Things To Do in New York City During the Winter

Kristen S.
· · · ·

New York City in winter is nothing short of magical. The city transforms into a snowy wonderland, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a cozy atmosphere that makes it the perfect destination for a winter getaway. Whether you’re visiting for the holidays or exploring in January and February, here’s a comprehensive guide to the best activities to do during the winter in New York City.

New York City Winter Activities To Try In 2025

1. Ice Skating in Iconic Locations

Skating at Rockefeller Centre - Activities to do during the winter in New York City
Photo via Rockefeller Center

Ice skating is a quintessential NYC winter activity. The most famous spot is the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, where you can glide under the glow of the towering Christmas tree (until early January). For a less crowded experience, try Wollman Rink in Central Park or Bryant Park’s Winter Village, which also features holiday shops and cozy food stalls.

  • Rockefeller Center Ice Rink: 600 5th Ave, Rockefeller Center, New York City, NY 10020-2302
  • Hours: Daily from 9am–12am
  • Email: therink@rockefellercenter.com
  • Website: 212-771-7200
  • Buy your tickets here
  • Wollman Rink: 830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065
  • Hours: Mon. – Tues.: 10:00am – 2:30pm; Wed. – Thurs.: 10:00am – 9:00pm; Fri. – Sat.: 10:00am – 10:00pm Sun.: 10:00am – 9:00pm
  • Email: hello@wollmanrinknyc.com
  • Phone: 833-615-3500
  • Website: wollmanrinknyc.com
  • Bryant Park: Between 40th And 42nd Streets & Fifth And Sixth Ave, New York, NY 10018
  • Hours:  Mon. – Wed.: 7am-10pm; Thurs. – Sun.: 7am-midnight (Nov to Dec); Daily, 7am-10pm (Jan to Apr)
  • Email: info@bryantpark.org
  • Website: bryantpark.org

2. See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a must-see during the holiday season. Lit in late November, it remains a dazzling centerpiece until early January. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and snap the perfect photo.

3. Explore Holiday Markets

Union Square Holiday Market - New York City Activities During The Winter
Photo via Loving New York

NYC’s holiday markets are a treasure trove of unique gifts, festive treats, and seasonal cheer. The Union Square Holiday Market and Bryant Park Winter Village are two of the most popular. Browse handmade crafts, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

  • Union Square Holiday Market: Union Square Park, 14th Street, NY
  • Hours: Mon. to Fri.: 11am – 9pm; Sat.: 10am – 9pm; Sun.: 10am – 8pm
  • Website: urbanspacemarkets.com
  • Contact form

4. Watch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a holiday tradition featuring the world-famous Rockettes. This high-energy show is packed with dazzling performances, festive music, and holiday spirit. Tickets sell out fast, so book early.

  • Address: 1260 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020
  • Box Office Hours: Mon. to Sat.: 10am – 6pm (times may vary)
  • Email: guestrelations@msg.com
  • Phone: 212-465-6225
  • Website: rockettes.com
  • Get your tickets here

5. Stroll Through Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Head to Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood to see some of the most extravagant Christmas light displays in the city. Homes are decked out with thousands of lights, giant inflatables, and festive decorations. It’s a free, family-friendly activity that feels like stepping into a holiday movie.

  • Location: Southwest corner of Brooklyn between Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Borough Park, and Gravesend Bay (light displays from 11th to 13th Avenues)
  • Email: info@citytoursbyfoot.com
  • Book a walking tour here

6. Warm Up in a Cozy Museum

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Photo via Get Your Guide

Winter is the perfect time to explore NYC’s world-class museums. The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers a warm escape with its vast collection of art and artifacts. Don’t miss the American Museum of Natural History, where you can marvel at dinosaur skeletons and the Hayden Planetarium. For contemporary art lovers, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a must-visit.

  • Metropolitan Museum of Art: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
  • Hours: Thurs. to Sat.: 10am – 5pm; Sun. to Tues.: 10am – 5pm; Closed Wednesdays
  • Phone: 212-535-7710
  • Website: metmuseum.org
  • Get your tickets here
  • American Museum of Natural History: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024-5102
  • Hours: Open daily; 10am–5:30pm
  • Phone: 212-769-5100
  • Website: amnh.org
  • Contact form
  • Reserve your tickets here
  • Museum of Modern Art: 11 West 53 Street, Manhattan, NY 10019
  • Hours: Mon. to Thurs.: 10:30am–5:30pm; Fri,: 10:30am–8:30pm; Sat. & Sun.: 10:30am–5:30pm
  • Website: moma.org
  • Contact form
  • Get your tickets here

7. Take in the Views from Top of the Rock or Empire State Building

Winter’s crisp air provides some of the clearest views of the city skyline. Head to Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center or the Empire State Building’s observation deck for panoramic views of NYC blanketed in snow.

  • Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 (enter on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues)
  • Hours: Daily from 8:00 am – 12:00 am
  • Phone: 212-698-2000
  • Email: info@rockefellercenter.com
  • Website: rockefellercenter.com
  • Purchase your tickets here

8. Enjoy a Broadway Show

Winter is a great time to catch a Broadway show. From long-running favorites like The Lion King to new productions, there’s something for everyone. Check out TKTS in Times Square for discounted same-day tickets.

  • Address: Multiple theatre locations in New York City
  • Hours: Show times vary
  • Phone: 1-800-BROADWAY
  • Website: broadway.com
  • Contact Broadway.com & Theatre Direct International here for more info

9. Sip Hot Chocolate at Serendipity 3

Warm up with a decadent cup of hot chocolate at Serendipity 3, a whimsical café on the Upper East Side. Their famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate is a must-try, even in the cold weather.

  • Address: 225 E 60th St, NY 10022 (Upper East Side), 157 W 47th St, NY 10036 (Times Square)
  • Hours: Monday – Friday: 11am – 11pm; Saturday – Sunday: 10am – 11pm
  • Email: info@serendipity3.com
  • Website: serendipity3.com
  • Make your reservations here

10. Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Winter is one of the best times to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. With fewer crowds, you can take your time exploring these iconic landmarks and learning about their history.

11. Experience Winter Jazz at a Cozy Venue

NYC’s jazz scene thrives in the winter. Check out legendary venues like Blue Note in Greenwich Village or Birdland in Midtown for an intimate evening of live music.

  • Blue Note Jazz Club: 131 W. 3rd St, New York, NY 10012
  • Hours: Music at 8:00pm and 10:30pm; Doors at 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
  • Phone: (212) 475-8592
  • Website: bluenotejazz.com
  • Contact form
  • Blue Note Jazz Club: 315 West 44th Street New York, NY 10036
  • Hours: Showtimes vary
  • Phone: (212) 581-3080
  • Website: birdlandjazz.com
  • View upcoming shows here

12. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Bridge - New York City Activities During The Winter
Photo via Your Brooklyn Guide

A winter walk across the Brooklyn Bridge offers stunning views of the city and the East River. The crisp air and fewer crowds make it a peaceful and picturesque experience.

  • Location: Spanning the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn
  • Website: nyc.gov

13. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Times Square

If you’re in NYC for New Year’s Eve, join the iconic Times Square Ball Drop. Arrive early to secure a spot, and bundle up—it’s a long wait, but the energy and excitement are worth it.

14. Explore Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal - New York City Activities During The Winter
Photo via Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is more than just a transportation hub—it’s a historic landmark with stunning architecture. During the holidays, the terminal hosts a festive market and a light show projected onto its ceiling.

  • Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017; Main entrance: 89 E. 42nd St. at Park Avenue
  • Terminal Hours: 5:15 am – 2:00 am; Shop hours vary
  • Phone: (212) 340-2583
  • Website: grandcentralterminal.com
  • Book a guided tour here

15. Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

9/11 Memorial & Museum - New York City Activities During The Winter
Photo via 911 Memorial and Museum

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a moving tribute to the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Winter is a quieter time to visit, allowing for a more reflective experience.

16. Take a Day Trip to Woodbury Common

For shopaholics, a day trip to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is a winter must. Just an hour from NYC, this outdoor shopping destination offers discounts on luxury brands.

  • Address: 498 Red Apple Ct, Central Valley, NY 10917
  • Hours: Mon. to Thurs.: 10:00am – 8:00pm; Fri. to Sun.: 10:00am – 9:00pm
  • Phone: (845) 928-4000
  • Website: premiumoutlets.com

17. Warm Up with Comfort Food

Winter in NYC calls for hearty comfort food. Try classic dishes like pastrami sandwiches at the famous Katz’s Delicatessen, ramen at Ippudo, or pizza at Joe’s.

  • Katz’s Delicatessen: 205 East Houston Street New York City, 10002 (corner of Ludlow St)
  • Hours: Mon. to Thurs.: 8:00 am – 11:00 pm; Open 24hrs on weekends: Fri. 8:00 am – Sunday 11:00 pm
  • Phone: (212) 254-2246
  • Website: katzsdelicatessen.com
  • Contact form
  • Make group reservations here
  • Joe’s Pizza: Multiple locations across New York
  • Hours: Mon. & Tues.: 10:00 am – 3:00 am; Wed.: 10:00 am – 2:00 am; Thurs. 10:00 am – 4:00 am;
    Fri. & Sat.: 10:00 am – 5:00 am; Sun. 10:00 am – 2:00 am; Pickup hours vary
  • Phone: (646) 846-5044 (1435 Broadway)
  • Website: joespizzaofnewyork.com

18. Attend a Winter Festival

NYC hosts several winter festivals, including the LuminoCity Festival on Roosevelt Island and the Winter Lantern Festival in Queens. These events feature dazzling light displays and interactive installations.

New York City in winter is a magical experience, filled with festive cheer, cozy activities, and breathtaking views. Whether you’re skating, going on a winter day trip, exploring world-class museums, or sipping hot chocolate in a charming café, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season. Start planning with these New York City winter activities.

More… 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *