Things to do in New York in Winter

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Best Cold Weather Activities in NYC

There are so many things to do in New York in winter, making it one of the BEST times to visit NYC. Yes, the weather can be cold and wet, so we’ll show you how to prepare for what to wear and what to bring to NYC in Winter. There are two key payoffs to visiting NYC in winter- in December, you get to experience the magical holiday season, twinkling lights, special holiday tours and more. For bargain hunters, January and February include HUGE discounts like Hotel Week, Broadway Week, Restaurant Week and much more, offering you the best of NYC at a fraction of the usual price. There are tons of winter activities in NYC and here are our top picks for what to do in NYC when it’s cold.

December, January, February NYC Events Calendar

Some of NYC’s busiest event months are December, January and February. With tons of holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day and special Events like Broadway Week, Hotel Week, Winter Restaurant Week, Central Park Winter Jam and more, the winter is packed with things to do in New York City.

Broadway, Off Broadway and The Opera

What better time than winter in New York to head inside and catch a show? Do something funky and Off Broadway, like Stomp or Blue Man Group, catch a celebrity on Broadway (winter has the most celebrities on Broadway) or head to The Metropolitan Opera, and enjoy a classic like The Barber of Seville or La Boheme.

Broadway Shows NYC

Buy Great Broadway Tickets Today!

Top Picks for Broadway Tickets

TicketNetwork – best selection and seats in the house! Very popular and trusted ticket company!
Direct Tickets – all Ticketmaster shows original source tickets. See telecharge.com and seatgeek.com for theaters not covered by Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster Deals – lots of shows with 2 For 1, Me+3 and 4-Pack deals.
American Express Ticketmaster Deals – for cardholders.
StubHub – great selection, NY’s most popular ticket reseller

Note: All of our ticket partners are legitimate, recommended ticket sellers and guaranteed to sell you official NYC Broadway tickets.

NYC Hotels Times Square

The best NYC Hotels Times Square chosen by a NYC local! If you want to be in the heart of Broadway, all the tourist action, Restaurant Row, lounge by a pool, check out the best views from a rooftop or splurge on the live NYE Ball Drop, we will show you the best places to stay.

See All: NYC Hotels Times Square & Broadway

Special Winter Holiday Tours in New York City

All year round, NYC offers fabulous tours of all kinds, but there is nothing on the planet like New York City during the winter holidays, when the entire City just sparkles.

Choose from bus tours, walking tours and dinner cruises and take in all of NYC during the holidays just like you’ve seen in the Movies and TV.

Best of NYC Holiday Tours

Browse more NYC Holiday Tours

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Warmest Winter Tours of NYC

Since it’s often hard to predict the winter weather, an indoor tour might be the best option for NYC sightseeing. Of course, if the weather is great, then go ahead and enjoy a walking tour of NYC. If not, hedge your bets and take a bus, boat or helicopter tour, all of which are great Things to do in New York City in Winter and will keep you warm while also allowing you sightsee to your heart’s content.

Stay warm and see the best of NYC with any of these climate-controlled sightseeing tours:

Holiday Markets in NYC

Explore the top holiday markets in NYC, sip hot cocoa, ice skate and shop your way through our fantastic holiday bazaars, featuring unique artisan gifts for the whole family. We review Grand Central Holiday Market, Union Square Holiday Market, Shops at Winter Village Bryant Park, flea markets, Holiday Markets Shopping Tours and more. Cross off your holiday shopping list with our full season Guide to Holiday Markets in NYC

Holiday Shops at Bryant Park – October 24, 2025 – early Jan 2026
Grand Central Holiday Fair – November 10 – December 24, 2025
Union Square Holiday Market – November 13 – December 24
Columbus Circle Holiday Market – December 2-31, 2025

Ice Skating in New York City

It is impossible to write about the best winter activities in NYC without mentioning Ice Skating. For tourists and locals alike, ice skating at Central Park, Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park’s Winter Village (with igloos, curling & shopping) is a classic New York winter experience.

We also have several other Ice Skating Rinks around the city and outer boroughs. Here are the details for Ice Skating in New York City, including rates and dates plus NYC Insider Tips for discounts and coupons.

Indoor New York City Shopping

Need to stay warm, eat and drink and pick up a few things you need (or don’t need)? Head to one of our huge departments where you can order cocktails and food to wherever you are in the store, indulge in full days of beauty and spa services, get your tailoring done and consult with a stylist. Spend the day at Hudson Yards, Nordstrom or Bloomingdales and prepare with our Shopping in NYC Department Stores guide.

See the Lights Sparkle from an Indoor Rooftop

If you’re wondering what do to in New York in winter, a rooftop may be the perfect choice! The majority of our rooftop bars have both indoor and outdoor space, many with retractable roofs or small igloos to accommodate the seasonal weather. Some even with indoor pools, making them super fun and a cozy, warm place to escape the winter chill. There are few experiences as unique to NYC as enjoying a cocktail and taking in our famous skyline.

