Your Ultimate Guide To Winter Attractions And Activities In New York
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Chris Muras
Author
If you have never been to the Big Apple, or you think you have done and seen it all in New York, you may be surprised by the number of fun and amazing things to do in New York in winter that you’ll find. Yes, winter. At this time of the year, the city gets sloppy and slushy, Upstate gets buried in snow, and if you go outside with wet hair you might turn into an icy Medusa. Aside from the weather, there is a current of energy that flows through New York that simply cannot be taken for granted. That’s why we’d love to show you some of our favorite New York winter activities.
Holiday Events In New York
New York City is pretty magical in the wintertime. With holiday light shows, ice skating in Bryant Park, and the iconic “ball drop” on New Year’s Eve in Times Square to name just a few world-class activities that people travel from all around to be a part of each winter. Here are a few winter events in New York to look forward to that you just won’t find in your typical travel guide.
Niagara Falls, NY, USA
- Location: Niagara Falls, NY
- Popularity: This very popular event is a year-round activity, but when the holidays roll around it is truly special.
- Price: Free to enjoy, however, there is a parking fee to spend the day at Niagara Falls. An annual pass for all parking lots will run you around $40.
One of the most incredible holiday light shows in NYC is at Niagara Falls. You don't even have to wait until the holidays to enjoy it either, because it runs every night year-round. But come winter the Niagara Falls Lights Show takes on even more holiday magic. It is one of those events in New York that you need to experience at least once in your lifetime.
Rockefeller Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, USA
- Location: New York City, NY
- Popularity: The Christmas Tree lighting is one of the most popular holiday events in NYC.
- Price: If you are looking for free things to do in New York in winter this is one of them. You'll definitely want to get there early to grab a good parking spot - this event fills up fast.
Tree lighting celebrations occur all over New York in many small towns and big cities. It is one of those winter activities that can fill you with holiday spirit and warm your heart - just as much as a cozy cup of hot chocolate. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony is pretty iconic in NYC, and definitely one you don't want to miss. Make sure you set aside some time in late November for its tree lighting ceremony which usually starts around 7 p.m. and lasts for three hours.
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The Farmers' Museum, 5775 NY-80, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA
- Location: Cooperstown, NY
- Popularity: This hidden gem is an unforgettable experience and one of the most romantic things to do in New York in winter.
- Price: Adults: $15, Seniors 65+ $12.50, Children 7-12 $6, ages 6 and under are free.
The Big Apple with the gorgeous lights atop the Empire State Building is a hot spot for holiday events, but getting away from the city to a charming town like Cooperstown is a wonderful way to enjoy a rare moment of peacefulness and holiday cheer. The historic Farmers' Museum Candlelight Evening brings us back to the 1800s with an authentic old-world feel to celebrating Christmas. It's like stepping back in time to a Charles Dickens Christmas. Sit out by the bonfire sharing smiles and warmth, ride the Empire State Carousel with giggles and joy, go on hayrides while listening to music and carolers, and warm your tummy with delicious holiday goodies. This is one winter village you'll remember for a lifetime.
Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
- Location: Bronx, NY
- Popularity: The Bronx Zoo holiday nights event is a popular attraction, but there is plenty of room for everyone.
- Price: Adults: $41.95, Seniors: $36.95, Children ages 3-12 $26.95.
New Yorkers really know how to celebrate the holidays. And the Bronx Zoo puts on a show like none other. This incredible event will take your breath away with exquisite ice sculptures, dancing lit-up animal puppets coming to life, stationary animal lanterns glowing in the dark, performers taking us on a magical adventure, and lights, lights, everywhere. The Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo is a Christmas spectacular that will make you feel like a kid again this holiday season.
Christmas Towns In New York
There is certainly something to be said for the glitz and glamor of NYC at Christmas time. Shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue, hanging out on a rooftop bar in Manhattan or Greenwich Village, seeing Macy’s all lit up with Christmas lights, but other parts of New York deserve some attention too. These next few Christmas towns in NY are incredibly enchanting in the wintertime.
Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
- Location: Lake Placid, NY
- Popularity: Lake Placid is a popular Christmas Town in New York because of its immense holiday spirit and fun activities.
- Price: A wide selection of free and paid activities await.
One of our favorite Christmas towns in New York is Lake Placid with its annual Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll event. Enjoy the tree lighting ceremony, shopping at Maker's Mart, ice skating at the Olympic Center, or going skiing on Whiteface Mountain dressed as Santa Claus. It is such a magical town to walk around during the holidays to enjoy the beautiful window displays, good cheer, and Christmas lights.
Hamburg, NY 14075, USA
- Location: Hamburg, NY
- Popularity: Hamburg is one of those hidden gem towns that sneaks under the radar. But when its holiday festival comes to town word spreads fast.
- Price: Hamburg Festival of Lights Full Experience: $30 per carload. Drive-Thru Only: $20 per carload.
You'll find this delightful town south of Buffalo, NY in Erie County (home to the largest county fair in the US). What makes this suburb one of the best Christmas towns in NY? The Hamburg Fairgrounds Festival of Lights, and particularly the Christmas Tree Forest. This magical place is so picture-perfect people come from miles around to wander around the forest that is filled to the brim with Christmas lights and a sense of wonder. Starting in November and running through December, you can either enjoy the drive-thru-only event or spend the day taking in all of its fun activities.
Skaneateles, NY 13152, USA
- Location: Skaneateles, NY
- Popularity: Not as many people know about this lovely town as they should. This means you'll have a pleasant stay to enjoy the festivities and the warm welcoming community.
- Price: You really can't put a price on this town's good cheer and holiday spirit.
This picturesque village comes alive during the holidays. When fluffy snow starts to fall around Skaneateles Lake and carolers start to warm up their pipes, everyone in town knows what is to come. Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol come to life! Every weekend from Thanksgiving through Christmas gather at the town's gazebo for festive songs, greet town members dressed to the nines in vintage clothing, and enjoy a romantic evening at the Sherwood Inn. A Christmas town isn't complete without carriage rides! Tour the town's quiet streets in a carriage or horse-drawn wagon for a bucket-list-worthy activity to remember.
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East Aurora, NY 14052, USA
- Location: East Aurora, NY
- Popularity: East Aurora is a charming small town that you may not have heard about yet filled with fun things to do in New York in winter.
- Price: You may not be able to catch a Broadway show but you can enjoy a free movie night at the Aurora Theatre.
Erie County is well-known for its celebrations, so it should come as no surprise that this small town near Buffalo knows how to ramp up the Christmas cheer. Head to the Roycroft Campus for its annual Holiday Show and Christmas markets, take a family hike through the picturesque Knox Farm State Park, join in the Annual Christmas Carolcade, or go ice skating at the Healthy Zone Rink. If you are feeling a little nostalgic for those epic Christmas movies (You know, Elf, The Grinch, and Christmas Vacation... okay fine we can add The Christmas Carol to the list too), spend an evening at the historic Aurora Theatre for its free movie night. When you visit East Aurora during the winter holidays the cold weather melts away because your heart is so full of warmth.
Outdoor Activities
From ice skating at the free public Wollman Rink in Central Park, the rink at the iconic Rockefeller Center, skiing at one of the many ski resorts near NYC, or taking a sightseeing tour of the Hudson River, spending a winter day outside can be quite enjoyable if you bundle up and wear sixteen layers of warm clothes. All kidding aside, if you enjoy outdoor activities in the winter these next few suggestions deserve to be on your bucket list.
Bryant Park, New York, NY 10018, USA
- Location: New York City, NY
- Popularity: Ice skating at Bryant Park is a popular winter activity that can get pretty full at times. But it is generally less busy than ice skating at Rockefeller Center.
- Price: Ice skating is free at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. Skate rental is an extra charge, and a reservation is needed to skate. Ice Bumper Cars tickets start at $25 per person.
