A New York City Winter – 37+ Perfect Things To Do

How to have fun in a New York City winter? I’ve got over 37 great ideas!

OK, I’m an east coast native, so maybe a New York City winter doesn’t scare me as much as it does for some, but honestly, I love visiting NYC in winter. Sure, it’s cold and damp, but it’s also a great time to bundle up, be cozy, and explore.

What are the benefits of a New York City winter getaway? 

1. There are far fewer crowds when compared to other seasons. While there tends to be a surge in tourism during the December holidays, there’s a noticeable drop in visitors in January and February. Lines at museums are shorter, popular attractions are less crowded, and everything seems to slow down to a quieter pace.
2. It’s cheaper! Winter is one of the most affordable seasons to visit NYC. Hotel rates tend to drop significantly after New Year’s, and flights are usually cheaper too. We often buy flights for January at less than half the price of summer. If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a nicer hotel or explore more without stretching your budget, winter is the time!
3. New York in winter can be cozy and festive. Lots of warm cafes to hang out in, charming lights and decorations everywhere, and a crisp, invigorating city vibe. Central Park in the snow is truly magical. And there are sales everywhere!

If you’re planning a trip and looking for the best things to do in NYC in winter, this guide brings together my favorite spots, the hidden treasures I return to again and again, and the classic New York moments that never get old.

Here are the Top 37+ Things to do in a New York City Winter

Use this guide to plan your itinerary for your winter in NYC visit. I’ve created itineraries for 1 day in NYC, 2 days in NYC, 3 days in NYC, 4 days in NYC, and 5 days in NYC which might also help you plan your trip.

Carrie’s Pro Tips:

• Put on your puffy coat, hat, scarf, mittens, and waterproof boots. Don’t worry about what you look like – Manhattan is just a sea of walking sleeping bags all winter long.
• Make sure your phone wallet is loaded with your credit card for easy subway entrance.
• Have your Uber or Lyft app ready to access on your phone.
• Keep your portable charger with you because you’ll be taking a lot of pics and videos during your visit.
• Decide which Broadway show, comedy gig, or Lincoln Center performance you want to see and get tix in advance.  Download Today Tix app on your phone to book your seats in advance. 
• Make Dinner Reservations!!!

I’ll organize this list of 37 + things to do in sections so you don’t get overwhelmed! Use the Table of Contents or just keep scrolling and reading!

• NYC Uptown in Winter
• NYC Midtown in Winter
• NYC Chelsea in Winter
• Lower Manhattan in Winter
• NYC Art Museums in Winter
• NYC Winter Markets
• NYC Bookstores for a Winter Visit

NYC Uptown in Winter

(Further down you’ll find the Uptown Gilded Age Mansion Art Museum suggestions!)

#1 Central Park

Main Entrance: 59th St & 5th Ave
Daily 6AM–1AM
Central Park is awesome all year long, but if you can catch a little snow covered park day – you’ll find it magical! My suggestions include taking a walking tour with a Central Park expert guide if you’ve never done that before. And if you prefer to wander on your own then head to The Mall for a stroll down to the Bethesda Fountain, listen to musicians playing under the Bethesda Terrace.

Join a Top Rated Walking Tour of Central Park Here!

#2 Tavern on the Green

Central Park at 67th Street
Mon.-Thurs. 11AM -10PM, Fri. 11AM-11PM, Sat.9AM-11PM, Sun.9AM-10PM
Tavern on the Green is the famous restaurant tucked in Central Park. While it was a NYC staple from 1934 – 2009, it closed for a few years and has been under new ownership since 2014. All these years later, it still feels historic and special. The food is all sourced locally and the atmosphere is perfect for a winter day. Sit cozy by the fireplace or belly up to the bar. Try the French Onion Soup! We love a holiday break for some brussel sprouts, fries, and a glass of wine!

#3 Wollman Rink

59th St. at 6th Ave.
10AM –  2:30 PM Mon &Tues, 9PM Sun, Wed, Thurs., 10PM Fri & Sat
Wollman Rink is New York’s premiere public skating rink. From October – April, you can ice skate (play pickle ball and roller skate the rest of the year). Ticket prices vary depending on Off Peak, Peak, and Prime times. The range swings from $11 – $40, but you can skate for as long as you want after entry. Skate rentals are available for $12 and you can even get hot cocoa!

Get Your Tix for the Wollman Skating Rink Here!

#4 Central Park Zoo & Tisch Children’s Zoo

64th St. and 5th Ave.
Daily 10AM – 4:30PM
You may think that a zoo in the winter is a weird idea, but I beg to differ! The Central Park Zoo is one of the most adorable zoos I’ve ever been to. It began when people abandoned their unwanted animals in the 1800’s and later became a place for NYC to take care of endangered species. Visit the main zoo and the children’s petting zoo. Look up at the Wildlife Center for the famous clock that plays 44 different songs depending on the season!

#5 American Museum of Natural History

200 Central Park West & 79th St.
Daily 10AM – 5:30PM
Famous for being featured in Night at the Museum, this museum is an excellent choice for a chilly, winter day. Great for kids of all ages, this museum opened in 1877 and has grown to a collection of over 32 million species of plants, animals, rocks, and human remains. Enjoy the planetarium, the dinosaur skeletons, and the butterflies.

#6 Riverside Church

490 Riverside Dr at 120th St, Morningside Heights, Manhattan
Thurs – Sun 9-5
Riverside Church is known for its 13th Century Gothic design with views of the Hudson River, Columbia University, West Harlem, and Grant’s Tomb. You’ll see the tallest church tower in North America and one of the world’s largest bells that weighs 20 tons! The church has famous stained glass windows, carvings, and engravings. Riverside has been visited by many VIPs over the years such as  Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, President Clinton, and the Dalai Lama. Tours are offered twice daily.

NYC Midtown in Winter

#7 Rockefeller Center

45 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown Manhattan
Daily 7AM-1AM
To see Rockefeller Center in winter is to see one of the most famous Christmas trees and skating rinks in the world. The decorations around the plaza, and the music, and lights make it a season favorite for everyone. If you get too chilly, head inside to the concourse to see the art deco design and do some shopping. If it’s a clear day, head to the Top Of The Rock observation deck for a view of the Empire State Building and the New York City skyline. You can skate for about $22 and rent skates for $12.

Book this Top Rated NYC Holiday Lights Tour Now!

#8 St. Patrick’s Cathedral

5th Ave & 50th Street
Daily 6:45 – 8:45
This beautiful cathedral across from Rockefeller Center on 5th Avenue is worth a stop. You’ll see massive spires, stunning stained-glass windows, and a famous marble altar. Look for the Pietà sculpture and the magnificent pipe organ. 

NOTE! The original St. Patrick’s Basilica is downtown at  266 Mulberry Street.
Also, a great winter activity is to take a Catacomb Tour by candlelight. We did this late afternoon, on a snowy day which added to the atmosphere and mood!

Get Tickets for the Fascinating St. Patricks Catacombs Tour Here!

#9 New York Public Library (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building)

476 5th Avenue
10am–6pm (closed Mondays)
Please promise me that you’ll visit the The New York Public Library (NYPL)! This is one of New York’s finest Beaux Arts architectural masterpieces. You could spend all day here, exploring the special exhibitions, sitting in the Rose Main Reading Room, finding treasures like the Gutenberg Bible, and just marveling at the marble staircases and the chandeliers. I highly recommend you sign up for a free tour here.

#10 Grand Central Station

89 E 42nd Street
5:15 AM – 2AM
Come in from the cold to enjoy the most famous train station in the world. The Beaux Arts Grand Central Station is another iconic spot in Manhattan. Look to the ceiling for the famous zodiac constellations, have a snack at The Oyster Bar, and make sure you try the quirky whispering gallery.  Stand in the corner, against the tiles, in the domed section of the lower floor walkways. Right in front of the Oyster Bar. Have a friend in the opposite corner and whisper to each other. The acoustic phenomenon will allow someone on the other side of the walkway to hear you. It really works!

