Winter in New York: What Should You Do in New York in Winter?

2:27 pm  |  20.12.2021

We have already been to New York this winter and can only warmly recommend it to you! From ice skating to special Broadway shows, there are also some special highlights in New York in winter. That’s why we’re giving you our tips for the best things to do in New York in winter in this article.


When New York is covered with a thick layer of snow in winter and you stroll through the white city, it is really unbelievable. The snow muffles many noises so that a very special atmosphere is created. Find out now which activities are the best to enjoy this winter mood in New York.

Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center

This is undoubtedly one of the most popular New York winter activities that spring to mind first. The small Rockefeller Rink ice rink is one of the absolute classics among the ice rinks in New York. Here you can also marvel at the famous Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center and combine your visit with our favorite viewing platform, Top of the Rock.

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Of course, the Rockefeller Center ice rink is just one of many ways to go ice skating in New York. You can also do your laps on the ice in Central Park, Bryant Park, and some beautiful, lesser-known ice rinks in the city in winter. You can find our favorite ice rinks and tips in our article on ice rinks for ice skating in New York.

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Winter Jam in Central Park with Guaranteed Snow

Snowman at the Winter Jam in Central Park

For several years now, the City of New York Parks & Recreation has been holding a Winter Jam in Central Park at the end of January. At this free winter sports festival, you can learn to ski and snowboard, go cross-country skiing on trails through Central Park, or just enjoy the snow against the unique backdrop of the park! Even if the weather doesn’t want to play along, snow cannons are used for the Winter Jam.

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For the Winter Jam, it’s best to use the Central Park entrance on 72nd Street.

Winter Boat Tour around Manhattan Through Ice Floes

Boat tours are a nice winter activity in New York too

Not only in summer but a boat tour on the Hudson and East Rivers around Manhattan is also a great thing and offers you the best views of New York in winter. Here you can relax and take pictures protected from the wind by the small ice floes around the island of Manhattan. And when the sun is shining, it’s perfect!


You can find out more about all routes in our New York boat tour comparison.

New York’s Rooftop Bars with Radiant Heaters

Nobody will freeze in the Press Lounge rooftop bar

It’s really great that New York still has numerous rooftop bars open in winter with a unique view of the city. The Press Lounge Rooftop-Bar attracts, for example, with a cozy firelight over the roofs of New York. In addition, the rooftop bar 230 Fifth is one of the most famous in New York and offers a spectacular view of the Empire State Building. There you can borrow red coats in winter and make yourself really comfortable under the radiant heaters.

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Just have a look at our article on New York’s Best Rooftop Bars in Fall & Winter if you want more choice.

Winter New York Broadway Shows

The winter musical Frozen on Broadway

Especially in the off-season, you can often get great bargains for a Broadway show in New York. When it’s already dark and freezing outside, you can let yourself be carried away into a glittering world on Broadway and experience a very special evening in New York City. How about the new winter musical Frozen, for example? Or would you prefer a classic? Then just take a look at our selection of the best shows on Broadway.

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World Famous Museums in New York

New York’s Museum of Natural History is guaranteed not to be boring

As beautiful as New York can be in winter, there may be days that are so cold that you don’t want to be outside for long. Such winter days can be wonderfully endured in one of the best museums in New York. Art lovers won’t be able to spend enough time at MoMA, The Met, or the Guggenheim. Then there is of course the National 9/11 Memorial Museum, which is one of the must-dos in New York for us all year round. One of our favorite museums is also the Museum of National History, which is really suitable for everyone – even those who don’t like museums.

Do you also have tips and ideas for New York in winter? Then just write it in the comment field below. We are looking forward to it.

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