New York City is a magical place to visit during the Holiday Season. There are so many fun and exciting things to do in New York City in winter. From Holiday decorations to unique wintertime activities, you can find something for all ages to do. Check out this 3 day New York itinerary for other fun things to do and this packing list for NYC in the winter.
Want a guided tour to start out your trip and get acclimated to the city? Then check out Guru Walks for a free guided tour. You can book online to reserve your spot and pay what you wish when you get there. Check out the tours in New York here.
US Ghost Adventures is an awesome company that offers a variety of guided tours and haunted experiences across different cities in the United States. Visitors can learn the compelling history and stories of the paranormal and the city’s darker side. Make sure to check out the variety of tours offered in New York here. They are very affordable too!
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Where to Stay in New York City
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best New York hotels here!
My favorite area to stay in NYC is Midtown due to its central location to everything. You can typically find a good deal to stay in this area. I recommend anywhere between 34th Street and 60th Street.
Some of my favorite hotels include:
- Hampton Inn Manhattan/Times Square Central*
- Hampton Inn Manhattan/Times Square South*
- Hilton Times Square*
- New York Marriott Marquis
- Hilton Garden Inn New York/West 35th Street*
- Hotel Edison
- Voco Times Square South*
- Club Quarters Hotel Times Square, New York
- AC Hotel by Marriott New York Downtown
- DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown
GoCity Pass
GoCity offers a ton of different sightseeing passes for cities around the world. These passes allow you to visit the best of each city for one low price, rather than paying individually for each attraction. I have used it in several cities around the world and would recommend getting a GoCity pass! Check out the options for the New York GoCity pass here.
Things to Do in New York City in Winter: Manhattan
Ice Skating
Ice Skating is one of the most popular things to do in New York City in winter. There are a variety of ice skating rinks around the city, but Wollman Rink, Rockefeller Center, and Bryant Park are three of the most popular options.
Depending on the rink, skating is free if you have your own skates or up to $50 if you want a full VIP experience with rentals. Most of the rinks open early in the morning and close late in the evening. The skating sessions last for an hour or two, but you can book back-to-back sessions.
The easiest way to get to the rinks is by subway or walking. Both Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park have dedicated subway stops. For Wollman Rink, you will need to get off at a stop near Central Park and walk the rest of the way.
Ice skating is a fun wintertime activity in NYC because the rinks are gorgeous and surrounded by Holiday decorations. It is also a fun experience if it starts to snow as the rinks are all outdoors. It will definitely get you into the Holiday spirit!
For many of the rinks, make sure to book a reservation ahead of time, as the spots get to be quite popular, especially if you plan on visiting during a weekend.
The Tree at Rockefeller Center
One of the most popular things to do in New York City in winter is visiting Rockefeller Center and viewing the infamous Christmas tree. This iconic tree is known around the world and is one of the most spectacular in the city. It is put up in mid-November and kept up until the New Year. The tree lighting takes place every year after Thanksgiving.
It is free to view the tree, but during more popular times you may have to make a reservation to view it. You can go see it at any time, but it is most beautiful when it is lit up. The tree is usually lit from 5am-12am and on special days it will be lit for 24 hours. If you want pictures without other people in it, get there very early in the morning.
Visitors will spend under an hour here, but you can chill with a hot beverage for longer. It is such a popular activity and you cannot visit NYC in winter without stopping here.
To get to Rockefeller Center, you can hop on many of the subway lines and get off at the dedicated station. Peak hours are in the afternoon and evening, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.
Fraunces Tavern
Fraunces Tavern is another one of the fun things to do in New York City in winter. This is the location of where George Washington said farewell to his troops. The upper floors house a museum, but the bottom floor is a restaurant and bar.
During the winter season, the bar is decorated with holiday decorations, and they have some seasonal beverages. Not only is it a great place to escape the cold, the seasonal food and beverages are delicious, and you will not be sorry spending some time here.
Drinks start around $15, and light entrees cost around $20. They are open for lunch and dinner, and brunch on the weekends. It is open from 11/11:30am to 9pm every day. Meals tend to take at least an hour longer if you want more drinks. The upstairs museum also takes an hour to go through.
