More about: 10 Things to do in New York City in the Winter
Are you travelling to New York in winter? It's a very special season when you can enjoy lots of fantastic activities both indoors and outdoors. Take a look at these 10 things to do in New York in winter and don't miss these tips to keep you from freezing.
1. Feel the excitement of the NBA
Whether basketball is your passion or you want to experience the atmosphere and excitement that this sport generates in New York, you can't leave without enjoying the best basketball league in the world in person. So don't hesitate and book your ticket for the NBA.
Even if you don't like sports! Attending an NBA game at Madison Square Garden is one of the most fascinating experiences you can have in the United States. Plus, if you travel to New York in winter , you'll be sure to see a game in the middle of the season. You'll have a blast! It's a real spectacle of music, dance, partying and, above all, sport, of course.
Nicknamed "The World's Most Famous Arena, " Madison Square Garden is located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. It is a colossal indoor stadium known for being the home of the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL). Want to experience the magic of the legendary MSG? I'll explain how to get tickets in a jiffy.
How to buy NBA tickets?
If you've already planned your winter getaway to New York and want to include an NBA game in your itinerary, my advice is to buy tickets online from home before crossing the pond. Demand is extremely high, so it's normal for tickets to sell out quickly.
The American ticket market is dynamic, which means that prices rise as the game date approaches and supply decreases. If you wait too long, you run the risk of being left without tickets or having to pay a high price for tickets in sections with less spectacular visibility. What's more, when you book online, you can choose the seat you like best in the stadium.
- Where? 4 Pennsylvania Plaza. (Seventh Avenue between W. 31st and W. 33rd Streets).
- How to get there: You can take the underground to 34th St. Penn Station (lines A, B, C, 1, 2 and 3) or the bus (lines M4, M10, M16, M34 and Q32).
2. Free admission to MoMA on Fridays
If visiting a museum wasn't part of your travel plans, but the winter weather is getting in the way, I recommend you stay warm and take advantage of MoMA's Free Friday Nights to visit the world's most important museum of modern and contemporary art completely free of charge.
If you're trying to stick to a budget during your trip, this is a great opportunity to tour this museum without spending a penny. What's more, you'll get to experience a place of cultural identity and great prestige for Americans. And if you can't make it on this day of the week, you can also book your ticket to MoMA without queuing.
Where can I get tickets for MoMA's Free Friday Nights?
The queue for these free tickets is located at the museum's 54th Street entrance. With your ticket, you can access all of MoMA's exhibitions and galleries. During Free Friday Nights, MoMA is open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Since time is limited during this visit, my advice is to focus on the fourth and fifth floors, where you'll find works by the most famous artists, such as Pollock, Cézanne, Warhol, and Matisse.
If you are enthusiastic about art, these four hours of free access may not be enough to calmly view its vast collection of works of art by artists of the stature of Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Vincent Van Gogh, and Andy Warhol, among many others.
If, when you finish, you are left wanting more modern art and want to spend hours and hours in its galleries, I recommend that you get a skip-the-line ticket to MoMA, which will give you immediate access to the museum and its more than 100,000 pieces of painting, prints, sculpture, photography, drawings, design, films, architecture, and prints. In addition, with this ticket you can also visit MoMA PS1, the contemporary art centre in Long Island City, for 14 days after your visit to the Manhattan location.
- Where? MoMA is located on 53rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.
- When? It is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day. On Fridays, it is open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., with Free Friday Nights from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- To learn more: check out this article on how to visit MoMA.
3. Go up to the One World Observatory
If you're not afraid of heights and want to see the city from a bird's eye view, you should go up to the One World Observatory, the highest viewpoint in New York at a height of 386.5 metres. Unlike other observation decks such as Top of the Rock or The Edge, this observatory does not have an outdoor area from which to view the city, which is an advantage in the freezing winter in New York, as you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty without the icy wind freezing your eyelashes and leaving you shivering with cold.
One World Observatory is located on the top floors of the One World Trade Center skyscraper, specifically from the 100th to the 102nd floor. The modern design of this Ground Zero viewpoint allows you to see up to 80 kilometres in all directions, and from here you will have 360º views to enjoy New York in all its splendour.
If you like modern architecture and skyscrapers as much as I do, you'll love this experience. It starts the moment you step into the lift, which is covered with LED panels that entertain you during the ascent with the development of New York from its origins. In just 47 seconds!
