The Best Things To Do in NYC in Winter

December in New York City is the most magical time of the year. No other city in the world celebrates the winter season and holidays quite like NYC. If you’re planning on being in New York this winter, whether you’re a local or a tourist, there are plenty of things to do. 

This post covers all of the best activities and things to see. Whether you want to be outside or inside, eating or drinking, shopping or sightseeing, or just want to do everything because it’s the most wonderful time of the year, we have ideas for a perfect day in the urban winter wonderland.

Ready to get out there? Here are the best things to do in NYC in winter.  

Ice skating

New York City seems to add new ice rinks every winter. I cover the big three in-depth below, but for other ice skating rinks around New York, here’s a quick list

• The Rink at Brookfield Place: Lower West Side of Manhattan on the Hudson River
• The Roebling Rink: DUMBO neighborhood in Brooklyn( the coolest location — right under the Brooklyn Bridge!)
• The Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers: An indoor option on the Hudson on the west side of Manhattan
• Ice Rink at The Seaport: South Street Seaport on the east side of Lower Manhattan
• Domino Park: One of NYC’s newer rinks, located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
• The LeFrak Center at Lakeside: South Brooklyn, inside beautiful Prospect Park

If you want to check out the most popular (and many would argue the best) New York ice skating rinks, here are three that everyone loves that will probably be near other sites you’re visiting too.

The rink at Bryant Park

Bryant Park’s ice skating rink is smack in the middle of the Winter Village (more info on this below). 

If you’re looking to go skating at night, this rink is your best bet. It’s usually from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, but during peak season, they extend the hours to midnight.

This popular NYC ice skating rink covers 17,000 square feet and boasts classic holiday music, lights, and plenty of food and shopping to entertain you when you’re not skating.

This one is free if you can bring your own skates, which means it’s often very crowded. Rentals and other add-on Winter Village experiences can cost anywhere from around $20 to a couple hundred if you want a deluxe experience.

When: October 24, 2025, to March 1, 2026

Where: Bryant Park, right behind the main branch of the New York Public Library

The rink at Rockefeller Center

Ice skating at legendary Rockefeller Center might be on your bucket list for good reason. It’s been a New York must-do since 1936. While one of the other rinks might be a safer bet in terms of fewer crowds (which means less of a wait), there’s nothing like the amazing experience of skating below the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which just happens to be the biggest.

A 60-minute skate session can range from $22 to $124 for skaters 11 years and up, depending on the date and time of day. Kids 5 and under cost $12-$66. Skate rentals are an additional $12. 

There are plenty of add-ons available, including special access, Top of the Rock observation deck tickets, and a reservation for a cozy chalet nearby.

The rink is open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the season. Check the website for tickets and changes as peak season gets underway.

When: Starting October 11, 2025

Where: On Fifth Avenue, between 49th and 50th streets

A city within a city — and 70 stories above the city

Rockefeller Center Walking Tour With Top of the Rock Upgrade

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Wolman Rink 

Wollman Rink is right inside Central Park, just behind the zoo. I think the combination of the beautiful trees surrounded by the architecture of the city makes this one of the best ice skating rinks in the city. 

Adult tickets cost between $16 and $40, depending on the time of day you want to skate. For kids 4-12 years old, it’s only $11 all day, and for 3 and under, it’s free. There’s a $12 skate rental fee. 

This skating rink is also open every day during the winter season, right into March. Skating opens at 10 a.m. and has various closing times each day of the week. You can find times and tickets online. 

The best entrance to the park that’s close to the rink is at 59th Street and 6th Avenue. 

When: Oct. 24, 2025, to March 15, 2026

Where: Near the southeast corner of Central Park

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

One of New York’s best holiday traditions happens in the Dyker Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn.

Each year, the houses from 11th to 13th avenues and between 83rd and 86th streets are decorated from doorstep to chimney with spectacular Christmas light displays. Some are simpler or more traditional, while others are decked out with giant nutcrackers, nativity scenes, reindeer, blow-ups, and more.

