Season · 25 guides
Winter
What I do in New York in winter, with the dates as they land.
Start with these
What I’d read first in WinterInside Winter
5 topicsThe Best of New York
Every list- The best hot chocolate in New York City
- The best things to do in New York City in December
- The best Christmas lights in New York City
- The best holiday markets in New York City
- The best Valentine’s Day things to do in New York City
- The best Christmas things to do in New York City with kids
- The best holiday window displays in New York City
- The best ice skating rinks in New York City
- The best Christmas decorations in New York City
- The best things to do in New York City in January
- The best winter things to do in New York City
- The best holiday treats in New York City
Dates this winter
Every date on the map- TueDec 1through Dec 31Columbus Circle Holiday Market openUpper West Side · free · announcedChristmas 2026
- WedDec 2Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremonyMidtown · free · announcedChristmas 2026
- FriDec 4through Dec 11Grand Army Plaza (5th Ave) World's Largest Menorah nightly lightingsMidtown · free · announcedChristmas 2026
- SatDec 5through Dec 13Peter and the Wolf with Isaac Mizrahi (Works & Process at the Guggenheim)Upper East Side · announcedChristmas 2026
- SatDec 12SantaCon NYCRotates, announced annually · announcedChristmas 2026
- 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
From the trackers. Announced means the venue said so. Expected carries last year's timing until it lands.
What readers asked about Winter
Ask meJust an FYI that the New York Botanical Garden train show ends on January 11, not 20. The website is updated for tickets.
Thank you for catching that, Steph. NYBG's January 2026 calendar, checked October 31, 2026, shows the 2025/2026 Holiday Train Show ending January 11, 2026, just like you said. NYBG's Holiday Train Show page lists this…
Things to Do in New York in JanuaryYour portable charger link no longer works. :( Do you have the brand you have or another recommendation? Thank you! Your site has helped us plan well!
Oh that's so helpful, thank you! I love when readers help me keep things accurate -- will update the post!
Worthwhile Winter Activities in New YorkJust FYI to update or edit your post of 8 months ago… Levain Hot Chocolate is not $3.00, but rather $5.45, and more with specialty milk. (Almond. Etc) Thank you 😊
Hot Chocolate in New YorkEvery guide in Winter
25, by topicChristmas 11
- New York in DecemberSo 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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…14 places, 12 worth it
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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…16 places, 13 worth it
- 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
- 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
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Desserts 1
New Year’s 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…
- The Best Shoes for NYC in WinterMy 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!
- Is NYC Worth Visiting in Winter?Every winter I watch visitors from somewhere warm step off a subway grate onto a midtown sidewalk in February and question every decision they have…
- 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.…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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.