#11 Chrysler Building

405 Lexington Ave, Midtown Manhattan
Daily 8AM – 6PM
Arguably everyone’s favorite skyscraper, the Art Deco masterpiece of the Chrysler Building is worth a quick visit. Step into the lobby to see the famous mural painted in 1930 to depict “Transport and Human Endeavor.”  This stunning artwork alongside the  granite walls, travertine floors, and inlaid wood elevators gets me every time!

#12 Morgan Library

225 Madison Avenue & 36th Street
Daily 10:30AM – 5PM, Friday until 8PM, Closed Mondays
Founded in1906, this was the personal library of J.P. Morgan. Imagine living in this magnificent Italian Renaissance style home, and building the largest collection of rare books and manuscripts. Now a museum, you’ll see original manuscripts fromCharles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe, and Mark Twain. Look for drawings and prints by artists such Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and Picasso.

NYC’s Chelsea in Winter

#13 Chelsea Galleries

18th Street & 10th Avenue
Warm up in some Chelsea Art galleries. There are 350 art galleries in the Chelsea neighborhood! Here’s a link to seeing some of the best art  – all for free! Here is a link to a site that updates gallery info DAILY.

#14 Chelsea Flea Market

29 W. 25th Street & 6th Avenue
Saturdays & Sundays 8AM – 5PM
You’d think you wouldn’t want to go to a flea market in the winter, but this will change your mind! Since 1976, the Chelsea Flea Market has been open rain, snow, and sunshine! You’ll find over 60 vendors with cool, vintage stuff. It’s a public market with no entrance fee, 

Book This Favorite Chelsea Food Tour Here!!!!

#15 Chelsea Market

75 Ninth Avenue & 15th Street
Open 7AM – 10 PM
The Chelsea Market is crazy busy during the holiday season, but calms down a lot after the New Year rush. It’s worth it to visit, even if it is busy because you’ll find so many treats in the beautifully renovated old Nabisco factory.

#16 The High Line

Between 30th and 34th St, and 10th and 12th Avenue
7AM – 7PM Winter Months
I literally walk the High Line every time I’m in NYC – including the winter. This is the pedestrian path above the meatpacking district along what used to be a railway. Since 2009, this section of Manhattan became a free public park. At 1.45 miles long, from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street, it’s an outdoor garden and art gallery that shouldn’t be missed! 

#17 The Little Island

Pier 55 at Hudson River Park
Daily 6AM – 9PM. 
Little Island at Pier 55 is the whimsical looking island jutting into the Hudson River. It’s a man-made park sitting on top of tulip posts off the pier. You can explore the 2.4 acres of gardens, paths, and check out the views.

#18 Pier 57

Hudson River Park & 15th Street
The Pier 57 was a 1950’s terminal for ships, and is now a trendy, gourmet food court. And, even though it’s wintertime, you can visit the rooftop park for views, picnicking, and hanging out. Pier 57 also has winter events, performances, and art insta;llations. You can even hit golf balls, go rock climbing, ice skating, bowling, and play soccer at the sports complex!

#19 Hudson Yards

W 34th St & 10th Ave.
Mon.-Sat.10AM -8PM, Sun. 11AM – 7PM
Hudson Yards is the massive shopping center, known for its elaborate holiday decorations this time of year. Look for the performances, dine at excellent restaurants, and shop till you drop. It’s right at the end of the High Line, where you’ll see the famous Vessel structure.

#20 The Vessel

W 34th Street & 10th Avenue
If you want to climb 154 steps with 80 landings, then head to the top of the Vessel. If you prefer to stay grounded, then enjoy the brilliant light display throughout the winter season and look for musical performances during the holidays. The Vessel has installed multiple safety measures, so you can enjoy the climb without worry. NYC residents can climb for free on Thursdays and otherwise the tix are $10 for a timed entry process.

