Discover the 10 best things to do in New York in winter! Enjoy ice skating, holiday lights, festive markets, and more in this fun, family-friendly NYC winter guide.
10 Best Things to Do in New York in Winter (Family-Friendly NYC Guide)
Winter in New York City is truly magical. The city transforms into a winter wonderland with sparkling holiday lights, festive window displays, and even a dusting of snow in Central Park. Many tourists might wonder if the Big Apple is worth visiting during the colder months – the answer is absolutely yes! In fact, nearly 65 million people visited NYC in 2024nyc.gov, and many came during winter to experience its unique charm. While January and February are colder and less crowded (often below freezing, meaning shorter lines at attractions and lower hotel pricesroamless.com), December is bustling with holiday cheerroamless.com. From ice skating under a giant Christmas tree to sipping hot cocoa at a cozy cafe, the best things to do in New York in winter offer fun for all ages. This guide will walk you through the top 10 winter activities in NYC, with a friendly tone that even a 7th-grader can understand and enjoy. Bundle up, and let’s explore winter in the city that never sleeps!
1. Marvel at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 🎄 and Ice Rink
The famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree glowing with thousands of lights in Midtown Manhattan.
When it comes to winter in NYC, Rockefeller Center is at the top of almost every list. Each holiday season, a towering Norway spruce roughly 75–80 feet tall is decorated with over 50,000 twinkling lights and crowned by a sparkling Swarovski staren.wikipedia.org. Tourists and locals alike flock to Midtown Manhattan to marvel at this iconic Christmas Tree, which shines brightly from early December through early January. In the plaza below the tree, you’ll find The Rink at Rockefeller Center, one of New York’s most famous ice skating rinks. Skating here, surrounded by the glittering tree and Art Deco skyscrapers, feels straight out of a movie scene! It’s a small rink, so be prepared for crowds and wait times, especially at peak hours. Even if you don’t skate, watching other skaters circle the ice under the gigantic tree is a classic New York winter experience.
Tip: Try visiting the Rockefeller tree late at night or early in the morning to avoid the heaviest crowds. The lights are usually on until around midnight, and it’s truly magical when fewer people are around. Also, dress warmly – you’ll be outside for a while, and NYC winters are cold!
2. Go Ice Skating in Central Park at Wollman Rink ⛸️
Skaters enjoying a winter evening at Wollman Rink in Central Park, with the Manhattan skyline in the background.
Ice skating is a must-do winter activity in New York City, and one of the best places to glide on the ice is Wollman Rink in Central Park. This open-air rink is set against the stunning backdrop of Manhattan’s skyline and tree-lined Central Park, giving you a picture-perfect experience. Whether you’re a beginner gripping the rail or an aspiring figure skater, you’ll love the feeling of skating in the crisp winter air. Wollman Rink is usually open from late October through early spring, weather permitting. There’s a fee to enter and for skate rentals if you don’t have your own. The rink can get busy on weekends, but it’s large enough to accommodate lots of skaters. In the evening, twinkling lights and music make it even more enchanting. Don’t forget to snap a photo – the combination of ice, city skyscrapers, and possibly even snowfall is unforgettable!
Tip: For a free ice skating option, head to the Winter Village at Bryant Park (more on that below) – there’s a 17,000-square-foot rink there with free admission if you bring your own skatestimeout.com. But if Central Park’s charm is calling you, try to visit Wollman Rink on a weekday morning to enjoy a calmer skating session.
3. Explore the Bryant Park Winter Village (Holiday Market & Rink) 🎡
If you love holiday shopping and snacks, the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park will be your happy place. This winter wonderland is set in Bryant Park (behind the New York Public Library in Midtown Manhattan) and features over 170 holiday shops and food kiosks in cute little kioskstimeout.com. You can browse for unique gifts like handmade crafts, jewelry, artwork, and tasty treats from local artisans. In the center of the Winter Village is a huge 17,000-square-foot ice skating rinktimeout.com – fun fact, it’s NYC’s only free-admission ice rink (you just pay to rent skates, or skate for free if you have your own!). After a spin on the ice, warm up at The Lodge, a covered food court where you can grab hot chocolate, warm waffles, or even a festive cocktail while watching the skaters. The atmosphere in Bryant Park is super festive with holiday music playing and a big Christmas tree adding to the cheer. The holiday market typically runs through late December, but the ice rink stays open until early spring, so you can enjoy this spot even after New Year’s.
