WINTER ACTIVITIES IN NEW YORK CITY
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With the winter seasons pulling close and the cityscape starts to shine under the snow, New York begins to take an even more magical turn which makes it unbelievably enchanting. Winter Activities in New York City or the Big Apple are at their peak during the winter season. It is a time of celebration and joy with many activities to do that will help you to capture the essence of the season. Here is a listing of 20 Winter Activities in New York City for you to consider trying.
1. Ice Skating at Iconic Rinks
Of course winter in New York City is never complete without the ice skating tradition. There are quite a few places that are well known for Ice Skating. Each rink offers its own feature that adds to the winter wonderland effect. Here are some of the more popular ones. Each rink offers a unique experience, promising a delightful escape into a winter wonderland.
Wollman Rink: Wollman rink is located in the southern part of Central Park it offers quite a picturesque setting for ice skating. It is quite a well known and iconic spot for the tourists and locals. You can get tickets here.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center: This one is maybe one of the most popular in the entire world. Most people also like it because of the backdrop you have of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. You can get your tickets here.
Bryant Park Winter Village: Bryant Park transforms completely into a wonderful winter wonderland during the Christmas Season. The ice skating rink is one of the highlights as well as the food vendors.
Chelsea Piers Sky Rink: Chelsea Piers is another great option. It is an indoor ice skating rink which gives a lovely view of the Hudson River. It is great if you want to go any time of the year.
LeFrak Center at Lakeside (Prospect Park, Brooklyn): This rink is located in Prospect Park in Brooklyn and offers both indoor and outdoor skating options. It’s a popular destination for Brooklyn residents and visitors alike.
The Rink at Brookfield Place: This outdoor rink in Battery Park City offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty. It’s a beautiful spot to skate in Lower Manhattan.
Aviator Sports and Events Center (Brooklyn): Located in Floyd Bennett Field, this indoor ice skating rink is part of a larger sports and events complex.
The City Ice Pavilion (Long Island City, Queens): This indoor ice skating rink in Queens is a great option for those looking to skate outside of Manhattan.
2. Explore Holiday Markets
Winter in New York City would not be the same if you didn’t experience and explore the different holiday markets. Enjoy and get into the festive city by wandering through as many as you can. This is one of the most popular things to do for Christmas in New York City. I personally enjoy Bryant Park’s Winter Village as it has those twinkling lights, the ice skating rink, the food options, artisan crafts and much more. Some Christmas Markets you can check out in the big apple are Union Square Holiday Market , Columbus Circle Holiday Market, Bryant Park Winter Village, and Grand Central Holiday Fair, just to name a few.
3. Enjoy Holiday Lights
Embark on a visual journey to enjoy Christmas in New York City by going through the city’s neighborhoods which are filled and adorned with over the top extravagant holiday light displays to enchant everyone who looks at it. Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is a must-visit, where houses compete to create the most stunning spectacle of lights, turning the streets into a winter fairy tale. Take a walk through these neighborhoods, soaking in the festive atmosphere and marveling at the creativity that lights up the winter nights.
4. Iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Of course a trip to New York in the winter is not complete without you being present at the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Join the crowds and witness the magical moment when this towering symbol of holiday cheer is highlighted, casting its glow over the city that never sleeps. Just breathtaking.
5. Get some Broadway Magic
For your winter in New York City you want to spend some time just relaxing and watch some beloved classics or a new production, your choice while at the same time keeping warm. Broadway is the ideal place for this and I promise it has something for everyone.
6. Visit Museums
Now it is never Christmas in New York City is you never visit a museum. One of the many things to do in winter in New York City is to enjoy the museums and what they have to offer. Step into a world of art, history, and culture by exploring New York City’s well know museums. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s huge galleries and the modern masterpieces at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the fascinating exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History invite you to embark on a winter journey of discovery and enlightenment.
7. Hot Chocolate Crawl
Make this one fun, grab some friends and do a hot chocolate crawl what makes it even better is to add some rum to that hot chocolate! Magnificent!!! lol. Find yourself in cozy cafes and eateries that you can find around the city and savor every moment of the experience and all the flavors. This will bring you much comfort as you navigate the winter chills.
8. Winter Sports in Central Park
As it begins to snow a popular winter in New York City activity is to have fun as Central Park transforms into one big playground for all the winter sports lovers. You can get involved in cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, embracing the fun and exhilarating sensation of gliding through the serene landscapes of the park.
9. New Year’s Eve: Times Square Countdown
One of the most if not the most popular winter activities in New York city is the ringing in of the new year with the well known and world famous Time Square iconic ball drop. If you like the crowd then join in as the confetti and excitement brings into sight a brand new year for you and a fresh chapter.
10. Central Park Winter Walks
You can then escape the urban hustle and bustle a bit by taking a serene winter walk through Central Park. The park’s beauty takes on a new dimension when covered with all that snow, offering a peaceful respite from the city’s energy. Great for a walk with kids, friends and loved ones.
