The best things to do in NYC in winter: 21 ideas for fireworks of emotions

New York is a welcoming city of the United States with an enchanting energy. This city is no less beautiful in winter than in spring and summer.

In this article we want to tell you about the best things to do in NYC in winter, so that you can spend your time brightly and usefully during your travels. In the cold season this city plays with new colors and sparkles with positivity.

Tourists are often interested in the question, what to do in NYC in winter The beginning of winter here is associated with Thanksgiving, which is celebrated in late fall, and the cold weather continues until March. Snowfall occurs here not only during the cold season, but also during the fall and spring seasons.

Many people may immediately think that winter in New York is boring and uninteresting, but this is not true. In fact, winter here is bright and fantastic. What to do in New York in winter, everyone chooses for himself individually, based on his tastes and wishes.

In December, the city takes on a special look, with many bright shimmering lights. Streets and houses are decorated with spectacular garlands and shimmering sequins. The aura of magic is supported by colorful theatrical productions, from "The Nutcracker" to the ballet "Rockets" at the Radio City Music Hall.

With the onset of cold weather, the rhythm of life in the Big Apple slows down somewhat, and many people wonder what to do in NYC in winter. Travelers enjoy visiting fashion shows on famous catwalks, as well as cafes and restaurants with spicy delicacies for every taste.

Many tourists come to the city in winter just to visit New York City winter attractions. Music and cultural festivals are always popular among art lovers. For Chinese New Year, many stores offer discounts that are a sin not to take advantage of.

In the run-up to Christmas, it's a time of wonder as hundreds of lights illuminate the Christmas tree and store windows shimmer with colorful decorations. The traditional New Year's Eve lights whisper to locals and visitors that the season of winter activities in New York City is open. The air is filled with the fabulous spirit of the upcoming holiday, and everyone remembers the sweet times when New Year's Eve and Christmas were associated with the expectation of miracles and fairy tales.

Visit the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center

One of the best things to do in NYC in winter is to visit the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center. Here, the Christmas tree has been placed above the ice rink for more than 70 years in a row. The tree is put up every year at Thanksgiving, and it helps maintain a festive atmosphere throughout the New Year's vacations.

Even the locals of the city enjoy spending leisure time at the skating rink, for a while reincarnating into little children with carefree laughter and delight. This entertainment is one of the top things to do in New York in winter.

Useful tip: If Rockefeller Center is too crowded, you can change location and go to Wall Street. In front of the New York Stock Exchange they always put up a Christmas tree. It is, of course, smaller and looks much simpler, but here you can get into the magical atmosphere of the coming holidays.

Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City

New Year's Eve in Times Square

New Year's Eve makes everyone want to make a change for the better, leaving sad moments behind and looking forward to the future. One interesting option for things to do in NYC during the winter is to make a wish in Times Square. This is a special ritual, which is carried out in an unusual and even solemn atmosphere.

The essence of it is that from the spire of a high tower falls a crystal ball on Times Square. At this time, hundreds of thousands of citizens and visitors make a wish with a sinking heart and sincerely believe that it will come true. This spectacle is watched by millions of people around the world.

Are you thinking of fun and unusual things to do in New York in winter? Buy a ticket on the rooftops of nearby buildings to make wishes, and you won't regret it. There are also restaurants where you can order savory delicacies and drinks from different cuisines of the world.

Agree, with a cup of invigorating coffee and a portion of your favorite cheesecake winter activities in New York twice more interesting. In the restaurant you can hide from the huge crowd in a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. The only thing is that you should be ready for inflated prices, but this is not surprising on the eve of a grand holiday.

Useful tip: Do not immediately go to expensive restaurants with crazy fixed prices. Give preference to a small institution with a more modest menu, but reasonable prices. They usually remain the same for the entire period of the holidays. The money you save can be invested in a gift for a loved one or treat yourself to a visit to cool places in New York.

The address is 1475 Broadway at the intersection of 42nd Street, Broadway and 7th Avenue.

Ice Skating

What winter things to do in NYC to make a lasting impression? One of the most romantic things to do around Christmas is ice skating. It's a magical place for love confessions, friendly conversations and unbridled fun. In winter, a lot of people gather here to get away from everyday worries and plunge into childhood.

What to do in New York in winter? Head to one of the city's swanky ice rinks:

• Rockefeller Center Rink;
• Bryant Park in the bustling Manhattan neighborhood;
• Williamsburg in Brooklyn.