Tip: Bryant Park Winter Village can get crowded, especially in the evenings and on weekends. For a more relaxed visit, go on a weekday or earlier in the day. Also, bundle up and wear comfy shoes – you’ll be walking outdoors between shops. Don’t forget to try a tasty treat, like a hot apple cider or a crepe, from one of the food vendors!
4. Enjoy Fifth Avenue’s Holiday Window Displays 🛍️
Midtown Manhattan turns into a glittering wonderland every December, thanks to the famous holiday window displays. Stroll along Fifth Avenue (and a bit around Herald Square) to see department stores and boutiques showing off incredible winter displays. Stores like Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, and others compete to have the most dazzling windows each year. You’ll see scenes with animatronic puppets, sparkling lights, and beautifully crafted decorations – everything from winter wonderland fantasies to scenes from classic New York. One of the highlights is the Saks Fifth Avenue light show: the entire building facade becomes a canvas for a coordinated light and music show every few minutes in the evening (usually featuring a castle or snowflake theme – it’s breathtaking!). Over at Macy’s on 34th Street, the windows often tell a heartwarming holiday story (Macy’s has a tradition of spectacular windows going back to the 1870s!). Walking up Fifth Ave to see all the windows is a free activity and really gets you into the holiday spirit. Expect crowds in front of popular windows, but everyone is usually cheerful and patient, snapping photos and admiring the artistry.
Tip: The holiday windows are usually on display from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Go after dusk so you can see all the lights at their best. If you need a break from the cold, pop into St. Patrick’s Cathedral or the shops at Rockefeller Center along the way to warm up briefly, then continue your window-walking tour. And keep your eyes peeled for the Saks light show each evening – it runs every 10 minutes or so and is easy to catch if you hang around a bit.
5. See the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn 🌟
A house in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn decked out with an over-the-top Christmas lights display.
For an off-Manhattan adventure that’s totally worth it, head to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to witness the most over-the-top Christmas light displays imaginabletravelandleisure.comtravelandleisure.com. Dyker Heights is a residential neighborhood where homeowners take holiday decorating to the next level – we’re talking life-sized Santas, reindeer, snowmen, thousands of flashing lights, huge inflatable characters, and entire houses draped in glowing decorations. The spectacle usually runs throughout December (most lights are on from dusk until about 9 or 10 pm each night). The best displays are centered around 11th Avenue to 13th Avenue and 83rd to 86th Streets. You can walk the streets (along with many other amazed visitors) and marvel at each house trying to outdo the next. It’s like an entire neighborhood transformed into a holiday fantasy land! The tradition has been going on for decades and even has tours – but you can visit on your own for free. This is a favorite for families; kids’ eyes light up seeing giant nutcrackers and blinking candy canes everywhere. Don’t forget to bundle up, since you’ll be walking outside. Also, consider bringing a thermos of hot cocoa for the journey (it’s a bit of travel to get there, but totally fun once you arrive).
Tip: The easiest way to reach Dyker Heights from Manhattan is by taking the D Train to 79 St in Brooklyn, then walking or grabbing a bus/cab to the decorated area. It’s a residential area, so services are a bit spread out – plan ahead. If you prefer convenience, there are bus tours from Manhattan that will take you straight to the best blocks. Weeknights are usually a little less crowded than weekends for viewing the lights. And remember, this is a neighborhood where people live – be respectful with noise and litter, and stay on the sidewalks while you enjoy the show.
6. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Times Square 🎉
When you think of New York in winter, one of the biggest global events that comes to mind is New Year’s Eve in Times Square. Every December 31st, Times Square in Manhattan becomes party central, as around 1 million people pack the streets to watch the famous Ball Drop at midnightcbsnews.com. This tradition has been ongoing for over 100 years – a sparkling crystal ball slides down a pole atop One Times Square, and as it hits the bottom, the clock strikes midnight and a blizzard of confetti rains down on the crowd. If you’re up for an adventure (and don’t mind the cold and crowds), experiencing New Year’s Eve in Times Square is truly a once-in-a-lifetime thing. There are live performances by musicians and celebrities throughout the evening, lots of cheering and countdown excitement, and an undeniable energy of hope and celebration as the new year approaches. Keep in mind, you’ll have to arrive very early on the 31st (many people line up in the afternoon or even morning) to get a spot in the official viewing areas. There are security checkpoints, and once you’re in the crowd, you can’t easily leave and come back – so plan accordingly (eat beforehand and note that restrooms are extremely scarce!). It’s usually quite cold on New Year’s night, often below freezing, so dress in many layers, hats, gloves, and waterproof boots if there’s any chance of rain or snow.
