The Ultimate List of Things to Do in NYC in the Winter

No matter what season it is, New York City is constantly full of fun, and exciting adventures. But experiencing things to do in NYC in the winter is something special.

From late November until early January, get yourself into a joyful holiday mood with an abundance of holiday decorations, sparkling Christmas lights, festive celebrations, and colorful markets. But be aware that it will be crowded, especially in December!

When the holiday season is over, come and enjoy New York City in January and February. The busy season is gone, which means the city is less crowded and it is the cheapest time of the year. This is your chance to get some of the best hotel and attraction deals.

Even when you don’t like the cold, there are so many indoor attractions and events New York City has to offer, that you can keep yourself busy for months.

We have visited New York City every month from November to March and want to show you the best things to do in NYC in the winter and provide you with information on how to prepare best for your trip to New York City in winter!

What are the Winter Months in New York?

Winter in New York is considered to be the months of December, January, and February. However, the winter season has a tendency to start as early as November and last to March. Expect the weather to be very uncertain during these months. You never know when the next snowstorm will come around.

Best Things to do in NYC in the Winter

Explore New York City in the winter months by enjoying a variety of activities. Check out the outdoor activities from strolling around with a hot chocolate in your hands at one of the holiday markets, to admiring the several parades in the streets.

If you don’t like the cold, escape New York’s cold winter weather with an indoor activity from visiting a museum, relaxing at a spa, or indulging in a meal in one of New York’s holiday-decorated restaurants.

Check out the special events and things to do in NYC in the winter month by month below.

November

Although November is not officially winter in New York, the weather can certainly feel like it. Plus it is the start of the magical holiday season in the city, and a lot of Christmas events already open their doors at the end of November. Take advantage of fewer crowds and visit around this time of the year! It is also the month that kicks off the start of the best things to do in NYC in the winter.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade happens every year in Manhattan on Thanksgiving Day, which is the 4th Thursday of November. The parade has been occurring yearly since 1924. It is tied as the second oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the United States.

The parade is best known for its oversized, gigantic, massive balloons and floats that represent a variety of pop culture characters. Yes, you may think we overdid it a little with the adjectives describing the balloons in the parade but it is true! The balloons are so large that it can take up to 100 people to hold 1 balloon.

This remarkable event fills the city streets with thousands and thousands of spectators. If you want to be one of them, get up as early as possible. Even though the parade starts at 9:00 AM, plan to save your spot at 6:00 AM and don’t go anywhere.

December

December is the first official winter month in New York and the heart of the holiday season. So if you love all things Christmas and the joys of the holidays, then December is the perfect time for you to visit. See how many things you can complete from the things to do in NYC in the winter list below!

See the Rockefeller Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center

The famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree has been a New York City holiday staple for decades. It was first erected in December 1931 when construction workers used their money to put up a 20-foot tree because they were happy to have jobs during the Great Depression. Since then a tree has been located in Rockefeller Plaza in midtown Manhattan for all to enjoy.

The tree usually goes up in the Plaza around mid-November and is lit in late November or early December and remains until early January.

Can’t wait to see the tree? Attend the lighting ceremony in early December and be one of the first ones to admire the huge tree when the lights are switched on. Arrive as early as you can to reserve your spot and see live performances from popular artists and the Radio City Rockettes.

Can’t make it in person? No worries! The ceremony is broadcasted live on NBC.

Walk Around and See the Holiday Displays in Shops Windows

Want some holiday fun for free? Then stroll down New York City’s most expensive street and admire the magnificent holiday window displays in the store’s windows. Millions and millions of visitors pass by these windows daily to soak up the holiday cheer in New York City. Most of the displays are unveiled in late November.

Here are some of the best window displays to check out during the holiday season:

Saks Fifth Avenue: After being amazed by the massive size of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, head right over to Saks Fifth Avenue to see their beautiful holiday window displays that are loved by all ages. You can find the display in front of the store on 5th Avenue between 49th and 50th street.

Bergdorf Goodman: Continue on 5th Avenue and heading towards 57th street. Stop at Bergdorf Goodman for their marvelous holiday window display. You can find the display right along 5th Avenue from 57th street to 58th street.

Bloomingdales: Just a few streets over from Bergdorf Goodman, you will find more amazing holiday window displays at Bloomingdales. You can find these displays at 59th street between 3rd Avenue and Lexington Avenue.

Macy’s: A little farther away from the others is the Macy’s holiday window displays. We would suggest heading back down 5th Avenue towards Bryant Park. You can find Macy’s holiday displays at 34th street between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue.