Lower Manhattan in Winter

#21 Chinatown

Mott Street & Bleecker Street
Chinatown in the winter is a great opportunity to try some of the best Chinese food you’ll ever have! Some of the most popular spots are Dim Sum at Nom Wah Tea Parlor on Doyers Street and Joe’s Shanghai. It’s also a good time to check out the Museum of Chinese in America, the Mahayana Buddhist Temple, and wander on the famous Doyers Street. Try not to be turned off by the barrage of vendors trying to sell you knock off designer purses, just enjoy the sites, sounds, and smells of one of the most thriving Chinatowns in the world. – And it’s right next to Little Italy!

Book this Best Selling Lower East Side Tenement Tour Here!

#22 Museum at Eldridge Street

12 Eldridge Street
Sun. – Fri. 10AM – 5PM
While you’re in Chinatown, check out this hidden gem of a museum. Eldridge Street was a synagogue built by European jews in 1887. Designed in the Moorish, Gothic, and Romanesque styles, it is now renovated and is a National Historic Landmark. Tix available here.

#23 Grace Church

802 Broadway at 10th Street
A beautiful stop on a winter day is to see the inside of Grace Church in Greenwich Village. It was designed by the same architect of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. You’ll see this 200 year old, National Historic Landmark with beautiful stained glass windows, stone work, and wood carvings. Check the schedule for winter music performances.

#24 9/11 Memorial Museum

180 Greenwich Street
Thurs. – Mon. 10AM – 5PM
Visit the 9/11 Museum for a profound and very moving museum experience. This memorial honors the 2977 people killed at the World Trade Center, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon on 9/11/2001, as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing on 2/26/1993. On the site of the 911 Memorial plaza, the museum is very well done and is best seen with a museum guide, in my opinion.

Get your Tickets to the 9/11 Memorial Museum Right Here!

#25 New York City Hall

City Hall Park
Take the time to tour the New York City Hall and learn the history of one of the oldest, City Halls in the country. This is one of New York’s most underrated, yet beautiful landmarks. Tours are limited to 20 individuals and reservations must be made in advance! Call City Hall Tours at 212-788-2656 or email tours@cityhall.nyc.gov.

#26 The Oculus

185 Greenwich Street
Mon.–Fri. 9 AM–7 PM, Sat. 10 AM–8 PM, Sun.11 AM–7 PM 
If you want to do some holiday shopping or catch the sales in the New Year, then visit the Oculus.  It’s the transportation center designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, after 9/11, resembling a dove leaving a child’s hands.

NYC Art Museums in Winter

#27 The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)

1000 5th Avenue
10AM–5PM – closed Wednesdays
The Art museums in NYC are all amazing, but nothing compares to The Met. A winter visit will include seeing the yearly Christmas Tree display along with one of the most significant permanent collections in the world. Take your pick from exploring ancient Egypt, Impressionist art, and world treasures.

#28 Whitney Museum of American Art

99 Gansevoort Street
10:30AM–6PM (closed Tuesdays)
I always recommend the Whitney because of its contemporary American art collection and for the manageable size of the museum. Enjoy the outdoor balconies along with views of the Hudson. It also happens to be at the start of the High Line, which is another must-do.

#29 Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

11 W 53rd Street
10:30AM–5:30PM
The Museum of Modern Art is warm, lively, and packed with famous works—from Van Gogh to Warhol to Monet. Start at the top floor and work your way down – It’s a system I’ve learned is best in this museum!

#30 The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

1071 Fifth Avenue
Daily 10:30 AM–5:30 PM
The Guggenheim is simply a perfect museum! The building itself, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is art in itself. The collection is all modern and contemporary works displayed in the very cool spiral ramp with the light from the top shining down throughout the whole museum. No need to be overwhelmed because the collection is small enough to enjoy in one visit. Duck in here on a winter day for a beautiful museum experience.

#31 The Gilded Age Mansion Museums

So many awesome museums for winter visits! SO little time! Here’s my short list of the uptown Gilded Age Mansions and galleries that I’ve visited, that I have to share with you! I love these spots and they are perfect for a visit on a winter day. They don’t call this stretch uptown “Museum Mile” for nothing!

