Gear up for a winter wonderland adventure in New York City where you can turn your holiday mood board into a reality!
Keep reading for the ultimate winter-in-New York City bucket list!
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TOP 10 WINTER ACTIVITIES
Get set for a winter wonderland in NYC as I spill the beans on my top 10 faves! Time to embrace the cozy vibes, create snowy memories, and spread holiday cheer!
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1 – ATTEND THE NUTCRACKER BALLET
Where sugarplum dreams meet city vibes, the enchanting Nutcracker Ballet π©°β¨ in New York City will set the tone for the most wonderful time of the year. The first performance dates back to 1954, and has been an annual tradition ever since. The New York City Ballet hosts about 47 shows per year. The show lasts about 2 hours and runs from approximately November 24th – December 31st.
Location: 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center
2 – VISIT THE BRYANT PARK WINTER VILLAGE
βΈοΈποΈπ Bank of America’s Bryant Park’s Winter Village isn’t just an ice-skating rink and holiday market – it’s a chill zone where you can vibe with twinkling lights, munch on some holiday treats, and explore fun pop-ups! Grab some hot cocoa and roam the winter wonderland vibes in the heart of NYC! The Winter Village runs from approximately October 27 – early March 2024, but the Holiday Market closes on January 2nd.
Location: 41nd St & 6th Ave, behind the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman building
3 – DO A HOT CHOCOLATE CRAWL
From trendy cafes to nostalgic diners, swap out your usual coffee run for a hot chocolate marathon β through Manhattan. Hit up all the famous hot chocolate spots in town to chill out and warm up!π§£
Locations: Mah-Ze-Dahr, Angelina Paris, Dominique Ansel Workshop, Daily Provisions, MarieBelle’s Parisian Hot Cocoa Bar, Felix Roasting Co., + more!
See the Google Map below to see all the hot chocolate hot spots!
4 – TAKE A CENTRAL PARK SLEIGH (CARRIAGE) RIDE
Just hear those sleigh bells ππ· jingling…through Central Park! Step into a scene from a fairytale and take a horse drawn carriage through Central Park!
Location: Central Park + surrounding area
Book The Most Magical Christmas Lights Carriage Ride (Up to 4 Adults) Here
5 – EXPERIENCE SANTA’S WINTER WONDERLAND
Sleigh the holiday season at Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Pier 15! π· Make sure to purchase tickets in advance so you can teleport right to the North Pole and enjoy the illuminated glass houses plus hot drinks, Santa’s snack shack, games, photo ops, Rudolph’s game room, Santa meet and greet, + more! Experience this wonderland 7 days a week from approximately November 10th to December 30th.
Location: Watermark, 78 South Street, at Pier 15
SEE RELATED POST: THE PERFECT WEEKEND IN NEW YORK CITY
6 – GO TO A HOLIDAY BAR
Get ready to jingle and mingle because Christmas bar hopping is the ultimate way to toast to the holiday season! πΉπ Try some festive cocktails and snap pics of all the Insta-worthy twinkling lights and tinsel at each place. There are tons of bars that deck the halls with their over-the-top holiday decor that you absolutely cannot miss!
Locations: Rolf’s, Color Factory, Miracle on 9th, Oscar Wilde, Frosty’s, Holiday Bar, + more!
See the Google Map below to see all the dazzling destinations for your holiday bar-hopping extravaganza!
7 – ENJOY A ROOFTOP TEARDROP IGLOO
Reserve your cozy-chic escape while you sip on your favorite hot chocolate and enjoy the glittering city lights, all from the comfort of your own rooftop igloo! ββοΈ This is the perfect place to share laughs and create unforgettable winter memories! The igloos are available to rent for 2 hours on ThursdaysβSaturdays, 5:00 p.m. β 9:30 p.m.
Location: Somewhere Nowhere 112 W 25th St, on the 38/39th floors
8 – SITE SEE THE HOLIDAY STORE DECOR
Department stores ππ’π dazzle the streets of Manhattan with their iconic window displays and holiday decor! Grab your hot chocolate, stroll down the twinkling streets, and turn your Fifth Ave shopping spree into a festive adventure!
Locations: Saks Fifth, Macy’s, Cartier, + more!
See the Google Map below to see all the enchanting department store decor!
9 – TAKE A HOLIDAY CRUISE
Did somebody say winter wonderland on the water? π’πβ¨ Take in the panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty while sailing across the glistening waters of NYC on your holiday cruise. It’s more than a boat ride – this is the floating festive celebration of the season! Sip on seasonal drinks and dance under the moonlight aboard a decked out yacht.
Locations: Chelsea Piers, located at West 22nd Street and the Hudson River
Choose Your Cruise & Purchase Tickets Below!:
10 – SHINE BRIGHT AT HUDSON YARDS
Shine bright like a diamond at Hudson Yards! π Take in the magic of over 2 million lights that transform The Vessel, the Hot Air Balloon Lobby Display, the stores, Public Square & Gardens, and every corner of Hudson Yards into a radiant wonderland.ππ Whether you’re out doing some Christmas shopping or gliding on the ice at the Edge, you have to stop and bask in the festive Hudson Yards glow! This activity is free and runs from approximately November 13 β January 7.
Location: Hudson Yards Mall, 20 Hudson Yards
FINAL VERDICT
Don’t let the winter adventures end here! βοΈ There are plenty more winter escapades waiting just for you. NYC’s winter magic is endless – don’t forget to discover all the cozy cafes and scope out the city’s Christmas tree displays. Check out the Google Map below for a complete bucket list of festive ideas!
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