Enjoy a Ride on a Nostalgia Subway Train

Hop on New York City’s Holiday Nostalgia Subway Train and enjoy a ride back in time on New York’s Transit Museum vintage fleet. The 1930’s R-1 train car is put back into service for the holidays. It runs every Sunday from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.

Stop in St. Patrick’s Cathedral 

Don’t miss your chance to see this iconic New York City Cathedral decorated for the holidays. It is conveniently located right next to Saks Fifth Avenue on 5th Avenue between 50th and 51st street.

Head to Brooklyn for a Grand Christmas Light Display in Dyker Heights

You have probably never seen anything like this before! The residents of the neighborhood in Brooklyn showcase a spectacular Christmas light display, which is totally free! Over the years more and more households joined, to ensure that you will be amazed at the amount and size of the decorations.

It is truly an over-the-top display of holiday lights that is enjoyed not only by tourists but New Yorkers as well.  Afterward, you will be happy that you do not have to pay their electric bill. For the best viewing of lights head to 11th to 13th Avenues from 83rd Street to 86th Street.

This is a personal favorite of the things to do in NYC in the winter list. We would highly recommend checking out this fantastic display.

Visit Macy’s Santaland

Santaland has been a Macy’s holiday tradition since the early 1860s. Since 1977 Macy’s Santaland, has been located on the 8th floor of Macy’s Herald Square on 151 W 34 Street in Manhattan.

Wondering what Santaland is? It is a large walk-through Christmas village featuring the one and only Mr. Claus himself. Don’t miss out this holiday favorite by forgetting to reserve your FREE admission ticket!

Winter Lantern Festival

Experience New York’s Staten Island Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden light up over 8 acres at the Winter Lantern Festival from late November to early January. Enjoy the holiday season by immersing yourself in the Chinese culture with traditional Chinese lanterns, dances, art, and performances. Don’t wait to purchase a ticket to this fun New York City family event.

Grab Tickets to See the Radio City Christmas Spectacular

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular has been a New York City holiday favorite since 1933. This 90-minute dancing show stars the famous Radio City Rockettes (a LEGENDARY American dance company) and some other artists at Radio City Music Hall. We have seen this show a few times and it is always a great way to get you in the holiday spirit. Be fast if you want to grab tickets, especially if you have a tight schedule, they tend to go quickly.

See the World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah Lighting

Experience the lighting of the world’s largest Menorah from Manhattan or Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza. Spectators gather around a 32-foot high gold-covered Menorah to celebrate the start of the Jewish holiday season. Lighting usually takes place at 5:30 PM, except for 3:30 PM on Fridays and 8:00 PM on Sundays in respect of the Sabbath.

Go Shopping at a Holiday Market

Head to a New York City Holiday Market to pick up all your unique holiday gifts and souvenirs. The markets are filled with tons of vendors selling local artists’ designs, holiday decor, and of course delicious food and beverages. Holiday markets are one of the favorite things to do in NYC in the winter. Here are some of New York’s top holiday markets to visit:

Winter Village Bryant Park

Looking for a replica of a European-style Christmas market? Then head over to one of our favorites: the Winter Village at Bryant Park in Manhattan. This is an outdoor market with vendors housed in little custom-designed booths filled with unique holiday gifts. This is one of our favorite markets because of the wide variety of food and beverages available to purchase. The market runs from the beginning of November until early January.

Union Square Holiday Market

Stop by Union Square Park in Manhattan from Broadway to 4th Avenue and E 14 Street to E 17 Street to find the Union Square Holiday Market. This cute local market is open from late November to December 24th.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

After strolling through New York’s Central Park, swing by the holiday market at Columbus Circle located just outside the park. The market is open daily for the month of December. So whether you are looking for a particular holiday gift or just a delicious snack, make sure to stop by the market before it is gone.

Grand Central Holiday Fair

See the Vanderbilt Hall in the famous Grand Central Station turn into a holiday shopping center filled with amazing holiday gifts. Here you will find everything you did not know you needed for the holidays from crafts, home decor, decorations, and more. The fair is usually open from mid to late November to December 24th.

New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

This annual holiday train show features model trains along with numerous replicas of New York landmarks which are made from plant parts. The event can be visited from late November through January. Don’t miss out on this family holiday favorite by forgetting to purchase a ticket.

Santacon NYC

Haven’t heard of Santacon? Then it is time to change that!

Have fun at the most festive drinking event in New York City by dressing up as Santa (or Mrs. Claus, or an elf, or a reindeer…) and visit some of the best bars in the city. The event is usually held on a Saturday in mid-December. For more information on how to join the fun, visit santacon.nyc.