Tooling around the ice skating rink at Winter Village at Bryant Park is an iconic activity in New York City. But did you know there are ice number cars too? Bryant Park's ice bumper cars are a fun way to enjoy some ice time even if you aren't very stable on a thin blade of steel. Winter Village is an amazing place to enjoy winter in NY. Warm up with pop-up igloos where you can grab a meal and a holiday-themed beverage, try curling under a heated dome, have an event at the Polar Lounge overlooking Midtown Manhattan with its floor-to-ceiling windows, and of course, go ice skating on the 17,000-square-foot rink. Ice skating is one of our favorite cheap things to do in New York in winter, especially if you have your own skates.
Peek'n Peak Resort, 1405 Old Rd, Clymer, NY 14724, USA
- Location: Clymer, NY
- Popularity: While skiing and ice skating might be a bigger draw during New York winters, snow tubing is increasing in popularity.
- Price: Rates start at $45 for anyone above the age of 12 and $40 for children ages 6-11. There are some nice military and student discounts available.
If you are looking to spruce up your winter months in New York, a little nighttime snow tubing is in order. There is nothing like sledding down a ski slope at 100 miles per hour, okay fine it isn't that fast, but it is still pretty thrilling. What makes this snow tubing park even better is the lighted evening runs. It really turns this place into a winter wonderland. So skip the toasty warm indoor activities and bundle up for one of the most intense outdoor adventures you can take on a rubber inflatable tube at the Peek'n Peak Resort.
Bristol Mountain Ski Resort, 5662 NY-64, Canandaigua, NY 14424, USA
- Location: South Bristol, NY
- Popularity: Weekends and holidays can get pretty busy at this ski resort, but compared to other popular resorts the wait times are much shorter - especially during the week.
- Price: Lift tickets start at $60 for all-day passes or $27 for evening skiing.
The Finger Lakes region of New York is beautiful any time of year. But when the snow starts to fall those of us who enjoy strapping on a pair of skis or a snowboard start to get excited. Seeing as Bristol Mountain has 1,200 feet of vertical descent (One of the biggest in the country) it might surprise you to hear that this resort isn't packed to the brim. That's why it is one of our favorite ski resorts in New York. Bristol Mountain Resort has ski runs for all experience levels, night skiing, and offers easy lodging with ski-in/ski-out access.
Santa's Workshop, North Pole, NY, 324 Whiteface Memorial Hwy, Wilmington, NY 12997, USA
- Location: North Pole, NY
- Popularity: North Pole, NY is a year-round Christmas town, but it really is filled with magic during Christmas time. It is one of our favorite family things to do in New York in winter.
- Price: With plenty of free activities a visit to Santa's Workshop can fit any budget. Of course, there are lots of treats and goodies you might want to splurge on.
Did you know there was a North Pole, NY? This amazing small town definitely deserves to be on the list of best Christmas towns in NY for obvious reasons but we wanted to save the fun for its outdoor activities around Christmas time. Santa's Workshop first opened in 1949 to the delight of guests around the world. Some would even say it was America's first theme park. The town even has its own post office so you can actually send a letter or present from the North Pole! If you love holiday shopping, and a tasty treat or two, check out fun shops like Santa's Toy Maker, Santa's Hat Maker, Santa's Blacksmith, The Candy Shop, and Santa's Bake Shop (for those treats we mentioned). You can even head to Santa's House to meet the jolly old fellow himself.
Winter Getaways
Whether your idea of a winter getaway in New York is a cozy cabin in the Catskills, a luxury downtown getaway to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, or sipping champagne while looking out at the Hudson River from the Observation Deck after a private showing at The Met, there is something for everyone in New York. Here are a few ideas to inspire you to come visit.
Lake Clear Lodge & Retreat, 6319 NY-30, Lake Clear, NY 12945, USA
- Location: Lake Clear, NY
- Popularity: This is a popular resort for those in the know. Consider yourself now in the know.
- Price: Rates start at $384 per night depending on availability.
