New York City is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis with unrivalled adventures and activities to suit any visitor. No matter what time of year you visit NYC, you’re sure to be dazzled.
Wintertime is no exception – in fact there are many events that only happen in New York City during winter, making it a truly unique time of year to experience the city.
Is visiting NYC in winter worth it?
If you enjoy culture, heritage, the arts, and places that are at the forefront of design, fashion and innovation – then you’re bound to enjoy the Big Apple.
A trip to New York City in winter is worth it if you’re looking for a magical and festive way to spend the holidays. The city is transformed into a veritable winter wonderland that’s buzzing with Christmas cheer and holiday glitter.
Why visit New York in winter
There are so many reasons to visit New York in winter – a selection of our favorite events and activities are mentioned below. These include open air ice-skating, festivals, Christmas markets, breathtaking displays, shopping, performances, restaurants and museums.
Things to do in New York City in December
1. Visit the Winter Village at Bryant Park
This winter wonderland in the heart of Manhattan is New York City’s only free-to-enter ice skating rink. You can enjoy skating to retro music on Wednesdays, sip on a festive cocktail and indulge in delicious food at the Lodge Deck, try your hand at iceless curling at the trendy Curling Café – or spend time with friends inside your very own cozy igloo.
Bryant Park hosts hundreds of free activities, events and classes every year including chess, game nights and art workshops.
2. Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden & NYBG Glow
A popular holiday activity – particularly for families and children – is the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Gardens (NYBG). Featuring miniature recreations of iconic NYC landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge – all made from natural materials like bark and moss, the Holiday Train Show has model trains that zip along circuits as they take you on a visual journey around the city.
After dark, the Botanical Gardens are transformed by thousands of dazzling, colorful Christmas lights into a nighttime glowing spectacular. Known as the NYBG Glow, this annual event also features activities like ice-sculpting and live performances.
3. Christmas markets
Christmas shopping can be stressful, but you can make it a festive experience by visiting one of the various New York City Christmas markets. These are an opportunity to buy local, handcrafted and unique gifts while also sampling some great food and drinks.
Some of the top Christmas markets in the city include:
- Bronx Holiday Market
- Artists & Fleas in Soho
- the open-air Chelsea Flea
- Union Square Holiday Market
- Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market
- and the Holiday Market at The Oculus.
4. Window shopping on Fifth Avenue
The holiday season window displays on NYC’s iconic Fifth Avenue are a sight not to be missed. The stores on this street (from Bloomingdale’s down to Macy’s) have some of the most well-planned and elaborate holiday displays you will ever see. The animated windows take window dressing to a whole new level.
We recommend going at night when all the festive lights add a magical flair to the displays.
5. Hanukkah celebrations and menorah lightings – the world’s largest menorah
Every year to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, public menorah lightings take place around the world. The world’s largest menorah is near Central Park. Standing 36 feet high outside the Plaza Hotel, this menorah lighting has been celebrated here annually for over 40 years.
Brooklyn’s largest menorah is only slightly smaller, 32 feet high. Standing at Grand Army Plaza, it has been a tradition for nearly 40 years. Every night during Hanukkah, children receive special gifts while thousands celebrate with live music and hot latkes for all.
6. See the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center
The Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan is one of the most quintessential NYC holiday attractions. For over 80 years, people to see the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.
The tree lighting ceremony occurs the Wednesday after Thanksgiving and is televised nationally. This event marks the official beginning of New York’s Christmas season, and the tree stays up until January 6 of the new year.
If you want to witness the ceremony, be prepared for crowds, standing, and cold weather. You’ll need to get there before 3 pm for the 7 pm event.
ⓘ TIP: Alternatively, you can attend an exclusive tree lighting party and watch the event from a comfortable location. Tickets are hard to come by and expensive, but it’s definitely a good way to impress someone special!
Another popular holiday tradition is skating on the Rockefeller Center’s ice rink. There are many shops and nearby restaurants to enjoy while you gaze up at the tree, a magnificent symbol of the season.
7. See the holiday lights at Dyker Heights in Brooklyn
Dazzling with spectacular decorations and festive lights, the houses at Dyker Heights in Brooklyn are definitely an attraction to remember.