Even when you’re not interested in bar hopping, this event is so much fun. To see all the dressed-up people walking around in the city will definitely bring you into the Christmas mood.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

See the Bronx Zoo transform into a magical holiday wonderland with animal lantern safari’s, ice carving demonstrations, costume characters, holiday trees, treats, and more! Tickets must be purchased and reserved in advance to visit this holiday event. You can plan a visit on select days from late November till early January.

LuminoCity Festival

If you are looking for more holiday lights and festivities then head over to Randall Island for the LuminoCity Festival. Experience over 15 acres transform into 3 different themed light parks: Winter Fantasy, Wild Adventure, and Sweet Dream with over-the-top light art displays, holiday markets, and 4 special themed nights with live performances and interactive activities.

January and February

Don’t let the cold winter weather stop you from enjoying a spectacular trip to New York City. The holiday season may be over but there is still a lot of wonderful things to do in NYC in the winter. Bring in the new year by enjoying some of these exciting things to do in NYC in the winter during January and February.

Don’t forget: Missed some winter events in December? Don’t worry: A lot of fantastic events which started earlier this winter, are taking place until early or mid-January.

Ring in the New Year in Times Square

• Save

Don’t mind crowds? Then head to Times Square and be 1 in a million standing on the city streets to ring in the New Year. If you are looking for a good view of the ball dropping from a flagpole at One Times Square, then you need to arrive extremely early. At around 6:00 PM the ball is raised to the top of the flagpole. At 11:59 PM the ball will begin its 60 seconds descend down the flagpole which signifies the start of the New Year.

Have a Party on a New Years Eve Cruise

Want to ring in the New Year in New York City but with fewer crowds? Purchase a ticket on a New Years’ Eve Cruise in the New York Harbor. Enjoy food, drinks, and dancing until the clock strikes midnight. Then head to the top deck to watch the fireworks light up the New York Skyline. We had a ton of fun on our New Years’ Eve Cruise, even though it was a bit touristy.

Don’t want the night to end? Then head over to some bars and clubs to enjoy some more drinks.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Chinatown

Visit New York City’s Chinatown in downtown Manhattan to celebrate the Chinese New Year at the annual Lunar New Year celebration. The parade and festival is a party in the streets filled with traditional holiday treats, crafts, events, and extraordinary performances.

Watch the Three Kings Day Parade

The Kings Day Parade is a decades-old tradition that runs along 106 Street and Lexington Ave to Third Avenue and ends at 115th Street and Park Avenue. The most famous attractions in the parade are sheep, camels, puppets, and live music. So come celebrate the immigrant and migrant communities by celebrating the cultural traditions of El Barrio and beyond.

Experience New York City Dining during Restaurant Week

New York City Restaurant Week usually occurs in later January through early February. To find your perfect menu from outstanding restaurants, visit the official New York Restaurant Week website to book your table. This is one of our favorite things to do in NYC in the winter because you get to explore and try fancy new restaurants, delicious food, and drinks all at a great price.

Meet Broadway Stars at BroadwayCon

Do you love Broadway? Purchase a ticket to New York City’s BroadwayCon to meet and learn more about your favorite Broadway stars! BroadwayCon is a 3-day expo held in the latter part of January.

Save Money on Tickets during NYC 2 for 1 Broadway Week and Must See Week

This is the best time to see your favorite Broadway shows and visit all the must-see New York City attractions for less. During this time you can find discounted tickets to a variety of New York City favorites from shows, museums, tours, and more. So if you are visiting New York around the middle of January to early to middle February, check out these great deals to save money and see more of what New York City has to offer.

Seeing a Broadway show is at the top of our things to do in NYC in the winter.

Jam out at New York City’s Winter Jazzfest

This 9-day music festival that takes place in early January is a lot of fun. The marathon is held at various locations throughout the city. Find out everything you need to know about the festival from purchasing tickets, schedules, event locations, and more on the official Winter Jazzfest website.

Things to Do in NYC in the Winter: General Activities

There are endless possibilities of things to do in the Big Apple, which are a lot of fun all year long whereas some activities are just enjoyable in the colder months. Here are a few additional things to do in NYC in the winter: 

Ice Skating Rinks

Remember how excited it was to go ice skating as a kid? It is time to feel that adrenaline again at one of New York City’s ice skating rinks. Some of the most popular ice skating rinks in Manhattan are The Rink at Rockefeller Center, Skating at Bryant Park, Wollman Rink in Central Park, Lasker Rink in Central Park, and The Rink at Brookfield Place.

