10 Best Things to Do in Winter in New York
Find Snow-Covered Fun in the Big Apple
New York City is packed full of things to do all year long, even in the winter. Whether you want to go shopping, attend an event, or simply relax, events like Jazzfest and Frostfest showcase live music, and the shopping opportunities with holiday markets are extensive.
You can also find some more unusual attractions that are only open during this part of the year. For something low-key, you can simply relish the holiday spirit as you take in the incredible, towering decorations. Discover the best things to do in New York in winter.
1. Rooftop Jacuzzi at JFK
Unexpected warmth on a rooftop
Good for: Couples, Luxury, Unusual
You barely have to step foot of the plane before encountering this unusual treat. The Rooftop Jacuzzi at JFK is exceptionally adept at keeping the cold away, thanks to its constant high temperatures and regular purification cycles. Specifically, this pool is kept up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring all visitors stay pleasantly warm.
Given the location of the pool, the view is also quite attractive. The airport tends to be fairly busy during the winter, so you can relax in warm waters while watching the planes go in and out of the airport. You’ll find this pool on the roof of TWA, a hotel next to JFK.
Location: TWA Hotel One Idlewild Drive JFK Airport, Jamaica, NY 11430, USA
Phone: +1 212-806-9000
Rooftop Jacuzzi at JFK
2. Central Park Winter Jam
Attend a free winter festival
Good for: Families, Adventure
The Central Park Winter Jam is an annual NYC event in which visitors can enjoy sledding, snowshoeing, and winter adventure in the middle of Central Park. You can always enjoy the snow at your own pace, but if you’re interested in learning, skiing lessons are also held here. You’ll find additional winter-themed attractions at the festival, including ice carvings and an entire ice sculpture garden with impressive displays. You’ll also have the opportunity to get into curling if you’re looking to try out an uncommon sport. This event is typically held in late January or early February in Central Park. Read more
Phone: +1 212-310-6600
Central Park Winter Jam
3. Macy’s Santaland
Family-friendly holiday display
Good for: Families, Luxury, Shoppers
Macy’s Santaland is a yearly event held at the Macy’s on Herald Square, and features a massive Christmas village display along with fun indoor landscaping. Along the way, visitors will be able to cross a rainbow bridge and see a giant setup of Lionel miniature trains toot-tooting along.
One of the most popular aspects of this 13,000-square-foot display is Santa’s workshop, where visitors can see preparations being made for the big night. Of course, meeting Santa himself is the ultimate finale. Typically, the event is held throughout almost all of December on the 8th floor of Macy’s. Read more
Location: 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001, USA
Open: Tuesday–Friday from 9 am to 11 pm, Saturday–Monday from 8 am to 11 pm
Phone: +1 212-695-4400
Macy's Santaland
4. Winter Jazzfest
Live jazz at a bustling festival
Good for: Couples, History, Nightlife
Considered by some to be the country’s best jazz festival, Winter Jazzfest is a cultural event held each year where you can see a series of jazz music performances. Hundreds of artists attend and perform incredible live sets well into the early hours of the morning. If you’re looking for bustling nightlife in the winter, this is one of the best options in New York City.
The festival connects the historical value of jazz with the work and creativity of contemporary artists, creating an atmosphere that exemplifies the best the genre has to offer along with its promising future. Most participating acts appear in downtown Manhattan venues, check online for details.
5. Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
A glowing spectacle to brighten dark afternoons
Good for: Families, Nightlife, Unusual
From late November to early January, Brooklyn Botanic Garden is transformed by a series of light installations. Taking advantage of the short winter days, these stunning art pieces create glowing scenes, such as a winter cathedral or field of fireflies, amid the trees and ponds that would otherwise be too dark to enjoy at this time of year.
To make the experience even more immersive, a curated musical soundscape accompanies the light trail. This wheelchair accessible wonderland offers hot drinks and seasonal snacks, while the adjoining Lodge serves sit-down meals. Check online for the dates of their sensory-friendly events. Read more
Location: Brooklyn, NY 11238, United States
Open: Varies by season
Phone: +17186237200
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
6. Smorgasburg Winter Market
Seasonal treats at a local winter market
Good for: Shoppers, Food
Smorgasburg runs a collection of market that offer seasonal winter items from local food vendors in addition to various other flea-market finds. The local food vendors are especially appealing because these markets are one of the best places in the city to find seasonally fresh food and ingredients directly from the source.
The flea-market finds here can take on many different forms, but you can be sure that you’ll find something exciting no matter what you’re interested in. The market rotates through a few different locations depending on the day of the week, so check online for the one nearest where you’ll be.
7. Lunar New Year Parade and Festival
Lively celebrations in the heart of Chinatown
Good for: Families, Food, History
Typically falling in January or February, the Lunar New Year Parade and Festival in Chinatown is a vibrant celebration that transforms winter in NYC into a colorful cultural experience. Visitors will love the dazzling dragon dances, lively music, and traditional performances that fill the streets with energy and joy.
The parade showcases stunning costumes and floats, while the festival offers authentic food, crafts, and family-friendly activities. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Chinese traditions and join thousands in welcoming the new year with good fortune and happiness. This event is a feast for the senses and a highlight of NYC’s winter festivities. Read more
8. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The iconic NYC Christmas tree
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
The beautifully decorated Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the most iconic aspects of winter in New York City and features an ice rink nearby. Adding to the splendor is the fact that the massive tree at Rockefeller Center is always a live one rather than artificial, and nothing beats that gorgeous spruce scent.
The nearby ice rink makes it easy to take in this incredible sight while enjoying classic winter fun. Just be sure to get a view of the tree from a distance so that you can catch the signature Swarovski star sparkling on top. You’ll find this tree in Rockefeller Plaza between 50th and 49th streets. Read more
Location: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, USA
Open: Daily 9 am to midnight
Phone: +1 212-588-8601
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
9. Union Square Holiday Market
Shop in the heart of New York City
Good for: Couples, Families, Shoppers
The Union Square Holiday Market is an annual market where you’ll find all sorts of fun items and gifts, many of which are handcrafted by local artists. You’ll find an array of items here throughout its winding aisles whether you’re looking for soaps, chocolates, puzzles, wood crafts, or anything else you can imagine.
As the market grows, new sections seem to pop up every year. This market offers a lounge area, live music, and even a Little Brooklyn section that lets you get a taste of the borough’s local culture without having to cross the bridge. You’ll find it in Union Square Park.
Location: E 14th St, New York, NY 10011, USA
Open: Monday–Friday from 11 am to 8 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm
Phone: +1 212-529-9262
Union Square Holiday Market
10. Origami Holiday Tree
An annual origami tradition
Good for: Budget, Families, History
The Origami Holiday Tree has been a prominent feature in the American Museum of Natural History that displays 1,000 origami cranes on a holiday tree for over 40 years. Each of the cranes on the tree is crafted using brightly colored paper, and the cranes are meant to be symbols of peace and good wishes.
This tree was inspired by the Nature of Color exhibition, which showcases the power of color in the natural world and the important role it plays. The cranes themselves were folded by a variety of local, national, and international artists. You’ll find it all within the American Museum of Natural History. Read more
Location: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +1 212-769-5100
Origami Holiday Tree
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