- Where? It is located at 285 Fulton Street.
- Opening hours: One World Observatory is open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
4. Ice skating in New York
What to do outdoors when temperatures drop in the Big Apple?Go ice skating, of course! Whether with your partner, friends or family, it's an unforgettable experience to enjoy in New York in winter and an ideal setting for taking fun photos.Which ice rinks do I recommend visiting in New York?
Wollman Rink in Central Park
This ice rink, located in the southeast corner of Central Park, is the most famous and cinematic. In my opinion, the feeling of skating at Wollman Rink is unmatched, as you have the beautiful winter landscape of the park on one side and views of the legendary skyscrapers in the background. In fact, as you glide across the ice, you'll feel like you're part of one of the many Christmas films that have been shot here.
- Where? You'll find it just a two-minute walk from the Central Park South entrance, between 59th Street and Sixth Avenue.
- When? It is usually open from late November to March or even April.
- Price: Depending on the day of the week, between $12 and $19 (approximately €11.20 and €17.70). Skate rental is paid separately if you need them.
The Rink at Bryant Park
Don't let the cold get you down! Head to the Bank of America Winter Village Christmas village to ice skate at The Rink, a large free rink that is open from late October to early January. There is also an iconic Christmas market here, full of decorative items, souvenirs and culinary delights. How can you resist the hot chocolate at Ice Bites?
What's more, if you travel to New York in winter, you'll have the opportunity to attend the Bryant Park Christmas tree lighting ceremony and watch the skaters perform acrobatic routines to music. Afterwards, The Rink opens to the public while musicians from Lincoln Centre play live jazz.
- Where? It is located on 42nd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
- When? The Rink is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. from late October to early March. The market is open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Price: Admission is free (you will have to pay to rent skates if you don't bring your own).
Rockefeller Rink at Rockefeller Plaza
When winter arrives in New York, one of the most traditional activities is to go ice skating at Rockefeller Rink, the rink located in Rockefeller Plaza.
There are many options in New York, and this may be one of the most typical, but because of the long queues and its small size, it is not one of my favourites. However, if you want to enjoy this typical New York winter experience at such an iconic rink as Rockefeller Rink, you can find all the information you need on the Rockefeller Centre website.
- Where? At 45 Rockefeller Plaza.
- When? It is usually open from late November to March.
- Price: Depending on the season, between $25 and $35 (approximately €23 and €32, depending on the exchange rate). Skate hire, if required, is paid for separately.
- To learn more: Rockefeller Centre has a lot to offer visitors. Check out this article on Top of the Rock to find out more.
5. Ring in the Chinese New Year in Chinatown
A very special time to visit Chinatown is in winter, when Chinese New Year, the most important festival in Chinese culture, is celebrated. Although it usually takes place in February, the date depends on the lunar calendar.
I have been lucky enough to see it once and it is well worth it because it is celebrated in style. Every year, the streets of Chinatown are decorated with lanterns to welcome a different animal, and thousands of people take part in an impressive parade of floats, dragons, dances and music. It's the perfect time to book a tour of Chinatown.
It's a fun event for all ages, attended by both New Yorkers and tourists. So, if you're going to see the New Year's parade, I recommend finding a street intersection where you can soak up the atmosphere and get a good view.
Where to eat?
When it's over, don't hesitate to go to a restaurant or food stall to enjoy the best Asian cuisine in the heart of Chinatown. If you're a foodie who loves to eat, you'll have a great time in this neighbourhood.
6. Feel the magic of Broadway
During a stay in New York, whatever the time of year, an essential plan is to attend a musical on Broadway, the famous boulevard lined with theatres that runs through the centre of Manhattan, including Times Square.
Here you can see prestigious shows such as The Lion King, Chicago, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Aladdin and Frozen, which is very appropriate if you are travelling to New York in winter, right? At this time of year, the city, covered in white snow, almost looks like Arendelle, the home of Elsa and Anna.
What if I don't speak English?
Some people are reluctant to go to the theatre in the United States because they don't speak English, but this is not a problem on Broadway, as the storyline is full of musical numbers that will help you follow the plot.
In any case, if you're still unsure, my advice is to choose a musical that has been made into a film, such as Chicago, The Lion King, Frozen or Aladdin. If you watch the film before you travel, it will be much easier to follow because they usually have the same script. What's more, I promise you'll be blown away by the majestic staging and musical numbers. You'll love going to Broadway!