Tip: If standing for hours in a packed crowd isn’t your style (especially for young kids, which can be tough), you can still enjoy the Times Square ball drop on TV from the comfort of your hotel or a nearby restaurant. Another option is to watch the Central Park fireworks – on New Year’s Eve at midnight, Central Park has a big fireworks display and even a midnight run, and it’s much less crowded. But for those determined to see the Times Square Ball Drop in person, arrive early (by late morning or early afternoon on Dec 31) and know that you’ll be outdoors for potentially 8+ hours. Bring snacks, and celebrate with the friendly people around you – the countdown experience and giant “Happy New Year” cheer at midnight are truly unforgettable!
7. Watch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Rockettes)
For a warm indoor treat that still screams “NYC winter,” catch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. This famous show stars the Rockettes, a world-renowned precision dance troupe, and it’s been a New York holiday tradition since 1933travelandleisure.com. The show is absolutely dazzling – the Rockettes perform incredible synchronized high kicks and dance numbers in festive costumes, alongside scenes like the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and a live Nativity with real animals. There’s also music, singing, and plenty of Santa Claus appearances. It’s a show suitable for all ages (kids and grandparents will both be delighted), and it really puts you in a joyful holiday mood. The Christmas Spectacular runs from mid-November through early January, multiple times a day. Because it’s so popular, shows can sell outtravelandleisure.com, so it’s wise to buy tickets in advance if you can. Radio City Music Hall itself is a gorgeous, historic theater in Midtown Manhattan, so it’s a treat just to be inside it. If you’re visiting after the holiday season, consider seeing a Broadway show instead – Broadway theaters run all winter and seeing a musical or play is another classic New York experience (plus a great way to stay warm indoors!).
Tip: When attending the Rockettes’ show, get to Radio City Music Hall a bit early to admire the beautiful art deco interior and use the restrooms (lines can get long at intermission). If tickets are too pricey, keep an eye out for promotional days or consider balcony seats – the view is still fantastic. For Broadway shows in winter, check out TKTS booth in Times Square for same-day discounted tickets. Winter, especially January and February, can be a good time to snag deals on Broadway since it’s a quieter tourist season for theater.
8. Visit New York’s World-Class Museums
Cold and snowy days are perfect for museum-hopping. New York City boasts some of the best museums in the world, and winter is an ideal time to explore them without the huge crowds you might find in summer. You can spend hours (indoors and warm!) discovering art, history, science, and more. A few top picks: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) – this gigantic museum on the Upper East Side has everything from ancient Egyptian temples to medieval armor to famous paintings (plus the Met’s Great Hall is a gorgeous place to step in from the cold). The American Museum of Natural History (on the Upper West Side, by Central Park) is super popular with families – you’ll see dinosaur fossils, a giant blue whale model, and amazing dioramas of animals. During winter they even have special exhibits, like maybe a butterfly house or astronomy shows at the Hayden Planetarium. Other fantastic options include the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in Midtown (think Van Gogh’s Starry Night and cool interactive exhibits), the Guggenheim Museum (where the building itself – a spiral design by Frank Lloyd Wright – is an attraction), and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum downtown for a poignant and important experience. Many museums in NYC have suggested or pay-what-you-wish admission on certain days, which can be budget-friendly. Wandering a museum is not only educational and fun, but it’s also a nice break from being outside in the chilly weather. And don’t forget to check out the museum gift shops for unique souvenirs!
Tip: Plan your museum visits for the coldest or wettest days of your trip. It’s a relief to be indoors on a blustery day. Large museums like The Met and Natural History have cafés where you can grab a hot chocolate or snack to recharge. If you have limited time, choose one or two museums that interest you most and dive in deeply – each major NYC museum can easily fill an entire day if you let it. Also, remember many museums are closed on Mondays (and the 9/11 Museum is closed on Tuesdays), so check schedules ahead of time.
9. Warm Up with Hot Chocolate and Winter Treats
Winter in New York will definitely give you a chilly nose and fingers, which is the perfect excuse to indulge in some hot drinks and tasty treats. All around the city, you’ll find cafes and dessert spots offering seasonal goodies that warm you from the inside out. One legendary treat is the “Frozen Hot Chocolate” at Serendipity 3, an famous NYC dessert café – it’s an icy cold, chocolatey concoction topped with whipped cream (it sounds funny to drink something frozen in winter, but it’s a classic!)chowhound.com. If you prefer your hot chocolate actually hot, try spots like Jacques Torres Chocolate (known for rich, velvety hot cocoa that tastes like melted chocolate bars) or Max Brenner in Union Square (they have a whole menu of creative chocolate drinks). For a classic cup, many bakeries and coffee shops around the city will be pouring hot cocoa – even street carts might serve it. While you’re at it, grab some wintery sweets: a fresh doughnut or a holiday-themed cookie (New York bakeries make amazing gingerbread and sugar cookies during December). You could also treat yourself to warm roasted nuts from a street vendor – the sweet smell of candied peanuts and almonds is basically the scent of NYC in winter. Another idea: pop into Chelsea Market or Time Out Market in Dumbo (Brooklyn) – indoor food halls where you can sample all kinds of treats, from hot soup to fancy hot chocolates, under one roof. Enjoying these cozy foods and drinks will keep your energy up as you explore the city.