Visit a Museum

Escape the cold winter weather for a little by visiting one of New York’s City’s fascinating Museums. With close to 100 museums throughout all of the 5 boroughs of New York City, there is definitely one for everyone. We have visited quite a few museums in New York City and these 3 are at the top of our list for all New York travelers.

American Museum of Natural History –> Explore the universe, human cultures, and the natural world in just one museum

TOP TIP: When you visit the American Museum of Natural History from late November to early January, you can admire their traditional Origami Holiday Tree.

The National September 11 Memorial and Museum –> This breathtaking New York City museum will tell you all about the events of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Spyscape –> For lovers of interactive museums and people who want to improve their spy skills

TOP TIP: Trying to save some money? Check out the Official NYC Guide to find more information about free museums.

New York City Views/Observation Decks

Looking for great views of New York City? Head to one of these locations to get a different perspective of the most iconic city in the world.

TOP TIP: One of our favorite times to visit the observation decks is a little before sunset. Then you can see the whole transformation of the city. The astonishing architecture and busy streets during the day and the magical city lights when New York City slowly gets dark. Make sure to plan ahead not to miss this unique experience.

One World Observatory

Head to lower Manhattan and visit the observation deck at One World Observatory which is located on the 100-102nd floor of One World Trade Center.

Top of the Rocks

See Rockefeller Center from above at the Top of the Rocks observation deck located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. We love the Top of the Rocks because you’re not just able to see the famous Central Park but also the Empire State Building from the top of this stunning building. 

Empire State Building

Take in the views of Manhattan and the surrounding New York City area at the 86th Floor Observatory in the Empire State Building. If you are visiting on a clear day, count how many different states you will be able to see in the distance. But don’t forget to purchase a ticket.

The Edge

Are you brave enough to step on a glass floor into the sky on the Edge, the newest addition to New York City’s observation decks? The highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere will leave you speechless with its stunning architecture and views over the city. 

Statue of Liberty 

Take a ride over to the Statue of Liberty and walk up to the Crown to see amazing views of the famous New York skyline. Make sure to purchase the ticket for visiting the crown ahead of time.

TOP TIP: Wanna visit New York City on a budget? Then take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry and admire the skyline of the city for free.

Brooklyn Bridge

Who doesn’t have the Brooklyn Bridge on their bucket list for New York City? Even though it might be a little chilly, don’t miss out on walking, driving, or biking over the popular bridge. Take in the stunning views of New York over the East River between lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Roosevelt Island Tram

A real hidden gem in New York is Roosevelt Island, located east of Manhattan. Ride the Roosevelt Island Tram to catch aerial views of New York City, then walk south to Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park and admire the Manhattan skyline from over there. If you have more time, check out the rest of this cute city island.

Dine in a Holiday Decorated Restaurant

Get in the holiday spirit by dining in a beautifully holiday-decorated restaurant. Some of the top decorated restaurants in New York City are Rolf’s, Pete’s Tavern, Gramercy Tavern, and Lillie’s Victorian Establishment. Don’t forget to make a reservation in time!

TOP TIP: Are you looking for a social distancing dining experience with a view? Then check out the Rooftop at Pier 17. Get delicious food in your own cozy dining cabin with a grand view of the Brooklyn Bridge. This is definitely one of the best social distancing events in New York City!

Free Tours by Foot 

Free Tours by Foot is one of our go-to for walking tours, food tours, and more. We especially love their pay-what-you-wish tours which you can find throughout different cities in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia. Check out the Free Tours by Foot website and search for New York City to see the different tours they offer.

Relax at a Spa

Most of the time we are so busy during the holiday season that we forget to take a minute, relax a little and take care of ourselves. That’s a shame! A trip to New York City in winter is the perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle of the holidays and enjoy a spa or get a good massage.

TOP TIP: To find a good deal, it is always worth checking Groupon. A lot of massage places and spa salons use this platform to offer great discounts.

Winter Temperatures in New York City

It can get VERY cold in New York City in the winter. Temperatures can range from mid 40 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius) to below freezing (negative degrees Celsius).

Sometimes the temperature can feel even colder than it actually is because of the strong winds. Especially when you walk between the tall New York skyscrapers, it can almost feel like you are in a wind tunnel.

If you are looking for the warmer of the winter months, it is best to visit during December and February. Although these months are not much warmer, the slight increase in temperature may be more appealing to you.

The absolute coldest month is January when temperatures rarely reach over the freezing point (32 degrees Fahrenheit / 0 degrees Celsius).

