionism, Impressionism, and Cubism. It also has an impressive array of design and architectural exhibits. If you love modern art, the Guggenheim Museum is another place to consider. In addition to its galleries, it has one of the most unique buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
If you’re traveling with kids, the American Museum of Natural History is always a big hit. Along with its huge dinosaur fossils, it has meteorites, animal skeletons, and a planetarium. I also think the 9/11 Museum is an important place to visit. This poignant museum honors the victims of the 9/11 tragedy and the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. It also has a beautiful outdoor exhibit, and it’s close to One World Observatory.
A museum day is one of the best winter activities in NYC, and if you plan on visiting one or more of these institutes, you can save money on tickets with the New York Pass.
3. See a Broadway show, a fun thing to do in the winter in NYC
Another fun thing to do in NYC in the winter is to see a Broadway show. You’ll stay warm and cozy while enjoying some of the top performers in the country.
3. See a Broadway show, a fun thing to do in the winter in NYC
Besides, there are so many options to choose from, including Broadway shows for adults, families, and theater aficionados. We’ve seen Wicked, The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, and Chicago, and each performance was spectacular. I would recommend any of these shows, although if you’re visiting during the holiday season, you can take advantage of special events.
Some of the most popular winter shows in NYC include ELF The Musical and Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet. No matter which show you choose, the lights, costumes, choreography, and music will be incredible. Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted Broadway tickets at the TKTS booth in Times Square. While you’ll get a steep discount, you won’t be able to choose which show you’ll see.
4. New York Botanical Garden, a cool place to go in NYC in the winter
New York Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to visit year-round, even during the colder months. In the winter, you can see Japanese camellia, hardy maple trees, bush clover, and other cold-weather species.
4. New York Botanical Garden, a cool place to go in NYC in the winter
You can also experience one of the city’s most exciting traditions: the NYBG Garden Glow. This New York City winter attraction includes a 1.5-mile trail of holiday lights and whimsical displays. As you make your way through the garden path, you can enjoy pop-up performances, Christmas carols, hot beverages, and more.
Inside, the Holiday Train Show features several gorgeous model trains and impressive sets with nearly 200 replicas of famous New York landmarks. It’s a fun activity for all ages and the perfect thing to do in NYC with kids during the winter season.
5. Go ice skating, the best winter activity to do in NYC with kids
Back outside, an ice skating session is a fun thing to do as a family, with friends, or with your partner. Again, Central Park has two places to ice skate, Wollman Rink and Lasker Rink. Skate rentals cost just $10, so this is a cheap thing to do in NYC in the winter.
5. Go ice skating, the best winter activity to do in NYC with kids
You can also go skating at Rockefeller Center’s famous ice rink. Located in front of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the rink is open for skating all day and into the evening hours. It’s an entertaining outdoor winter activity in NYC, and the rink is close to several luxury stores where you can do your Christmas shopping.
6. Radio City Music Hall, one of the best places to visit in NYC in the wintertime
Radio City Music Hall is right next to the Rockefeller Center, so after some ice skating or shopping, you can see a world-class performance by the Rockettes. The Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes is a New York City tradition and one of the best shows out there.
The spectacle includes around 150 performers and the Rockettes’ signature dances and flashy costumes. In addition to a nativity scene and the parade of the wooden soldiers, the show features classic songs like “Jingle Bells”, “Blue Christmas”, and “Let It Snow”. Tickets are in high demand, so if you want to see this winter show in NYC, get yours in advance here.
6. Radio City Music Hall, one of the best places to visit in NYC in the wintertime
If you can’t get tickets to see the Rockettes, there are other wonderful options. You can’t go wrong with the NYC Ballet and their rousing rendition of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, one of the most well-known Christmas stories.
Also, attending the Winter Jazzfest is one of the coolest things to do in NYC in January. The festival welcomes musicians from around the globe and includes shows at several venues throughout downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn. So, if you’re looking for something to do in NYC at night, check out this winter attraction.
7. Go shopping, something to do in NYC during the winter season
It’s no secret that the Big Apple is a haven for shopaholics, so if you want to go window shopping or search for Christmas presents, you can do it here. Of course, the luxury retailers along Fifth Avenue are a huge hit for people in search of designer brands like Armani and Gucci. If you want to make your wintertime visit to NYC extra special for the kids, check out the American Girl Place.