Some roof decks are open only to hotel guests, so if you want a spectacular skyline view and maybe a private party built in to your NYC stay, there are two great ways to have guaranteed access to the city’s best skyline views.

(Photo: 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar)

Best New York City Hotel Rooftops – combine your NYC trip with a built in, no-hassle, skyline view
NYC Rooftop Lounge Tour – get guaranteed access to some of our exclusive nighttime hot spots as you ascend to the city’s rooftop bars to sip cocktails under the starry sky.
The Hideout at Gallow Green Winter Rooftop @ The McKittrick Hotel

There’s just as much fun to be had in an igloo or private chalet while dining and cocktailing.

Igloos @ Winter Village in Bryant Park

The Greens Rooftop @ Pier 17

Winter Concerts & Live Music in New York City

Live Music – winter is a great time to check out what’s going on at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, some of our smaller live music venues like City Winery, The Bowery Ballroom and more.

December NYC Concerts
January NYC Concerts
February NYC Concerts
Metropolitan Opera – Sept – May
NYC Ballet – September – May; (Fall, Nutcracker, Winter, Spring)
NY Philharmonic – Sept to June
Jazz at Lincoln Center – all year

What to Wear – What to Bring – New York City in Winter

Bundle up – December, January and February in New York City ranges from cold to freezing cold, with some rare unseasonably warm days. As a year-round rule, layers are always a good idea when traveling to NYC. But make sure to pack hats, scarves, gloves, waterproof shoes/boots, sweaters, coats, umbrellas and so on. It is always advisable to bring a small knapsack for warm winter accessories, as temperatures can change quite a bit while you’re walking around and from indoors to outdoors.

New York City Museum Guides

Best New York City Museum for Kids

Best NYC Attractions Pass for Museums

	Sightseeing Pass	New York Pass	Go City New York	CityPASS

9/11 Museum	✔	✔	✔	✔ 9/11 or Intrepid
Natural History	✔ Admission	✔ Admission	✔ Admission	✔ Admission ✔ Planetarium
Guggenheim	✔	✔	✔	✔ TOTR or Guggenheim
Intrepid	✔	✔	✔	✔ 9/11 or Intrepid
MET	X	X	X	X
MoMA	✔	✔	✔
Liberty/ Ellis	✔ Cruise ✔ Grounds ✔ Ellis Island/Immigration ✔ Secret Tour	✔ Cruise ✔ Grounds ✔ Ellis Island/Immigration	✔ Cruise ✔ Grounds ✔ Ellis Island/Immigration ✔ Secret Tour	✔ Ferry/Grounds or Circle Line
Whitney	✔	✔	✔

New York City Museum Events Calendar

Save HUGE $$$$ in NYC

More Things to do in NY in Winter

The list of winter activities in NYC is endless, so here are a few more things to do during the winter months.

Cozy Bars with Fireplaces – relax and enjoy some cocktails or hot chocolate and food by a warm fireplace
Bowling – head to Bowlmor Lanes in Times Square or Lucky Strike (W 42nd and 12th Ave ) and shoot the ball!
Day Spas – there is no better way to forget about nasty weather than to check into one of our amazing day spas, which offer whirlpool spas and baths, couples massages and all around general pampering. A few to enjoy: ancientbathsny.com, gjspa.com, russianturkishbaths.com, scpremier57.com
See a Movie – NYC has one of the best selection of movie theaters anywhere! Whether you want IMAX, art house, servers at your seats, classics, indie or general cinophile, we have so many unique and distinct theaters.
Best places for sledding and drinking in NYC

Fun Things to do in New York in Winter

More Things to do in New York City

Fun Things to do in New York in Winter

Newest NYC Experiences – Be The First!

Best New York City Hotel Rooftops

NYC Hotel Rooftops offer some of the best skyline views in the whole City, along with cocktails and food, views, pools, cabanas, sundecks and retractable roofs. Our top picks for the most surreal views and cocktails include:

Ink48 Hotel – right next to the Intrepid Museum and my ALL time favorite rooftop!
The Ready @ Moxy NYC East Village – all-season rooftop with an amazingly eclectic vibe and great skyline views. (photo)
The Empire Hotel – year-round indoor/outdoor rooftop with seasonal pool and cabana rentals

See More: Best New York City Hotel Rooftops

Museums

Museums and attractions are open, some with reduced capacity, safety protocols, reservations and vaccination proof. Check out the new Museum of Ice Cream (SoHo), Guggenheim, MoMA, Whitney and so many more NYC Museums from which to choose.

Attractions & Sightseeing

NYC attractions are open, some with reservations required. Whether you want to sightsee from the sky or selfie with celebs @ Madame Tussauds, you can be safe and explore.

Go HIGH or Go Home

Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or the new SUMMIT? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.

Empire State Building – (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
Top of the Rock – (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
One World Observatory – (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
Edge – (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
Summit One Vanderbilt – (91-93 floors) Opened Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building. One of the hottest tickets in town

Sightsee from the Sky

Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or Summit? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.