The Rockefeller Center Ice Rink is rightly considered one of the places to visit in New York in winter. It is very popular among locals and tourists. It always gathers a lot of people who want to get a portion of extravagant emotions and positivity. At one of the best skating rinks in the city you can skate until midnight, enjoying the amazing atmosphere of a winter fairy tale.

You can also go ice skating at Bryant Park, which is included in the list of New York winter attractions. It is located in the famous Manhattan. It traditionally hosts movie festivals, fairs and music events. The park is surrounded by huge houses, offices and shopping and entertainment centers. Not far from the skating rink is the New York Public Library.

During the winter season, the park is completely transformed and shines with many colorful lights. Families with children come here with a special pleasure. This magical corner of wonders is also called the Bank of America in Bryant Park.

The address of Bryant Park is 476 5th Ave New York, NY 10018.

Places to visit in New York during winter include the ice skating rink on the 23rd floor of William Vale in Brooklyn's Williamsburg. It offers mesmerizing views of the cityscape. Its visit is often compared "to skating on the skyline".

Interestingly, the rink here is not made of regular ice, but of synthetic ice called Glice. No water or electrical power is needed when pouring it. Visitors to the best NYC winter activities get the same sensations as when skating on regular ice, only without the cold and high humidity.

For peace of mind and confidence it is better to book tickets for one of the best winter activities in New York in advance - the skating rink is usually open from 14 to 22 hours on weekdays, and on Saturday - from noon to 10 pm. Ticket prices are quite affordable - about $20 for adults and $12 for kids.

The address is the 23rd floor rooftop of the William Vale Hotel at 111 N 12th St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Broadway Week in New York City

Broadway is the world's famous theater district and is bustling and crowded year-round. In winter, it has a special atmosphere, and many people rush to visit the spectacular shows at this time, hiding from the street cold. In the warm hall it is so pleasant to watch the theatrical action, enjoying the play of actors and live music performed by the orchestra.

Another interesting place to visit on New Year's Eve is the theater on Broadway. It is considered one of the best winter things to do in NYC. Broadway Week takes place here in January. During this period, visitors to the theater can buy tickets for luxury theatrical productions at half the usual price.

Broadway is considered to be the longest street in New York City, and it runs through all of Manhattan. At its heart is Times Square, one of the most popular places to visit in New York in winter. The city's famous theaters are concentrated here. Theaters showcase great plays and musicals for theatergoers. You can see shows that have been running for decades and fresh works with a twist.

In the best places to visit in New York during winter, travelers are excited to see Jersey Boys and Hamilton, Kinky Boots and The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera and Rent. There are always many audiences attending the play "Chicago" with spectacular acting by the performers and amazing live music.

The Broadway Theater's address is at 53rd and Broadway (Building #1681) in the theater district of Manhattan, New York, USA.

Visit the new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation

New York is undoubtedly a city of discovery and unexpected contrasts. What are the best things to do in NYC during winter? Here you can walk the streets for long periods of time, studying the tantalizing signs and peeking into stores, cafes and galleries. In the wintertime, you'll want to alternate your walks with something inspiring in the warmth and comfort of your home.

We suggest you visit one of the original places to visit in NYC during winter - the American Museum of Natural History. Here you can not only keep warm, but also learn a lot of new and fascinating things.

The architects of this structure were inspired by canyons. In 2023, a new wing with a stylish and impressive design opened here. In its outline, the structure resembles a deep canyon that is carved by ferocious winds.

One of the most enigmatic places to visit in winter in New York has a large number of collections. There are interesting artifacts used by scientists, a butterfly vivarium and a library with a rich selection of scientific literature.

Address: 200 Central Park West, New York City

Fifth Avenue Showcases

Curious about things to do New York in winter? Make sure you visit Fifth Avenue! When it's not too cold outside, you can spend the day outdoors browsing the windows of Fifth Avenue. During the holidays, they are ablaze with colorful lights and Christmas trees with bright lighting effects. Transparent storefronts invite passersby to buy brand-name shoes or clothes.

Fifth Avenue, one of the best places to visit in NYC in winter, is home to chic hotels and restaurants with plenty of fancy food and drinks. There are also famous boutiques such as Louis Vinton, Hugo Boss, Giorgio Armani and jewelry stores including the legendary Tiffany.