How to buy tickets for Broadway?
If you want to enjoy the experience of going to a Broadway musical, it's best to buy your tickets online, because the theatres fill up quickly and the box offices soon put up the Sold Out sign at Christmas.
From experience, I advise you to buy your tickets online as far in advance as possible to ensure you get the best seats on the date you want and at a better price than at the box office, where you'll also save yourself from having to queue for ages.
If you wait to buy them when you're in New York, you run the risk of being left without tickets. Don't hesitate, buying your tickets online is easy, safe and fast.
7. Toast your trip to New York from a rooftop
People go to New York to have fun, and after a long day of sightseeing, there's nothing better than heading up to one of the city's wonderful rooftops to enjoy a drink and the sunset in the best company.
One of New York's most glamorous rooftops is 230 Fifth, located right on Fifth Avenue. It's a spectacular place with the typical modern atmosphere of the Big Apple. Outdoors, it has the largest rooftop garden in the city, but inside there is a large glass-enclosed lounge, ideal for when the temperatures are low.
The views of the illuminated Empire State Building are magnificent from here, so if you don't want to give up being on the terrace even in winter, my advice is to reserve a spot in one of their igloos to stay warm and not miss out on the views of Manhattan. What's more, at night, 230 Fifth puts on a beautiful light show that adds to the magic of the moment and provides customers with comfortable robes to keep them warm.
- Where? 230 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10001.
- Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Want to know more about the rooftops of the Big Apple? Check out our post on the 10 best rooftops in New York.
8. Celebrate Valentine's Day in New York
February is one of the coldest months in New York, but the chance to experience a different and unforgettable Valentine's Day is reason enough to travel to the city with your better half. There are so many romantic things to do!
One of them has been organised for several years in Times Square under the slogan "Love in Times Square", where several couples swear eternal love to each other by getting engaged, married or renewing their vows withNew York as their witness. Can you imagine being one of them?
To be among the lucky couples on 14 February, you must register online in advance. A draw will determine who will experience a very original Valentine's Day. Without a doubt, an unforgettable story to tell your grandchildren!
Tribute to love in Times Square
But this isn't the only way to celebrate Valentine's Day in Times Square, as every year an interactive sculpture with a love theme is installed so that people can take romantic photos of their trip to New York with lots of hearts in the background. And if you're looking for another romantic plan to continue the day, remember that you can book a dinner cruise on the Hudson to end the day
9. Marvel at New York's Christmas window displays
New York is one of the dream destinations for many travellers who love to shop.It's the shopping mecca of the United States! While the city is a magnet for fashion lovers all year round thanks to the bargains to be found, at Christmas the shopping experience is taken to another level, as shops decorate their windows with beautiful Christmas motifs to attract attention. And boy, do they succeed!
For several decades now, New York's department stores have been pulling out all the stops to grab our attention and surprise us with their creative ideas. For example, during the Christmas season at Macy's, you can visit the North Pole without leaving the shopping centre. At this time of year, they recreate a winter village known as Santaland, where children can meet and chat with Santa Claus himself. Although this activity is free, you have to book in advance.
In fact, all the shops in New York are decked out in winter to get into the Christmas spirit. So much so that there is a tour of the Christmas shop windows. So if you love shopping, I recommend booking this tour or planning a route around the city's shop windows with special stops at Bloomingdale's, Tiffany & Co, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys and Macy's, among others. You'll be amazed! You can read more here: What to do in New York at Christmas.
10. Experience St. Patrick's Day like an Irishman!
Don't forget to pack something green if you're going to be in New York on 17 March, because that's when St Patrick's Day is celebrated in style. The Irish community is very large and the St Patrick's Day parade is one of the oldest traditions in the United States, having been celebrated since 1762.
Although it is not a public holiday as such, New York is one big party during St. Patrick's Day. People take to the streets to enjoy a grand parade down Fifth Avenue, featuring police officers, firefighters and marching bands, from 11 a.m. until around 5 p.m.
Where to go on St. Patrick's Day?
Hours after the St. Patrick's Day parade, the party continues in New York's pubs, where people go to drink good beer in honour of Ireland's patron saint and have a good time.
