New York City is magical during the winter months. The city transforms into a holiday wonderland with sparkling lights, festive decorations, and an endless list of events to get you in the holiday spirit. From iconic winter activities to cozy local traditions, NYC offers some of the best winter festivities in the world. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here are top NYC events you can’t miss this winter.
1. Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
If there’s one winter activity that defines NYC, it’s ice skating at Rockefeller Center. Picture yourself gliding across the ice beneath the world-famous Christmas tree, surrounded by the twinkling lights of Midtown Manhattan. The rink is iconic for a reason, and skating here is a must-do during the holidays.
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late evenings offer the best chance to avoid crowds. If you’re after that magical winter experience, nothing beats skating at sunset when the city is glowing and the tree lights shine bright.
Location and How to Get There: Rockefeller Center is located at 45 Rockefeller Plaza. The easiest way to get there is by taking the B, D, F, or M subway lines to 47th-50th Street Rockefeller Center Station.
2. The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a delightful winter tradition. Thousands of miniature trains wind their way through a New York City landscape crafted entirely from plants and natural materials. The show features iconic NYC landmarks, and the winter-themed exhibits add an extra dose of holiday charm.
Best Time to Visit: The show runs through the holiday season, and visiting early in the day helps avoid crowds. The holiday season also features special performances and events that add a little something extra to your visit.
Location and How to Get There: The garden is located at 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. Take the 2 train to 204th Street and transfer to the Bx26 or Bx38 bus.
3. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Every winter, Dyker Heights in Brooklyn becomes one of the city’s most dazzling neighborhoods. Famous for its over-the-top holiday light displays, Dyker Heights is a must-visit for anyone looking to soak up NYC’s festive energy. Streets are covered in twinkling lights, inflatable Santas, and giant snowmen, creating a neighborhood-wide Christmas extravaganza.
Best Time to Visit: The lights typically go up after Thanksgiving and stay up through the New Year. Visit after dark for the full effect, and try to go on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Location and How to Get There: Dyker Heights is located in Brooklyn, south of Sunset Park. Take the D train to 79th Street and walk south to get to the best displays.
4. New Year’s Eve in Times Square
A New York City bucket list item, Times Square on New Year’s Eve is an experience like no other. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people gather to watch the iconic ball drop and ring in the New Year in one of the most vibrant places in the world. The energy here is unmatched, with performances, fireworks, and of course, the countdown to midnight.
Best Time to Visit: If you’re planning to attend the ball drop, arrive early in the day to secure a good spot. Be prepared for large crowds, and dress warmly—it can get cold while you wait!
Location and How to Get There: Times Square is located at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue. Take the 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, or W trains to Times Square-42nd Street Station.
5. Winter Lantern Festival
The Winter Lantern Festival brings thousands of vibrant lanterns to NYC, creating a visually stunning experience that combines Chinese cultural heritage with winter magic. From intricate animal sculptures to giant light displays of famous NYC landmarks, the festival lights up the city in ways you’ve never seen before.
Best Time to Visit: The lanterns are illuminated at night, and the snow makes them even more mesmerizing. Be sure to visit after sunset for the best experience.
Location and How to Get There: The festival is held at locations like Staten Island’s Snug Harbor. You can reach the festival via the Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan.
6. The Holiday Markets at Bryant Park and Union Square
The holiday markets at Bryant Park and Union Square are where you’ll find unique, hand-crafted gifts and seasonal treats. These outdoor markets are filled with vendors selling everything from artisanal chocolates to handmade ornaments. The festive atmosphere, along with ice skating rinks at Bryant Park, makes these markets an essential part of any NYC winter visit.
Best Time to Visit: Try visiting in the morning or early afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds. If you’re looking for food, the markets have tons of hot food stalls, perfect for warming up after shopping.
Location and How to Get There: Bryant Park is located at 42nd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues (B, D, F, or M trains). Union Square Market is at 14th Street and Broadway (4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, or R trains).
7. The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center
Watching The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center is a NYC holiday tradition. The Metropolitan Opera House becomes a winter wonderland as the dancers perform Tchaikovsky’s beloved music. With stunning sets, costumes, and a heartwarming story, it’s one of the most magical experiences in NYC during the holidays.
Best Time to Visit: The show runs throughout the holiday season, so make sure to grab tickets early. Even if you’re not familiar with ballet, this performance will get you into the holiday spirit.
Location and How to Get There: Lincoln Center is located at 70 Lincoln Center Plaza. Take the 1 train to 66th Street-Lincoln Center or the A, B, C, D, or 1 trains to Columbus Circle.
8. Holiday Windows and Light Displays at Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue
No visit to NYC during the holidays is complete without checking out the stunning holiday windows at Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. Each year, these iconic stores create elaborate window displays that are a must-see for visitors of all ages. The nearby Saks Fifth Avenue light show is equally impressive, with the building illuminated in a dazzling array of lights set to music.
Best Time to Visit: Visit after sunset for the best views of the lights and windows. To avoid the crowds, try to visit on a weekday morning.
Location and How to Get There: Macy’s is located at 151 W 34th Street (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, F, or M trains). Saks Fifth Avenue is located at 611 Fifth Avenue (E, M, N, Q, R, W trains).
9. Enjoy a Winter Wonderland at Bryant Park
Bryant Park’s Winter Village transforms the area into a holiday destination complete with an ice skating rink, a holiday market, and warm, cozy spots to enjoy seasonal treats. Whether you’re skating or just browsing the shops, Bryant Park offers the quintessential winter experience in NYC.
Best Time to Visit: The rink gets crowded, so visit early in the day for a more peaceful skate. The surrounding lights and decorations make evening visits magical.
Location and How to Get There: Bryant Park is located at 42nd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues (B, D, F, or M trains).
10. Winterfest at Coney Island
For a winter twist on a classic NYC destination, head to Winterfest at Coney Island. This event brings festive decorations, holiday-themed activities, and even an ice skating rink to the usually summer-only destination. The quiet boardwalk, with the snow on the beach and carnival lights twinkling, offers a unique way to experience this classic NYC landmark in the winter.
Best Time to Visit: Winterfest is typically held on weekends throughout the season. Go in the afternoon for a festive yet peaceful atmosphere.
Location and How to Get There: Coney Island is located in Brooklyn. Take the D, F, N, or Q train to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue.
Final Thoughts
Winter in New York City is a magical time filled with holiday cheer, stunning decorations, and activities for every type of traveler. Whether you’re skating at Rockefeller Center, enjoying the holiday markets, or taking in a Broadway show, these top NYC events will help you make the most of the season. Don’t miss out on the festive fun and embrace the beauty of NYC when it snows!
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