To get here, take the subway downtown and get off at South Ferry or Fulton Street. You will have to walk about 5-10 minutes from the station. It can get quite cold downtown during the wintertime, so make sure to bundle up!
Grand Central Station
By Kelly of Travel New York
Looking for fun things to do in New York City in winter? Then head to Grand Central Terminal and get warm and toasty as you gaze up at a stunning, constellation-studded ceiling. Also, keep an eye out for fun winter decor since the train station gets spruced up seasonally.
To get there, just take the 4, 5, 6, or 7 train to Grand Central. But you can also take the S train here from Times Square too.
Upon arrival, you can learn more about the history of the Beaux-Arts-style building by heading to the tourist office and purchasing an audio guide. The tour lasts about an hour and costs around $9.00 per person.
Then, when you get hungry, be sure to head downstairs to the food court in the basement. You’ll want to head to Magnolia Bakery for their legendary banana bread pudding and grab a donut from Doughnut Plant if you have room.
But, the real highlight of a stop at Grand Central Terminal in the winter is a trip to the holiday fair. It runs from the end of November through the end of December and can be found in Vanderbilt Hall. It also generally starts at 10:00 am and ends at 7:00 pm daily.
In total, it features over 40 unique vendors that sell one-of-a-kind items that make for great NYC souvenirs.
See the Tree at the Met
By Sharon of Exploring Our World
A visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the best things to do in New York City in winter as it offers something extra and artistic to enrich your winter holidays. The annual Christmas tree sits in the hall near the entrance and dazzles visitors with its exquisite décor. Enter the museum and head to the Medieval Hall and you will find this New York City beauty.
Each year, a live tree is brought in late in November. While angels hang on the tall tree, the base of the tree is surrounded by more than 200 handmade Baroque statues. These form a fascinating and beautiful crèche.
The nativity scene features baby Jesus with Mary and Joseph, but an entire busy village makes up this display. Wind around the tree and take in all of the figures. Look for sheep, horses, dogs, and little cherubs as well as people in detailed, colorful apparel.
This yearly holiday tradition came about thanks to a longtime benefactor of the museum. Loretta Hines Howard began collecting crèche figures in 1925. In 1964, she gave her entire collection of 233 figures to the museum. Each year, the museum gives the collection its prime place of display under a live tree.
The Metropolitan Museum of art is at 1000 Fifth Avenue at 83rd and can be reached by subway, bus, or on foot. The museum is on the east side of Central Park. It is 10 to 5 weekdays and 10 to 9 weekends. The museum is closed on Wednesdays. Admission is free for New York residents. Other adults are $30, with price breaks for seniors and children.
Winter Bars
By Amanda of Hey! East Coast USA
NYC has several Christmas bars serving cocktails under sparkly lights and exaggerated decor! There are many dotted around the Manhattan and Brooklyn boroughs, but some of the most popular ones worth checking out are Miracle on 9th Street, Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, and Rolf’s.
Miracle on 9th Street is located in the East Village, and you’ll spot it from afar as it is drenched in red, and there is usually a line outside. The bar has inside and outdoor, covered seats and standing at the bar; the latter doesn’t require bookings. However, you should head along for opening time to get a space. At the bar, choose from a short menu of cocktails served in Santa mugs.
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, near Union Square, is similar to Miracle on 9th, where indoor tables are reserved, but walk-ins can sit at the bar. This bar has decorations hanging from every nook and cranny of the premises!
Rolf’s in Gramercy Park is a super popular option. It is usually fully booked from morning until night, so make reservations early to experience the German restaurant’s elaborate holiday decorations.
As expected, lines can be long if visiting without reservation, and prices range from $10-25 per drink depending on your choice of tipple, but it truly is a unique NYC activity and one of the many awesome things to do in New York City in winter!
Winter Jazz Festival
By Szabolcs of Szallas Gyergyoban
The Winter Jazz Festival, an iconic event, renowned worldwide, brings together music enthusiasts and jazz aficionados in a celebration of soulful rhythms and improvisational melodies. The atmosphere was electric as visitors navigate through the various stages, each offering a unique musical journey.