This tradition started in the 1980s, but in the last few years, after being featured on travel television shows and social media, it’s caught worldwide attention and reached must-see status. 

Luckily, we have a Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour that gets you there from Midtown — and includes stops for other Brooklyn light displays — and comes with an expert tour guide to bring all that yuletide spirit to life. That means you’ll have no trouble getting out to see the largest Santa in New York City. 

Experience the magic of Christmas in New York

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour

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But if you want to go on your own, the easiest way to visit is by taking the D train to 79th St and New Utrecht Ave in Brooklyn. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk to get to the houses. If you’re traveling by car, you can drive along the streets and see the houses through your window. Just be warned that the traffic can be very heavy, parking is limited, and sometimes certain blocks are closed to vehicles. 

The lights run daily during the season, but night viewing is naturally the best time to go.

When: After Thanksgiving through January 2026

Where: 11th to 13th avenues and 83rd to 86th streets in Dyker Heights

Holiday markets in NYC

There’s no shortage of shopping in New York, so you can bet there are plenty of New York holiday markets throughout the yuletide season. 

Here are the most popular markets operating this winter:

• Winter Village at Bryant Park
• Grand Central Holiday Fair
• Holiday Market at the Oculus (2025 link coming soon) 
• Union Square Holiday Market

Each market has its advantages. The markets at Grand Central and the Oculus are both indoors, which can provide a much-needed break from the cold weather. Keep in mind that this means they are on the smaller side as well. 

The biggest and most diverse, in terms of vendors, might be a tie between Bryant Park and Union Square. On top of having an ice skating rink, Bryant Park has an entire section of shops with gifts and places to eat and drink. Union Square has more vendors and more crafts and even more food options, often made viral by influencers. You should definitely come hungry and ready to shop at either of these.

Guide tip: Last year, there was a booth at Union Square selling a bruleed purple sweet potato, and it was the perfect snack. It was delicious, nutritious, and sweet (and kept your hands warm). Hopefully, it’s back this year, but if not, there’s bound to be a new viral food treat. 

New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

The New York Botanical Garden is always showcasing seasonal joy, and winter is no different. 

Every year, this horticultural wonderland in the Bronx features 200 tiny replicas of New York City landmarks crafted out of plant parts like pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and palm fronds. 

You can visit the NYBG’s Holiday Train Show during the day to enjoy the warmth of the sunshine, or grab tickets for one of the limited Holiday Train Nights. The evening event features the trains and miniatures lit up, cocktails and mocktails, music, and merriment. Tickets start at $43. 

Parking is available if you’re driving. For the subway, take the B, D, or 4 train to Bedford Park Blvd. Station.

When: Nov. 15, 2025, to Jan. 11, 2026 

Where: 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx

Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular

This year is the 100th anniversary of the Christmas Spectacular! 

Plenty of locals in New York’s five boroughs, plus New Jersey and Connecticut, have been going to this iconic performance as a family tradition for decades. If there was ever a time to see the Radio City Rockettes in action, this is it. 

As with many other events on this list, you can always upgrade. There’s a Santa’s breakfast, preshow reception, dance workshops, and more, including opportunities to meet the world-famous Rockettes. Tickets start at $65.

When: November 6, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Where: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas

The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center

It’s not just for ice skating — Rockefeller Center is the holiday season hub in New York City. 

Its giant Christmas Tree is a tradition that dates back almost 100 years, and each year, the tree has its own meaningful origin story. Seeing it in person is the highlight of the season for me as a local. All of the lights and decorations will take your breath away. Plus, you have to snap that iconic photo in front of the ice skating rink!

You can also visit for the annual Christmas tree lighting. Following Thanksgiving weekend, the giant tree at Rockefeller Center is lit up for the first time during a ceremony featuring musical performances and special guests.