7. Go shopping, something to do in NYC during the winter season
For those in search of deals, head to one of the open flea markets in NYC like the Brooklyn Flea. Here, you can find vintage items, clothing, jewelry, antiques, and much more. Chelsea Market in Manhattan is another shopping hotspot and a great place to grab artisanal products and baked goods. The outlets in New York and the surrounding area also have lots of bargains.
You’ll also find holiday-specific gifts like ornaments and decorations at Christmas Cottage, the oldest Christmas shop in the city. And if you’re always looking for fashion inspiration, New York Fashion Week is your chance to see the latest designs and trends. It’s one of the top things to do in New York City in February, so if you’re visiting during this time, keep it in mind.
8. See a holiday lighting in NYC, another way to spend winter in New York City with family
During the most wonderful time of the year, New York City is aglow with holiday lights. Many of the stores along Fifth Avenue have a tradition of setting up elaborate displays and lights for Christmas in NYC.
8. See a holiday lighting in NYC, another way to spend winter in New York City with family
Macy’s at Herald Square is one of the best spots to check out thanks to its impressive indoor attraction, although it’s also worth seeing Bloomingdale’s on Third Avenue. You can also see Christmas lights at Barney’s New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Tiffany & Co. There is a different theme every year, and you can explore all the whimsical displays on this holiday lights walking tour.
The city’s Christmas tree lightings are another fun winter activity in NYC. Several tree lighting ceremonies take place throughout the Big Apple, although the Rockefeller Center is known for having one of the grandest. Its Norway Spruce measures 80-100 feet tall and is adorned with over 50,000 lights, so it’s a magnificent sight to see.
9. Dyker Heights Holiday Lights, an awesome winter attraction in Brooklyn, NYC
Speaking of holiday lights, you can see the marvelous array of festive cheer in Dyker Heights, one of the most popular neighborhoods in Brooklyn. The residents here have a tradition of decorating their homes and gardens for the Christmas season, so the streets are aglow along Dyker Heights Boulevard from 83rd to 86th Streets.
9. Dyker Heights Holiday Lights, an awesome winter attraction in Brooklyn, NYC
Neighbors go all out with inflatables, illuminated gingerbread houses, exquisite nutcrackers, light-up candy canes, and much more. Some of the displays are even synced to Christmas music and carols, creating a cheerful winter wonderland. It’s one of the best things to do in Brooklyn in the winter, and you can even take a bus tour to make sure you don’t miss anything.
10. Enjoy New York Restaurant Week, something to do in NYC in the winter as a couple
Twice a year, New York Restaurant Week brings mouthwatering lunches and dinners to patrons for a fraction of the price. Delighting in a warm meal is one of the most comforting things to do in New York when it’s cold, and there are plenty of options to suit any appetite.
Winter Restaurant Week actually lasts for four weeks from mid-January to February. Two-course lunches and Sunday brunch cost about $25-$35 per person, while prix fixe dinners are around $45 (two-course) and $60 (three-course).
10. Enjoy New York Restaurant Week, something to do in NYC in the winter as a couple
The participating restaurants vary by year but include dozens of establishments offering everything from Asian fusion and Italian cuisine to Mexican specialties and New American dishes. You can grab a table at the STATE Grill and Bar in the Empire State Building, Stella 34 Trattoria at Macy’s, or on the City Cruise by Hornblower, one of the top boat tours in NYC.
Even if you miss Restaurant Week, I still recommend reserving a table at one of New York City’s best restaurants.
11. Check out the Christmas markets, the best thing to do in NYC in December
The luxury shops in Manhattan are open year-round, but the Christmas markets are a winter attraction in New York City that you can only see during the holiday season. These quaint markets are full of charming vendor stalls selling all kinds of knick-knacks and one-of-a-kind gifts, so they’re the perfect place to go if you’re still crossing off your shopping list.
11. Check out the Christmas markets, the best thing to do in NYC in December
I already mentioned the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, and the New York Botanical Garden also has vendors on-site. It’s also worth visiting Bryant Park’s Winter Village, an open-air market where you can shop, ice skate, and hang out as a family.