Empire State Building – (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
Top of the Rock – (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
One World Observatory – (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
Edge – (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
Summit One Vanderbilt – (91-93 floors) All glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building

See All: Top New York City Tourist Attractions

New York City Night Cruises

See our beautiful Skyline from all angles – in any weather!

Sunset Sail aboard the Schooner Adirondack

NYC Insider Pick

Price starting at US$72

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NYC Premiere Dinner & Skyline Cruise

Bestseller

Price starting at US$145

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Champagne City Lights Cruise on Yacht Manhattan

Price starting at US$56

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Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise

Bestseller

Price starting at US$33

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New York City Lights Dinner Cruise

Likely to sell out

Price starting at US$161

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Around Manhattan Architecture

Price starting at US$74

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Take in ALL the Tours, Landmarks and Attractions and SAVE

NY Sightseeing Pass, New York Pass, NY Explorer Pass, CityPASS Compared

Sightseeing Pass – Unlimited Hop on Hop off Buses, One World Observatory, Edge
New York Pass – 80+ tours and attractions, Choose 1-10 Days
Explorer or Go Select – Choose from 55+ sights or Build your Your
New York CityPASS – 6 top attractions, good for 9 days from first use

See All: New York City Pass Comparison Chart

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Things to do in New York with Kids

One of the best parts of NYC is that what is fun for kids is usually just as much fun for adults. If you are joining us in NYC for a family vacation, then please read all about our local kid’s favorites, along with special tips just for visitors.

Things to Do in New York With Kids – best NYC activities, tours, attractions and Insider Tips for kids and families
Broadway and Off Broadway Shows for Kids – choose a dream show, like Aladdin, Wicked or Lion King, see the latest Kids shows, or save BIG and entertain kids and little ones under 4 with an awesome Off Broadway Show
Best NYC Hotels for Families – special perks, freebies, bunk beds, larger rooms, suites

See All: Visiting New York with Kids.

FREE Things to do in New York City

There are tons of free things to do in New York all day, every day! Tours, attractions, museums, events, shows, sports, movie and more. Kids, adults, outdoors, indoors, active, lazy…you name it!

NYC Museums Free Days and Times – weekly guide to free museum admissions
Free New York City Walking Tours – guided or downloadable free NYC walking tours
More Things to Do in New York City – kids, by month, by season, free, budget

See All: Free Things to Do in NYC – weekly calendar of all free walking tours, free museum admissions, free things to do by season and more

New York City Shopping Guides

New York City Nightlife

How do you make the most of your time in the city that never sleeps?? Some of the best ‘only in NYC’ nightlife experiences include skyline views, dinner cruises, Museums and attractions open late til 2am, rooftops, night tours, comedy clubs and more. Some of our top NYC Nightlife picks:

NYC Rooftop Lounge Tour – guaranteed access to exclusive nighttime hot spots as you sip cocktails under the sky
InviteOnly Party @ the Hottest NYC Clubs – VIP access to NYC Clubs with Bottle Service and dancing.
New York Dinner Cruise – family-friendly and/or romantic cruise with excellent service, spectacular sights and delicious menu offerings.
Broadway Comedy Club – laugh out loud all night long
NYC Night Bus Tour – From Times Square to the Brooklyn Bridge, see our city wink and twinkle right at you.

See all our Top Picks: New York City Nightlife

Save HUGE $$$$ in NYC

Romantic Things to Do in NYC

There are tons of things to do on your romantic New York City vacation. Attractions open late with skyline views, Central Park Tours, VIP Experiences, a helicopter ride. Some of the most popular romantic ways to see NYC include:

Romantic NYC Hotel Deals

NYC Insider Pick

Price starting at US$120

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Romantic NYC Champagne & Skyline Cruises

Bestseller

Price starting at US$60

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Private Central Park Walking Tour with a Personal Photographer

Price starting at US$147

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New York City Private Helicopter Tour

Bestseller

Price starting at US$1,800

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Romantic Broadway Show Picks

Price starting at US$120

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Hudson River Love: Valentine’s Dinner Cruises

Bestseller

Price starting at US$145

View details

See more romantic things to do at: Romantic New York City Vacation and Valentine’s Day in NYC

Explore and Indulge Like a Real NYC Foodie

There is no shortage of pizza, bagels, street vendors, cupcakes, craft beer and cocktails, rooftops and mini food parks to explore and so many more food choices in the five boroughs, along with wonderful guides who can’t wait to show you them all!!!!

Spot Celebrities in NYC

Where to find celebrities in NYC or which celebrities are living in NYC today are common questions by all, but celebrity sightings in NYC are way easier than you may think and happen all the time. You will, of course, see them on the subway, in Central Park, at the gym, in restaurants, at all the current hotspots, at shows and more. But here are some unique ways to see celebrities all over the city.

Get Out of Town for a Day

NYC is within 3 hours of so many other cities and areas you can visit for just one day. Easily head to Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls, the Hamptons, Woodbury Common Shopping Outlets and more. Whether you live in NY or are visiting, and no matter how much you love NYC, escaping for a day is a treat for everyone. Top choices for 1-day Out of Town: