Bundle Up! Experience a Frosty Holiday in New York City! Gilad Gamliel November 21, 2019 Holiday Travel, New York, Travel Guide This post was last updated June 28, 2023. New York City — a booming metropolis known for skyscrapers, thin-crust pizza, and pushy pedestrians. But in the winter, the city transforms into a winter wonderland. With temperatures dropping, the city comes alive with a unique energy and charm. The city crackles with holiday spirit, powdery white snow, and the smell of specialty nuts sold on street corners. From ice-skating in Central Park to sipping hot chocolate in cozy cafes, there is no shortage of activities to keep you entertained. Here are some of the best reasons NYC sparkles in the wintertime. The City Becomes Christmastown Big Apple in the wintertime is certainly a double-edged sword, especially if you’re coming from a warmer place like L.A., Hawaii, or Dallas, you’re in for a bit of a cold awakening. On one hand, you have this amazingly bright, vibrant holiday spirit that permeates the entirety of Manhattan. And on the other hand, you sometimes have the brutal cold, slushy sidewalks, and consistently wet socks that come with it. However, even with all of the drawbacks, the holidays in the Big Apple are inherently festive experience. Generally, sometime around Thanksgiving, the city suddenly bursts with holiday cheer. Sparkling Christmas lights, LED snowflakes, and green and red wreaths begin to spring up on every street corner, department store, and restaurant. Windows that usually feature merchandise transform into holiday dioramas displaying winter scenes from around the world. It’s almost as if Manhattan is waiting for the go-ahead after Thanksgiving ends to turn into an almost Disney-like wonderland of all things comfy and cozy. Central Park is Extra Stunning In addition to the super-charged holiday spirit, winter is great in New York City for the climate. Snow coats the city in a (at least at first) white blanket that extends from Wall Street to the Bronx. Central Park, freshly bare from the fall, transforms into a quiet and peaceful haven for all the travelers who want to get away from the loud bustle of midtown. You can catch a carriage ride through the park, walk through it with a cup of steaming hot cocoa or just admire the quiet stillness of this beautiful park that miraculously sits dead center in the busiest city in the world. The snow has an almost paranormal muffling effect on the sounds of the city that really makes you feel as if you’re miles away from all the action. The Can’t-Miss Holiday Traditions Beckon There are certain parts of New York City that really come alive during the holidays. You can truly just walk through the city on any day of the week and you’ll see some spectacular displays, but be sure to see some of the perennial favorites. Check out the famous window displays at Macy’s in midtown, especially the animated ones on the Herald Square side of the building. Then head north to Bryant Park, which becomes a mini Christmas Village, complete with lovely small shops, holiday food vendors, and a skating rink. Of course, a few block north of that, there’s also the world-famous rink at Rockefeller Center, located just below the largest Christmas tree in the city, and perhaps the most famous tree in the country. Then, pop over to 5th Avenue to see the animated light show on the Saks Fifth Avenue storefront. And best of all, most of it is free, unless you want to go skating, in which case there’s a nominal charge and online reservations are strongly recommended. The Holiday Shows Are Dazzling Photo courtesy of BruceEmmerling at Pixabay If there’s one thing New York is famous for, it’s the world-renowned entertainment scene. In just a one-week trip, you could see a different show every day and still not get through all the performances the city has to offer. Whether it’s a world-famous Broadway show or an equally dazzling dance performance, a trip to NYC isn’t really complete unless you have a Playbill in hand and memories in your heart. If you don’t have tickets ahead of time, don’t despair. Just head over to TKTS in the Times Square area and see what’s on the board. TKTS sells same-day tickets at up to 50% off, and there’s almost always a number of exciting options to choose from. (Insider tip: There’s also a TKTS outlet up near Lincoln Center. It’s indoors, unlike it’s downtown sibling, and the lines are much shorter — if there’s even a line at all!) If you’re looking for something more in keeping with the holiday theme, you can check out the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which is home to the iconic Rockettes — you know, the ladies in a line who kick higher than the Empire State Building. Simply put, there is truly an endless array of theater options for you when you visit NYC, and it’s the perfect thing to do on a cold winter day. The Museums Sparkle The many museums in New York City put in the extra effort to make sure the holidays are special for their visitors. Plus, museums are a great place to get away from the cold and get yourself a warm beverage. The choices are almost endless and you really can’t go wrong no matter which fine institution you choose. As for art museums, there’s the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (aka the Met), the Whitney, or the Guggenheim. Or try one of the amazing art-laden mansion museums, like the Frick, the Neue Galerie, or the J.P. Morgan Library. If you’re not into art, there’s the iconic American Museum of Natural History, setting for the hit Night at the Museum film series. You can truly spend dozens of hours at these museums and still not see everything they have to offer. They’re all incredibly well-preserved, informative, and fun for both children and adults alike. Also, some charge on a pay-what-you-want basis, so they’re not even all that expensive to see. The Specialty Holiday Marketplaces Shine Let’s double back and talk some more about the holiday marketplaces. Again, Bryant Park becomes a wonderland unto itself, but there are many other wonderful New York City shopping opportunities that are only around at Christmastime. Most of these feature specialty and handmade gifts you couldn’t find anywhere else in the city. And there are usually plenty of holiday foods to enjoy as well. Because of the eclectic mix of vendors and craftspeople at the various markets, you never know what you may find. But that’s what the serendipity of holiday shopping is all about. Up by Central Park, there’s the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, a yuletide bazaar bursting with handmade crafts and homemade holiday goodies. Further downtown, there’s the slightly funkier Urbanspace Union Square Holiday Market, which in addition to crafts and treats also features art installations and the occasional street performer. Perhaps funkiest of all is the aptly named Oddities Flea Market at the Metropolitan Pavilion in the Flatiron District, which prides itself on its decidedly macabre mixture of goods, including morbid curiosities, witchy potions, insect jewelry and taxidermy. For that truly difficult-to-buy-for person on your holiday list. FAQs: Q: Is New York City cold in the winter? A: Yes, New York City experiences cold temperatures during the winter months, with average highs ranging from 35°F (1.6°C) to 44°F (6.7°C) and average lows between 26°F (-3.3°C) and 34°F (1.1°C). Q: When is the best time to visit New York City in winter? A: The holiday season, from late November to early January, is a popular time to visit New York City due to the festive atmosphere. However, the winter months from January to March offer fewer crowds and potential discounts on accommodations. Q: What should I pack for a winter trip to New York City? A: Pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves, and sturdy footwear. It’s also a good idea to bring an umbrella and layers for indoor attractions, as buildings can be heated. Q: Are there any winter activities for kids in New York City? A: Absolutely! Kids can enjoy ice skating, sledding in Central Park, visiting the holiday markets, and exploring children’s museums like the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Q: What are some budget-friendly activities to do in winter in New York City? A: Take advantage of free attractions like ice skating at Bryant Park or exploring the city’s parks. Visit museums on their free or discounted days, and enjoy window shopping and people-watching along Fifth Avenue. Q: Is it safe to visit New York City in winter? A: New York City is generally safe to visit in winter. However, it’s always important to exercise caution, be aware of your surroundings, and follow common-sense safety practices. Do you have any favorite New York City holiday traditions? Tell us about them in the comments below!
