admin There’s no denying that the winter season in New York City is both magical and challenging. From ice-covered streets to bone-chilling temperatures, this time of year presents its own set of unique challenges. However, that doesn’t mean you have to stay inside and hibernate until spring arrives. In fact, with the right planning and preparation, you can actually enjoy the winter in NYC as much as any other season! Read on for our top recommendations for outdoor activities to do in the winter months in New York City.
Go Ice Skating in Central Park
There are few activities that are as iconic to New York City as going ice skating at the Wollman Rink in Central Park. Open from November through March, this rink is often the most crowded during the winter months. It is recommended that you go early, as the rink tends to get the most crowded between noon and 3 PM. Admission is free and skate rental is $10. Be sure to bundle up and be prepared for the crowds!
See a Show at Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall is the world’s most famous concert hall, home to an annual series of concerts that brings a wide range of artists to New York City. During the winter months, Carnegie Hall hosts a number of holiday concerts, including the famous “Hollywood Bowl” concert, which features a wide range of music themed around the winter season. Admission to these concerts is almost always free, though some Carnegie Hall events do require a ticket. Additionally, there are a number of workshops and informal concerts held at Carnegie Hall during the winter. Check the Carnegie Hall website for a full listing of events and concerts.
Go to an Outdoor Festival
New York City is home to some of the world’s most famous indoor events and festivals. However, there are also a number of outdoor festivals and events that take place during the winter months. Visiting one of these outdoor festivals is a great way to enjoy the winter season and experience New York City in a whole new way. There are a variety of outdoor festivals held throughout the winter, including the New York Botanical Garden’s Orchid Show, the New York City Wine & Food Festival, the Winter Village at Bryant Park, the Winter Village at the South Street Seaport, and more. Visit our New York City events calendar to find a full listing of winter festivals and events.
Go On a Guided Tour of New York City
New York City is a huge and diverse city, home to so many different neighborhoods, attractions, and cultures that it can be difficult to truly see and experience it all in one lifetime. That’s where guided tours come in. There are a number of different guided tours to see and experience New York City, including architecture tours, walking tours, food and drink tours, and more. Architecture and walking tours are especially useful during the winter months, when many of the city’s attractions are either closed or less crowded. Check out our guided tour section for a full listing of guided tours of New York City.
Outdoor Walking in the Winter
As beautiful as New York City is during the winter, one of the best ways to experience it is on foot. New York City has almost endless walking paths and trails that are completely free to use. From the Highline and the Hudson River Path to Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge, there are endless walking paths and trails to explore during the winter months. Walking paths like the Hudson River Path are especially beautiful during the winter, when there are no crowds and the landscape is naturally covered in snow. Bring a warm coat, good walking shoes, and some hot cocoa, and prepare to explore New York City like never before!
Visiting the Top Attractions During the Winter
While most of the city’s indoor attractions are closed during the winter months, many of the top attractions remain open and are actually best experienced during the winter months. Some of the top winter attractions include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the New York City Ballet, the New York Philharmonic, the Museum of Modern Art, and Radio City Music Hall. Some of these attractions reduce their hours and close on certain days, so be sure to check before heading out. Additionally, some of these attractions offer special winter pricing and events, so be sure to keep that in mind when planning your trip.
Conclusion
The winter months in New York City are magical and challenging, to be sure. However, with the right planning and preparation, you can actually enjoy these months as much as any other season! From ice skating in Central Park to visiting the top attractions, these are the best ways to experience New York City in the winter. Ready to visit New York City in the winter? Then don’t delay any longer! Our list of top activities will ensure your winter in New York City is full of excitement and adventure.