You will find yourself hopping from one venue to another, each time discovering a new flavor of jazz – from the classic tunes reminiscent of old jazz clubs to the experimental sounds that pushed the boundaries of the genre.
Taking place annually during the frosty months usually in January, the Winter Jazz Fest offers a unique and immersive experience that captures the essence of New York’s vibrant cultural scene. The festival typically spans over several days, with performances scattered across various intimate venues throughout the city.
A two-day marathon pass ranges from $105 to $195, or you can opt for individual day tickets at $65 each. Alternatively, individual show tickets are available for $5 to $40, ensuring a variety of options to suit your preferences.
The festival’s operation hours vary, with afternoon and evening performances. You can enjoy a diverse lineup of renowned artists, emerging talents, and experimental acts, making each session a memorable experience.
Depending on your schedule and preferences, you can spend a few hours at a single venue or explore multiple performances over the course of a day. In the spotlight this year were: Michael Leonhart, Maurice “Mobetta” Brown, and JSwiss, Ben Wendel and Surya Botofasin.
To get to the Winter Jazz Fest venues, public transportation is highly recommended due to limited parking options and potential traffic. New York’s extensive subway and bus system, along with rideshare services, offer convenient ways to navigate the city. Events take place at 17 venues throughout NYC.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this enriching musical experience that highlights the soul of NYC and makes for one of the best things to do in New York City in winter.
Sax Fifth Avenue Light Show
By Melissa of My Beautiful Passport
When looking for fun things to do in New York City in winter, don’t miss the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show. Every year from late November to early January, there is a massive synchronized light display on the side of the Saks Fifth Avenue store on 5th Avenue in Manhattan.
This free show starts daily at 5 pm and lasts for 3 minutes. Christmas lights flash in sync with the music, with the music selection changing each year. If you miss the 5 pm show, don’t worry because it repeats every 10 minutes until 11 pm.
Plan to see the light show at least once, but twice is best so you see it again from a different perspective. The best spot to watch the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show is within the Rockefeller Plaza. It will get you into the holiday spirit and is an excellent free winter activity, perfect for any winter NYC itinerary.
Getting to Saks Fifth Avenue is about a 10-minute walk from Times Square, Bryant Park, the Museum of Modern Art, or Grand Central Station. This makes it easy to fit in after a day of exploring New York City. You can take the subway, but it’d take the same amount of time, so it’s best to walk or take an iconic yellow taxi.
Holiday Window Displays
By James of Travel Collecting
From Thanksgiving to Christmas, the department stores in New York go all out with decorating their windows for the holidays. The New York holiday windows are truly spectacular and seeing them is fun for the whole family and one of the best things to do in New York City in winter.
I recommend doing a leisurely walking tour to see all the major windows. Doing this, with a stop off for some hot chocolate in Bryant Park, catching the light show on the façade of Saks Fifth Avenue and seeing the Rockefeller Center tree, and perhaps a spot of shopping can easily take four hours or more.
I recommend starting at Macy’s. The windows there are always Christmas-themed and centered around a simple story that changes every year. They usually have some interactive elements.
From there, walk to Bryant Park, where you can get a hot chocolate and visit the holiday markets – and even go ice skating. Don’t miss the lions with Christmas wreaths around their necks outside the nearby New York Public Library.
Then walk up Fifth Avenue to Saks Fifth Avenue. In addition to their decorated windows, they have a great light show on their façade. Opposite is the enormous tree at Rockefeller Center, which you won’t to miss.
Further up Fifth Avenue is Bergdorf Goodmans, where the windows are not Christmas-themed, but are so over the top they have to be seen to be believed.
It’s totally free the see the windows. Of course, you can see them anytime of the day, but this tour is best done at night (start as soon as it gets dark to allow enough time) as this is when the lights look their best.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
By Soline of On The Road Diary
Ever been to the Radio City Music Hall in New York? This is an iconic 100-year-old venue in Midtown Manhattan. Winter is the perfect time to visit this incredible theater as it hosts a special annual show that you can only see in winter!
