Celebrate the holiday season in New York in winter and experience a range of bustling Christmastime activities
With its snow-capped skylines, freezing temperatures, and vibrant bustling life – the city of New York almost becomes a picture-perfect state during winter. Imagine the scenes of NYC’S iconic landmarks like Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Statue of Liberty, and Times Square getting wrapped in white-powdery snow during winter. The city is energetic as before, with plenty of activities and experiences to see & do.
It’s a dream for many travelers to visit New York at Christmas at least once in their lifetime! It’s a fact that more than often, tourists prefer the winter season to experience what it’s like to be in the city. Temperatures may hit below the freezing, but NYC is hotter than ever before during winter. The Christmas lights on the streets, snowy parks & gardens, carriage rides, lavish window displays, and NYC Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center – all add up to your winter experience in the city of New York.
In this guide, I’m going to list down all the amazing experiences and the best things to do in New York in winter. I am also going to show you why Christmas and the winter months of NYC are some of the wonderful times of the year to visit.
So get that city bucket list, note down your favorite experiences, and let’s crack on!
NEW YORK WEATHER IN DECEMBER
Before we deep dive into all the amazing things & experiences, let’s clear up some facts about New York’s weather conditions during winter.
The most important thing to remember – is the fact that it isn’t always cold & certainly doesn’t always snow. I am sure most of the visitors often have concerns considering the chilly weather, but that’s not quite the case.
Instead in December, you’ll find less snowy days when compared to the late winter months. The harsh winter hits New York in January when the temperature almost drops below freezing point.
You can avoid late months, if you don’t prefer super-snowy days – but other than that December should be fine for most travelers.
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BEST THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK IN WINTER
VISIT THE ROCKEFELLER CHRISTMAS TREE
With the palpable good spirit of NYC, there’s nothing quite like following the festive tradition of visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. For New Yorkers and other local travelers who often visit NYC, visiting the iconic landmark is a must-do activity.
Starting in the late 1930s, Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has become an anchor for holiday time in New York. The setup of the tree marks the beginning of the holiday season, with the city’s vibrancy and dynamism spreading across each neighborhood.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a 23-meter-high giant draped with over 25,000 crystals. On top of the tree, you could see a Swarovski star which is lit up during the annual tree lighting ceremony.
In 2021, the tree is going to be put up on 1 December, with live music performances starting from 7 pm onwards. The lights will be turned on at 9 pm – so make sure you reach early to grab a spot.
If not, then you can see the Christmas tree until early January. Additionally, since you’d be around Rockefeller Center, do not miss a visit to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck for splendid snowy views of Central Park.
EXPLORE NYC CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Find a perfect gift for your loved ones during the holiday season at New York’s winter markets. While the city is known for its year-round shopping paradise, winter brings much more anticipated sales & lucrative offers with pre-holiday pop-ups.
For seasonal shoppers, consider exploring the Columbus Circle, Brooklyn Flea, and Union Square Holiday Market. During the holiday season, you’ll often find unique events like Renegade Craft Fair and Brooklyn Flea Dumbo that beautifully showcases fashion, beauty, and craft gifts.
Additionally, you should also visit Bryant Park’s Winter Village – considered to be New York’s biggest Christmas market. With over 180 food & gift stalls – selling pieces of jewelry, homemade products, and Christmas decorative stuff – you could almost find anything suitable for purchase. Along with the stalls, there’s also an open-air eatery space called the ‘Lodge Deck’. It’s nearby to the ice rink that serves amazing food delicacies and festive cocktails.
SHOPPING IN FIFTH AVENUE
Every holiday season, New York City’s departmental stores transform into a winter-wonderland of eye-catching window displays. With its elegant buildings & luxury-branded stores, Fifth Avenue is one of the world’s most famous shopping streets.
The elaborate window displays across the street showcase a lively shopping experience to tourists. Even if you’re not a fan of shopping, it’s worth paying a visit to Fifth Avenue. Each shop from 34th street to 59th street is decorated with Christmas lights and themed souvenirs.
Previously, the Saks Fifth Avenue created a snow-world theme on its windows, inspired by the Disney Film Frozen, while Louis Vuitton installed giant colorful sculptures and life-size images across the corner façade of the street.
Every year, you could find some of the other displays being showcased that pleases travelers. While you’re here, do not forget to miss out on exploring Bloomingdale’s, Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, and Macy’s.
The incredible display line-up will surely awestruck you!
GO ICE-SKATING
Ice-skating on one of the parks and private rinks is a must-do activity for tourists visiting New York in winter. Due to the freezing low temperatures, both Manhattan and Brooklyn offer plenty of ice rinks that will help you fulfill your wintery-skate experience.
One of the popular spots in New York is Bryant Park, which is known to house some of the best ice rinks. Being one of the cosmopolitan areas of Manhattan, surrounded by the city’s skylines and major offices – Bryant Park turns into a snowfield when winter hits the city of New York.
Popularly, the Rink at Rockefeller Center is by far the most famous place to ice-skate. Soak in the magnificent views of Manhattan’s skyscrapers, bustling Midtown mobs, and a giant Christmas tree at this open-air ice rink. Since it’s crammed with tourists during the holiday season, you need to book your slot well in advance.
If you prefer less-crowded ice rinks, then head straight to the Riverbank State Park in Harlem and Lefrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park. They are not as secluded as they were before, but you can still have a pleasant time. Both these rinks charge entry and skate fees.
For more details & pricing on ice rinks, visit this website.
WATCH A BROADWAY SHOW
Step aside from the snowy scenes of NYC, and snuggle in a warm, heated theatre to watch a Broadway show. Being the showstopper of the city’s charm in winter, you could catch up on any show and have a memorable time.
