Season · 25 guides
Winter.
What I do in New York in winter, from my own visits, with the dates as they land.
Start with these
What I’d read first in Winter- What to Wear in NYC in December and the Rest of Winter
- Essential Winter Coats New Yorkers Swear By4 places, 3 worth it
- The Best Shoes for NYC in Winter, and the Rest of the Year
- New York City Christmas Light Displays10 places, 9 worth it
- Iconic NYC Holiday Markets First Time Visitors Can’t Afford to Miss10 places, 9 worth it
- Visiting NYC During Christmas with Kids: 2026 Family Guide14 places, 12 worth it
Inside Winter
5 topicsThe Best of New York
Every list- The best Christmas lights in New York
- The best holiday markets in New York
- The best Valentine’s Day things to do in New York
- The best Christmas things to do in New York with kids
- The best holiday window displays in New York
- The best ice skating rinks in New York
- The best Christmas decorations in New York
- The best hot chocolate in New York
- The best things to do in New York in January
- The best winter things to do in New York
- The best things to do in New York in December
- The best holiday treats in New York
Dates this winter
Every date on the map- ThuDec 24through Dec 25St Patrick's Cathedral Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass scheduleMidtown · free · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31through Jan 1Carbone New Year's Eve dinnerGreenwich Village · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31through Jan 1Copacabana New Year's Eve partyHell's Kitchen · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31through Jan 1HK Hall New Year's Eve partyHell's Kitchen · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31through Jan 1House of Yes New Year's Eve partyBushwick, Brooklyn · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31New York Road Runners Midnight RunManhattan · free · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31Prospect Park New Year's Eve fireworks (Grand Army Plaza)Park Slope, Brooklyn · free · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31Summit One Vanderbilt New Year's Eve partyMidtown · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31The Edge New Year's Eve partyHudson Yards · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31through Jan 1Times Square New Year's Eve Ball DropMidtown · free · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31through Jan 1Westlight New Year's Eve partyWilliamsburg, Brooklyn · announcedChristmas 2026
From the trackers. Announced means the venue said so. Expected carries last year's timing until it lands.
What readers asked about Winter
Ask meThe layering tips saved me. Went in January and was comfortable the whole time because I actually dressed right for once.
This makes me so happy, layering right is the whole game in January and once people actually commit to it the cold stops being the enemy. Glad you got the good version of winter instead of the miserable one. Cheers!
New York in WinterCame in February expecting to hate it and ended up loving the city in winter. This guide was spot on about the crowds being way more manageable.
February converts are my favorite converts. There's something about having the Met to yourself that just doesn't happen in July. Glad the city won you over, cold hands and all.
New York in WinterJust an FYI that the New York Botanical Garden train show ends on January 11, not 20. The website is updated for tickets.
Things to Do in New York in JanuaryEvery guide in Winter
25, by topicChristmas 11
- New York City Christmas Light DisplaysAs a local, I’m always on the lookout for the best Christmas lights in New York City. Luckily, the city is full of dazzling displays that never cease…10 places, 9 worth it · Sep 2026
- Iconic NYC Holiday Markets First Time Visitors Can’t Afford to MissCelebrating the holidays in New York City is something everyone should make an effort to experience firsthand. On par with the city’s soaring…10 places, 9 worth it · Sep 2026
- Visiting NYC During Christmas with Kids: 2026 Family GuideNew York City during the holidays is just as magical as you can imagine. For families with kids, visiting NYC at Christmas can be a core memory in…14 places, 12 worth it · Sep 2026
- New York City Christmas Activities for KidsVisiting New York City during the holidays with kids will leave you with a lifetime of cherished memories. But let’s get real, adequate planning is…13 places, 12 worth it · Sep 2026
- Holiday Window Displays in New York CityOn brand with the city’s reputation as a holiday destination, the famous Christmas window displays in New York City are known the world over. Every…10 places, 10 worth it · Sep 2026
- New York City Christmas TreesThe Big Apple’s holiday decor is hard to beat and nothing embodies the holiday spirit more than the striking Christmas trees in New York City. But…10 places, 10 worth it · Sep 2026
- Impressive Ice Skating Rinks in New York CityThe winter months bring more than just the misery of cold weather and gray skies, they also usher in the joy of ice skating in New York City! If…10 places, 7 worth it · Sep 2026
- Spots for Christmas Decorations In New York CityAs a local, there’s nothing I love more than Christmastime in New York City when the city transforms into a winter wonderland. The magical holiday…15 places, 13 worth it · Sep 2026
- New York in December, What I’d Do and the One I’d SkipSo you’ve decided to visit New York City in December, lucky you! This month just might be the best time in the Big Apple, especially for those who…19 places, 15 worth it · Sep 2026
- Holiday Treats You Must Try During Christmas in New York CitySome would argue that having a food bucket list is just as important as having an experience bucket list. Finding great Christmas desserts in NYC can…10 places, 8 worth it · Sep 2026
- NYC Christmas Photo SpotsIf you’re spending the holidays in New York City, chances are you’ll want to share the magic with everyone. And who can blame you? The city is every…10 places, 9 worth it · Feb 2024
Winter 5
- Essential Winter Coats New Yorkers Swear ByA lot of readers have reached out asking about the best winter coats for New York City. As a 10-year local, I figured why not give it a shot? After…4 places, 3 worth it · Sep 2026
- Special Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in New York CityEmbrace the romance of Valentine’s Day in the heart of the Big Apple. From leisurely strolls through iconic parks to candle-lit dinners in…11 places, 8 worth it · Sep 2026
- Things to Do in New York City in JanuaryIf you’re visiting New York City in January, you’ll be happy to learn that there’s never a shortage of great things to do. Over the past decade, I’ve…14 places, 13 worth it · Sep 2026
- Worthwhile Winter Activities in New York CityWinter in New York City is an ideal time to visit the Big Apple for those who like to explore new cities at a slower pace without mind-boggling…16 places, 12 worth it · Sep 2026
- Things to Do in New York City in FebruaryNavigating New York City during the chilly month of February may seem like a challenge, but fear not , as a seasoned local, I’m happy to share ways…22 places, 17 worth it · Sep 2026
New Year’s 1
Desserts 1
More 7
- What to Wear in NYC in December and the Rest of WinterWearing.Jacket | Jeans | Cashmere Scarf | Sweater | Shoes It's no secret that winters in New York City can be "a bit much," so in an effort to make…Updated · Sep 2026
- The Best Shoes for NYC in Winter, and the Rest of the YearMy go-to walking shoes for New York City As a NYC local, I often get asked about the best shoes for walking around NYC. It's a great question!Updated · Sep 2026
- Guide to Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times SquareImage Courtesy Time Square Celebrating New Years Eve in Times Square is a bucket-list item for folks all around the globe, and for good reason.…Updated · Sep 2026
- Ice Skating in Central ParkIce skating in Central Park is a blissful, memorable experience regardless of The city skyline serves as a magnificent backdrop to a cherished…Updated · Sep 2026
- How to Dress an Infant for Winter in New York CityLet me be honest. Dress an Infant for Winter in New York City can feel overwhelming when you're trying to plan the perfect trip. I've done the…Updated · Sep 2026
- Question from a reader: How do I prep for the winter weather in NYC?Hi there! There’s a lot of new faces on here (welcome!) so please allow me to (re)introduce myself.Updated · Sep 2026
- NYC in Winter. Is It Actually Worth VisitingEvery winter I watch visitors from somewhere warm step off a subway grate onto a midtown sidewalk in February and question every decision they have…Updated · Apr 2026