Tip: A fun winter challenge is to do a little “hot chocolate tour” of the city – try a cup in each neighborhood you visit and decide which one is your favorite! For example, start with a famous Belgian hot chocolate at City Bakery (if it reopens, as it was known for its huge marshmallows), then maybe a cup from a small Greenwich Village café, and later a spicy Mexican hot chocolate from La Newyorkina stand at a market. It’s a delicious way to stay warm. Also, don’t shy away from classic New York comfort foods in winter – a hot slice of pizza or a steaming bagel can be just as satisfying as fancy treats when it’s freezing outside.
10. Experience the Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown
New York’s winter fun doesn’t end with December – come late January or February, Chinatown in Manhattan lights up with the Lunar New Year Parade and Festival. This annual event celebrates Chinese New Year (also observed by many other Asian communities) with a bang – literally, there are firecrackers! The streets of Chinatown (around Mott Street, Canal Street, and nearby) fill with vibrant floats, marching bands, dragon and lion dancers, and thousands of spectators enjoying the showsecretnyc.cosecretnyc.co.
You’ll see performers dressed as dragons weaving through the crowd, teams of dancers in colorful costumes, and kids carrying lanterns. The atmosphere is joyous and loud, with drums beating and confetti in the air. In 2025, for example, the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade is scheduled for Sunday, Feb 16 at 1pmsecretnyc.co – but it happens annually, so check the date for the year you visit. Best of all, it’s free to watch – just show up and find a spot along the route. It’s a good idea to arrive early because it gets packed.
The festival usually includes booths with food and crafts (think tasty dumplings, bubble tea, and more). Celebrating the Year of the Snake (or Tiger, Rabbit, etc., depending on the year) in Chinatown is a fantastic cultural experience, and it shows the diversity of New York even in winter. Plus, you might snag a red envelope giveaway or see the firecracker ceremony that scares away evil spirits for the New Year. It’s both fun and culturally enriching for kids and adults alike.
Tip: Dress warmly (yes, we keep saying that – New York winter events are cold!) and head out early to get a good viewing spot for the paradesecretnyc.co. The sidewalks in Chinatown can get very crowded during the festival. If you’re small or have little ones, try to get to the front row by the barricades for a clear view.
After the parade, consider stopping by a local Chinese bakery or restaurant – many will have special Lunar New Year treats like sesame balls or dumplings (eating dumplings is said to bring prosperity!). And if you can’t make it to the big parade, Chinatown still has festive decorations up around Lunar New Year, and there’s also a Firecracker Ceremony a week or so earlier at Sara D. Roosevelt Park where thousands of firecrackers are popped to welcome the New Year.
Side-by-Side Comparison of NYC’s Winter Activities
To help you plan your winter adventure, here’s a quick comparison of these 10 best things to do in New York in winter. Each activity offers something unique:
| Winter Activity | Location | Cost | Indoors/Outdoors | Great For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockefeller Center Tree & Rink | Midtown Manhattan | Tree viewing is free; skating $$ (ticket needed) | Outdoors | Families, Couples, First-timers (Iconic NYC holiday scene) |
| Central Park Ice Skating (Wollman Rink) | Central Park, Manhattan | $$ (entry + rentals) | Outdoors | Families, Friends (Scenic skating with skyline) |
| Bryant Park Winter Village | Midtown Manhattan | Free entry & skating; shopping $ to $$$ | Outdoors | Shoppers, Foodies (Market and free rink fun) |
| Fifth Ave Holiday Windows | Midtown Manhattan | Free | Outdoors | Everyone (Casual strolling, holiday vibes) |
| Dyker Heights Lights | Dyker Heights, Brooklyn | Free | Outdoors | Families, Photo-enthusiasts (Extreme Xmas displays) |
| Times Square New Year’s Eve | Midtown Manhattan | Free event (arrive early) | Outdoors | Adults, Older kids (Global party, very crowded) |
| Radio City Rockettes Show | Midtown Manhattan | $$$ (ticket prices vary) | Indoors | Families, Culture buffs (Classic holiday show) |
| Museums (Met, AMNH, etc.) | Manhattan (various) | $ (some suggested donation) | Indoors | Students, Culture seekers (Educational fun) |
| Hot Chocolate & Treats | Citywide (cafés) | $ (inexpensive to moderate) | Indoors (cafés) / Outdoors (markets) | Kids, Sweet tooth (Cozy and delicious pit stops) |
| Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade | Chinatown, Manhattan | Free | Outdoors | Families, Cultural explorers (Festive cultural experience) |
$ – inexpensive; $$ – moderate; $$$ – higher cost. (Prices are approximate.)
