Things to Do in New York in Winter: 7 Warm Ideas

Winter in New York is a cold but unforgettable experience, and spending December in New York is a dream come true.

Between January and February everything is cheaper. The downside is that you run the risk of a flight getting canceled because of bad weather, or of roads being blocked, but that's part of the adventure.

Here are a few ideas for enjoying New York in winter:

1. Visit Central Park in winter

Every season shows off a different side of Central Park.

In winter it's a white blanket with gray trees, a beauty straight out of a fairy tale.

Check out our page with everything you need to see in Central Park.

2. Ice skating in New York

Ice skating is a classic New York tradition. You'll remember it from countless movies, especially the ones set at Christmas.

The best part is that the skating season is long, running from late October to early March.

Here I tell you where to go ice skating in New York, and if you have your own skates it can even be free.

3. Visit New York's museums

There are so many museums in New York that you could spend every day of winter in a different one, staying out of the cold while you learn something (okay, I'm exaggerating a little, but the city really does have a ton of museums).

4. See a Broadway musical

In winter a lot of musicals have better prices, plus it's nice and warm inside the theater.

Here are all the tricks for buying discounted Broadway tickets.

You can also look at the events calendar at Madison Square Garden, which also has discounted tickets this time of year.

If you want something more Christmassy, you'll love the Radio City Christmas show: Christmas Spectacular.

5. Christmas and New Year's

Spending Christmas Eve or ringing in the new year in New York is an experience you'll treasure for life.

Streets and stores decked out in beautiful lights, Christmas markets, the giant Rockefeller Center tree, Santas and elves of every kind. Read here about plenty of things to do at Christmas and on New Year's Eve.

6. Chinese New Year celebrations

New York is home to one of the largest Asian communities in the world, so the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration is not to be missed.

Parades, costumes, fireworks, food… The date depends on the lunar calendar, falling somewhere between late January and the first half of February.

Read here about everything you can do for Chinese New Year in New York .

7. Go shopping in New York

It's always a good time to shop in New York, but in winter there are several big discount days in New York that I recommend taking advantage of.

One more tip: if shopping is your thing, you should take a spin through the Woodbury Common outlets.

Winter weather in New York

Winter runs from December 21 to March 21. The average temperature ranges between 2ºC and -6ºC (the coldest days can hit -10ºC!). In March temperatures start to climb but stay low (average low 2ºC, average high 10ºC).

Other seasons in New York

You can also check out what to do in spring, summer or fall in New York.