More about: 10 Things to Do in New York City in the Winter
Are you traveling to New York in the winter? It’s a very special time of year when you can enjoy plenty of fantastic activities, both indoors and outdoors. Check out these 10 things to do in New York in the winter, and don’t miss these tips to keep from freezing.
1. Get pumped up with the NBA
Whether basketball is your passion or you just want to experience the electric atmosphere and excitement this sport brings to New York, you can’t leave without seeing the world’s best basketball league in person. So don’t hesitate— book your NBA tickets today.
Even if you don’t like sports, come on in! Attending an NBA game at Madison Square Garden is one of the most fascinating experiences you have to have in the United States. Plus, if you travel to New York in winter, you’re sure to catch a game right in the middle of the season. You’ll have a blast! It’s a true spectacle of music, dance, partying, and above all, sports, of course.
Nicknamed “The World’s Most Famous Colosseum,” Madison Square Garden is located right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. It’s a colossal indoor arena known as the home of the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL). Want to experience the magic of the legendary MSG? I’ll explain how to get tickets in a flash.
How to buy NBA tickets?
If you’ve already planned your winter getaway to New York and want to add an NBA game to your itinerary, my advice is to buy tickets online from home before you head across the pond. Demand is extremely high, so it’s normal for tickets to sell out quickly.
The American ticket market is dynamic, which means prices rise as the game date approaches and supply decreases. If you wait too long, you run the risk of missing out on tickets or finding only a few left at a high price and in sections with less-than-spectacular views. Plus, by booking online, you can choose your favorite seat in the arena yourself.
- Where?: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza. (Seventh Avenue between W. 31st and W. 33rd Streets).
- How to get there: You can take the subway to 34th St. Penn Station (lines A, B, C, 1, 2, and 3) or the bus on lines M4, M10, M16, M34, and Q32.
2. Get into MoMA for free on Fridays
If visiting a museum wasn’t part of your travel plans, but the winter weather is working against you, I recommend you don’t brave the cold and instead take advantage of MoMA’s Free Friday Nights to explore the world’s most important museum of modern and contemporary art completely free of charge.
If you’re trying to stick to a budget during your trip, this is a great opportunity to tour this museum without spending a single dollar. Plus, you’ll get to experience a space that holds great cultural significance and prestige for Americans. Also, if your visit doesn’t fall on this day of the week, you can book your MoMA ticket to skip the lines.
Where can you get tickets for MoMA’s Free Friday Nights?
The line to get these free tickets is located at the museum’s 54th Street entrance. With this ticket, you’ll have access to all of MoMA’s exhibitions and galleries. During Free Friday Nights, MoMA is open from 4 PM to 8 PM. Since your visit time is limited, my advice is to focus on the fourth and fifth floors, where you’ll find works by the most famous artists such as Pollock, Cézanne, Warhol, and Matisse.
If you’re passionate about art, these four hours of free admission might not be enough to leisurely explore its vast collection of works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Vincent Van Gogh, and Andy Warhol, among many others.
If, by the end of your visit, you’re still craving more modern art and want to spend hours and hours exploring its galleries, I recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket to MoMA, which grants you immediate access to the museum and its more than 100,000 pieces spanning painting, prints, sculpture, photography, drawings, design, film, architecture, and publications. Plus, with this ticket, you’ll also get access to MoMA PS1, the contemporary art center in Long Island City, for 14 days following your visit to the Manhattan location.
- Where?: MoMA is located on 53rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.
- When?: It’s open from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day. On Fridays, it’s open from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM, with Free Friday Nights running from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- To learn more: check out this article on how to visit MoMA.
3. Head up to the One World Observatory
If you’re not afraid of heights and want to see the city from a bird’s-eye view, you should head up to the One World Observatory, New York’s highest observation deck at 386.5 meters. Unlike other observation decks such as Top of the Rock or The Edge, this observatory doesn’t have an outdoor area from which to view the city, which is an advantage in the middle of New York’s freezing winter, as you’ll enjoy the beautiful views of the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, or the Statue of Liberty without the icy wind freezing you to the bone and leaving you shivering with cold.
One World Observatory is located on the top floors of the One World Trade Center skyscraper, specifically from the 100th to the 102nd. The modern design of this Ground Zero observation deck allows you to see up to 80 kilometers in all directions, and from here you’ll have 360-degree views to enjoy New York in all its splendor.