-The Frick Collection

1 East 70th Street
Mon., Wed., Thurs., Sat. & Sun.: 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Frid.: 10:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Closed Tuesday
I had the pleasure of visiting The Frick soon after it re-opened and the renovation is so magnificent, its worth it to simply wander around the home! But the art! Wow, what an unbelievable collection! It’s world-renowned art museum housed in the former home of industrialist Henry Clay Frick. He collected European Old Master paintings, decorative arts, sculpture, furniture, and much more – you’ve gotta go!

-Neue Galerie New York

1048 Fifth Avenue
Mon., Wed.–Sun.10:00AM – 6:00PM. Closed Tues.
I have a particular affinity for the Neue and have been many times. It houses early 20th-century Austrian art and design and most notably the Klimt paintings. This former Gilded Age mansion also has a delightful Viennese café – Sabarsky’s, which is worth a stop for coffee and strudel!

-Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

2 East 91st Street
Daily 10AM–4:30PM
Housed in the former mansion of Andrew Carneigie, the Cooper Hewitt is a very fun experience because the collection and exhibits focus on design, decorative arts, and the history of how design impacts our lives. Not to mention, the building is amazing. This is another great choice for a winter day.

-Lévy Gorvy Gallery

19 East 64th Street
Tues. – Sat. 10AM – 6PM
Lévy Gorvy Gallery is one of the Upper East Side’s true gems. Housed in a beautiful townhome that has been the site of many famous players in the art world. Visit for unique exhibits of contemporary art and to experience the beautiful space. And one of the best parts- It’s FREE!

-Salon 94

3 East 89th Street
Wed. – Sat. 11AM – 6PM; Closed Sun.-Tues.
Salon 94 is another Museum Mile treasure. Built by architect Ogden Coleman, this Beaux Arts mansion, has been a place for philanthropists and artists since 1913. Visit on a winter day to see contemporary art and design exhibits. It’s a really beautiful space with excellent taste in emerging artists.

#32 NYC Winter Markets

While not quite the European Christmas Market scene, NYC’s holiday markets are still very worthy of a visit for festivities, cocoa, and some holiday cheer!

-The Union Square Holiday Market
Union Square Park – Broadway & 4th Avenue
November 13,2025 – December 24,2025

-Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park – 5th Avenue & W 40 Street
October 25, 2025 – January 5,2026

-Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Central Park – 59th Street
December 2,2025 – December 31,2025

-Herald Square Holiday Market
Herald Square -Broadway &. W. 34 Street
December 3,2025 – January 3, 2026

NYC Book Stores for a Winter Visit

#33 The Strand Bookstore

828 Broadway & E 12th Street
10AM–8PM
One of NYC most famous bookstores, The Strand has my stamp of approval. Perfect for warming up between winter walks, browsing books, and finding a cozy corner to reset.

#34 Printed Matter

231 11th Avenue
Who doesn’t love to hang out in a book store on a winter day? Printed Matter is a very cool art book store with an art gallery. The non-profit organization has moved around the city a few times over many years, but it continues to provide support for artists and their books. It will give you a glimpse into New York City’s famous creative art scene.

#35 Casa Magazine

22 8th Avenue
Daily 8AM -9PM
If you want to loose yourself in a historic magazine shop, head to Casa! You’ll find thousands of magazines from all over the world. There’s even a little book store and cafe attached.

#36 Assouline at The Plaza

768 Fifth Avenue at Central Park West
You might as well go for some soup at The Plaza Champagne Room or Palm Court and head up the marble staircase to shops for some of the most gorgeous “coffee table books” you’ve ever seen. Each book is a piece of art – and pretty pricey too!

#37 McNally Jackson Bookstore

4 Fulton Street
Daily 10AM -9PM
You need to visit the South Street Seaport area in winter for the  festive displays, great shopping, beer gardens, museums and the McNally Jackson Bookstore! This is a Southstreet Seaport staple. So charming inside, in the oldest part of Manhattan with a great cafe downstairs. Don’t be fooled by the cozy small size, keep wandering around and you’ll see how it magically gets bigger upstairs!