Most of New York’s famous theatres are in Times Square (often crowded with tourists), which hosts famous plays and musical shows. Periodically, the plays keep on changing, while some running on for decades. Some of the iconic ones to hit Broadway include – Phantom of the Opera, Kinky Boots, Chicago, The Lion King, and hundreds more.
Coming to the best part – tickets for Broadway shows can be snagged at steal prices! From January to early February, expect a drop in ticket prices for most of the shows.
No matter when you visit, catching up on a Broadway show is one of the best things to do in New York City, but even better when you visit the place for a winter break.
VISIT THE CENTRAL PARK
The lush green oasis of Manhattan turns to white when snowfall blankets the entire Central Park. The open fields and gardens, spread across 843 acres of land, gives you enough opportunity to indulge in activities like – snowman-building and snow-fights.
Explore the Arthur Ross Pinetum at Central Park to discover different species of pine trees draped in snow or visit the Central Park Zoo to witness sea lions, penguins, seals, and snow leopards. Perhaps, you can take a self-guided walking tour to countless scenic routes, stretching from North to South.
As and when the temperatures keep dropping, the snow depth hit six inches deep at Central Park – making a perfect turnaround for sledding. You can visit the park’s most famous sledding spot – Pilgrim Hill for an adventurous outcome. Additionally, you should also visit the Great Hill and Cedar Hill for a more quaint experience.
Moreover, you also try out snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing at Central Park.
WATCH OUT FOR DYKER HEIGHTS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
If someone knows how to celebrate the festive season, then it’s probably the residents of Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. They go all-out (literally) with the Christmas decorates and lightings display.
The neighborhood is so pomp and circumstance that they hire professional lighting companies to decorate their houses. Homeowners don’t mind spending thousands of dollars to do the same. A walk in this neighborhood will astonish you with its vibrancy of life-size Santas, sleighs, and reindeer installed across each house.
Visitors often take tours to see the display works from dusk until 10 pm, starting right after Thanksgiving.
The neighborhood is not greatly accessible from Manhattan, so several companies often organize coach buses for travel. There are guided tours for Dyker Heights, which you can book as well.
SIP A HOT CHOCOLATE
Is there a better way to relax, than sipping onto a mug of hot chocolate? And is there a better place than New York to have the same craving? Fortunately, the city is home to numerous cafes & bakeries that can fulfill your order. Honestly, your NYC trip is incomplete without a piping hot mug of chocolate.
One of the places that are worth trying out is the ‘Bar Pisellino’. The hot chocolate they serve is heavenly and rich in taste. More than the content of milk, there’s an extra bit of chocolate that warmth’s your soul. It’s like drinking a cake batter topped with whipped Panna.
Then there is the Daily Provisions that serve hot chocolate with three different ingredients mixed – Guanaja dark chocolate, Bahibe milk chocolate, and Guittard chocolate ganache. When topped with vanilla and a sinful dessert, the taste gets elevated.
EXPERIENCE WINTER JAZZFEST
Take a break from the Christmas carols in New York and head straight to the Winter Jazzfest to experience a different style of music. With the hottest names & elite music pop stars – Jazzfest has been lighting up New York with its jazz genre for a decade.
Cozy up in jazz club, whilst enjoying different streams of music and acts performed in this festival. The week-long program hosts more than 10 stages across Lower Manhattan, with 700 artists taking active participation.
Jazzfest goes beyond performances, to conduct other popular conversations on the jazz community, gender, mental health, and awareness.
Moreover, the biggest event of the fest is on Fridays – where one ticket grants you access to 12 different gigs.
NEW YEAR’S AT TIMES SQUARE
A bucket-list experience for many travelers around the world – is to experience New Year’s Eve on Times Square. And I’m sure out of all the experiences you have in New York in winter, sighting the ball drop at One Times Square would be a real bucket-list moment.
Of course, you’ll be surrounded by thousands of tourists to capture the perfect scene – but it’s ironic to see so many people gathered celebrating New Year’s Eve in its grandest way.
If you need a prime spot to be able to witness the sight, you may have to reach early to grab a suitable place. But, if you want to avoid the crowds – you could visit the restaurants or rooftops for a bird’s-eye view. Tickets are on the pricier side, but it’ll be worth a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
| Explore New York City and its finest gems in these 20 Free Activities to do in New York. From top city attractions, and friendly neighborhood experiences, discover the best of NYC. |
WHY VISIT NEW YORK IN WINTER?
AIRFARES ARE LOWER
Yes, you heard this right! Especially when the holidays come to an end, flight prices hit their season’s lowest point. For winter-time visitors traveling during mid-January and early March, this is a great opportunity to snag the season’s greatest airfare deals.
DINE AT FAIR PRICES
New York is home to some of the finest, most elegant world-class restaurants. But, at the same, it’s home to expensive, high-end restaurants that often leave behind budget travelers. However, post the holiday season – most of NYC’s top restaurants open their doors to taste & experience classic cuisines at slashed prices. The event is called ‘Restaurant Week’ that happens for a brief time during January and February.
Whether you’re tucked in a culinary delicacy or homemade styled pasta of a Michelin-starred restaurant – the gastronomical experience will be unforgettable!
PRICE DROP IN HOTEL RATES
New York is often known for its incredible pricy accommodation, but the same gets slashed during the late winter months. Hotel rates dip below 90% occupancy during January and March – making it the affordable travel months of NYC.
LESS CROWDED STREETS
The streets of New York in winter are often less crowded post the holiday season. You won’t find many people out there on streets bustling across shops and city attractions. But, if you’re ready to face the frost of the season, then you can have a pleasant travel experience during the late winter months.
Hope this article helped you in understanding New York’s dynamic activities during the holiday season. If you have any suggestions/ personal favorite experiences, do put that under the comment box – and share it across with others. I’d like to know your opinion!