If you love modern architecture and skyscrapers as much as I do, you’re going to love this experience. It begins the moment you step into the elevator, which is covered in LED panels that make the ride up a treat by showing the history of New York from its very beginnings—all in just 47 seconds!
- Where?: It’s located at 285 Fulton Street.
- Hours: One World Observatory is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
4. Ice Skating in New York
Whatto do outdoors when temperatures drop in the Big Apple?Go ice skating, of course! Whether with a partner, friends, or family, it’s an unforgettable experience to have in New York in winter and an ideal setting for taking fun photos.Which ice rinks do I recommend visiting in New York?
Wollman Rink in Central Park
This ice rink, located in the southeast corner of Central Park, is the most famous and picturesque. In my opinion, the feeling of skating at Wollman Rink is unmatched, as you have the park’s beautiful winter scenery on one side and views of the iconic skyscrapers in the background. In fact, as you glide across the ice, you’ll feel like you’re part of one of the many Christmas movies filmed here.
- Where?: You’ll find it just a two-minute walk from the Central Park South entrance, between 59th Street and Sixth Avenue.
- When?: It’s usually open from late November through March or even April.
- Price?: Depending on the day of the week, between $12 and $19 (approximately €11.20 and €17.70). Skate rentals are paid separately if you need them.
The Rink at Bryant Park
Don’t let the cold get you down! Head to the Bank of America Winter Village to ice skate at The Rink, a large, free-access rink open from late October through early January. An iconic Christmas market is also set up here, filled with decorative items, souvenirs, and culinary delights. How can you resist the hot chocolate at Ice Bites?
Plus, if you’re visiting New York in winter, you’ll have the chance to attend the Bryant Park Christmas tree lighting ceremony and watch the acrobatic ice skaters perform to the music. Afterward, The Rink opens to the public while musicians from Lincoln Center play live jazz.
- Where?: It’s located on 42nd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
- When?: The Rink is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. from late October through early March / The market is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Price?: Admission is free (you’ll have to pay to rent skates if you don’t bring your own).
Rockefeller Rink at Rockefeller Plaza
When winter arrives in New York, one of the most traditional activities is going ice skating at Rockefeller Rink, the rink located in Rockefeller Plaza.
There are many options in New York, and this may be one of the most typical, but because of the long lines that form and its small size, it’s not one of my favorites. However, if you want to experience this quintessential New York winter tradition at an iconic rink like Rockefeller Rink, you can find all the information on the Rockefeller Center website.
- Where?: At Rockefeller Plaza, 45.
- When?: It’s usually open from late November through March.
- Price?: Depending on the season, between $25 and $35 (approximately €23 and €32, depending on the exchange rate). Skate rentals, if needed, are paid separately.
- To learn more: Rockefeller Center has a lot to offer visitors. Check out this article on Top of the Rock and discover more.
5. Celebrate Chinese New Year in Chinatown
A very special time to visit Chinatown is, in fact, in winter, when Chinese New Year is celebrated—the most important festival in Chinese culture. Although it usually takes place in February, the date depends on the lunar calendar.
I’ve been lucky enough to see it once, and it’s well worth it because it’s celebrated in grand style. Every year, the streets of Chinatown are decked out with lanterns to welcome a different animal, and thousands of people take part in an impressive parade featuring floats, dragons, dances, and music.It’s the perfect time to book a tour of Chinatown.
It’s a fun event for all ages, attended by both New Yorkers and tourists. So, if you’re going to watch the New Year’s parade, I recommend finding a street intersection where you can soak up the atmosphere and get a good view at the same time.
Where to eat?
Once it’s over, don’t hesitate to head to a restaurant or food stall to enjoy the best Asian cuisine right in the heart of Chinatown. If you’re a foodie who loves to eat, you’re going to have a blast in this neighborhood.
6. Feel the magic of Broadway
During a stay in New York, no matter the time of year, a must-do is attending a musical on Broadway, the famous avenue lined with theaters that runs through the heart of Manhattan, including Times Square.
Here you can see highly acclaimed shows such as The Lion King, Chicago, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Aladdin, or Frozen, whose theme is especially fitting if you’re traveling to New York in winter, don’t you think? During this season, the city blanketed in snow almost looks like Arendelle, the home of Elsa and Anna.
What if I don’t speak English?
Some people are hesitant to go to the theater in the United States because they don’t speak English, but this isn’t a problem on Broadway, since the story’s narrative is interwoven with musical numbers that will help you follow the plot.