As you can see, some experiences are totally free (holiday windows, Dyker Lights, Chinese New Year parade), while others like skating or shows have costs. There’s a mix of outdoor adventures (great on clear, crisp days) and indoor activities (perfect for those super cold or wet days). Whether you’re a tourist visiting Manhattan for the first time or a local looking for new winter plans, there’s something for everyone on this list!
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting NYC in Winter
Q: Is New York City worth visiting in winter?
A: Yes! New York City in winter is absolutely worth visiting. While the weather is cold, the city offers a unique charm in the winter months that you can’t experience at other times of year. Holiday season (December) is one of the most popular times to visit NYCroamless.com because of the beautiful decorations, Christmas markets, and New Year’s events. Even after the holidays, January and February tend to be less crowded with touristsroamless.com, which means you can enjoy shorter lines at famous attractions and often find better deals on hotels.
Winter brings its own special activities – you can ice skate in Central Park, see Broadway shows more easily (since theaters are a bit quieter), and enjoy seasonal treats. Plus, there’s something magical about seeing the city under a light snowfall or walking down a festive Fifth Avenue with all the lights twinkling. As long as you dress warmly and plan for some indoor activities during the coldest days, you’ll find that NYC in winter is full of energy and unforgettable experiences. From New Year’s Eve in Times Square to the Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown, there’s always something happening. So bundle up and embrace New York’s winter wonderland – many people (including me!) consider it one of the best times to visit for a truly authentic NYC experience.
Q: What should I wear for winter in New York City?
A: New York winters can be quite cold, so dressing properly will make your trip much more comfortable. In general, you’ll want to layer your clothing. Start with a base layer (like thermal underwear or leggings and a long-sleeve shirt) on very cold days. Wear a warm sweater or fleece on top of that, and then a heavy winter coat that is ideally waterproof or water-resistant (in case of snow or sleet). For your lower body, jeans or insulated pants work, and you can wear tights or thermal leggings underneath for extra warmth.
Definitely bring a hat (beanie) that covers your ears, gloves or mittens, and a scarf – you’d be surprised how much covering your neck and head helps in windy Manhattan streets! Sturdy, comfortable boots are the best footwear; choose ones that are warm, have good grip, and can handle a bit of slush or puddles (insulated boots or those with a faux-fur lining are great, and make sure they are broken-in for walking). Thick socks (wool or thermal) will keep your feet warm during long explorations.
If you plan to be outside for a long time (like watching the Thanksgiving Parade or New Year’s Eve), consider grabbing some hand warmers or toe warmers – those little packets can be slipped into gloves and boots to provide hours of heat (you can easily find affordable hand warmer packets on Amazon or at stores). Lastly, don’t forget lip balm and moisturizer – the cold air can be dry. With the right gear, you’ll be able to comfortably enjoy all the outdoor sights, from Central Park to the Brooklyn Bridge, even in the heart of winter.
Conclusion
New York City truly offers a winter experience like no other. From the twinkling lights of the Rockefeller Center tree and Dyker Heights homes, to the joyous energy of ice skaters and parade dragons, the city is bursting with activities that can make your winter visit special. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa while window-shopping or cheering in Times Square as the ball drops, you’ll create memories to treasure. Remember to balance your itinerary with both outdoor fun and indoor warmth (hello, museums and Broadway shows!) so you stay comfortable. New York in winter has a way of warming your heart, even when the air is frosty. So, pack your coat and gloves, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover the very best things to do in New York in winter. Enjoy your trip, and stay warm out there!
Tip: Before you hit the streets, it’s a good idea to plan out your days. Cluster activities by neighborhood to minimize travel in the cold. And if you find yourself carrying extra bags or heavy coats you don’t need at the moment, remember you can always find a safe place to stash them – for example, here’s an expert guide on where to store your luggage in New York City (so you can roam hands-free). Now, go out and have a blast in NYC’s winter wonderland!
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