Many families have an annual tradition of doing a Christmas lights walking tour of the neighborhood, which is located between 11th and 13th Avenues and from 83rd to 86th Street.
All those Santas, reindeer, snowmen, and festive décor are sure to make you feel like you’ve been transported into a Hallmark Christmas card.
8. Celebrate Unsilent Night in Washington Square Park
If you’re looking for an event that is a little more arty and quirky, then you may be keen to participate in New York City’s Unsilent Night, which is the brainchild of composer Phil Kline.
Participants usually meet at Washington Square arch, armed with a boombox or smartphone, and they all play four chosen tracks of music simultaneously while walking through the streets of the city. Unsilent Night usually lasts about 45 minutes and ends at Tompkins Square Park.
9. Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Watch the iconic Rockettes live at the Radio City Music Hall during their annual Christmas Spectacular. These magical productions are world-famous and a great way to experience the festive season in New York.
The extravagant Christmas-themed show always features Santa Claus, the Toy Soldiers, Nativity scene, famous NY department store windows, Rockefeller Christmas Tree and more.
10. Concert for the Winter Solstice at St. John the Divine
The annual Paul Winter celebration of the winter solstice at the St. John the Divine Cathedral offers a truly remarkable experience in one of the world’s largest cathedrals.
Led by the award-winning jazz saxophonist, this spectacular event celebrates the shortest day of the year with dance, music and guest performances.
11. New Year’s Eve Ball Drop at Times Square
A quintessential New York tradition is to watch the ball drop in Times Square when the clock hits midnight on New Year’s Eve. Thousands of people gather in the square to watch the event and celebrate the new year, while many others watch it on television.
Before the ball drops, there are performances to watch which will keep you entertained as you wait.
One of the best places to watch the ball being dropped is between 42nd and 48th Streets, where Broadway and 7th Avenue intersect. It’s best to arrive quite early to get a good spot to view the ball and entertainment – which means getting there at around 3pm. Use the bathroom before claiming your spot, as you won’t be able to leave once you do.
ⓘ TIP: If you’d rather avoid the hassle and stay warm, you can attend an exclusive New Year’s Eve party that includes an all-night gourmet buffet and drinks from a premium open bar. The event is held at two prime location options that have unrivalled views of the ball and Times Square.
Things to do in New York City in January
12. Nibble on roasted chestnuts
A winter visit to New York City wouldn’t be complete without a bag of roasted chestnuts. They can be bought on most sidewalks from street vendors.
13. NY Boat Show
Whether you’re a boating enthusiast, an experienced boat owner, or you’re keen to see some of the world’s most incredible super-yachts – the New York Boat Show has something to offer everyone.
14. Go ice skating
A favorite winter pastime is ice skating and New York has many ice skating rinks to choose from.
In addition to the rinks at the Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park, the Wollman Rink and Lasker Rink in Central Park are some of the most popular options. Conservatory Water offers free skating when the conditions allow. There’s also a rooftop rink on the skyline at The William Vale.
Things to do in New York City in February
15. Celebrate Valentine’s Day in NYC with chocolates, champagne, dinner cruises and more
If you’re looking for ideas of how best to celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th, then New York City won’t disappoint. There are so many ways to spend a romantic day or night with your loved one – including a sunset cruise on the Hudson River that comes complete with chocolates and champagne.
16. Take a carriage ride in Central Park
An exciting way to see Central Park during winter is in a horse-drawn carriage. Cover up with a blanket and take a carriage ride in Central Park. It’s a comfortable way to sightsee while also getting to know more about the history of the city.
17. Chinese New Year in Chinatown
Manhattan’s Chinatown is the heart of the annual Lunar New Year celebrations, also known as Chinese New Year. These celebrations include a Lunar New Year Parade and Festival as well as a Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival each year.
People travel from far and wide to attend the parade. It’s a great way to learn about and celebrate Chinese culture and to enjoy the holidays with family and the entire community. The parade is quite an extravaganza – complete with floating dragons, marching bands, elaborately-costumed dancers and acrobatic performers.
18. NYC Restaurant Week
Hundreds of restaurants across the five boroughs of NYC take part in New York Restaurant Week in winter, which gives you an eclectic array of cuisines to choose from.
Whether you’re having lunch or dinner, it’s important to reserve a table beforehand. You don’t want any disappointment during this busy time.
