10 reasons to visit New York in winter

Wondering whether to visit New York in winter? Here are 10 reasons to make the leap! Winter in New York offers a truly special atmosphere.

1/ Christmas Lights and Decorations

Wondering about the best time to visit New York? Winter has plenty to offer. Beyond the tree at Rockefeller Center, the entire city celebrates as Christmas approaches. Department stores compete to catch shoppers’ eyes, especially Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s.
If you have time, head to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, where residents decorate their homes more elaborately than almost anywhere else in the city.

Every year, Rockefeller Center’s plaza hosts America’s largest Christmas tree. This giant reaches nearly 30 m (98 ft) tall and is lavishly decorated. Visit in the evening: the tree lights up from 5:30 pm to midnight and turns off for good on January 7.
Beyond the tree, the plaza also features a temporary ice skating rink. Skate while enjoying views of the tree and the Comcast Building, the tallest building at Rockefeller Center and home to the Top of the Rock observation deck. The atmosphere is unforgettable.

Starting in November, several Christmas markets open across New York. Try the one at Bryant Park, which centers on a temporary ice rink and offers stunning views of the SUMMIT tower and the Empire State Building. The Winter Village at Bryant Park stays open through late February, extending the holiday magic.
Also visit the Christmas markets at Union Square and Columbus Circle, both closing on December 24.
If the cold gets too intense, head to Grand Central Terminal for an indoor Christmas market.

Ring in the new year in New York—a memorable way to start fresh. The city celebrates the countdown with real energy. Head to Times Square for the famous ball drop.
You won’t be alone—Times Square fills with crowds. Check out our tips for celebrating New Year’s Eve at Times Square. Fireworks also light up New York Harbor.

For the Christmas holidays, the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall draws packed houses every year. This family-friendly show runs from mid-November through early January. Book tickets well in advance—demand is extremely high. You can reserve your seats on our Radio City Music Hall show page.
Beyond this holiday show, explore other Broadway musicals. Don’t miss The Lion King on Broadway. Also see Aladdin, Chicago, MJ The Musical, Moulin Rouge, or Wicked, a captivating story about witches.

Anyone who’s visited New York in winter will tell you: the city under snow is magical. Head to Central Park, which transforms into a winter wonderland.
Also ride the Roosevelt Island Tramway, the cable car connecting Manhattan to Roosevelt Island across the East River. With snow and ice, you’ll feel like you’re on a ski slope. The only question: will snow arrive this year?

Winter in New York can be very cold, but it also brings stunningly clear days. Even when temperatures drop, the sky can be a brilliant blue. You’ll enjoy far better visibility than on hot summer days.
On clear days, climb to the top of one of New York’s five observation decks: the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, The Edge, or Summit One Vanderbilt.

In summer, visitors often prefer exploring outdoors. In winter, the cold makes indoor time appealing. Fortunately, New York has countless museums to explore.
Spend time at the outstanding Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York’s answer to the Louvre. Also visit the Museum of Modern Art, the striking Guggenheim Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the American Museum of Natural History. Aviation enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Intrepid Museum, the world’s only museum housed on an aircraft carrier.
For a different experience, explore the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

Another way to stay warm is to shop at New York’s countless stores. Whether you’re looking for sneakers, New York posters, or camera gear, you’ll find it all. Check out our shopping guide for New York for the best spots.

Outside the Christmas holidays, flight and hotel prices in New York drop significantly in winter. Occupancy rates are lower, so airlines and hotels compete for customers. Take advantage of this.
Read our article on finding affordable hotels in New York and our guide to finding cheap flights to New York. Happy winter planning! 🙂