Looking for fun activities to do this winter in NYC? From bright lights to winter nights, we’ve got you covered with nonstop winter fun! Whether you are interested in visiting Bryant Park for a hot cocoa before ice skating, escaping the city for a quick snow tubing and brewery trip, or keeping warm indoors at one of the festive restaurants below, you can’t go wrong with any of these winter activities in NYC. Keep Calm and Winter On and have an un-brrr-lievably fun time!
22 Winter Activities in NYC
Go Ice Skating at Bryant Park
Bryant Park is one of NYC’s only FREE admission ice skating rinks (free if you bring your own skates, or pay to rent skates). Reservations are required and are now available at BryantPark.org
See the Dyker Heights Holiday Lights
Lights, camera and decorations – Dyker Heights in December is the ultimate place to be. Every December the neighborhood of Dyker Heights, Brooklyn decorate their homes with over-the-top holiday decorations. These lights and decorations are absolutely epic and camera-worthy!
Helpful Tip: The best lights can be found on the blocks near 12th Avenue and 85th Street (Dyker Heights, Brooklyn) . If you want some help traveling to Dyker Heights and finding the best lights, consider joining a Dyker Heights Holiday Lights Tour from Manhattan.
See the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
In addition to iconic holiday window displays, Saks Fifth Avenue also offers an impressive light show. The light show runs every 10 minutes during late afternoon and evening hours from November 20th, 2023 through early January.
See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the most iconic winter activities in NYC. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit on November 29th, 2023 and is typically available for viewing until the first week of January.
Some other fun activities at Rockefeller Center include ice skating and visiting the Top of the Rock, both of which can be booked ahead of time here.
Visit Bryant Park’s Winter Village
Bryant Park’s Winter Village is a must-do winter activity in NYC, complete with an ice skating rink, Christmas tree, winter market, cozy igloos, and a ski-lodge themed dining area and bar. Their winter market has a variety of shops and is a great spot to find unique holiday gifts while in NYC.
View the Window Displays in Midtown
One of the top winter activities in NYC is to view the beautiful window displays at Midtown stores. Our favorite window displays and decorations can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, and Cartier.
To see many of these spots, we recommend starting on 59th Street and 5th Avenue (the southeast corner of Central Park) and walking south along 5th Avenue.
Visit Maccabee Bar (A Hanukkah Pop-Up Bar)
Maccabee Bar is a Hanukkah pop-up bar located at Ollie in the West Village (64 Downing St, New York, NY). They open on November 28th and run through the end of December.
This is a must-visit spot for festive decor, special bites such as Latkes and jelly donuts, and creative cocktails such as their Latke Sour (Apple Brandy, Potato, Lemon, Havana & Hyde Bitters) and Ocho Kandelikas (Olive Oil Gin,
Honey, Apricot, Almond, Lemon).
See Holiday Decorations on the Upper East Side
The Upper East Side is home to many beautifully decorated brownstones. A few of our favorite spots are located at:
- 76th Street between Madison and 5th Avenue
- 78th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue
- 73rd Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue
- 61st Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue
After viewing the decorations, be sure to warm up with a cocktail and live jazz at classic Upper East Side bar Bemelmans.
Visit Winter Wonderland at the Watermark at Pier 15
Every winter season, The Watermark at Pier 15 gets transformed into Santa Claus’ North Pole Headquarters. Highlights include an enclosed cocktail chalet, a ton of photo spots, and winter treats such as spiked hot chocolate and “Santa S’mores”. This new spot has quickly become a top winter activity in NYC.
See “Shine Bright” at Hudson Yards
“Shine Bright” is an indoor-outdoor holiday light and music installation at Hudson Yards with over 2 million white lights plus a 32-foot hot air balloon. The lights shine on The Shops, Public Square & Gardens, The Edge, and Vessel, creating a picture-perfect scene, especially at sunset.
While at Hudson Yards, be sure to grab a photo with Santa Clause (available 5:00-8:00 PM Monday-Friday beginning November 24th and continuing through December 22nd, 2023) located on Level 3 by H&M and Zara.
