17 Things to Do in Central Park in Winter (A Local’s Guide)
People always ask, “Is Central Park even open in winter?” Yes, of course it is. And I am telling you, it is one of the best times to go. Visiting Central Park after a fresh snow is like stepping into a different city. The whole place finally gets quiet. You just need to know where to go.
A quick heads-up: Things in New York change faster than the subway schedule. Always check the official website or call ahead. You need to make sure hours, prices, and details are still correct.
What to Actually Do in Central Park When It’s Freezing
1. Go Ice Skating at Wollman Rink
Look, let’s get this out of the way. This is the main event. You see it in all the movies. Skating here with the skyline lit up is a classic for a reason. It is the number one thing to do in Central Park in December.
- Price: $$$ (Prices are tiered: Off-Peak, Peak, and Prime. Go on a weekday morning to save money.)
- Location: Enter at 59th St and Sixth Ave, or 59th St and Fifth Ave
- Experience Tip: Book your tickets online. I am not kidding. Do it way in advance. Weekends and holiday slots sell out, and you will be stuck watching from the sidelines.
- Contact: https://wollmanrinknyc.com
2. Shop the Columbus Circle Holiday Market
If you are here around Christmas, you have to hit this market. It is right at the park’s entrance at 59th Street. You can grab a hot cider, eat some ridiculous doughnuts, and shop for gifts from local artisans. It is a great way to warm up before or after a park walk.
- When: Usually from late November through December 31
- Price: FREE (to enter, not to shop)
- Location: 59th Street and Central Park West
- Experience Tip: My advice? Go on a weekday afternoon. At night, you are not “shopping.” You are in a human traffic jam. It is miserable.
- Contact: https://www.centralpark.com/events/columbus-circle-holiday-market
3. Go Sledding on a Real Hill
When it snows (and actually sticks), this is the spot. The two “official” spots are Pilgrim Hill and Cedar Hill. As soon as a few inches are down, you will see New Yorkers from every borough hauling sleds.
- Price: FREE
- Location: Pilgrim Hill (enter at 72nd St & Fifth Ave) or Cedar Hill (enter at 76th St & Fifth Ave)
- Experience Tip: We only go if there are at least six inches of snow. Do not have a sled? A broken-down cardboard box is the traditional, old-school NYC way. It works.
4. Take the Perfect Winter Photos
If there is a fresh coat of snow, the entire park is your photo op. But for the A+ shot, you go to Bethesda Terrace. The stone staircase and fountain look incredible. If it is too cold, duck under the terrace into the arcade. You can see the beautiful Minton tiles. The Mall (the big leafy walkway) is also stunning when the trees are bare and frosty.
- Price: FREE
- Location: Mid-Park at 72nd Street
- Experience Tip: You want the magic shot? Go right after sunrise. You get the best light, zero crowds, and the snow is untouched. That is how you get the shot.
5. See the Holiday Lights at the Harlem Meer
Are you looking for a Central Park Winter Wonderland vibe without the midtown crowds? Head uptown. The Central Park Conservancy lights a whole flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer. It is a super chill, local event with caroling and hot cocoa.
- When: Usually kicks off the first week of December
- Price: FREE
- Location: Inside the park at 110th Street, between Fifth and Lenox Aves
- Experience Tip: This is a great family-friendly event. It is also the perfect excuse to explore the beautiful (and less-crowded) north end of the park.
6. Get Cozy at Tavern on the Green
Yes, it is a tourist spot. But it is a famous one for a reason. What can tourists do? This. Instead of an expensive dinner, just grab a spot at the bar or in the lounge. It is incredibly cozy with fireplaces and a giant tree during the holidays. It is the perfect place to thaw out with a hot toddy.
- Price: $$$$
- Location: 67th Street & Central Park West
- Experience Tip: Skip the line. Make a reservation just for the bar. You get all the atmosphere without committing to a three-course, three-figure meal.
- Contact: https://www.tavernonthegreen.com
7. Visit the Central Park Zoo
The zoo stays open all year, and winter is low-key the best time to go. Why? No crowds. And the animals that like the cold are way more active. The snow leopards, sea lions, and penguins are always out. Plus, the “Tropic Zone” is like a mini-vacation to a steam room.
- Price: $$
- Location: East 64th Street & Fifth Avenue
- Experience Tip: The zoo’s winter hours are shorter. They usually close by 4:30 PM. You need to get there by 2:00 PM at the latest to see everything.
- Contact: https://centralparkzoo.com
8. See the View from Belvedere Castle
The castle (which is really just a lookout tower) recently reopened. It gives you the best high-up view from within the park. It is free to enter. On a clear winter day, you get amazing panoramic views of the Turtle Pond and the Great Lawn. This is one of the best winter photos you can get.
