During the winter months, New York City embodies the phrase "Winter Wonderland." Here visitors can play outside on sledding hills, wander through unique markets, visit a tropical garden or step back into Medieval Times. The attractions and activities available in New York City during the winter are plentiful and will have visitors quickly forgetting about the cold and wet weather.
Sledding
For active visitors to New York City, head over to one of the many parks in New York City that allows sledding on their hills. On certain snowy days, the Parks & Recreational Department of New York City even provides sleds and hot chocolate. For the tame, head to the less-crowded and small hill at Cedar Hill in Central Park. For those feeling a bit more adventurous, head to Pilgrim Hill in Central Park.
Cedar Hill
Central Park
Fifth Avenue between 76th and 79th Streets
New York City, NY 10075
Pilgrim Hill
Central Park
72nd Street and Fifth Avenue
New York City, NY 10021
Holiday Markets
When hitting New York City during the busy winter holiday months, you may be discouraged to shop with all the crowds. To avoid overcrowded stores and find unique gifts, head to one of New York City's numerous holiday markets. At the Union Square Holiday Market, you will find 150 decorated booths selling an array of eco-friendly gifts, such as organic dolls, pet products and kids' toys. At the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, which is located in Central Park across from the Museum of Arts and Design, shoppers will find jewelry, accessories, bath and beauty items.
Union Square Market
Union Squre and W 14th Street
New York, NY 10079
212-529-9262
urbanspacenyc.com
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Southwest entrance to Central Park at Central Park West and Central Park South
New York, NY 10079
212-529-9262
urbanspacenyc.com
Botanical Gardens
For a brief respite from the cold air, head to the New York Botanical Garden. Here visitors can wander through a tropical rain forest, cactus-filled deserts, and 50 diverse gardens on the 250 acres of the Botanical Gardens. The Botanical Gardens is a National Historic Landmark and features hands-on activities, educational classes and daily tours.
New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd.
Bronx, NY 10458
718-817-8681
nybg.org
Ice Skating
As cliché as it may be, skating on the ice at Rockefeller Center is one of those must-do events in life. Hit the rink in the middle of the week to avoid the crowds and glide around the ice for a fun and active filled activity. In addition to the rink at 30 Rockefeller, in Manhattan you can skate at the Bryant Park Pond, Chelsea Pier Rink, Trump Lasker Rink and the Trump Wollman Rink.
Rockefeller Center
5th Avenue Between 49th & 50th Streets
New York City, NY 10020
212-332-7654
therinkatrockcenter.com
Museums
For a wintertime activity that will have you appreciating the gorgeous winter wonderland of New York, head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's medieval art and architecture museum and gardens, the Cloisters. This museum is situated along a river overlooking the Hudson River, which make it a perfect location to watch a snowy winter day. There is a path that winds through the grounds to a castle, which will make visitors feel as if they have stepped out of Manhattan and into Medieval Times. At the Cloisters, guests can see the 12-century Fuentidueña Chapel, Unicorn Tapestries and the Annunciation Triptych by Robert Campin.
The Cloisters Museum and Gardens
99 Margaret Corbin Drive
New York City, NY 10040
212-923-3700
metmuseum.org
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