11. Go Sledding
Channel your inner child or takes your kids and embrace the thrill, fun and excitement of sledding down designated hills in parks such as Central Park, Prospect Park, and Fort Greene Park. Feel the rush of the wind as you glide over the snow, capturing the essence of winter joy and see your children’s face light up as they enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.
12. Captivating Film Festivals
One of the popular winter activities in New York City for the cinema and film lovers would be the film festivals that happen. You can indulge in one of the film festivals like the New York Film Festival and the Tribeca Film Festival that usually happen during the winter season. Along with many others. So enjoy!
13. Retreat to Indoor Food Markets to Keep Warm
Warm up and indulge your taste buds by exploring indoor food markets such as Chelsea Market and Essex Market. Find a wide range of delectable treats, from international cuisines to artisanal delights, providing the perfect refuge from the winter chill.
Chelsea Market: Located in the Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market is one of the most iconic indoor food markets in NYC. It features a mix of artisanal food vendors, specialty shops, and eateries. You can find everything from fresh seafood and Italian pastries to gourmet tacos and farm-to-table fare.
Eataly: Eataly, situated in the Flatiron District, is a massive Italian marketplace with a focus on all things Italian cuisine. It includes a variety of restaurants, cafes, and food counters, along with a vast selection of Italian ingredients, wines, and artisanal products.
Gansevoort Market: This food hall in the Meatpacking District offers a diverse selection of food vendors serving everything from tacos and sushi to gourmet coffee and fresh juices.
UrbanSpace Vanderbilt: Located near Grand Central Terminal, this food hall features a rotating selection of food vendors, providing a variety of international cuisines, from Korean BBQ to Middle Eastern falafel.
TurnStyle Underground Market: Situated in the Columbus Circle subway station, TurnStyle is a unique underground market with a mix of restaurants, shops, and food stalls offering a range of global cuisines.
Dekalb Market Hall: Located in Downtown Brooklyn, Dekalb Market Hall is a large food hall housing more than 40 vendors, offering diverse culinary options, including Caribbean, Japanese, and Mexican cuisine.
Essex Market: Located on the Lower East Side, Essex Market has a long history and was recently renovated to include a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, international cuisine, and gourmet products.
14. New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show
One of the next great things to do in winter in New York City is enjoy and marvel in the beauty of the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show. As model trains make their way through a well crafted landscape made of lovely plants and natural materials. Take the kids, the whole family, open your imagination and go enjoy.
15. Winter Festivals and Events
Embrace the rich tapestry of New York City’s cultural scene, do so by attending winter festivals, performances, and events that celebrate art, music, and diversity. Immerse yourself in a world of creativity and expression that adds vibrancy to the winter months. Christmas in New York City can definitely be tailored to your preferences and this is one. Here are some events that usually stand out.
New Year’s Eve in Times Square: The Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration is one of the world’s most famous New Year’s events. Thousands gather in Times Square to watch the ball drop at midnight on December 31st. (I covered this earlier)
Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square: This annual event usually features a tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, food tastings, along with family-friendly activities. It takes place at Lincoln Square on the Upper West Side.
Union Square Holiday Market: As mentioned earlier, this holiday market features a wide array of unique gifts and seasonal treats. It’s a great place to get into the holiday spirit.
Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar: Held in different locations around Brooklyn, this holiday market showcases a curated selection of local artisans and designers, making it a great place for holiday shopping.
NYC Winter Jazzfest: While not holiday-specific, the NYC Winter Jazzfest takes place in January and is a celebration of jazz music featuring numerous performances at various venues across the city.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebrations: In January, you can find various events and celebrations across the city, including parades and community service activities, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
16. Helicopter Tours
For your next stop in Christmas in New York you should experience the city from a breathtaking view by taking a winter helicopter tour over Manhattan. See the beautiful skyline covered in snow which would be an amazing panoramic view that will leave you speechless.
17. Winter Spa Retreats
One of the things to do in winter in New York City is to indulge in one of the many winter spa retreats to just relax, rejuvenate and unwind from the winter chill. Just take a little time to pamper yourself with some of the best soothing treatments you can find which will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for things to come. You can check out The Wiliam Vale.
18. New York City: Restaurant Week
Another experience you want to have for your Christmas in New York City is NYC Restaurant Week. This is an annual event that offers the chance to try and sample some of the most exquisite cuisine from some of the well known restaurants. It’s great if you wish to treat your taste buds to a gastronomic journey through diverse flavors and culinary artistry.
19. New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge
Dive into the new year with a huge daring plunge into the extremely icy waters of Coney Island as a part of the Polar Bear Plunge. It is a popular tradition which shows or symbolizes a fresh start and just shows the spirit of adventure that defines the city itself. Other than this being one of the winter activities in New York City but it is also quite popular in a few places.
20. Visit the Balloon Museum
In wrapping up, my suggestion is to visit the city and make the most of it. There is so much that it offers, from adventure, to food to clothing and much more. Make New York City your winter wonderland this year! Make the most of the Big Apple!
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