I suggest McSorley's Old Ale House, one of the oldest Irish pubs in the city, dating back to 1854. Also Peter McManus Café, another Irish pub with a lot of history that has appeared in series such as "Law and Order" and "Seinfeld". And remember to wear something green!
What else to see on this day?
On St. Patrick's Day, you can also take the opportunity to visit the Empire State Building, illuminated in the colour of the patron saint, and St. Patrick's Cathedral, located opposite Rockefeller Centre on Fifth Avenue. Admission to the cathedral is free!
What is the weather like in New York in winter?
During this season, temperatures in New York are usually very low and it is really cold. So much so that it can even snow in the first months of the year and the thermometer can drop below zero. Winter lasts from 21 December to 21 March. Average temperatures range from 2ºC to -6ºC, although the coldest days can even reach -10ºC. Temperatures begin to rise in March but remain low: the minimum is around 2ºC and the maximum 10ºC.
Many people are afraid to travel to New York in winter because it is too cold outside to do most of the interesting activities. However, I think it is a great opportunity to enjoy a different side of the city than we are normally used to.
You just have to adapt to the circumstances of the trip to have an unforgettable adventure. For example, seeing New York covered in snow is a magical experience, and since it gets dark earlier, you'll be able to enjoy the Big Apple lit up for much longer. The city at night is spectacular! We should always try to see the glass as half full.
Advantages of travelling to New York in winter
If you're dying to travel to New York but I still haven't convinced you to do so in winter, let me tell you about some of the advantages of visiting the Big Apple at this time of year. After Christmas and until Easter is the time of year when there are fewer tourists in the Big Apple. This does not mean that the city is empty during these months, but there are fewer people queuing at the main tourist attractions. In addition, as it is the low season, it is easier to find cheap flights to New York and accommodation.
And that's not all! Many tourist attractions, monuments and museums lower their prices to attract more visitors during the winter. Even most New York tourist cards launch special offers that you can take advantage of throughout the rest of the year.
If you travel to New York in winter, from late January to early February, don't miss NYC Restaurant Week, an event that allows you to eat at New York restaurants at a lower price than usual. It's a great opportunity to discover new places and sink your teeth into New York's varied cuisine.
What clothes should you take to New York in winter?
Before packing your bags for a winter trip to New York, I recommend checking the weather forecast for the days you'll be there. That way, you can pack the clothes you'll really need and wear.
Winter in New York is harsh, with low temperatures and snowfall . It's very cold, so you need to wrap up warm! However, the temperature outside is inversely proportional to the warmth inside its museums, restaurants and tourist attractions.
So, how do you choose what to wear in New York in winter? The key is to dress in layers, like an onion. This way, you can easily put on and take off clothes depending on the temperature where you are.
Clothing for winter in New York
In any case, the essential outfit for walking the icy streets of New York in winter, I suggest, consists of:
- Woolly hat.
- Wool or thermal fleece scarf.
- Thermal gloves with touchscreen capability, so you can use your mobile phone without taking them off and your hands won't freeze.
- Wool jumper, sweatshirt or fleece.
- T-shirt, in case you go somewhere warm and want to take off your jumper.
- Undershirt, and if you feel the cold easily, choose a thermal one.
- Thick trousers or leggings.
- Thermal or thick socks to keep your feet warm.
- A coat that protects well from the cold, such as an anorak or down jacket. If possible, choose a long one so that it also covers your back. If the coat is waterproof and has a hood, even better, as you will be better protected in case of rain or snow.
- Boots that are comfortable for walking and keep your feet warm. Choose ones with a treaded sole, as in winter it is common to walk on slush and ice.
Gadgets to combat the cold in New York in winter
In addition to clothing, there are certain gadgets you can pack to help you withstand the low temperatures during your stay in the city.
- Hand warmer: Very useful when you're walking through the streets of New York and it's freezing cold. It's similar to a power bank that uses all its energy to provide you with heat wherever you are. You can also use it to charge your mobile phone, which is essential so you don't run out of battery when you're on one of the best tours in New York.
- Earmuffs with headphones: Another gadget to combat the cold is earmuffs. Not only do they keep your ears warm, but they also allow you to listen to music with headphones while you go for a walk.
- Thermos flask: A trick to warm up when it's very cold is to drink hot coffee or tea. In New York, it's very common to ask a café to serve you a hot drink in your own thermos flask to help protect the environment. What's more, carrying it in your hands will keep them warm for a long time.