Places to visit in New York in the winter - elite stores in the city. They organize a kind of competition among themselves in decorating the windows that face the street with spectacular garlands and decorations. Department stores of branded clothing create interesting projects that attract the attention of travelers and locals of the Big Apple.

For example, in 2019, Fifth Avenue teamed up with Disney to create a "Cold Heart" world in its storefronts. In turn, Louis Vuitton installed a creative installation in its store that included original life-size sculptures and drawings of the brand's merchandise.

We would like to offer you an interesting option of places to go in NYC in winter. If you feel cold and uncomfortable on the street, you can go to a boutique and buy yourself something to remember. Especially before the New Year holidays, there is a season of huge discounts.

Celebrate Chinese New Year

The NYC winter tourist attractions are fascinating and varied. Just worth celebrating Chinese New Year, which is always fun and extravaganza! Traditionally it is held in February. The streets are decorated with fire tinsel, and there are exciting events with colorful dances and local artists.

An important place on one of the best things to do in winter in New York is the worship of domestic and celestial deities and people who have passed into eternity. It is hard to imagine such a celebration - you should definitely visit it to feel this atmosphere of grandiose celebration. Here you can see the merry lion dances and enjoy the taste of tempting delicacies.

What to do during winter in NYC is a frequent question among travelers. The colorful Chinese New Year parade and fireworks festival are always fun. They are usually held in Manhattan's Chinatown.

The theme of one of the most colorful winter activities in New York is supported by the many Chinese restaurants located in the area. Here you can indulge in beef lagman and chicken in sweet and sour sauce, Chinese fortune cookies and crispy pastries with New Year's wishes.

Such a holiday will stay in your heart forever and will warm you with warm memories for a long time.

Enjoy the winter jazzfest

We want to give you another cool option for things to do in New York in winter time. If you're hungry for excitement and excitement, head to Winter Jazzfest, which features talented musicians at the height of their careers.

Winter Jazzfest is not limited to music alone. There are helpful talks and presentations on topics ranging from gender issues and the nation's environmental situation to mental illness and social oppression.

Treat yourself to a cup of hot chocolate

Wondering what to do in the winter in NY to visit an interesting location and satisfy your taste buds? Check out the bakeries and restaurants in the city that offer hot chocolate. This treat helps to complete the fabulous picture of New Year's holidays and feel the invigorating warmth.

An interesting variation of serving this dish is frozen hot chocolate, which is served with a ball of whipped cream and a "cap" of grated chocolate.

There are plenty of options for winter things to do in New York. We suggest you go to the famous Dominique Ansel Bakery, which is famous for its delicious cronuts.

If you're in New York, places to visit in winter are always a welcome sight.

One of the grand events here in February is Fashion Week, though you can only get in by invitation. There are also events covering the future of fashion and other equally interesting topics.

Dine out during Restaurant Week

What else is thereto do in New York during winter? New York is famous for its cosmopolitan restaurants. They regularly welcome guests with great American and French, English and Chinese cuisine.

Restaurant Week invites guests to take a look at the "delicious" places to visit in winter New York.

Browse vintage items at the indoor Brooklyn Flea Market

The list of winter things to do in New York is endless. Here's another great way to spend your free time during the cold season. If you're a fan of original items steeped in the spirit of yesteryear, you'll be interested in the Brooklyn Flea Market.

In summer, it invites shoppers to browse the many vintage souvenirs in the open air. In winter, it moves indoors so that shoppers can shop in comfort. There is a wide selection of vintage records and closet items, rare toys and cute knick-knacks.

Don't think long and hard about what to do in New York during winter, but head to the flea market in Brooklyn. There is a special atmosphere of lovers of antiques and aesthetics in all its forms. The winter market is located in Industry City, where vendors offer their original wares. You have to be prepared for inflated prices, but you know how to haggle, right?

Address: 176 Lafayette Ave, New York, NY, USA.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York

Traditionally, the best places to visit in New York in winter are museums. They are open all year round, but in winter they are especially crowded. When it's cold outside, it's a good time to explore museum exhibits.

In New York - a lot of museums, but especially popular are these institutions:

• American Museum of Natural History with the world's largest topaz, Hayden Planetarium, and butterfly collection;

• Metropolitan Museum of Art with rock art, sarcophagi of pharaohs, armor of knights and works of famous artists - Rembrandt, Van Gogh;
• Museum of Modern Art with paintings by Picasso, Monet, Dali, Malevich.