The Union Square Holiday Market is another impressive attraction with over 100 vendors, while the Grand Central Holiday Market in Vanderbilt Hall is inside, so it’s warm and cozy. If you can’t make up your mind, I suggest taking this walking tour, which goes through several markets.
12. Celebrate the New Year’s Eve, one of the most famous winter events in New York City
Without a doubt, celebrating New Year’s Eve at Times Square is one of the best things to do in New York City during the winter. The Times Square Ball Drop is a tradition that began in 1907 when the ball was made of wood and just a few lightbulbs. Today, it’s a gorgeous sphere of Waterford crystals with over 32,000 LED lights, and it’s programmed to have different light and color patterns.
12. Celebrate the New Year’s Eve, one of the most famous winter events in New York City
Over a million people come to Times Square to ring in the New Year, so if you go, expect lots of crowds and be sure you bundle up. The celebration includes concerts, celebrity appearances, and the countdown to midnight as the ball descends its perch atop One Times Square. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind experience and a popular addition to many NYC winter bucket lists.
13. Heated igloos at 230 Fifth rooftop, a nice place to go in the winter with friends in NYC
Looking for a romantic thing to do in New York City in the winter? Put a new spin on a night out by visiting 230 Fifth, one of the best rooftops in NYC. This rooftop bar is open year-round, but from November to April, you can enjoy its outdoor heated igloos.
13. Heated igloos at 230 Fifth rooftop, a nice place to go in the winter with friends in NYC
The igloos are transparent and have blankets and Snuggies for you to keep yourself warm and toasty. Thanks to the bar’s location on the 20th and 21st floor, you’ll have incredible panoramic views of Manhattan, making this an awesome place to visit during the New York winter.
Moreover, 230 Fifth has an enclosed lounge and an open-air bar, so you can comfortably enjoy a night out with friends or your partner. In addition to alcohol, the bar serves hot beverages and occasionally hosts movie nights. Hands down, this is one of the coolest things to do in NYC at night and our favorite rooftop, so don’t miss it!
14. NYC Winter Lantern Festival, another fun family thing to do in NYC in the winter
The NYC Winter Lantern Festival is a family-friendly event that you can enjoy all season long. It runs from mid-October to early January and takes place across three venues: Snug Harbor Cultural Center in Staten Island; the Queens County Farm Museum; and the Nassau County Museum of Art on Long Island. The latter is a drive-through attraction and one of the best things to do in Long Island.
14. NYC Winter Lantern Festival, another fun family thing to do in NYC in the winter
The Staten Island and Queens festivals feature walk-through displays with illuminated tunnels, arches, and pathways. There are thousands of lanterns included in the attraction, an homage to the lantern-making tradition of the Han Dynasty in China. Keep your eyes peeled for all the different shapes and creations, such as flowers and animals. Performances also take place during this New York City winter festival, such as street artists and Tibetan folk dancers, so it’s a wonderful activity for the whole family.
15. Winter Spa at The William Vale, a romantic wintertime thing to do in New York City
Finally, when you need some alone time with your special someone, head to the Winter Spa at The William Vale. A spa session is one of the most relaxing things to do as a couple in NYC, and as one of the best hotels in Brooklyn, The William Vale pulls out all the stops.
15. Winter Spa at The William Vale, a romantic wintertime thing to do in New York City
The luxurious setup is inspired by the alfresco spas of Scandinavia and includes red cedar saunas and outdoor hot tubs. The saunas are enclosed and have large dome windows so you can enjoy the view while staying warm and cozy.
During your visit, you can relax your muscles and find your bliss while lounging in a plush bathrobe and admiring the wintry views outside. And if you want to extend your winter vacation in New York City, book a room and stay overnight at this lovely hotel.
That’s it for the best things to do in NYC in the winter. I hope this article helps you plan your winter trip to NYC or at least convinces you that the Big Apple is well worth visiting during the colder months. Once you’re ready to make your itinerary, use this map to easily locate the top attractions I mentioned:
I’d also love to hear from you! Let me know your thoughts about visiting NYC in the winter, and don’t hesitate to leave me your questions below. Safe travels and have a blast exploring New York!