In any case, if you’re still unsure, my advice is to choose a musical that’s been adapted into a movie, such as Chicago, The Lion King, Frozen, or Aladdin. If you watch the movie before your trip, it’ll be much easier to follow the show because they usually follow the same script. Plus, I promise you that their majestic staging and musical numbers will leave you speechless. You’ll love going to Broadway!
How to buy Broadway tickets?
If you want to enjoy the experience of seeing a Broadway musical, it’s best to buy your tickets online, because the theaters fill up fast and the box offices hang up the “Sold Out” sign right away during the holidays.
From experience, I recommend buying tickets online as far in advance as possible to secure the best seats on your desired date and at a better price than at the box office, where you’ll also avoid having to wait in endless lines.
If you wait to buy them once you’re in New York, you’ll risk missing out on tickets. Don’t hesitate—buying your tickets online is easy, safe, and fast.
7. Toast your trip to New York from a rooftop
People go to New York to have fun, and after a long day of sightseeing, there’s nothing better than heading up to one of the city’s wonderful rooftops to enjoy a drink and the sunset in the best company.
One of New York’s most glamorous rooftops is 230 Fifth, located right on Fifth Avenue. It’s a spectacular spot with the Big Apple’s signature modern vibe. Outdoors, it boasts the city’s largest rooftop garden, but inside there’s a large glass-enclosed lounge perfect for when temperatures drop.
The views of the illuminated Empire State Building are magnificent from here, so if you don’t want to give up the terrace even in winter, my advice is to reserve a spot in one of their igloos to stay warm and not miss out on the views of Manhattan. Plus, at night, 230 Fifth puts on a beautiful light show that adds to the magic of the moment, and they provide guests with cozy robes so you don’t get cold.
- Where?: 230 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10001.
- Hours: Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Want to learn more about the Big Apple’s rooftops? Check out our post on the 10 best rooftops in New York.
8. Celebrate Valentine’s Day in New York
February is one of the coldest months in New York, but the chance to experience a unique and unforgettable Valentine’s Day is reason enough to travel to the city with your significant other. There are so many romantic things to do!
One of them has been organized for several years in Times Square under the slogan “Love in Times Square,” where couples in love pledge eternal love by getting engaged, married, or renewing their vows with New York as their witness. Can you imagine being one of them?
To be among the lucky couples on February 14, you must register online in advance. A drawing will determine who will experience a very unique Valentine’s Day. Without a doubt, an unforgettable story to tell your grandchildren!
A Tribute to Love in Times Square
But this isn’t the only way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Times Square, as every year an interactive sculpture with a love-themed design is installed so people can take some romantic photos of their trip to New York with lots of hearts in the background. And if you’re looking for another romantic plan to continue the day, remember that you can book a dinner cruise on the Hudson to end the day
9. Marvel at New York’s Christmas window displays
New York is a dream destination for many travelers looking to go shopping.It’s the shopping mecca of the U.S.! While the city is a true magnet for fashion lovers all year round thanks to the bargains to be found, at Christmas the shopping experience is taken to a whole new level, as stores decorate their windows with beautiful holiday motifs to catch everyone’s eye. And boy, do they succeed!
For several decades now, New York’s department stores have been pulling out all the stops to grab our attention and surprise us with their creative displays. For example, during the holiday season at Macy’s, you can explore the North Pole without ever leaving the mall. During this season, they recreate a winter village known as Santaland, where kids can meet and chat with Santa Claus himself. Although this activity is free, you must make a reservation.
To tell the truth, all of New York’s stores deck themselves out in winter to embrace the Christmas spirit. So much so that there’s a tour of the Christmas window displays. So if you love shopping, I recommend booking this tour or planning your own route through the city’s store windows with special stops at Bloomingdale’s, Tiffany & Co., Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, and Macy’s, among others. You’ll be amazed! You can read more here: what to do in New York at Christmas.
10. Experience St. Patrick’s Day like an Irishman!
Don’t forget to pack something green if you’ll be in New York on March 17, because St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in style that day. The Irish community is very large, and the St . Patrick’s Day parade is one of the oldest traditions in the U.S., having been celebrated since 1762.
Although it isn’t a public holiday per se, New York is one big party during St. Patrick’s Day. People take to the streets to enjoy a massive parade down Fifth Avenue featuring police, firefighters, and marching bands from 11 a.m. until it wraps up around 5 p.m.
Where to go on St. Patrick’s Day?
Hours after the St. Patrick’s Day parade, the party continues in New York’s bars, where people gather to enjoy a good beer in honor of Ireland’s patron saint and have a good time.