Every year since 1933, almost since its creation, it has been playing a special Christmas Show called the “Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes”. This unique musical tells the story of Santa through incredible stories told by over 140 performers in stunning costumes and thrilling choreography.
This musical can appeal to people of all ages, provided they can watch it for 90 minutes without a break. It is usually performed from mid-November to January 1 at the Radio City Music Hall several times daily.
Depending on the seats, days, and hours, single tickets go from $66 USD to around $300 USD. It could be an amazing Christmas gift for your loved ones. The Radio City Music Hall is easily reachable as it is in central Manhattan. The closest train stations are 49 St, 7 Avenue, or 47-50 St.-Rockefeller Ctr. This is one of the best areas to stay in New York when visiting for the first time.
Things to Do in New York City in Winter: Brooklyn
Dyker Heights
By Sam of Find Love and Travel
When planning a trip to New York City in winter, you have to add the spectacular Dyker Heights Christmas lights to your itinerary. In fact, it is one of the best places to experience Christmas lights in NYC!
Dyker Heights is a residential area in Brooklyn where the homeowners go all out with Christmas decorations and lights. You should expect to find life-size Santas, snowmen, sleighs, reindeer, and even carols playing through loudspeakers. It seriously is like a Christmas movie coming to life.
This festive activity is so much fun and will encourage even the biggest Grinch to be excited about the Christmas season. You can even snap adorable Christmas photos while here. Just make sure to be respectful of the neighborhood and people’s homes.
It is free to experience the Christmas Lights around Dyker Heights. However, tourists generally opt for a tour since you won’t have to take the subway. Either way, it is one of the best things to do in New York City in winter.
If you do travel by the subway, you’ll need to take the D train to 79th St and New Utrecht Ave, then take a 15-minute walk to the houses. It is uphill, so make sure to wear suitable footwear. Also, you’ll need to wrap up warm as winter in New York can be pretty chilly, and you’ll likely spend upwards of 30 minutes walking around this area.
The Polar Lounge at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
By Taylor of Brown Eyed Flower Child
Even though New York City thrives most of the year, there is a small window where the Big Apple is quiet. Once NYC Christmas activities and New Year’s celebrations end, the city hits its low tourist season for a few months before St. Patrick’s Day parties commence.
The cold weather of January, February, and early March shouldn’t prevent anyone from continuing to make memories in the greatest city in the world. Winter in New York City is the perfect time to make reservations at popular restaurants on your bucket list, visit a museum you’ve been eyeing and book a fun winter experience like visiting the Polar Lounge at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge.
Located in Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood, Harriet’s Rooftop at the 1 Hotel is transformed into a magical winter wonderland that allows guests to enjoy a cool beverage with some of the best views in New York City. What you’ll see at the Polar Lounge is the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and the Statue of Liberty from afar.
Enjoying an evening at the Polar Lounge at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge comes with a price tag, but it’s worth it for the views and super cool experience (no pun intended). The price of admission costs $50 USD, and the best time to go is around sunset for the best photo opportunities.
You must make a reservation to visit the Polar Lounge, and included with general admission is an hour long of magic! You’ll get to borrow a complimentary Moose Knuckles coat to keep yourself warm and a complimentary drink, such as a margarita, champagne, or cosmopolitan, served in an ice glass.
Harriet’s Rooftop is decorated with ice sculptures, stringed lights, and winter displays. You can also purchase a VIP table service at one of the premium ice lounges for $400 USD.
For this unforgettable winter experience, don’t forget to bring waterproof gloves or mittens because your hands will freeze from the cold weather and ice glass. It will definitely be a part of the best things to do in New York City in winter.
The best way to get to 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is by taking the 3, A, C, or F subway trains, taxiing, or ride-sharing.
Winter Retreat at the World Spa
By Pri of Adventures For the Busy Soul
World Spa is a wellness destination in Brooklyn that offers a variety of spa experiences from cultures around the world. The spa’s luxurious facilities include saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and a variety of therapeutic pools, providing a welcome respite from the cold NYC winters.