- Price: FREE
- Location: Mid-Park at 79th Street
- Experience Tip: It opens from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. But, they will close the stairs if it gets too icy. It is a great quick stop before or after you visit the Met.
- Contact: https://www.centralparknyc.org/locations/belvedere-castle
9. Take a Horse and Carriage Ride
Okay, this is the most touristy thing on the list. But it is a major part of the Central Park winter experience. Cuddled up under a blanket while trotting past snow-covered trees is pretty magical. You have to admit it.
- Price: $$$$
- Location: Find the carriages lined up on Central Park South, between Fifth and Sixth Aves
- Experience Tip: Prices are regulated by the city. But, you should always confirm the cost and the ride duration before you get in. Do not get ripped off.
10. Get Lost in The Ramble
Do you want to feel like you are in a snowy forest? Head to The Ramble. This 36-acre “wild” garden has narrow, winding paths, tiny streams, and lots of little bridges. It is also one of the best places in the city for winter birding.
- Price: FREE
- Location: Mid-Park, from 73rd to 79th Streets
- Experience Tip: You will get turned around in here. That is the whole point. Put your phone away and just wander.
11. Pay Respects at Strawberry Fields
This 2.5-acre landscaped area pays tribute to John Lennon. It is a must-see. The “Imagine” mosaic is a famous landmark. It feels particularly quiet and peaceful in the winter. It is a good spot for a quiet moment of reflection.
- Price: FREE
- Location: West Side at 72nd Street
- Experience Tip: It is just a short walk from the Dakota apartment building. Seeing the building (where Lennon lived) makes the visit more powerful.
12. Warm Up at the Chess & Checkers House
If your fingers are about to fall off, pop into this little building. It is free to enter. You can borrow a game of chess, checkers, or backgammon to play. It is a cool, old-school New York scene and a great way to warm up for 30 minutes.
- Price: FREE (to enter and play)
- Location: Mid-Park at 64th Street (near the Carousel)
- Experience Tip: It opens daily, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but hours can shift. It is a perfect, zero-cost way to beat the cold.
13. Explore the North Woods
If The Ramble is “wild,” the North Woods is the full-on wilderness. This is the largest woodland in the park. It features The Loch, a stream that winds through it. You can see waterfalls (that sometimes freeze) and feel like you have completely left Manhattan.
- Price: FREE
- Location: Upper park, from 101st to 110th Streets
- Experience Tip: This is where people who live here go. It is quiet, it is beautiful, and you will have it mostly to yourself.
14. Go Cross-Country Skiing
This one only works after a major snowstorm. But when it happens, it is epic. When the park gets covered, the Great Lawn and Sheep Meadow turn into fields for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It is a rare and amazing sight.
- Price: FREE (if you have your own gear)
- Location: Sheep Meadow or the Great Lawn
- Experience Tip: I have to be clear: this is not an organized rental spot. It is a “bring your own gear” situation. But if you have skis, it is an unforgettable way to see the park.
15. Ride the Central Park Carousel
Yes, it is open in the winter (weather permitting). This is one of the largest and most famous carousels in the country. It is a quick, cheap, and nostalgic ride that is fun for any age.
- Price: $
- Location: Mid-Park at 65th Street
- Experience Tip: It opens daily 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. But it will close if it is raining, too cold, or snowy. And bring dollar bills. It is a cash-only situation.
16. See a Show at the Swedish Cottage
If you are with kids and need to get inside, this is a gem. The Swedish Cottage is home to a marionette theater. It puts on classic fairy tales. The cottage itself looks like something out of a storybook, especially in the snow.
- Price: $$
- Location: West Side at 79th Street
- Experience Tip: You absolutely must book tickets in advance. I mean it. The shows are popular and the theater is tiny. You cannot just show up.
17. Duck into a Museum
When you just cannot take the cold anymore, remember the park is bordered by two of the world’s best museums. Pop into the American Museum of Natural History on the west side. Or, visit The Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art) on the east side. It is the perfect “warm-up” plan.
- Price: $$ (Pay-what-you-wish for NY residents at both. The Met is pay-what-you-wish for NY/NJ/CT students)
- Location: AMNH (Central Park West & 79th) or The Met (Fifth Ave & 82nd)
- Experience Tip: Do not try to see the whole museum. That is a rookie mistake. Just pick one or two exhibits. Go see the dinosaurs at AMNH or the Temple of Dendur at the Met. Warm your toes for an hour, then head back out.
Planning More Big Apple Adventures?
After you finish your winter walk, you might think about other ways to see the city. Central Park in winter is a great start. But there is a whole city out there. If you are ready to really dig into the neighborhoods, check out our guide to the 15+ Best Walking Tours In NYC (Self-Guided & Paid) for the best routes to take.
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