By Sina McLin

1. Holiday Markets 

Holiday Markets are some of the most magical NYC winter destinations! Booths with local crafts, savory treats, and hot specialty drinks are the most authentic environments to have a great time and wrap up your gift shopping.

See below for a list of the most popular markets!

2. Ice Skating

Ice skating in NYC is one of the city’s most beloved seasonal traditions. While some skating rinks are open year-round, ice skating in the winter — especially around the holidays — is even more fun. Many rinks pop up around holiday markets, so make sure you plan out your days! 

Below is a list of some of our favorite spots to skate!

3. Igloos

Eating outside doesn’t stop in NYC when it’s cold out — tons of cozy winter igloos pop up all over the city! Check out this link for a list of twelve popular locations and book a reservation with friends and family today! 

4. Rockefeller Center 

Rockefeller Center is one of the most iconic winter locations in the city. Home to the famous Christmas tree, holiday shopping locations, Top of the Rock observation deck, and more. Check out this link for all the holiday options!

5. NYC’s fireplace bars and lounges

There are tons of bars and restaurants around the city that have warm and cozy atmospheres in the winter! Check out this list of thirteen bars that come ready with fireplaces. 

6. Hot Chocolate 

Hot chocolate in the winter is a must-have! Whether it is from the iconic Ralph’s truck at Rockefeller Center or one of these fifteen locations with some of the best hot chocolate in the city, you have to add this to your winter bucket list! 

7. Saks Fifth Ave. Light Show 

The 2023 Saks Light Show opens on Tuesday, November 21st, and will run every day at 5 pm (offered regularly until midnight). The light show is accompanied by music and lasts about five minutes. Make sure you stop by to watch! 

8. Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall

The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is scheduled to run from November 17, 2023, through January 1st, 2024. An annual tradition since 1933, this classic Christmas spectacle offers tap dancers, a flying Santa Claus, and, of course, the world-famous synchronized precision dancing of the Rockettes. 

9. NYC Ballet: The Nutcracker 

This magical 1954 production, set to Tchaikovsky’s incredible score, includes the entire New York City Ballet company, two casts of School of American Ballet students, an onstage blizzard, and a Christmas tree that grows from 12 to 40 feet. 

10. Holiday Nostalgia Subway Train

This year once again, the MTA will be placing vintage train cars in regular service every Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas. On Sunday, November 27th, December 4th, 11th, and 18th, the Train of Many Colors will operate along the uptown F line and the downtown D line from 10 am to 5:30 pm. Check out the New York Transit Museum website for specific stops!

11. Winter Lantern Festival

Walk through a world full of lights and lanterns lovingly handmade by artisans — some with over 20 years of experience — and learn about the culture and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese lantern festivals.

12. New Year’s Eve 

There are so many things to do for New Year’s in NYC. You can watch the ball drop in Times Square, but you can also go to rooftops or parties all over the city and watch fireworks. Start planning how you want to ring in the new year today! 

Tags: Living in NYC

Published Wednesday, Dec 6, 2023