Without a doubt, New York City is one of the most popular winter vacation destinations in the world. Teeming with culture and overflowing with world-class shops, restaurants and attractions, the Big Apple is an incredible place to visit year-round, but in winter transforms into an even more magical experience. With plenty of seasonal shows, events and activities, there is something for every type of holidaymaker.
Here are several key events and activities that make New York City the perfect winter getaway.
Spectacular Seasonal Sightseeing
During the winter, NYC comes alive with lights, music and decorations in the spirit of the holidays. Festive holiday lights and other arrangements adorn shop windows and streets, and snowfall turns entire neighborhoods into mesmerizing winter wonderlands, attracting onlookers by the thousands.
Popular winter sightseeing destinations include:
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: This iconic and breathtaking seasonal resident of NYC culture draws an estimated 125 million people annually.
Holiday Window Displays: Department stores typically decorate their storefronts by the end of November. While you can find beautiful displays all across the city, the most elaborate reside in Midtown Manhattan, including Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, and more.
Central Park: If the weather is right, a tour through Central Park can be a truly magical experience. Whether traveling on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage, a fresh coating of snow atop its many trees and bridges transport all visitors to another winter world.
Can’t-Miss Winter Activities
Winter in New York brings with it a range of fun and exciting seasonal activities and attractions, including:
Ice Skating: Check out the sparkling ice skating rinks at Rockefeller Center or Central Park for a fun and unforgettable time out on the ice.
Broadway Shows: Enjoy the magic of theater with a show in one of the world’s premier cultural epicenters.
Chelsea Piers: This beloved sports paradise offers plenty of games and activities, including baseball, basketball, football, ice hockey, golf, rock climbing, and much more.
Shopping: New York City provides phenomenal holiday shopping! Department stores decked in glittery decorations, and abundant seasonal marketplaces create a truly magical experience for discovering the perfect gifts for loved ones!
Some of the most popular Christmas markets in New York include:
- Brooklyn Flea Market
- The Shops at Bryant Park
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market
- East Village Holiday Market
- Union Square Holiday Market
- The Grand Central Holiday Fair
Fantastic Holiday Shows & Events
New York is home to the best holiday shows and events in the world. Here are some spectacular winter events to check out during your stay:
- Winter Jazzfest: This week-long music festival takes place in late January and features performances by more than 700 artists across 10 stages designed to entertain and educate.
- New York Fashion Week: Starting in February, New York Fashion Week attracts some of the world's most extravagantly dressed celebrities, models, and stylists for events at venues all around the city.
- Restaurant Week: This popular culinary event usually scheduled between January and February offers deals on the incredible flavors New York, at some of the city’s most iconic eateries.
For those planning to visit NYC for Christmas or New Year’s Eve, here are some unforgettable holiday-themes events:
- The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall: Whether you’re a veteran, die-hard fan of Broadway shows, or a theater novice, this special holiday extravaganza featuring the iconic Rockettes, will dazzle and wow.
- Santacon: This annual, citywide pub crawl features thousands of attendees hitting the streets and bars dressed as Santa Claus.
- Times Square New Year’s Eve: There’s no better place on the planet to ring in the new year than the Times Square Ball Drop. Watch the countdown, kick it off the in the most New York way possible.
What to Expect
One thing you can look forward to when booking your New York trip is lower prices for travel and accommodations. Winter is usually the best time to score deals on airline tickets, hotel rooms and more, so be sure to research and book well in advance to secure the best rates. Visitors should prepare for colder weather, with winter temperatures in New York averaging between 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and depending on your location and activity, also expect to run into crowds.
Planning the perfect winter holiday in New York can be hard, but enlisting an InteleTravel Advisor takes all the challenges and guesswork out of the process. Our advisors work with you to craft the ideal vacation itinerary based on your specifications, while providing helpful support along the way.
All at no additional cost to you!
If you’re ready to plan your winter escape, contact an InteleTravel Advisor today to get started!