What is it about a snowy cabin in the woods that lights a fire under our, um, "bottom dollar" to get out and enjoy a weekend getaway? Spending time with someone special with a toasty fire in the fireplace as the cold New York winds blow outside is pretty magical. The historic Lake Clear Lodge has an old-world charm since it was built in 1886. It takes that charm and dazzles guests with Speakeasy dinners, the History of Adirondack Food tastings, and lantern-lit sleigh rides. If you get snowed in it isn't the end of the world either - who wouldn't want to be trapped inside with its fully-stocked beer and wine cellar? With plenty of unique lodgings to choose from including private chalets, lake-view suits, and the main lodge itself, you'll want to come back again and again to try them all.
Curtiss Hotel, 210 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
- Location: Buffalo, NY
- Popularity: Keep this secret gem between us because we don't want word getting out about how luxurious and affordable this beautiful hotel is.
- Price: Rates start at a very reasonable $227 per night.
Did you know there was a hot springs hotel in Buffalo?! The Curtiss Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel on Franklin Street. And it is hot. Yes, we just said that. In fact, it is the first and only year-round hot springs in Buffalo. In the winter, it is especially nice to slip into the warm water of the large indoor and outdoor hot springs as you feel your stress melt away. If you could use a little pampering this winter (and really who would turn down a little luxurious pampering) you'll enjoy chilling out on the rooftop bar before dining at the world-class Chez Ami Restaurant with a revolving bar that looks out over the city. It is incredibly good to know you don't have to travel deep into upstate New York to enjoy this kind of swank.
Mount Tremper, Mt Tremper, NY 12457, USA
- Location: Mount Tremper, NY
- Popularity: Shh, this is another secret just for those of us who are in the right time and place for one of the best getaways in New York.
- Price: $350 per night.
We have an absolute treat for you! Can you imagine anything more beautiful (and romantic) than a cabin surrounded by the Catskill Mountains? Natural wood is the theme of the day at this stunning getaway. Just wait until you slip into the cedar barrel hot tub with endless views of the mountains, or a wood-fired cedar sauna just waiting to relax those weary shoulders. Throw in a wood-burning stove in the cozy living room, or a roaring fire in the fire pit outside as the stars come to life in the night sky, and you have one incredible cabin to make memories. As the early morning sun streams through the windows you'll know you picked the best spot in all of New York to spend your vacation - The Mountain Wonder.
Baccarat Hotel, 28 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, USA
- Location: New York, NY
- Popularity: The Baccarat Hotel is a luxurious experience not everyone can swing. But if you want to feel like royalty at least for a night, it is a remarkable and memorable place to stay.
- Price: Prices range from $800 per night to "We'll take your new BMW i4 for a weekend stay".
To enjoy a winter getaway in New York you don't have to travel to the Catskills or Lake Placid, you can enjoy a whole lot of luxury right here in NYC under the watchful eye of the Statue of Liberty. NYC in winter may have its moments of loud horns and busy streets, but there is a sense of wonder and magic that flows through those streets like no other place in the world. Let's take a little jaunt past Lower Manhattan, Soho, and the Empire State Building to a little slice of luxury at the Baccarat Hotel. This beautiful and elegant hotel is just a few blocks from Times Square in the heart of NYC. The only way to describe the Baccarat Hotel is by dropping you into a champagne pool covered in rose petals with the sound of angels humming against your skin filling your heart with joy. It is a New York experience we all need to treat ourselves to at least once in our lifetime.
With so many fun events and holidays in winter from Thanksgiving to the Chinese New Year, New York is a great place to visit to experience something new with your family, friends, and loved ones. Fall in love with NYC itself with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, holiday lights at the New York Botanical Garden, or vibrant holiday markets in the East Village. Or, head Upstate for some of the most beautiful natural areas in the USA.
We hope you have found a new love for New York because it is one of our favorite winter destinations. Which of these things to do in New York in winter will you add to your bucket list? Share a few fun things you love to do each winter in NY.
Between the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn spans the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. But did you know there is a secret chamber beneath the Brooklyn Bridge that used to hold massive wine cellars?
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