Visit Rolf’s
This restaurant offers authentic Bavarian cuisine and festive holiday cocktails. In addition, they have over-the-top holiday decorations, with thousands of ornaments and hundreds of thousands of Christmas Lights.
Note: Visiting Rolf’s is a very popular winter activity in NYC- be sure to make reservations a few months in advance, or you can try to walk-in during off-peak hours (weekday afternoons). You can also wait in line to walk-in for the bar area during peak hours but it is VERY crowded and we would not recommend this.
Visit Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde is one of New York City’s longest bars and features a Winter Wonderland with over the top holiday decorations from the moment you step in. This bar features Christmas lights, Christmas trees, huge hanging ornaments and Santa statues. Be prepared for many selfies with the Nutcracker statues, fun Christmas drinks and more in this Winter Wonderland.
Note: Oscar Wilde is very popular, we recommend making a reservation.
See the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The Radio City Rockettes have performed the New York Christmas Spectacular for nearly 90 years. Seeing the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall is a must-do winter activity in NYC, with daily shows mid-November through January.
Ticket prices start at $41 and are available at www.rockettes.com
Visit the Pink Pier at Watermark
This all-pink pier is perfect for a date with your Valentine or friends. Pink Pier features delicious menu items and all pink cocktails. You can dine in the all-pink waterfront glasshouse or cocktail chalet. Pink Pier at Watermark is open February through March and is a great winter activity in NYC for after the holidays.
Book your visit to Pink Pier here.
Enjoy NYC Restaurant Week
NYC Restaurant Week takes place January 16th-February 4th, 2024. Restaurant Week offers great deals at top NYC restaurants. Some of our favorite deals on the Upper East Side can be found at:
- Anassa Taverna (60th and 3rd)
- B. Cafe (75th and 2nd)
- Dowling’s at the Carlyle (76th and Madison)
- Sojourn Social (89th and 2nd)
- Chez Nick (91st and York)
Visit Papillon Bistro and Bar
Papillon Bistro has some of the most unique and over-the-top holiday decorations in NYC. Be sure to make a reservation in advance for dining, or you can walk-in to one of their two bar areas.
Join “Cheers to Winter” for 7 Free Cocktails
Did you know that the average cost of a cocktail in NYC is over $15? This winter season, get 6 cocktails for less than the cost of 1 by signing up for Cheers to Winter. Cheers to Winter participants receive an event booklet containing vouchers for 7 cocktails redeemable at top Upper East Side bars and restaurants with any food purchase. Join here.
Have a Pretty Hot Chocolate at Eat Pretty
This New York City cafe offers some of the prettiest hot chocolates in NYC, along with a variety of food items and pastries. While you are there, be sure to snap a photo with their famous pink teddy bear on their pink bench.
Visit Chalet de Ning
Chalet de Ning is a Swiss Alp inspired rooftop located at the Peninsula Hotel. Be sure to also check out the beautiful decorations and Christmas tree in the Peninsula Hotel lobby.
See The Nutcracker Performed by The New York City Ballet
With its snowy stage, captivating ballerinas, enchanting music, artistic vision, and compelling characters, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a must-see during the holiday season. To purchase tickets, head to https://www.nycballet.com
Visit a Rooftop Bar made entirely out of Ice
Become an Ice Queen or King and visit the Polar Lounge at Harriet’s Rooftop – a Rooftop Ice Bar where EVERYTHING is made out of ice (chairs, tables, glasses, etc). This ice rooftop also features amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. Luxury outerwear is provided to keep visitors warm.
The Polar Lounge typically opens in early January and is located at 60 Furman Street, Brooklyn, NY.
Go on a Snow Tubing and Brewery Day Trip
Looking for a quick winter getaway without getting FOMO from leaving the city too long? We’ve got the perfect NYC winter day trip planned for you! Hop on the NYC Snow Tubing & Brewery Bus for a 2 hour snow tubing session followed by a visit to Pennings Winter Beer Garden. Purchase tickets here.
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