I suggest McSorley’s Old Ale House, one of the city’s oldest Irish pubs, dating back to 1854. Also, Peter McManus Café, another historic Irish pub that has appeared in shows like “Law & Order” and “Seinfeld.” And remember to wear something green!
What else is there to see on this day?
On St. Patrick’s Day, you can also take the opportunity to visit the Empire State Building, lit up in the patron saint’s colors, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, located across from Rockefeller Center on Fifth Avenue. Admission to the cathedral is free!
What’s the weather like in New York in winter?
During this season, temperatures in New York are usually very low, and it’s truly freezing. So much so that it can even snow in the first few months of the year, and the thermometer can drop below zero. Winter runs from December 21 to March 21. Average temperatures range from 2°C to -6°C, though the coldest days can even drop to -10°C. Temperatures begin to rise as early as March but remain low: the low is around 2°C and the high 10°C.
Many people are afraid to travel to New York in winter because it’s too cold outside to do most of the interesting activities. However, I believe it’s a great opportunity to enjoy a different side of the city than what we’re usually used to.
You just have to adapt to the circumstances of the trip to have an unforgettable adventure. For example, seeing New York covered in snow is a magical experience, and since it gets dark earlier, you’ll get to enjoy the Big Apple all lit up for much longer. The city at night is spectacular! We should always try to see the glass as half full.
Benefits of traveling to New York in winter
If you’re dying to travel to New York but I haven’t convinced you to do it in winter yet, let me tell you about some of the advantages of visiting the Big Apple during this time of year. The period after Christmas and up until Easter is when there are fewer tourists in the Big Apple. This doesn’t mean the city is empty during these months, but there are fewer people in the lines at the main tourist attractions. Plus, since it’s the off-season, it’s easier to find cheap flights to New York and affordable accommodations in the winter.
And that’s not all! Many tourist attractions, landmarks, and museums lower their prices to attract more visitors during the winter. Most New York City tourist cards also launch special offers that you can take advantage of throughout the rest of the year.
If you’re traveling to New York in winter, from late January through early February, don’t miss NYC Restaurant Week, an event that lets you dine at New York restaurants at a lower-than-usual price. It’s a great opportunity to discover new spots and sink your teeth into New York’s diverse cuisine.
What clothes should you pack for New York in winter?
Before packing for your winter trip to New York , I recommend checking the weather forecast from home for the days of your stay. That way, you can pack only the clothes you’ll actually need and wear.
Winter in New York is harsh, with low temperatures and snowfall. It’s very cold, so you’ll need to bundle up! However, the cold outside is inversely proportional to the warmth inside its museums, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
So, how do you choose what to wear in New York in winter? The key is to dress in layers, just like an onion. This way, you can easily add or remove layers depending on the temperature where you are.
Clothing for a Winter Trip to New York
In any case, the essential outfit I suggest for exploring the freezing streets of New York in winter consists of:
- A wool hat.
- Wool or fleece scarf.
- Thermal and touchscreen-compatible gloves, so you can use your phone without taking them off and your hands won’t freeze.
- A wool sweater, sweatshirt, or fleece.
- A T-shirt, in case you go somewhere warm and want to take off your sweater.
- Undershirt, and if you get cold easily, choose a thermal one.
- Thick pants or leggings.
- Thermal or thick socks so your feet don’t get cold.
- A coat that provides good protection from the cold, such as an anorak or down jacket. Preferably long enough to cover your back as well. If the coat is waterproof and has a hood, even better—you’ll be better protected in case of rain or snow.
- Boots that are comfortable for walking and keep you warm. Choose ones with a treaded sole because in winter it’s common to walk on slush and ice.
Gadgets to combat the cold in New York in winter
In addition to clothing, there are certain gadgets you can pack to help you withstand the low temperatures during your stay in the city.
- Hand warmer: Very useful when you’re walking the streets of New York and it’s freezing cold. It’s similar to a power bank that uses all its energy to provide you with heat wherever you are. You can also use it to charge your phone, which is essential so you don’t run out of battery while on one of the best tours in New York.
- Earmuffs with headphones: Another gadget to combat the cold is earmuffs. Not only do they keep your ears warm, but they also let you listen to music through your headphones while you’re out for a walk.
- Thermos: A trick to warm up when it’s really cold is to drink hot coffee or tea. In New York, it’s very common to ask a café to serve a hot drink in your own thermos to help the environment. Plus, holding it in your hands will keep them warm for quite a while.