Where to Stay In NYC in Winter

Finding you the safest and best places to stay is my jam! So, here are a few spots from my more comprehensive list. I’ve chosen one uptown, one midtown, and one downtown choice.

The Lucerne Hotel
201 W 79th Street – The Lucerne Hotel is perfect for the fall because it is a grand hotel with a cozy vibe and affordable prices. It’s located on the Upper West Side, near the park, in a treasured landmark building built in 1904. The amenities include a lovely French Mediterranean restaurant, Nice Matin.

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The Empire Hotel
44 West 63rd Street – The Empire Hotel is perfect for fall because it’s private and tucked into a great spot across from Lincoln Center, just steps away from Central Park. It’s considered the “crown jewel” of Midtown hotels.  It’s got a very special rooftop bar and a swimming pool if its not too chilly for a dip in the fall.

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The Washington Square Hotel
103 Waverly Place – The Washington Square Hotel is great for fall because it’s an historic hotel, built in 1902, and is  directly across from the iconic Washington Square Park in the heart of Greenwich Village. Countless famous writers, poets, and musicians have stayed in the hotel which adds to its special charm. There’s a rooftop garden serving fresh vegetables for the hotel’s restaurants. 

Getting Around New York City

NYC can feel overwhelming to navigate, but it’s actually really easy to get around. Here are my Pro Tips for the best way to manage winter in the Big Apple.

Walking Around NYC in Winter

Walking is the best way to see NYC, even in the slush and snow. Just be sure to have waterproof boots!

NYC By Subway

Subways are definitely the most convenient way to get around. Many of the trains have been updated, which makes it a bit cleaner, but don’t be surprised to see some unsavory conditions!

• Carrie Pro Tip:  Get the official MY MTA App (Metropolitan Transit Authority) on your phone for maps and schedules for all the subways, bus, and rail systems.
• Carrie Pro Tip: On your Maps/GPS App on your phone, use the “transit” view to find the closest subway station and which train will take you to your destination.
• Carrie Pro Tip: Have your credit card loaded on your phone in your “wallet.” Then simply TAP your wallet pay on the OMNY screen at the turnstile of the subway stop and it charges you. It’s like magic!
• Carrie Pro Tip: Download the NYC Ferry App by Hornblower onto your phone. You can buy ferry tix on your phone and access a QR code for boarding the boat.

• Each ride costs $2.90. The easiest thing is to TAP TO PAY with your smartphone, credit card, or OMNY (One Metro New York) card.
• If you tap with the same device within 7 days, you’ll be capped at $34 and ride free the rest of the 7 days! If you spend less than $34, you’re only charged for the rides you take.
• You can tap in up to 4 people on your same device or card.
• Note: if it’s your first time tapping, it takes a few minutes for your bank to approve a new user, so you might not be able to tap in others on your first time.
• Subways and bus fares are $1.45 for 65 or older and those with disabilities – if you have applied for the reduced fare program. More info here.

NYC By Uber, Lyft, Revel, or Taxi

Ride share apps are a huge help in getting around NYC, especially in the wet and cold winter! More expensive by yourself, but with a group of people it’s often more cost effective than paying for separate subway fares.

NYC By Ferry

The NYC Ferries travel from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island along the East River and Hudson River. Bundle up in winter to take the ferry for visiting The Statue of Liberty, or when taking a sunset cruise.

Enjoy your time in a Beautiful New York City Winter!

In a nutshell…

Every time I visit New York in the winter, I leave with at least one new favorite thing to do. A snowy walk in Central Park, or another museum or gallery to discover, and of course great cafes to spend hours in with family and friends. 

I hope this list of the best things to do in NYC in winter helps you find moments like these too. Take it slow, stay curious, and let the city surprise you. New York always finds a way to keep you warm and welcomed, even on the chilliest days.

xx,
Carrie