Need more tips to make the most of your trip to Rockefeller Center during the most wonderful time of the year? We wrote a guide to visiting Rockefeller Center for the holidays.

When: The tree is expected to arrive around November 8, 2025. The tree lighting event will take place on December 3, 2025, and the tree will be up through January 2026. 

Where: Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets

Gingerbread NYC

If you prefer your miniatures of New York City landmarks crafted from baked goods over plants, this is your event. 

Every winter, the Museum of the City of New York invites bakers from the five boroughs to create gingerbread versions of their favorite iconic New York buildings, beloved places, and neighborhoods. They call it the Great Borough Bake-Off. 

Visitors to the museum get to vote for a favorite, which will get a People’s Choice award — although we think the visitors who get to see tiny New York while smelling gingerbread are the real winners. 

When: TBA

Where: 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street, the top of Museum Mile

LuminoCity Festival

This is a fairly new event that used to be on Randall’s Island in the East River but has grown in size and scope and moved out to a new location in Long Island. The Festival hosts an immersive light show that is perfect for families, Instagrammers, or anyone looking for a little holiday magic. 

Rather than showcasing decorated houses like Dyker Heights, the walk-through experience is full of colorful sculptures inspired by nature, art, history, and fantasy. There are food trucks, a gift shop, a pop-up gallery, and more. Tickets range from $36.50 for adults and $28.43 for kids to $67.63 VIP tickets. It runs daily from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 or 10 at night.

When: Nov. 7, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2026

Where: Eisenhower Park, 1899 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY

Wreath Interpretations Exhibition

Ever wanted to see New York’s local artists take on a wreath? NYC Parks’ annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibition is an underground gallery show that’s off the beaten path and a great way to ring in the holiday season.

And it’s free! You can find more information on their website.

When: Opening night December 4, 2025, on view through January 2, 2026

Where: Central Park Arsenal, at the edge of the Central Park Zoo

Winter drinks

Whether you prefer a luxurious hot chocolate or something spiked, New York has created some incredible seasonal drinks at some Instagrammable seasonal locations. 

‘Tis the season to imbibe! 

Best hot chocolate in New York

• Angelica Paris: Midtown
• MarieBelle and Dominique Ansel: Both in SoHo
• Jacques Torres: Indulgent flavors at many locations, including DUMBO, Brooklyn

Savor scenic views and fresh flavors in Brooklyn's hippest neighborhood

Food and Culture DUMBO Walking Tour

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Cozy bars

• Igloo Bar at 230 Fifth: Midtown, heated private igloos on a Fifth Avenue rooftop bar 
• Fraunces Tavern: Financial District for a cocktail near the fireplace at the oldest bar in New York
• The Lodge at Bryant Park Winter Village: Bryant Park has everything for the holidays!

Menorah lightings

NYC has the two largest menorahs in the world. The Fifth Avenue Menorah is right in front of the Plaza Hotel, at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 59th Street. It’s 32 feet high and weighs 4,000 pounds. 

The other, even larger menorah, is in Brooklyn at Grand Army Plaza. A lighting ceremony takes place at sundown each night of the eight-night holiday at both locations (at different times for each location). In Brooklyn, there’s also live music, hot latkes, gifts for children, and a crane to lift a rabbi to light the candles.

When: Lighting ceremonies Dec. 14-22, 2025

Where: The Plaza Hotel in Manhattan or Grand Army Plaza at the top of Prospect Park in  Brooklyn

There are many other Hanukkah events in New York City. Here are a few.

• The American Society for Jewish Music is hosting a Hanukkah concert Dec. 21, 2025.
• South Street Seaport conducts an annual Menorah lighting for families. Stay tuned to their events calendar for the date.
• The Museum at Eldridge Street’s Lighting the World: Menorahs Around the Globe exhibit is always on view, but they also put on a yearly Hanukkah party. This year’s date is still to be announced.

New York Public Library Holiday Open House

Once a year, the New York Public Library — the third largest library in the world — becomes a holiday playground where there’s anything but silence. 

Visit the NYPL Holiday Open House for crafts, snacks, a Charles Dickens impersonator, and choir performances.

Guide tip: It’s epically joyful but also crowded, so be prepared to wait your turn for crafts and snacks!

When: TBA

Where: NYPL at Fifth Avenue and 40th Street

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

Get into the holiday spirit at one of the largest zoos in the country. Following a longtime tradition, the zoo will feature a range of seasonal entertainment and decorations, including:

• Stilt walkers
• An ice carving competition
• Five animal lantern safaris (with illuminated animals from various regions)
• Wildlife theater
• Christmas trees
• Costumed characters
• Holiday treats

Guide tip: Without a car, your best bet is the BxM11 express bus that stops along Madison Avenue between 26th and 99th Streets, then travels directly to the zoo. The fare is $6.75 each direction. 

You can also take the 2 Train to Pelham Parkway or the 5 Train to 180th Street Station. They do have parking if you’re driving.

It’s open daily, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tickets must be reserved in advance on the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights website. It’s $41.95-$56.95 for adults, $26.95-$41.95 for kids ages 3-12, and free for kids 2 and under. 

When: Nov. 21, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026

Where: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx

Christmas windows on Fifth Avenue

Along Fifth Avenue in Midtown, you’ll find some of the most dazzling, artistic, and famous store window displays in the world. 

And in December, this internationally famous row of luxury stores dazzles the most. As you walk up and down the streets for some necessary holiday shopping, take the time to admire the lights and decorations that each building has to offer. You’ll see a mix of high fashion, Christmas ornaments, and outstanding winter-inspired art installations. 

Where can you find the best Christmas window displays in New York? Look between Saks Fifth Avenue (right across the street from Rockefeller Center) at 50th Street and Bergdorf Goodman at 57th Street.

If you’re in the area after dark, stick around for the Saks light show. It’s a series of “dancing” lights set to a musical score and playing on loop every 10 minutes. It was cancelled last year for budget reasons, but it’s merrily back this year! 

When: Mid-November 2025 to Jan. 5, 2026

Where: Between Saks Fifth Avenue at 50th Street and Bergdorf Goodman at 57th Street

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

While you’re in the area visiting the window displays, be sure to stop into St. Patrick’s Cathedral since it’s nearby. The church is particularly stunning inside with Christmas decorations during the festive season. See the large nativity scene by the altar, wreaths, and more.

Decorations typically go up after the third Sunday of Advent and stay up through Epiphany, but the outdoor lights typically are up longer, which you can enjoy even if you can’t step inside during their open hours.

When: Mid-December 2025 to mid-January 2026

Where: Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st streets

Make Music Winter

How about a one-day-only free musical extravaganza? Make Music Winter, an outdoor music-making celebration, is hosted every year in December throughout the city to commemorate the winter solstice — the shortest day of the year. 

As a nonprofit, Make Music Alliance New York uses music to connect fellow New Yorkers with their community, and boy, do we need connecting this year!

This annual festival started here in 2011 and has spread to 19 other cities. All are welcome. You can attend or even participate. Dance, sing, and play your own instruments, whether it’s your smartphone, ukelele, or harmonica. 

When: Dec. 21, 2025

Where: TBA

New Year’s Eve in Times Square

Chances are you’ve already heard about the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration. It’s the city’s biggest event of the year. 

Starting as early as 6 a.m. on Dec. 31, folks will be lining up to watch the famous ball drop. This is a special year because, having retired the Waterford crystal ball after last year’s drop, they will be premiering a new digitally interactive ball. Whatever that means! Can’t wait to see. 

When: Dec. 31, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2026

Where: Times Square

Did we miss anything?

If we missed a fun happening based in New York this winter, please drop us an email at [email protected] or give us a shout on Facebook.

For more inspiration on what to see and do in New York, check out our NYC blogs by local experts and guides.