Please note that the temperatures stated above are just average New York City temperatures during the winter. It can be warmer but the weather can also change drastically to a sudden snow or ice storm.

So if you are planning a visit to New York City in winter, make sure to bundle up for the very cold winter temperatures. Make sure you pack appropriate clothing for your trip. Find out more information about what to pack below for the ultimate packing list for your trip.

What Should You Wear in New York City in Winter?

As we mentioned earlier, New York City in winter is cold and windy. If you plan on visiting during the winter months make sure you pack appropriately. When you plan on staying indoors most of the time, dress in layers to make sure that you don’t get too hot. We have visited New York City in winter many times, so take it from us. Don’t let the cold hold you back from completing the best things to do in NYC in the winter checklist.

These are our top essential items to wear to make your trip enjoyable:

1. Winter Jacket: It is best to have a jacket that has good weather resistance with a waterproof outer shell and a well-insulated inside.

2. Winter Hat and Gloves: Make sure to be able to cover every inch of your skin to protect yourself from the frosting temperatures.

3. Warm Boots: Since you don’t plan on going hiking, just take some casual, comfortable boots which will keep your feet warm. When the city is glistening in snow, traction will help to prevent you from sliding your way through the city.

4. A Cozy Baselayer: Especially when you plan on wandering around outside a lot, wear a warm base layer to regulate your core temperature. A base layer with merino wool or polyester is a good choice because they don’t stay wet if you should sweat.

5. Scarf or Buff: We love our buffs! They keep you warm when you need them but you can also fold them to easily store them in your bookbag or purse.

You will be extremely happy to have these items with you especially when the weather drops below freezing!

Where to Stay in New York

Manhattan is a great area to stay in when you are visiting New York City. It is right in the heart of the city and all of the attractions and famous landmarks will be in close proximity.

Unfortunately, this big advantage comes with a huge price tag. It is very difficult to get a reasonable price for accommodation in New York’s most famous neighborhood. If you don’t mind treating yourself to a nice hotel/hostel in the heart of New York, we can highly recommend staying in these accommodations:

• HI New York City(Hostel)
  Especially when you are traveling alone, staying in a hostel is a great way of finding new travel buddies. This clean and modern hostel is located in close proximity to Central Park and offers a garden with barbecue grills and a picnic area and a beautiful hang-out area inside. For a quick bite, grab something from the snack bar/ deli.
  
• Dream Midtown
  The 4-star Boutique hotel Dream Midtown is also located right next to Central Park which makes it the perfect base to explore the best places in Manhattan. The real crown jewel is the stunning rooftop bar. Enjoy some delicious drinks surrounded by the iconic New York skyline before getting back to your beautifully designed room which is just minutes away. In these beds, you will get the best rest possible.
  
• The Time New York
  The Time New York lets you stay in the entertainment district itself, Times Square. This stylish hotel is your perfect choice when you want to indulge in luxury (for a reasonable price) and be located in the perfect spot for all your NYC adventures.

If you are like us and rather spend money on adventures and experiences, take a closer look at the more affordable accommodations in neighborhoods like Hoboken across the Hudson River or Newark. We listed some great options which are just a little more far away below:

• The Holland Hotel(Jersey City)
  43 minutes to Times Square by public transportation
  
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Newark Liberty International Airport(Newark)
  1h 5min to Times Square by public transportation

Final Thoughts about Things to Do in NYC in the Winter

As New Yorkers we are glad that we get the chance to visit the city as much as possible and enjoy all the best things to do in NYC in the winter! Enjoying the Christmas spirit in New York City is one of our favorite activities in December, which should be on everyone’s bucket list!

Even though it can get unbelievably cold in the city, we don’t want to miss all the unique activities and great discounts at the beginning of the year. And since New York City has so many indoor attractions, you can easily escape the cold! Just mix and match your favorite indoor and outdoor activities and purchase tickets in advance to enjoy a perfect winter day in the most iconic city in the world!

What are your favorite things to do in NYC in the Winter? Do you have more questions?

Let us know in the comments below!

Our Other Resources for New York City

• 59 Best Places in Manhattan to Visit for All Visitors
• 29 Best Views of NYC: Manhattan Skyline and More
• 4 Day New York Itinerary: How to See the Best of NYC
• 42 Best Things to Do in NYC at Night
• 40 Perfect Road Trips from New York City to Take
• Broadway Dress Code: How to Dress for a Show
• Green-Wood Cemetery: Visit Brooklyn’s Unique Attraction
• 100+ NYC Bucket List Items: Best Things to Do
• 25+ Best Non Touristy Things to Do in NYC

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