What to do in the winter in New York, when you want something extraordinary? In New York there are many museums with original themes. For example, the Museum of Morbid Anatomy, the Museum of American Indians and the Museum of the Moving Image.

The address is 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028

Visit movie theaters in the Big Apple

What to do in NYC during winter? There are tons of interesting things to do in this city. When it's cold outside, it's always nice to be in the warmth of a movie theater, enjoying the actors and the grand action of a special effects picture.

In addition to watching exciting movies, you can check out the Film Forum, which is considered one of the cool places to visit New York in winter. The AMC Theater in Times Square and the many film festivals are always worth a visit.

Enjoy brunch

New Yorkers and visitors to the Big Apple love brunch. Scattered around the city are many gastronomic establishments with a wide variety of fine food and drink. These are popular places to visit in New York City in winter.

You can head to Queens, Manhattan or Brooklyn for a delicious breakfast or a full meal with plenty of delicacies. The B Bar and Grill in the heart of Manhattan is always popular, and many people choose to dine at EJ's on the Upper West Side or Elmo's in the Village.

Visit the Westminster Dog Show

What are the best things to do in winter in NYC if you're an animal lover? Every year in February, New York City hosts a show called the Westminster Dog Show.

One of the best places to visit in NYC during winter, it is a fascinating competition of purebred four-legged friends for different titles. Here they are awarded the title of the best in breed and the best at the event as a whole. Tickets are not very cheap, starting at $200, but the live show is definitely worth it.

Get a boost of positivity at Comedy Cellar

If you're looking for the best things to do in NYC this winter, check out Comedy Cellar. For all comedy lovers, there are regular late night shows with great performers. If you want to get away from the mundane and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of happiness and carefree, you will love it here.

Address: 117 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

Energize at Chelsea Piers

What are the best things to do winter NYC if you like to be active? You can go to Chelsea Piers, a chic playground for adults. There's an entire sports town set up here for sports enthusiasts.

There are areas for baseball and soccer, hockey and basketball. Two 23-foot-high indoor climbing walls are the hallmark of the playground. Figure skating enthusiasts enjoy spending time on the ice here. Are you a fan of quiet sports games? Then head to the golf club to learn how to putt the ball in the hole the first time.

Address: Hudson River, Piers 59-62, between 17th and 23rd streets, New York, NY 10011.

Experience the creative world of Lincoln Center

If you're an art lover looking for places to see in New York in winter, visit Lincoln Center. Here, buy a ticket to a cultural event on the Upper West Side and immerse yourself in a creative atmosphere.

Lincoln Center has many venues for colorful performances and show programs. In the wintertime, there are spectacular ballet performances. "Sleeping Beauty" takes an honorable place in the list of favorite performances.

Address: Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

The Strand

If you can't imagine life without books and you're wondering what the best things to do New York in winter are, you'll love the original Strand Bookstore. Here you can not only hide from the freezing air and snowfall, but also wander along the tall shelves filled with books of different genres and subjects.

There are books for every taste - love novels, scientific literature, bestselling detectives, works for children and rare collectibles. You will be offered to put your purchases in a branded book bag "The Strand", which will keep the memory of your visit to this unique location for a long time.

Address: 828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003-4826

Spend your leisure time at the IFC Center

On the list of cool things to do in NYC winter is a visit to the IFC Center. It is considered a symbol of modern art-house. The history of the Center began in 2005, after the completion of the renovation of the Waverly Theater.

One of the best places to visit in NYC during winter, the center features five movie theaters that showcase iconic domestic and foreign films, including documentaries. In the theater you can buy tickets for the brightest films, the screening of which takes place at midnight. Agreed, there is a share of romance in it.

The IFC Center is located in Greenwich Village, surrounded by chic cafes, stores and restaurants. After the movies, you can stroll through the nearby establishments to breathe in the air of the Big Apple.

Address: 323 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014

Don't miss the opportunity to take advantage of hotel week in New York City

The Big Apple is famous for its chic hotels with royal rooms of varying sizes and designs. Prices here can be expensive, but when you take advantage of the NYC Hotel Week program, you can find great discounted hotel deals. They usually last for more than 30 days, starting in January. Here you can find affordable lodging options with discounts of 20% or more.

We have tried to compile for you a list of the best things to do NYC winter. We hope it will help to fill your vacation with bright emotions and sensations. Have a magical travels and more positivity in our rebellious world!