19. Glitz and glam at New York Fashion Week
Held annually in February and September, New York’s Fashion Week is one of the trendiest events of the year. Although many of the shows are just for people in the industry, there are some public shows that you can buy tickets to attend.
If you’re feeling inspired to buy some of the latest fashions, NYC has some of the best designer shops in the world and many of them organize their own events to celebrate New York Fashion Week.
Other things to do in New York in winter
20. Visit NYC museums
Home to some of the world’s best curated and most extensive collections, New York City has so much choice when it comes to museums. The most popular ones include:
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
- Frick Collection
- American Museum of Natural History
- Jewish Museum.
ⓘ TIP: Admissions can add up, but some entry fees are covered by Sightseeing Day Pass mentioned above.
21. Be dazzled by Broadway shows
New York City is brimming with cultural activities and one of the highlights is going to see a show on Broadway. There are usually hundreds of musicals and theatre productions on show each year with over 40 theatre venues.
Some of the most popular Broadway shows are The Lion King, Hamilton, Hadestown, Chicago, and Wicked. And if you want to kick it up a notch, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn what goes into producing a Broadway hit.
22. See the New York City Ballet
If you enjoy watching dance performances, the New York City Ballet has some of the best classical and contemporary ballet shows and dancers in the world.
Tickets sell out fast so be sure to book early.
23. Go shopping for bargains at Brooklyn’s largest flea market
if you love searching for treasures, then you’re sure to enjoy the Brooklyn Flea – a range of outdoor markets in Williamsburg.
Bargains abound here in Brooklyn’s hippest neighborhood, which is known for trendy shops and artisanal markets. So whether you’re looking for antiques, furniture, vintage clothes, jewellery, art, or vinyls – you’re certain to find something charming and special.
24. Take a food tour of NYC
New York City is a foodie’s dream. It has a vibrant and eclectic mix of cultures and cuisines, where visitors can indulge in some of the best street food and world-class restaurants across the five boroughs.
This is a great place for a food tour. Your guide might introduce you to New York bagels, egg creams, or Katz’s Delicatessen, where the sandwiches are big enough to share. Their pastrami is so legendary that it’s shipped nationwide.
Some of the top NYC food tours include:
- a private New York City food tour of East Village and Greenwich Village,
- the Chelsea Market and High Line food tour,
- Williamsburg tasting and walking tour in Brooklyn,
- and a New York Secret Food Tour of historic Greenwich Village (with a private tour option).
25. Sip high tea at the Russian Tea Room
Feast on delectable assortments of teas and treats (including caviar on blinis) at the Russian Tea Room in New York City, and enjoy the opulent and luxurious decor.
This NYC cultural institution is world renowned and has a magical private event venue, some of the finest selections of vodka and they also cater for vegetarians and those who are gluten-free.
How to dress for winter in New York
If you are used to living somewhere with cold, snowy winters then you will likely be quite prepared for a winter in New York. But if you’re used to a warmer annual climate then you may need to buy a few important items of clothing to keep you warm.
Dressing for cold weather is easy. The most important thing is to wear multiple layers instead of one single, heavy piece of clothing. That way, it will be easy to strip off various layers when you go indoors or the temperature changes.
While a warm winter jacket is an absolute necessity, a thin down jacket or woollen sweater is also a great idea for layering. Gloves, a scarf, a hat and warm socks are also imperative – as is an umbrella.
You’ll also need some warm, waterproof and comfortable boots – whether it’s snow boots or waterproof leather boots. Thermals will also go a long way to keeping you warm – especially if you plan to do lots of walking around the city.
ⓘ TIP: Visit our Amazon shop to find a collection of cold weather travel essentials for men and women. Everything is based on what we’ve personally used.
Winter weather in New York City
Winters in New York can be bitterly cold when it’s snowing (often dripping below zero degrees) and very wet when it’s rainy. Winter can also be quite cloudy and windy, so be prepared.
Average daily temperatures in NYC during winter are just above freezing – ranging from around 37.4 °F in December to around 34.7 °F in February. However, temperatures can also drop dramatically at times to as low as 5 °F. The windchill can also be quite severe and snowstorms do happen. Average rainfall in winter is around 3.9 inches in December dropping to about 3.1 inches in February.
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