These heated sanctuaries are a great way to unwind and relax after a few long days of touring the city, especially after being out in the winter cold. Visitors can enjoy the restorative benefits of hydrotherapy, soak in mineral-rich pools, and melt away stress under the expert care of massage therapists.
The facilities offer authentic banyas, Finnish saunas, Turkish and Moroccan hammams, cleansing Himalayan salt therapy rooms, Japanese onsens, and infrared rooms. There is even a snow room! We highly recommend trying a contrast therapy- it helps promote blood circulation and resets the lymphatic system.
Private rooms and cabanas are also available to book for larger groups. The dining on site provides some delicious food options and an array of drinks – from teas, and coffees, to smoothies, kombucha, cocktails, wine, and beers.
End the day with a massage. The signature treatments include hot stone massages, aromatherapy sessions, and body scrubs that exfoliate and nourish the skin. It’s everything you need for a wonderful day of TLC and a great way to beat the winter blues!
Admission starts at $85 and up to $180 for the VIP experience. It is open 10am-9pm and 10pm and Fridays and Saturdays. You will spend either 4 hours or all day, depending on the pass you buy.
To get there, World Spa is located in Brooklyn and can be easily accessed by from the Avenue I subway station on the F train. Visiting the World Spa will make for one of the best things to do in New York City in winter.
Things to Do in New York City in Winter: Bronx
Holiday Train Show
By Anwar of Beyond My Door
Held annually each holiday season, the Holiday Train Show at the NY Botanical Gardens is one of the most anticipated holiday events of the year. Started in the early 1990s, the show has continued to grow over the years. The highlights are the incredibly detailed buildings, many of which are from various periods of time over the history of New York.
Many no longer exist within the city (such as the Giant Elephant and many of the stately mansions). The trains moved among the buildings and flowers/plants of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Overall about 175 various buildings and landmarks have been meticulously built. If you look closely you can really see the level of detail that went into each piece.
The train show runs from Mid November to Mid-January. Tickets are reserved for time slots and do include access to the Botanical Gardens grounds as well. Reservations are highly recommended as some dates sell out well in advance. Expect to spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour at the train show and then any additional you choose to spend in the grounds. It will surely be one of the most memorable things to do in New York City in winter.
The Botanical Gardens are accessible by car or public transportation. The closest subway station is Bedford Park Blvd (B / D) although that still requires a 10 minute walk to the entrance.
Things to Do in New York City in Winter: Staten Island
Historic Richmond Town
By Stella of Around the World in 24 Hours
So many tourists come to NYC during the holiday season, and everyone knows about the most famous attractions like the Rockettes and the tree at Rockefeller Center. But if you want to get off the beaten track in December, try the stunning Candlelight Tours at Historic Richmond Town in Staten Island.
These one-hour evening only tours take you on a candlelit exploration of Richmond Town’s historic buildings, so you can see how Christmas and Hanukkah were celebrated in NYC throughout the centuries.
Tickets are 25 dollars, which will allow you to enter various historic buildings, hear live holiday music and entertainment, and sample traditional snacks like Dutch doughnuts and sugar plums. At the end, you will be admitted to a reception where you can dance, drink wassail, and eat all the holiday cookies you want.
These tours are only offered in December, so they are a special once-a-year treat. Be sure to book your ticket in advance on the Historic Richmond Town website because the tours do sell out.
It is easiest to get to Historic Richmond Town by car, and plenty of parking is available. You can also take the free ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island and then hop on a bus to Historic Richmond Town.
After the tour, there is nowhere to get dinner right by Historic Richmond Town, so you can go by car or bus to Denino’s, which has the most famous pizza in all of Staten Island. It will be one of the most memorable things to do in New York City in winter.
Best Hotels for NYC in Winter
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in New York City in Winter
Other fun things to do in New York City in winter include all of the holiday markets, such as the Bryant Park Winter Market, the Union Square Holiday Market, and the cabins at Rockefeller Center. You will also want to check out the other not-as-popular Christmas trees, like the one at Lotte Palace or on Wall Street.
